The best camping in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, CA

Encompassing four scenic miles of Big Sur coastline, this state park offers gorgeous coastal views and its landmark, 80-foot waterfall McWay Falls, which cascades down a massive cliff into the Pacific Ocean. Perfectly framed at its lookout point by the steep granite cliffs that surround McWay Cove, this is only one of two waterfalls that empty into the Pacific—the other one is Alamere Falls in Point Reyes. The area's steep cliffs make the tiny beach at the bottom of the falls inaccessible, but it's incredible to see from the overlook above and there's plenty of other hiking in the park across the Pacific Coast Highway. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park features only two campsites, meaning both are private and (naturally) highly coveted, so it takes a bit of luck and strategic planning to secure a stay. Each sites comes with a fire ring and a picnic table, and pit toilets are available just south of the camping area.

1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns camping is extremely popular, so both campsites book up very quickly. If you have a date in mind, you will need to try booking right when campsites are released: at 8 am, six months in advance of your ideal arrival date.
2. You can reserve a campsite at Julia Pfeiffer Burns using the online ReserveCalifornia system or by calling California State Parks. Campers wanting a campsite are online well in advance of the 8am campsite release time with payment info at the ready for just about every single date.
3. If no sites available during your intended stay, you may have better luck booking a site at nearby Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in Los Padres National Forest. Many privately owned campgrounds and RV parks can also be found in Big Sur, along with a variety of Hipcamps.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns and the surrounding Big Sur coastline is at its most popular during the summer months. If possible, try to visit after Labor Day when kids are back in school, particularly if you're planning a weekend visit. Spring is a good shoulder-season option, as the surrounding forest areas get plenty of colorful wildflowers, but the tradeoff is that there’s a higher chance of fog and rain during this time.

• Gas stations, supermarkets, and restaurants can be found along Highway 1, within a short drive north and south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns.
• The closest place to buy firewood is in the nearby Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, a 12-mile drive north. Gathering firewood is prohibited.
• Dogs are not allowed on trails or at campsites in this Big Sur state park.
• Most park facilities are not wheelchair-accessible, except for the half-mile-long Waterfall Overlook Trail, which does accommodate wheelchairs.
• Each campsite reservation includes parking fees for two people. 
• The only source of running water in the park is near the restrooms across Highway 1.

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.