Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

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If you’re looking for an unforgettable camping experience on California’s Central Coast, it’s hard to beat Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground. We just returned from spending the past week camping there, and we truly had the best time exploring one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in California. But even when we weren’t exploring, we loved enjoying the beauty of the campground.

From towering redwoods and riverside campsites to epic beaches and scenic hikes, Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground makes the perfect basecamp for a Big Sur adventure. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another stay, here’s everything you need to know before booking your trip.

Why We Loved Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground

Located inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, this campground sits beneath a canopy of towering redwoods along the Big Sur River. It feels secluded and peaceful while still being close to many of Big Sur’s most popular attractions.

One of our favorite things about camping here was how easy it was to spend the morning hiking or exploring the area, the afternoon at the river, and the evening relaxing around the campfire.

The campground has over 180 campsites that accommodate both tents and RVs (up to 32 feet in length). Most sites are tucked among the redwoods, providing plenty of shade and a true forest camping experience.

Campground Amenities

The amenities at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground make it an especially family-friendly place to camp.

Amenities include:

• Flush toilets
• Coin-operated hot showers (although the hot water was hit or miss on our most recent visit)
• Drinking water
• Fire rings and picnic tables at each site
• RV dump station
• Camp store with basic supplies
• Nature center and ranger programs (seasonal)

Cell service is very limited throughout the campground, which turned out to be one of our favorite parts of the trip. It forced us to unplug and spend more time exploring together. However, there is wi-fi at the lodge where you enter, so you always have that if you need it. I started my day by getting an iced latte at the lodge each morning and sneaking in a little Wi-Fi time.

What the Campsites Are Like

Most campsites at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground are shaded by massive coast redwoods and offer a decent amount of privacy. Some sites back directly up to the river, while others are tucked deeper into the forest.

We camped on site 66, which is a premium riverfront site. However, it had no river view, just an access trail to the river. My sister was on site 61, which was the biggest, most shaded site. It was gorgeous. And my mom camped on site 116, which felt very far away from us, but had a nice river view and easy access to some good swimming holes.

If you’re camping during the summer months, be prepared for cool mornings and evenings, even if temperatures are warm during the day.

A few things to know before you arrive:

• Reservations are highly recommended and often book months in advance.
• Some campsites are very small. Do your research and make sure you know what you are booking.
• Summer weekends fill quickly.
• There is little to no cell service throughout much of the campground.
• There is a TON of poison oak in the campground.

How to Make Reservations at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground

Reservations for Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground can be made through the California State Parks reservation system on ReserveCalifornia.com. Campsites are extremely popular, as this is one of the most sought-after summer campgrounds in California. So be sure to plan ahead and book as early as possible.

Reservations become available up to six months in advance, and prime campsites often sell out within seconds of becoming available. Make sure you check out my tips for securing hard-to-get campsites, and check out this cancellation-scanning app that can help you snag someone’s cancelled site.

Before booking, be sure to check your campsite’s length restrictions if you’re bringing an RV or trailer, as some sites can only accommodate smaller rigs.

Exploring Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

You can drive up the Pacific Coast Highway and have no idea all the beauty that is tucked away in Big Sur. One of the biggest perks of staying at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground is having immediate access to the hiking trails and swimming holes inside the state park. And those are some of our favorite camping activities.

Popular trails include:

Valley View Trail

This short hike climbs through redwood forest and rewards hikers with stunning views of Pfeiffer Falls and the surrounding canyon.

Buzzards Roost Trail

For sweeping views of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, don’t miss Buzzards Roost. The climb is a bit steep, but the panoramic scenery at the top is worth every step.

River Gorge Trail and Swimming Hole

One of our family’s favorite discoveries at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park was the River Gorge Trail. This easy, family-friendly trail follows the Big Sur River through a beautiful redwood forest and leads to a popular swimming hole.

The hike is relatively short and mostly flat, making it perfect for families with kids. Along the way, you’ll cross bridges, enjoy views of the river, and find plenty of scenic spots to stop and take photos. But I will say, you’ll need to get wet, climb over rocks and venture under branches in order to make it all the way to the swimming hole. There are plenty of good stops beforehand if you prefer an easier trek.

