Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground

California's Best Camping

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, CA
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, CA

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground

Monterey County


Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP Campground

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is along the scenic Big Sur coast, 37 miles south of Carmel. The park extends from the coast up the slopes to nearby 3,000-foot ridges. It features views from the Overlook Trail of an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean. Panoramic views of the ocean and the rugged coastline are available from the higher elevations along the trails east of Highway 1.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground has only 2 campsites, considered among the most beautiful camping spots along the Big Sur coast. The campsites are tent-only, walk-in sites south of McWay Cove. Campers at the two environmental sites must bring in their own water and firewood and pack out all their trash. Reservations are required. Site #1, Saddle Rock Campsite, is located closest to the ocean and has wonderful views. Site #2, South Gardens, is situated slightly back amidst mustard flowers, which attract darting hummingbirds.

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Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground Basics
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground Location: Highway 1, 37 miles south of Carmel and 12 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Camping Season: Open year-round
Number of Sites: 2
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle or trailer
Pets: No pets allowed at the campsites
Operated by California State Parks
Information, Big Sur Station: (831) 667-2315

Reservations for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground
Reservations required Reservations for camping dates can be made year-round.
Booking Window: Reservations taken from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Wheelchair accessible Sites: None
Fees: $30 per night
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
Check-out, Check-in: Noon, 2 PM

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground Amenities
Campsites: picnic table, fire ring with grill, food storage locker
Campground: Portable toilers, no potable water
Showers: No
Dump Station: No
Campground Map: Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP Camping Map
Attractions near Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground: Enjoy scenic hiking trails. View the waterfall. Spend time watching for whales, sea lions, seals, and sea otters. Visit the McWay Waterfall House. Tour Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with a Nature Center, Visitor Center, Convenience store, and hiking trails. Spend a night at Big Sur Lodge. Take a picnic to nearby Pfeiffer Beach.





watrerfall at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, CA

Santa Cruz - Monterey Beach Attractions

Visitors to the Santa Cruz - Monterey coast find a wide variety of attractions from popular surfing destinations around Santa Cruz to the wild and scenic Big Sur coast. Campers at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground are at one of the most beautiful spots in Big Sur.

  • Enjoy the beauty of the waterfall cascading onto the beach at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
  • Run your bare feet through the green sand and view the spectacular rocks at Pfeiffer Beach.
  • Surfing is popular at Santa Cruz's famous Steamer Lane as well as to the south at Carmel.
  • Excellent pier fishing can be enjoyed at Santa Cruz's well-developed wharf as well as at the Capitola's pier and the popular Seacliff Beach pier.
  • For wildlife and scenery, Point Lobos State Park leads the list. There are also many more wonders to be enjoyed all the way down the Big Sur coast.
  • Visit beautiful Sand Dollar Beach and Jade Cove.

Key Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground Regulations

  1. Do not feed or leave food out for wildlife.
  2. Dogs are not permitted on trails, at the campground, or on the beaches.
  3. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

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