Pfeiffer Big Sur
47555 Highway 1 Big Sur, California 93920
Overview
Pfeiffer Big Sur is located south of Carmel, California, and to the west of the Santa Lucia Mountains. It has 189 mixed-use sites for RVs or tent camping. Trailers are limited to 27 feet, and RVs are limited to 32 feet. There is no beach access at this park. No hookups are available, but there is a dump station and potable water connection. Laundry, a camp store, and a softball field are all available within the campground area. Two group sites are available for the peak season of mid-June through mid-October. There is also one primitive cabin that sleeps four guests, a shared camping area for hikers or bikers, and an en-route RV camp for overnight use while passing through. During peak season, camping is restricted to 7 consecutive days at a time with a required 48-hour break in between. In terms of trails, dogs are only allowed on Warden’s Path and River Path. They’re also welcome within day-use areas and the campground as long as they’re properly leashed and attended.
Best Campsites at Pfeiffer Big Sur
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground.
Most Private: Sites #110–113
- Located at the end of the far eastern loop
- Quick access to Big Sur River Gorge
- Close to the Gorge and Mount Manual trails
- Downside: farther from restrooms, camp store, and other amenities
Closest to Amenities: Sites #145–149
- Accessible site at #147
- Close to showers, restrooms, and dump station
- Short trip to the nature center, campfire center, and entrance kiosk
- Access to the River Path and Nature Trail
- Downside: noise from the entrance or hike-and-bike group site
Best Riverfront Sites: Sites #58–61
- Located on a small side area off the main campground road
- Direct access to Big Sur River
- Close to picnic tables, softball field, and camp host
Unique Experiences
- Explore nature by walking along the Big Sur River, where you’ll be surrounded by towering sycamores, oaks, cottonwoods, redwoods, and other native trees.
- On Friday or the weekend, stop by the Ewoldsen Nature Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to check out the digital condor flight experience and learn about the incredible condors who live at Big Sur.
- Take Valley View Trail along the eastern fork to see a breathtaking 60-foot waterfall or continue your journey into the hundreds of miles of trails that connect to nearby Los Padres National Forest.
- Treat yourself at the Big Sur Lodge café by ordering up a plate of delicious berry scones or a savory lamb gyro.
Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
22/32 FeetMax Length of Stay
7 daysMax people per site
??Max vehicles per site
??Fires allowed?
No fires allowedPets allowed?
Yes, but not on beach/trailsPfeiffer Big Sur Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
Yes, during peak seasonReservations are available on www.reservecalifornia.com or by phone at 1-800-444-7275. Standard sites are $35 per night, and riverfront premium sites are $50 per night. All reservations will be charged a $7.99 booking fee. Some sites may be available on a walk-up basis. These can be reserved at the entrance kiosk after 3 p.m. 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 sites are available during the peak season for $150 per night with an occupancy limit of 9–35 guests. The campground’s only cabin sleeps four people for $75 per night. The en-route parking area is available in Lot 3 and Lot 4 for $45 per night. This option is only for self-contained RVs with flush toilets from the hours of 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. Hikers and bikers may stay at the shared site for $5 per night with a limit of two nights. Reservations for all group sites can be booked by phone at 1-800-444-7275 or by visiting www.reservecalifornia.com.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
To cancel, log onto www.reservecalifornia.com or call 1-800-444-7275. Cancellations are subject to an additional $7.99 fee, and your original booking fee of the same amount will not be refunded. If you need to cancel after 6 p.m. the day before your first night at the campground, you will also forfeit the cost of the first night’s stay.
Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground Cost
Standard Campsite
$35Premium Site
$50Group Campsite
$150Activities
Hiking
Bike Trails
Swimming
Surfing / Windsurfing
Whale Watching
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Wifi
Cell Service
Laundry
Visitors/Rec Center
Campfire Rings
Grills
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Pfeiffer Big Sur
Pfeiffer Big Sur is a middle-of-the-road campground that offers some amenities like a dump station and potable water. With a maximum length of 27 feet and 32 feet for trailers and RVs, respectively, it can fit vehicles that would be turned away at smaller campgrounds like Limekiln.
However, Pfeiffer Big Sur doesn’t offer direct access to the beach, which sets it apart from locations like Sunset State Beach, Andrew Molera, Limekiln, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns. It does encompass the Big Sur River.
Pfeiffer Big Sur also has a lodge within the park for groups that may have different lodging preferences. The grocery store and café add convenience for campers who may be staying for extended periods.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is small and primitive compared to Pfeiffer Big Sur. There are only two environmental campsites by the water, both of which are restricted to tent camping only. Vehicles are not permitted. Amenities include pit toilets, food boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings. With an occupancy limit of four people, these sites are much smaller than the ones at Pfeiffer Big Sur.
Limekiln Campground
A main benefit of Limekiln is its oceanfront sites and secondary camping area along the river. Size requirements are more restrictive since trailers are limited to 15 feet and RVs to 24 feet. This campground offers access to redwood forests, coves, and cliffs.
Andrew Molera State Park
Andrew Molera offers access to two beaches and opportunities for horseback riding and other activities not offered at Pfeiffer Big Sur. However, the campground is limited to two dozen walk-in campsites that can only fit four campers and two tents. Sites can’t be reserved in advance, and there is no group site.
Sunset State Beach
Sunset State Beach has beach access. The campground features 9 RV-only sites and 65 mixed-use sites. There isn’t a dump station within the campground, and the sites don’t offer hookups. The group campsite can accommodate up to 50 people, which is 15 more than Pfeiffer Big Sur, but the cost is over double at $335 per night.
