Andrew Molera State Park
45500 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, United States
Overview
Located in the Big Sur region south of Carmel, Andrew Molera State Park is a hidden gem that’s less developed than other beaches. The park maintains a hike-in campground that’s roughly a quarter-mile from the parking lot.
The Trail Camp features 22 tent-only sites and 2 hike-and-bike campsites for hikers or cyclists who are only passing through the area. There are no group or accessible sites. The campground and park close for the season on November 1.
Amenities at Andrew Molera Trail Camp are very basic. The campground provides flush toilets, potable water, and trash cans, and each site comes with a container for storing food, a picnic table, and a fire pit. No showers are available, and dogs aren’t allowed in the campground at any time.
During the peak season, there’s a limit of 7 consecutive nights at the campground. After that, you can place another reservation only after leaving the park for 48 hours. Your total time spent in the park every year can’t exceed 30 days.
Best Campsites at Andrew Molera State Park
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Andrew Molera State Park Campground.
Sites with the best shade: #4, #7
- Fully shaded sites
- Close to restrooms, camp host, trash, and drinking water
- Nearest to the parking lot
- Downside: farther from river access
Closest to amenities: #5, #9
- Next to camp host, restrooms, trash, and drinking water
- Short walk to the parking lot
- Downside: farther from river access
- Downside: limited shade, if any
Most private: #18
- Partial shade
- Located between two sets of trees and a fence
- Close to river access and Cooper Cabin
- Downside: longer walk to restrooms and drinking water
Unique Experiences
- When the tide is low and you’ve checked your tide table, you can tackle the daring but scenic hike along the beach from the end of Big Sur River to Cooper Point.
- For history buffs, stop at the Molera Ranch House on the weekends to see a historic home with artifacts about pioneers, artists, and the surrounding ecosystem.
- Head approximately 8 miles north to drive along the famous Bixby Bridge and pose for an unforgettable picture at one of the pull-off areas.
- For beachcombers, there’s no better place to wander along the beach, taking in the beauty of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and searching for your next hidden find.
Andrew Molera State Park Campground Rules
Max People per Site
4Max Vehicles per Site
1Fires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
YesAndrew Molera State Park Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesReservations for standard sites can be made by phone at 1-800-444-7275 or online at www.reservecalifornia.com. Note that you must request a reservation at least 48 hours before your planned arrival time. All reservations include a $7.99 booking fee.
Sites in the main campground can accommodate a maximum of four campers and one vehicle in the day-use lot. These standard sites cost $30 per night with the option of adding parking for a second vehicle for $10 per night. Senior citizens ages 62 and up are eligible for a $2 discount per night. Disabled campers receive a discounted rate of 50% off.
Hike-and-bike campsites are $5 per night and can only be reserved in person for two nights. No discounts are allowed for those reservations. Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:
- Park selections
- Date you wish to start camping
- Type and size of camping equipment
- Number of people that will occupy the campsite
- Number of nights you wish to camp
- Alternative park and camping date choices
- Your phone number and area code
- Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
- Mailing address
Group Camping Reservations
Andrew Molera Trail Camp doesn’t have formal group campsites. However, several individual sites are in close proximity that could be used for people traveling in small groups. For example, sites #19 and #22 are close together and somewhat separated from nearby sites. All joint reservations will need to be made individually and satisfy the same requirements as a regular reservation.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
To cancel your reservation, visit www.reservecalifornia.com or call 1-800-444-7275. By canceling, you forfeit your $7.99 reservation fee and incur an additional $7.99 cancellation charge. If you cancel any time after 6 p.m. the day prior to your arrival, you will also need to pay for your first night’s stay.
Andrew Molera State Park Campground Cost
Standard Campsite
$30Activities
Swimming
Hiking
Surfing / Windsurfing
Photography
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Cell Service
Campfire Rings
Grills
Picnic Tables
Potable Water
Wood for Sale
Storage Lockers
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Andrew Molera State Park
The diversity of the landscape at Andrew Molera is distinct from many other beaches and state parks. With redwoods, bluffs, and the Big Sur River, there are plenty of unique natural features.
The campground is less flexible since it’s unable to accommodate RVs, and no dogs are allowed. Aside from flush toilets, drinking water, and trash cans, the amenities are very basic. Sites aren’t accessible since Andrew Molera is a hike-in campground.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur allows RV camping at its 189 mixed-use campsites. The campground has laundry, showers, a dump station, and a camp store in addition to the basics provided by Andrew Molera. Pfeiffer Big Sur also has two group sites and a primitive cabin. Dogs are allowed on two trails, and they’re also welcome in the campground and day-use areas on leashes. However, notably, this park doesn’t have access to the beach.
Limekiln State Park
The campground at Limekiln State Park welcomes RVs and trailers at its 12 ocean sites and 4 sites along the creek. There are also 12 tent-only campsites. Dogs are allowed within the campgrounds but not on trails. The campground also has showers.
Sunset State Beach
Sunset State Beach has 65 mixed-use sites for tents or RVs as well as 9 RV-only sites. Dogs are allowed within the campground but not on the beach. Swimming can be highly dangerous, and the area is mostly a beach environment compared to the diverse terrain and ecosystem at Andrew Molera.
New Brighton State Beach
New Brighton has similar terrain to Andrew Molera due to the bluffs. RVs are welcome. The campground has 100 sites for dry camping and 11 sites with electricity. Showers and a dump station are available. Dogs are allowed in the campground but not on the beach.
