Description

This park may only have two camping spots, but they are known to be some of the best camping in California! Both are walk-in (meaning be prepared to bring all your gear in under your own steam), but provide wonderful seclusion and exquisite views of the Big Sur coastline. Fire rings, picnic tables and restrooms are available, but you will need to bring in all of your water and firewood (and bring it back out, of course!). Needless to say, these two spots book up extremely fast, so be sure to grab an open spot if you see it! Water is available across Highway 1 near the restrooms.
Campsite area
Tent sites
2 sites
Up to 8 guests per site
Up to 6 vehicles
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
No pets
Amenities
Picnic table available
No potable water
No showers
No showers

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.

Forest
Waterfall
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14 Reviews

750
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Drop some Julia Pfeiffer Burns Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper renee
Renee W.
recommends this listing.
April 16th, 2019

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 :)

Hipcamper Bea
Bea L.
recommends this listing.
January 29th, 2019

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!

Hipcamper Jessica
Jessica M.
recommends this listing.
October 29th, 2018

You will have tourist coming through your campground all day long, even though the sign says not to.

Hipcamper Kat
Kat S.
recommends this listing.
October 5th, 2018

Try to arrive before dark so you can find it and find your campsite. This is a very beautiful campground with big trees and was a very enjoyable stop in Big Sur

Hipcamper gina
Gina B.
recommends this listing.
August 19th, 2018

One of the best campsites ever! Spot #1 is right at the edge of the cliff with nonstop loud crashing waves below. Has a picnic table, fire pit, bear box, and modern pit toilets. no water. The picnic table is perfectly situated for sunset watching. The nearby trails are closed due to the fire a while back, but there's a lot to do a short drive away.

Hipcamper John
John S.
didn't provide a recommendation.
January 27th, 2018

Question, where exactly to you check in for these campsites? We were lucky to get some dates in July 2018, but are having a difficult time figuring out the logistics.

Hipcamper laura
Laura S.
recommends this listing.
December 7th, 2017

Be aware that hikers will come through your site, as they're trying to access a good view. You gotta role with it.

Hipcamper J
J H.
has mixed feelings towards this listing.
June 27th, 2017

Be careful with young children - steep cliffs.

Hipcamper Andy
Andy P.
recommends this listing.
May 2nd, 2017

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.

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)