On warm days, the swimming hole is the perfect place to cool off after a hike. The clear river water is refreshing, and you’ll often find families relaxing on the rocks or splashing in the shallow areas. Be sure to bring water shoes, as the riverbed can be rocky. We wore our flip flops and those were fine too.

If you’re visiting Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground during the summer months, spending an afternoon at the River Gorge swimming hole is a must. It quickly became one of our favorite activities during our week-long stay.

Visit Pfeiffer Beach

No trip to Big Sur is complete without visiting Pfeiffer Beach, located just a few miles from the campground.

Known for its famous Keyhole Rock and purple sand, Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most unique beaches in California. And it’s on my list of the best beaches in California. We spent an afternoon here watching waves crash through the arch in the rock while our kids explored the shoreline. It was absolutely beautiful, and was an unexpected highlight of our trip.

Keep in mind that the turnoff to Pfeiffer Beach can be easy to miss. Look for Sycamore Canyon Road off Highway 1 and be prepared for a narrow, winding drive down to the beach. Vehicles over 24 feet are not allowed on that road.

Sunset here is absolutely spectacular and well worth timing your visit around.

Have Lunch at Big Sur River Inn

One of our favorite discoveries during our stay was the Big Sur River Inn.

Even if you aren’t staying at the inn, it’s worth stopping by for lunch or drinks. Their restaurant overlooks the river, and guests can relax in Adirondack chairs placed directly in the shallow water if they choose to do so. We did!

After a morning of hiking, there was nothing better than enjoying lunch while cooling our feet in the river. It ended up being one of the highlights of our entire week in Big Sur. The atmosphere is relaxed, family-friendly, and quintessentially Big Sur. Oh, and there are san sculptures that are phenomenal!

The food and drinks are a bit pricey, but you can also order food from the general store and bring it down to the river. The general store is like a liquor store, but also has a deli counter with sandwiches, pizza, nachos and burritos.

Hike to Partington Cove

If you’re looking for one of the most unique hikes in Big Sur, add Partington Cove to your itinerary.

Located about 15 minutes south of Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground, this short but memorable trail packs a lot into less than two miles round trip.

The hike begins with a steep descent through a canyon before reaching a historic tunnel carved through the rock. Fun fact–someone told us that the tunnel was used during the prohibition era and was where people would smuggle alcohol. Walking through the dark tunnel feels like stepping back in time.

Once you emerge, you’ll find yourself overlooking the stunning turquoise waters of Partington Cove. Continue a bit farther to reach the rocky shoreline and enjoy views of the dramatic cliffs and crashing surf.

While the hike isn’t particularly long, the climb back to the parking area is steep, so be sure to bring water and wear sturdy shoes.

This quickly became one of our favorite hikes of the week.

Other Things to Do Near Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground

There are so many incredible places to explore nearby, including:

• McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
• Bixby Bridge
• Garrapata State Park
• Nepenthe Restaurant
• Andrew Molera State Park
• Point Sur Lighthouse tours

Because so many of Big Sur’s attractions are located along Highway 1, Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground serves as an ideal home base for exploring the entire region.

FAQs About Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground

How far is Pfeiffer Beach from Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground?

The road to Pfeiffer Beach is about a mile south of the Pfeiffer Big Sur campground, but it takes about 15 minutes to drive there. Once you turn down the road, you’re still about 2 miles to the parking lot.

Does Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground have showers? Yes. They are coin operated, and it costs $1 for 5 minutes.

Are dogs allowed at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground? Yes! They are allowed in the campground, but not on any of the hiking trails.

Is there cell service at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground? Limited. Our group had some Verizon and some AT&T providers, and we all had some service at times, but it is spotty. We could often text but not use data.

When is the best time to visit Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground? Spring and fall are claimed to be the best times due to fewer crowds and mild temperatures. For avid hikers, those seasons are the best. However, if you are wanting to soak in the river and enjoy the beach more, summer is popular time to visit. It’s just a lot harder to snag spots in the summer months.

Final Thoughts on Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground

After spending a week camping at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground, we can confidently say it’s one of our favorite campgrounds in California.

Between the towering redwoods, easy access to beaches and hiking trails, and the countless nearby attractions, it’s the perfect destination for families looking to unplug and experience the beauty of Big Sur.

We left already talking about when we can come back—and that’s always the sign of a great camping trip.

For more camping inspiration, check out these popular posts:

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