Limekiln State Park
Limekiln Creek Big Sur, Big Sur, CA 93920, United States
Overview
If you’re big on hiking and breathtaking views, you’re going to love Limekilm State Park. Located on the Big Sur coast of California and flanked by several lush creeks and a waterfall, this park offers quite the experience.
You’ll find not only experience views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary but also the rugged Big Sur coastline and the redwood forests. There’s also full access to a beach area, fishing, and geocaching.
Limekiln State Park has 29 campsites scattered in two loops; the Ocean Loop and the Redwood Loop. The Ocean Loop has about 10 sites for RVs of up to 24 feet, while the Redwood Loop has sites inland for tents. Most campsites can accommodate a maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people, but certain sites only allow for 1 vehicle.
All campsites have a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and even a food storage locker, but they have no hookups.
The Limekiln state beach is relatively pet friendly as dogs are allowed as long as they are attended to and kept on a leash. At night, they must also be confined to a tent or vehicle. While this park is open all seasons, it has no available group camping ability.
Best Campsites at Limekiln State Park
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Limekiln Campground.
Sites 1-12
- Near the beach
- Sites 1-3 are best for the views
- Some of the ocean view sites are in the highway shadow, so check before you select your site.
Sites 17-20
- Located in the magical upper creek
Unique Experiences
- Take your relaxation a notch higher and enjoy the sound of the waves at the Jerk Creek Breach and the Sand Dollar Beach.
- Go for a hike up the Falls Trail, Hare Creek Trail, and Kilns Trail.
- Warm your heart with the sight of the beautiful waterfall cascading unto the beach.
- Grab some friends and go fishing at the Santa Cruz wharf, Capitola’s pier, or the Seacliff Beach pier.
- Have a good time with family and friends bonding over a picnic at the Mill Creek Picnic Area.
- Give yourself a treat exploring the historical Bixby Bridge.
- Give your mind the alone time it needs with a visit to the New Camaldoli Hermitage.
- Explore art and creativity at Sofanya’s Big Sur Gallery & Studio.
Limekiln State Park Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
24 FeetMax people per site
8Max vehicles per site
2Fires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
Yes, but not on beach/trailsLimekiln State Park Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesYou can make reservations at the Limekiln state park all year round from 2 days to 6 months from the day of your arrival. You can make reservations online at www.parks.ca.gov or by calling (800) 444-7275 between 8 AM and 6 PM.
A night at Limekiln state beach costs about $35 per night for standard campsites, $50 per night for a premium campsite & $30 for an environmental campsite.
Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:
- Park selections
- The 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
The Limekiln state park doesn’t have group camping facilities; however, each site can accommodate 1-2 vehicles and 8 people, so you might be able to get away with booking multiple sites if you have a big group. You can make any campsite reservations through ReserveCalifornia or by phone: 1-800-444-PARK (7275).
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Reservation cancellations may be made through ReserveCalifornia or by phone: 1-800-444-PARK (7275). There is a $7.99 cancellation fee as a penalty if a cancellation is made after 6 PM on the day of arrival.
Limekiln State Park Campground Cost
Standard Campsite
$35Premium Site
$50Environmental Campsite
$30Activities
Hiking
Bike Trails
Photography
Fishing
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Campfire Rings
Grills
Picnic Tables
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Limekiln State Park
One of the things that Limekiln Campground doesn’t have is full hookups for RVs, although they have 10 RV sites. In addition, Limekiln doesn’t have a group camping site but allows a generous 8 people per site, so if you have a big group, you might have to book multiple sites.
Morro Strand State Beach
Unlike Limekiln State Beach, Morro State Beach is not pet friendly and doesn’t allow pets on the beach.
However, Morro Strand has family campsites, and RV sites with full hookups, and is much larger with 76 campsites compared to the 29 at Limekiln.
Manresa State Beach
Manresa State Beach is a tent-only campground with no overnight parking nor RV sites and hookups. It is larger and has 60 sites compared to Limekiln’s 29. Like Limekiln, 8 people are allowed per site. Dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed and not left unattended.
Morro Bay State Park (Francis Beach)
Morro Bay is a beehive of activity with sailing, golfing, and bird watching on offer. Morro Bay also has hookups and RV sites for vehicles up to 35 feet compared to the 24 feet maximum at Limekiln.
Sunset Beach
While the Limekiln State Beach is close to the beach, the Sunset Beach is up on bluffs and more sheltered from the wind. It is also relatively more extensive than the Limekiln state beach, offering 85 campsites. Additionally, unlike Limekiln, there’s a group campsite and a hike & bike campsite at Sunset beach.
