Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

Monteresy County

Big Sur, Monterey County, CA
Big Sur, Monterey County, CA

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

Monterey County


Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground rests on the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains and inland from the Big Sur coast. Visitors to the park enjoy hiking trails along fern lined creeks through forests of redwoods. Many of the popular beaches of the area are only a short drive away.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground is spread along the Big Sur River. The park offers 170 family campsites. Forty-six of them are tent-only sites, while the remainder can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. The campground also has 2 Group Campsites and a Hike & Bike site.

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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground Basics
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground Location: Highway 1, 26 miles south of Carmel
Campground Open: year-round
Number of Sites: 170
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle or trailer, additional vehicles $10 per night
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by California State Parks
Information, Big Sur Station: (831) 667-2315

Reservations for Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
Reservations available Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground reservations are available for camping dates year-round.
Booking Window: Reservations are taken from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of your arrival.
Maximum vehicle length Trailers 27 feet
RVs 32 feet
Wheelchair accessible Sites: #45, 126, 147
Fees: Standard site $50 per night
Premium site $60 per night
Hike & Bike $5 per person
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
Check-out, Check-in: Noon, 2 PM

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground Amenities
Campsites: picnic table, fire ring with grill, food storage locker
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, piped water, coin laundry
Cell Phone Reception: AT&T
Showers: Yes, token operated
2 tokens for $1 = 4 minutes shower time
Dump Station: Yes
Campground Map: Pfeiffer Big Sur SP Campground Map
Attractions near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground:
  • Visit the Nature Center and the Visitor Center.
  • Take advantage of the convenience store.
  • Enjoy many hiking trails.
  • Stay the night at Big Sur Lodge.
  • Visit nearby Pfeiffer Beach and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.





Pfeiffer Big Sur Group Campsite

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has 2 group campsites. Each of these tent-only sites can accommodate between 9 and 35 people and up to 10 vehicles. There is no vehicle access to the group campsites. Campers park on west side of Highway 1 and walk about ¼-mile in to the campground across a seasonal wooden footbridge. No trailers or motor homes can be used at this site.

Each group campsite has a fire ring, potable water and picnic tables. There is a shared restroom facility with flush toilets, but no showers. Campers may use the showers in the main campground. There is also a group picnic/BBQ area and small amphitheater nearby. The amphitheater seats 50 people.

Fee: $150 per night
Reservations: Pfeiffer Big Sur Group Camp Reservations





Sign at entrance to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, CA

Reviews from Previous Campers

2023 - 2024

  • Campground and bathrooms very clean.
  • Great hiking trails, but strenuous.
  • Most campsites well shaded.
  • Friendly and helpful camp host.

Santa Cruz - Monterey Beach Attractions

The Santa Cruz - Monterey coast is filled with attractions from great surfing destinations around Santa Cruz to the wild and scenic Big Sur coast. Visitors to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground are in the heart of Big Sur's scenic wonders.

  • Visit beautiful Sand Dollar Beach and Jade Cove.
  • 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.
  • Attend the festivities on Labor Day weekend at Capitola Beach.

Key Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground Regulations

  1. Do not feed or leave food out for wildlife.
  2. Dogs are not allowed on the trails or on the beaches. Dogs must be on leash at all times.
  3. Quiet Hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
  4. Generators may only be operated from 10 AM to 8 PM.
  5. For safety, stay on the hiking trails as the canyon walls are steep.

    Check Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for any campground updates.