Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
47555 Highway 1 Big Sur, California 93920
Overview
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park stretches out from the Big Sur coast onto the slopes of a 3000-foot ridge and is one of California's most magnificent natural campgrounds. The most spectacular features are McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall into the Pacific Ocean waters, and the magnificent 300-foot-tall Redwood trees.
There are only two primitive tent-only sites available all year round and as a result, they are always in high demand. Because these two campsites offer such spectacular scenery, tranquility, and seclusion, they are in high demand and fill up quickly.
Saddle Rock (campsite #1) is nearest the ocean and has stunning views. South Gardens is located slightly more inland and nestled in mustard flowers and hummingbirds.
These two environmental sites have no piped water and you’ll have to pack everything in and out. No vehicle access is permitted. It is about a ½ mile walk from the main parking lot to the site, or you can park along the highway and carry your gear about 300 yards down a very steep trail.
Each site has a maximum of four people and dogs are not allowed at the sites.
Best Campsites at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
There are only two campsites at Julia Pfeiffer State Park which are adjacent to each other. Saddle Rock (campsite #1) offers sweeping ocean views of the Pacific Ocean, while South Gardens is nestled slightly inland among mustard flowers and hummingbirds.
A maximum of two tents are permitted per campground and each one comes with its own portable toilets.
Unique Experiences
Julia Pfeiffer offers a unique camping experience truly in nature and away from it all. The park is a terrific spot to spend a few days away from the city commotion and enjoy some peace and quiet with magnificent oceanic views.
- Hike one (or all!) of the seven hiking trails that bring you through the towering and enchanting Redwoods to the stunning waterfalls. The Overlook trail is the most popular hiking trail since it is the shortest and connects to the most popular scenic point, McWay Falls.
- Go nature watching along the Overlook Trail where you can see several marine animals including the migratory gray whales during December and January as well as between March and May.
- You may also see sea otters, seals, sea lions, and beach birds such as seagulls, brown pelicans, and black cormorants.
- Hike the Ewoldsen route, which is 5 miles long and takes you beside McWay Creek into various redwood groves.
- Go diving in the Julia Burns underwater area located between McCreek and Partington Point. You’ll need to be dive certified for that with a globally recognized training agency.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground Rules
Max Length of Stay
30 daysFires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
NoJulia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesReservations for the two campsites can be made as early as six months in advance and up to two days before your day of arrival. the camping day. You can camp for a maximum of 30 days from the day you want to arrive. During the peak season, visitors can only stay for a maximum of seven days and cannot return for another 48 hours.
Reservations may be made online (accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week at https://www.reservecalifornia.com/CaliforniaWebHome/ or by calling California Reserve at 1-800-444-7275. Camping fees are $30 per night.
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
Group camping is not possible in either of the campsites in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. For additional information about special events and school group camping, you will need to contact the park at BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov or 831-667-0507 for alternative venues.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
You’ll be charged a reservation fee of $7.99 which is non-refundable. If you cancel your reservation before 6 pm on the day before your arrival, you’ll be charged a cancellation fee of $7.99. If you cancel after 6 pm, you’ll be charged a cancellation fee as well as the first night’s payment. If you do not arrive at the park on the scheduled arrival date, your campsite will be held for you until noon the following day. To keep your original bookings secure, call the park before noon; otherwise, your reservation booking will be labeled a "No Show," and the remainder of your reservations will be canceled.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground Cost
Standard Campsite
$30Activities
Bike Trails
Scuba Diving
Photography
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Campfire Rings
Storage Lockers
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer State Park is regarded as one of the best four camping areas in California due to the spectacular and pristine experience it provides. However, it is a primitive site that offers very few facilities in exchange for a rugged, backcountry experience.
If you want more facilities, here are some other campgrounds in the area you can consider.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is 11 miles north of Julia Pfeiffer and is one of the largest campgrounds on the Big Sur coast offering 189 tent and RV sites near the Big Sur River. In contrast to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, visitors have a selection of campsites to pick from as well as two group campsites.
Limekiln State Park
The park contains around 24 campsites, which are found in the Redwood Loop or the Ocean Loop. Although pretty rustic, it does have facilities like hot showers, drinking water, and flush toilets. It is one of the best places on the Big Sur coast to see marine animals, notably whales. Like Julia Pfeiffer, LimeKiln has no hookups.
If you want to visit the ancient kilns, watch whales, and swim in the freshwater or ocean, this park is a great alternative.
Andrew Molera State Park
Similar to Julia Pfeiffer, this hike-in campground has 22 standard tent sites and two hike-and-bike sites. There are no showers, but they have potable water and flush toilets. Like Julia Pfeiffer, it is about a ¼-mile walk from the parking lot to the campground. Many surfers use this campground as an alternative to the more crowded ones.
Sunset State Beach
Sunset State Beach overlooks Monterrey Bay and has 91 campsites. There are also no hookups or a dump station in Sunset State, and campground amenities include flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. Pets are allowed in the campground, while in Julia Pfeiffer, no pets are allowed.
