Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground California
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Overview
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground is located on the banks of the Big Sur River and has 194 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs (maximum trailer length is 27′ and RV length is 32′). Most campsites are reservable, but some are held for first-come, first-serve campers.
This is a very popular Big Sur campground and State Park – often referred to as a “mini-Yosemite”. The campground has drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, paved roads, camp store, laundromat, dump station and WiFi. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grate. Group camping and hiker/biker campsites are also available.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park also has a number of family picnic areas in the park, many next to the Big Sur River. Charcoal grills are available. The day use fee is $10 per car per day.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – Area Recreation
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park features 1,006 acres of redwoods, conifers, oaks, maples, cottonwoods and alders, pretty open meadows, miles of scenic hiking trails and spectacular views of the Big Sur area. Outdoor recreation includes camping, hiking, biking, swimming, photography, picnicking and fishing. Wildlife viewing is also really nice here.
Keep in mind that there is no beach or ocean access from the Park. The turn-off for popular Pfeiffer Beach is located on Highway 1, approximately one mile south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park’s entrance. Heading south from the State Park entrance, it is the second right turn. Pfeiffer Beach is not a California State Park and charges a separate entrance fee.
The Park is located about 5 miles from the Pacific Ocean which can be reached by car or by hiking a trail along the Big Sur River to the coast. And don’t forget to spend some time cruising Highway 1 and seeing the sites like Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, the Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point and the various little towns, spas and art galleries.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is also another option. It’s located about 26 miles north via Highway 1. And you may also like Arroyo Seco campground to the east.
Make a Reservation for Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Amenities
- Amphitheater
- BBQ Grills
- Camp Store
- Campsite Tables
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Grills
- Group Camping
- Laundromat
- Laundry
- Pets OK
- Rentals
- Restrooms (Flush Toilets)
- Showers
- Visitor Center
- Wifi (free)
Activities
- Beach
- Beach Access
- Beach Combing
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historic Sites
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Trails
- Ocean
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Stargazing
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Tide Pools
- Water Sports
- Whale Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park sold out? Get an alert when a campsite becomes available at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park!
Create Campsite Availability AlertBest Campsites
7, 10, 15, 17, 32, 35, 47, 51, 57, 59, 61, 75, 79, 89, 114, 122, 138, 141, 143, 145, 150, 151, 174, 175, 176, 177, 179
Regions
Campsite Types
- ADA
- Group
- Hike/Bike
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
# of Campsites:
184
Campsite Vehicle Size:
Up to 27' for trailer and 32' for RV.
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
247
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Photos & Video
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Comments & Reviews
Visited Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground lately? We'd love to hear about your adventure. Did you find us useful? Did we forget something? Anything our community should know before heading out to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park?
rvshare.com
campsitephotos.com
What are your favorite campsites?
Hi Jeannie,
Our favorite Pfeiffer Big Sur campsites are: 7, 10, 15, 17, 32, 35, 47, 51, 57, 75, 79, 89, 114, 122, 138, 141, 174, 175, 176, 177, 179
How’s the cell signal in the Pfeiffer Big Sur campgrounds?
Hi Karen,
Cell sign/coverage is spotty at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. You might be able to get a signal, but will need to find a good spot as it’ll be inconsistent or nonexistent in certain areas of the park.
Is max occupancy flexible for each camp spot if there are more kids around 2~3 years old?
Hi Kim,
The camp host/ranger makes the final call, but usually they are flexible if there are not more than a couple of 2-3 year old kids that put you over the limit.
Is there WiFi in the park, or somewhere nearby? Is it good enough to stream a zoom meeting or should I exit the park
Hi Xandria,
Wifi is available at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, but not sure how strong the connection/signal. You’ll probably have to search outside the park for a stronger connection for a Zoom meeting.
I have a reservation this weekend for site 135 however the park’s website and park campground does not show this site as available anymore. I have not been able to reach anyone to confirm my reservation and site.
Hi Linda,
Did you reserve the campsite through ReserveCalifornia.com? I see (as you pointed out), that it is not listed on ReserveCalifornia.com, but we know it does exist. There are a few others not listed on ReserveCalifornia.com as well, and they are most likely the first-come, first-serve campsites. If you have a reservation through ReserveCalifornia.com – I recommend calling them to confirm your site/reservation at: 1-800-444-7275
Is there day use picnic tables with charcoal grills if I drive there anytime during the week?
Hi Stan,
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has a number of family picnic areas in the park, many next to the Big Sur River. Charcoal grills are available. The day use fee is $10 per car per day.
Hi! What do you think about spots 60, 61, 59, and 58?? They look close to the river? Thank you~!!!
