Description
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Hiking
Big Sur has got some of the best hiking on the coast (hike through Redwood groves to dramatic coastal views). If you only have ...Read more
Wildlife watching
There she blows! In December and January the bench at the end of Overlook trail is an excellent place to watch for gray whales ...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Julia Pfeiffer Burns Campground.
The vibe at Julia Pfeiffer Burns Campground
14 Reviews
The two sites are at a pretty good distance from each other. This is a little paradise with a lot of space. We probably were lucky but we saw whales, dolphins and sea lions hanging around down the cliff. What a spot!




Rather than parking in the JPB lot and schlepping your stuff, drive another 1/4 mile or so down Hwy. 1 until you see a pullout on your right and a fenced fire road. This is the most direct way down to the campsites. It's pretty steep, but MUCH shorter.


There is NO WATER at these environmental campsites. The only place to fill up is at the spigot right by the restrooms in the parking lot, which is about 1/2 a mile away.


Wow did we ever get lucky by scoring a cancellation spot at this site. SO BEAUTIFUL. Only 2 sites that are right next to each other. In fact...site 1 guests NEVER showed up! what a shame. Really hope it doesnt burn down with those fires going on to the north right now. About the hike in. Its really not a hike at all. Living in SF I usally have to park that distance, or further from my house every day. Yes it can be a little annoying because you have to carry everything in. But its really not bad at all. We parked at the very end of the lot closest to the road and the walk was a piece of cake. Only cumbersome thing was having to check in about 11 miles north of the campground at the main Big Sur park check in area. Dont forget that part!


Campsite #1 has killer views, but campsite #2 is slightly bigger and flatter (i.e. you could easily fit four tents).


Be aware that hikers will come through your site, as they're trying to access a good view. You gotta role with it.
Beautiful spot that books months in advance. If you’re lucky you’ll have the whole place to yourself as there are only 2 spaces. They let us slide with five people but typically it allows for 4 people per site. The other campers didn’t show so we had the space to ourselves and it was awesome! I recommend grabbing both if you can.
Ocean (not accessible) sounds, dolphins, giant trees, and complete privacy from the Big Sur foot traffic. There’s no water, and it is hike in/out.. but not far at all..,and you can pull your car up at the top of the short walk for unloading and loading so it really still feels like car camping with a little extra hauling required. Definetly in my top 10, a must do!




Surprisingly large campground. Great nearby hike options. Working your way up the creek is also a great way to keep cool on a hot Summer day.
We were so stoked when our friend told us she got permits for this spot! DO NOT try to descend to the falls... it will result in a $500+ fine. Only observe from above :)


- Park
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- (831) 667-2315
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 36.158° N, 121.672° W
- Unknown price
- Tent Only: 2 Sites (Up to 8 people per site)