Description

Perched on a grassy bluff above the Pacific Ocean in Los Padres National Forest, Kirk Creek Campground is where you go when you can’t stand driving past the incredible views of Big Sur any longer. From the small, 33-site oceanside campground, you can gaze into the emerald waters and rolling mountains of this iconic coastline for days. Kirk Creek tent and RV sites come with picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom access, but campers will have no access to hookups or water. A trail from the campground descends to a rocky beach 100 feet below the bluff, while sandy beaches and a variety of coast range hikes are just a few miles away.

Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation

  • Of the 33 sites at Kirk Creek Campgrounds, 31 are reservable six months in advance and just two are open on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Reservations can be made online or by calling (877) 444-6777.
  • Kirk Creek is extremely popular and often books out early. If Kirk Creek is full, try the nearby Limekiln Campground.
  • When to Go

    Kirk Creek Campground is open year-round. It is nearly always full during summer, as well as on spring and autumn weekends. Plan for cold nights and rain if you are making a winter visit, when you may be able to spot migrating whales in the waters below without even leaving your campsite. Spring visitors may encounter wildflowers.

    Campsite area
    Tent or RV sites
    32 sites
    Up to 8 guests per site
    Up to 6 vehicles
    No wheelchair access
    Essentials
    Campfires allowed
    Toilet available
    Pets allowed
    Amenities
    Picnic table available
    No potable water

    Activities

    Offered near the campground.

    Biking

    The Prewitt Ridge trail south of Kirk Creek near Plaskett is a popular single-track downhill mountain biking route. The 14-mile...Read more

    Fishing

    Near Kirk Creek are a variety of surf and rock fishing sites where licensed anglers can cast for perch and other surf fish. San...Read more

    Hiking

    Directly across Highway 1 from Kirk Creek is the Vicente Flat trailhead. This trail climbs the coastal foothills to epic ocean ...Read more

    Horseback riding

    The Saint Lucia Mountains have been taken by horseback many a’ times, and the time you visit should be no exception. To truly f...Read more

    Paddling

    Lake Cachuma in the Santa Barbara region offers some of the best kayak fishing, especially with its location admist the mountai...Read more

    Swimming

    You can’t go wrong at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, but it’s no match for the Seven Falls in Santa Barbara. This hike might not be...Read more

    Wildlife watching

    Keep an eye out for dolphins, elephant seals, and whales in the waters near Kirk Creek Campground. Land animals in this region ...Read more

    Terrain

    Natural features you'll find at Kirk Creek Campground.

    Beach

    Although you can walk to a rocky beach from the campground, Kirk Creek is also just five miles north of Sand Dollar Beach, one ...Read more

    Cave
    Forest
    Hot spring
    Lake
    River, stream, or...
    Swimming hole
    Waterfall
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    37 Reviews

    750
    No one? Bueller? Sharing is caring, y'all.
    Drop some Kirk Creek Campground knowledge on us.
    Hipcamper Colette
    Colette M.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    March 17th, 2023

    Is anyone willing to sell me their spot for may 10-12 just two nights?

    Hipcamper Kimothy
    Kimothy D.
    recommends this listing.
    July 2nd, 2019

    Magical. The views here require no phone filters. Walk up to the cliffs and water. Most popular sites are 8 and 9 that directly overlook the cliffs. 9 has its own path to the trail down towards the water. There's a bathroom but no running water here. Haven't ever experience any wild animals here. Some walk-in/bike-in sites. Otherwise, it's best to reserve the campsites far in advance. If you try to walk up during peak season, you'll be out of luck.

    Hipcamper Starr
    Starr S.
    recommends this listing.
    February 1st, 2019

    Love, love, love waking up at the edge of the world!

    Hipcamper Nick
    Nick L.
    recommends this listing.
    December 18th, 2018

    The raccoons in this campground are bold! They ate all of our food. Also be aware of the ticks out here in Big Sur. They are in every campground near the beach. Also has amazing views at sunset, toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.

    Hipcamper Vincent
    Vincent S.
    recommends this listing.
    November 9th, 2018

    Best time to go is Fall.

    Hipcamper spencer
    Spencer B.
    recommends this listing.
    September 18th, 2018

    Beautiful views, right on the coastline. Being big sur there are no sandy beaches, but the coastline is stunning none the less. Well maintained when I was there, although raccoons are everywhere and if you do not use the provided food storage containers they will chew their way into your tent and eat your food (according to the camp host it has happened many times).

    Hipcamper Melissa
    Melissa K.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    June 4th, 2018

    I've stayed at 3 different campgrounds in Big Sur and this is by far my favorite. Insane views, magical little paths down to the beach. You really can't beat waking up here. It was pouring rain during our last trip and and it was still beautiful! Definitely book in advance! I've also had luck arriving at 7am on a Friday and snagging a spot as people are waking up and packing up.

    Hipcamper nick
    Nick C.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    May 16th, 2018

    hey ... looking for advice on which sites would be large enough for a 30' Airstream? thanks :)

    Hipcamper Karen
    Karen Q.
    recommends this listing.
    February 9th, 2018

    Temperature can drop pretty low, especially the closer you are to the water. Also, toilet isn't the cleanest. But the views are amazing! And price is one of the most affordable I've found.

    Park
    Los Padres National Forest
    State
    California
    Country
    United States
    Phone Number
    805-434-1996 OR EMAIL [email protected]
    Directions
    View on Google Maps
    Official Website
    View Website
    Coordinates
    35.992° N, 121.494° W
    Unknown price
    Tent / RV / Trailer: 32 Sites
    (Up to 8 people per site)