Hi Hikari,
Yes, campsites 58-61 are a little closer to the river compared to other campsites in the campground. Our photographer listed #59 and #61 as some of the favorites. Looks like the sites have some pretty good privacy too.
Can you tell me which sites allow pop up campers
Hi Tomi,
Unfortunately we do not have that info. However, you can click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button and search through the individual campsite info on ReserveCalifornia. It will give you the sizes of each site.
Do you have recommendations for campsites with less poison oak? I recently stayed in 124 and there was almost none, which we loved. I want to go back, but want to make sure I book a spot where my pup can sniff around the site without too much concern for the oak
Hi Kit,
Sorry – CampsitePhotos.com doesn’t have an employee on site at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park so we don’t know where the poison oak may be springing up this year.
Does anyone know how large the food storage bins are? And where are they located? I don’t see any in the photos.
The official website says “It is important that you use the provided metal storage bins for all food and scented items to avoid accidentally feeding or having any negative interactions with native park wildlife.”. But I can’t find any details. Wondering whether I would be able to fit a large cooler inside one of the bins.
Hi John,
We are not aware of any metal-food storage lockers/bins at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground. Perhaps someone with other info can comment here.
are bicycles allowed to explore the camp grounds?
Yes, you can ride your bike on the campground / park roads.
Are campfires allowed right now?
Yes, you can have campfires now.
Hello I want to reserve something for may 2022 we are 15 people (12 adults and 3 little children) I understand that 6 people maximum per site but we have 3 children 2 are only 2 years and one is 4. I really don’t want to reserve 3 site. can i just book 2 sites?
That would probably be okay, but final call comes from camp host.
so how would i get hold of camp host
Hi John,
You won’t be able to call the host, but can see the host at the campground. Generally there is not a problem if a few of the occupants are two and under. If a neighbor has an issue and complains – the camp host may not permit you having more than 6 people per site.
Does anyone know if there enough room at site 47 for a Subaru Outback and a camping van? Thank you so much in advance.
Hi Rebecca,
A Subaru Outback and camping van will both fit in campsite #47 at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
we stayed at site 131 and i’m pretty sure it was the worst site at the park. small site with soft, dusty soil surrounding by poison oak, right next to the entrance road (which is not shown on the park map on reservecalifornia) so constant traffic and headlights, kids couldn’t bike in the road. overall, not impressed with the park. very few dog-friendly trails as well.
Hello! I have two sites reserved for the same week in June: Site 91 and Site 151. I will have an 9, 12, and 14 year old with me and a medium sized dog. Which site would you recommend? I can’t see site 91 well in the photos because of the van, but I love the tree at site 151.
Hi Briana,
I’d lean more toward campsite #151. Both 91 and 151 have a good amount of camping area, but #151 has a bit more and also has that tree! Site 91 is also fairly close to a restroom. Have a great time!
Thank you!
Is spot 60 big enough for a 19ft travel trailer?
Hi Christy,
Yes – a 19′ travel trailer and towing vehicle will work in campsite #60. The parking pad is 16′ wide x 32′ long.
Does anyone know when/if group campsites will be open any time this summer?
thanks!
Hi J. Morgan,
For some reason they are not releasing the group campsites at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park this summer. Not sure why and/or if they will open them up. I’ll do some check and let you know if I find out anything.
Thank you so much for the response! Please contact me if you find out that they may open them up! Have a great day 🙂
Hi! We have campground 113 reserved. This is a riverfront spot but do you know if it has river access? And does it happen to have continuous shade or do we need to bring some sort of covering? Thank you!!
Hi Janice,
Yes, you can stroll right down to the river from campsite #113. There are areas in the campsite that will get some sun (depending on the day), but your picnic table should have shade most of the day. Have a great time – that’s a nice campsite!
You’re awesome, you so much!! We’re heading there at the end of May, and if it’s mainly shaded we won’t bring a canopy to sit under!
Oh, do you also know if we should be prepared for a lot of poison oak on this campsite?
Thanks again!
No problem Janice! You should really like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. But beware the Poison Oak – there is a lot of it in and around the park.
We booked both sites 186 and 174 and will be releasing one today. We have a 16′ pop up trailer. I noticed that 174 had better reviews but the pad seemed smaller and had a moderate incline versus a slight incline with 186. Would you recommend one over the other?
Hi Maria,
You have a few nice campsites. Both are next to the river and have nice shade. It’s a tough call but I think I’d lean toward #186.
Is site 130 riverfront and do you have the pad measurments.
Hi Benjamin,
Campsite #130 is riverfront, but you may have some brush in between the site and the river.