Kirk Creek Campground

CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Contact: (805) 434-1996

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233116

$35per night

RV/TrailersThis campground allows RVs or Trailers at some campsites

This campground has NO Electric hookups

This campground has NO sewer hookups

This campground has NO water hookups

This campground has NO showers on site

This campground is pet-friendly. Bring your pals!

This campground has accessibility campsites and features

Updated 2023-01-19

Overview

Kirk Creek Campground is located within Los Padres National Forest only a short distance from the town of Lucia and Limekiln State Park. The campground offers 40 sites for RVs or tents, but RVs are limited to 30 feet in length. Two of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and five of the sites are for hikers or bicyclists who are just passing through the area. Kirk Creek doesn’t have a group campsite. Stays in the main campground can’t exceed 14 consecutive days. There are no hookups available at Kirk Creek, and the only amenities are vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings with grills. Notably, there is no drinking water in the campground except for the water that’s available for purchase through the camp host. Dogs are allowed within the campground as long as they’re kept on a leash. They are not permitted on trails or the beach by the campground. However, Kirk Creek guests can visit nearby Sand Dollar beach (also within Los Padres National Forest) to bring leashed dogs onto the beach.

Best Campsites at Kirk Creek Campground

Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Kirk Creek Campground.

Most Private: Site #12, #22

Separated from neighboring sites
Site #12 close to restrooms and camp host
Site #22 is farther from the entrance and potential noise

Closest to Amenities: Sites #12, #26–28

Located next to the restrooms
Site #12 close to the camp host
Sites #26–28 are close to the hike-and-bike campground

Best for Groups: #8–9

Can be reserved together to form a group site
Separated from nearby campsites but close to each other
Downside: farther from restrooms and camp host

Unique Experiences

Drive along the 38-mile Jacinto Reyes National Scenic Byway for picturesque views of the cliffs and breathtaking photo opportunities.
Purchase some firewood from the camp host for a cozy evening by the fire with all the beauty and majesty of the ocean spread out before you beyond the bluffs.
Bring your pup to Sand Dollar beach to run on the sand, explore the ocean, and get some fresh air.

Kirk Creek Campground Campground Rules

Max Trailer/RV Length

40 Feet

Max Vehicles per Site

Fires allowed?

Only in designated fire rings

Pets allowed?

Yes

Kirk Creek Campground Reservation Information

Reservations Allowed?

Reservations Required?

Yes

Reservations can be made by phone at 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov. Two campsites are rented out on a first-come, first-served basis and are not able to be reserved in advance. Campsites cost $35 per night for standard rentals. Campers with a Senior Pass or Access Pass receive a 50 percent discount on fees. Extra vehicles beyond the two-vehicle limit may be added to any reservation for $10 per night. A hike-and-bike site is available for anyone passing through the area. The cost is $5 per night. Payment and access are coordinated on-site upon arrival.

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

Kirk Creek Campground doesn’t have a group site. Individual adjoining sites can be reserved together to create a shared space, but each site will need to be reserved separately. If paying for multiple individual sites, guests may reserve up to four in a single credit card transaction.

Campsite Reservation Cancellations

Cancellations must be requested by phone at 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov under the _My Reservations _tab. Cancellations will be charged a $10 fee, and initial reservation fees are not refundable. Campers who need to cancel the day of their planned arrival will forfeit the cost of one night’s stay. Late cancellations are subject to the discretion of the park and must be requested by phone or in person.

Kirk Creek Campground Campground Cost

Standard Campsite

$35

Activities

Fishing

Surfing / Windsurfing

Bike Trails

Photography

Canoeing / Kayaking

Hiking

Amenities

RV/Trailers

Hookups

Pull Through Spots

Pet Friendly

ADA Sites

Showers

Campfire Rings

Grills

Picnic Tables

Wood for Sale

Cell Service

Wifi

Kirk Creek Campground Campground Map

VIEW IN FULL SCREEN

Directions

FAQs

How do I get a reservation at a Kirk Creek Campground?

Are dogs allowed at Kirk Creek Campground?

How far in advance can you book Kirk Creek Campground?

Are fires allowed at Kirk Creek Campground?

Nearby Campgrounds to Kirk Creek Campground

One of Kirk Creek’s biggest draws is its view of the ocean. Located approximately 100 feet above sea level, the campground overlooks the water and provides spectacular views at any time of year.

However, Kirk Creek Campground’s amenities are primitive compared to many campgrounds. With vault toilets and no potable water, this area may be too basic for campers who prefer conveniences like flush toilets, potable water, and showers.

Doheny State Beach

Doheny State Beach includes 118 campsites, including 33 oceanfront sites and 16 that are reserved for RVs and trailers only. The single group site can accommodate up to 40 guests. There are no hookups, but the campground has a dump station, hot showers, drinking water, and flush toilets. Prices are more expensive than at Kirk Creek at a rate of $40 per night for inland sites or $60 for premium oceanfront sites.

Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

Crystal Cove is significantly different from Kirk Creek since this campground features 24 beach cottages with plumbing and electricity. Amenities include bathrooms, a microwave, and a refrigerator. Units can fit between 3 and 9 guests, and campers can choose between renting a full cottage or opting for a dorm-style room. Dogs are not allowed in the cottages or on the beach.

Plaskett Creek Campground

Plaskett Creek has multiple group sites that fit up to 40 guests, making it a better option than Kirk Creek for those traveling in large numbers. There are no hookups available for any of the 44 standard RV or tent sites, but amenities include flush toilets and drinking water. Plaskett Creek is surrounded by pines and within walking distance of the beach, but it lacks the same oceanfront views as Kirk Creek.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Camping

Camping at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is limited to two environmental campsites close to the water that can accommodate tents only. Each site can fit up to four guests, and no vehicles are allowed. Amenities include food boxes, picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets.