The best camping in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, CA

Situated just inland from the Big Sur Coast, on the banks of the Big Sur River, Pfieffer Big Sur State Park is among the most popular spots for camping and hiking in the region. It provides a habitat for all sorts of wildlife, from California condors to bobcats, and offers over half a dozen trails ranging from short jaunts to more challenging uphill treks. The park's 189-site campground stretches along the river and features a camps store, a laundromat, a dump station, and token-operated showers. Some sites have direct river access, but they cost a bit more.

• You can reserve a campsite at Pfeiffer Big Sur using the online ReserveCalifornia system, or by calling California State Parks.
• Campsites open for booking at 8am, six months in advance, and tend to get snapped up quickly.
• Same-day walk-up campsites are occasionally available due to cancellations or early departures, but can only be obtained in person.
• If you can't secure a campsite, you may have better luck at the nearby Andrew Molera State Park, which offers hike-in tent camping only, or at one of the many private campgrounds or Hipcamps in the area.

The entire Big Sur area is at its most popular—and its busiest—during the summertime. The weather this time of year is usually at its finest, but you’re likely to encounter equally pleasant weather if you visit in early- to mid-September, when summer break is over and the crowds begin to subside. Winters can get stormy, leading to flooding, mudslides, and road closures. The area often stays wet into the spring, when wildflowers in the area begin to bloom.  

1. There are lots of spots to pick up groceries or get gas within a few miles' drive of the park on Highway 1.
2. Dogs are allowed in the campground, parking lots, and on the Warden's Path and River Path, but must remain on a leash.
3. Ticks are found in the area, so it's important to check yourself (and your pets) frequently, especially after hiking through areas with a lot of foliage.
4. The campground can accommodate trailers up to 27 feet in length or motorhomes up to 32 feet long.
5. The park has five accessible campsites and five accessible restrooms/showers. The Nature Trail and River Trail are also accessible.

• Adventure calls at Fort Ord National Monument, a spectacular destination for camping enthusiasts. With its rolling hills, diverse flora and fauna, and an array of hiking and biking trails, it promises an unforgettable outdoor experience.
• Immerse yourself in maritime history while camping near Piedras Blancas Light Station. As you explore the light station and witness the elephant seals, the Piedras Blancas camping experience will prove a unique and educational coastal retreat.