Plaskett Creek Campground
69345 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Overview
Just across Highway #1 from Sand Dollar Beach an easy five-minute walk away lies the beautiful Plaskett Creek Campground in the Los Padres National Forest. This beautiful park-like setting offers the perfect shade beneath the many Cypress trees and mature Monterey Pine.
With 44 single sites and three group sites that can accommodate up to 10 vehicles and 40 people, Plaskett Creek can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs from 35 to 50 feet.
However, there are no hookups or showers available. There is also no cell service, but it might be nice to switch off once in a while!
Each campsite includes a pedestal BBQ, fire ring, table, and paved parking pad. Pets are allowed in the campground and on Sand Dollar Beach as long as they are leashed.
Up to 8 guests per site are allowed, limited to 2 vehicles per site. Extra vehicles and persons will be charged accordingly.
Best Campsites at Plaskett Creek Campground
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Plaskett Creek Campground.
Sites 10, 14, 17, 19 and 39
- Closer to restrooms
Sites 6 and 8
- Closest to Plaskett Creek
Sites 35, 36, 38 and 40
- Has a seasonal creek that flows through the campground
Site 7
- Downside: noise from traffic at night
Sites 24 to 27
- Furthest from the busy main road
- Restrooms are closeby
- Close to each other
- Site 24 has room for 6-person and 4-person tent
- Site 24 is a short walk down to Sand Dollar Beach
Sites 36 and 37
- Largest campsites in the campground
Sites 41, 42 and 43
- Have partial ocean views
Site 12
- Right across a few hiking trails
Unique Experiences
- Go swimming in Seven Falls in Santa Barbara
- Jump off rocks and dive into the Arroyo Seco River Gorge in the summer
- Relax and enjoy the beautiful Santa Barbara Coast’s stunning sunset and sunrise.
- Want an adrenalin fix? Go body surfing at Sand Dollar Beach, the largest beach in Big Sur.
- Go fishing at Sand Dollar Beach, Plaskett Creek, or up the Monterey coast and try for some trout or bass.
- Go for a hike in the Los Padres National Forest to scope out some wildlife. Try to spot bears, deer, raccoons, and foxes.
- Go for a challenging 10-mile hike on the Willet hiking trail to visit some hot springs.
Plaskett Creek Campground Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
50 FeetMax People per Site
40Max Vehicles per Site
2Fires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
YesPlaskett Creek Campground Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesFor campground inquiries, please call 805-434-1996 or visit www.recreation.gov. Sites are all $35 per night for standard campsites and $150 for group campsites year-round. There are no extra charges for adding or removing nights to your stay before time however; there is a $10 change fee if your new dates are different from your original stay dates. Reservations need to be made at least 3 days in advance.
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
Plaskett Creek has three group campsites for up to 40 people. Reservations for group camps can be made by calling 805-434-1996 or by visiting www.recreation.gov. The cost of booking a group camp is $150 per night and it allows up to 10 vehicles or 40 persons. Additional vehicles and additional people will cost an additional $10 per night for each.
Campsite Reservations Cancellations
Cancellations may be made online at www.recreation.gov or by phone at 805-434-1996. Any reservation fee paid will not be refunded plus any previous change fee. An additional $10 cancellation fee will be charged.
In addition, the first night’s camping fee will also be charged for cancellations less than one day before your date of arrival.
For group campsites, the late fee is charged if you cancel your reservation after midnight 14 calendar days before your scheduled check-in.
Plaskett Creek Campground Campground Cost
Standard Campsite
$35Group Campsite
$150Activities
Backpacking
Canoeing / Kayaking
Hiking
Bike Trails
Horseback Riding
Photography
Fishing
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Cell Service
Campfire Rings
Grills
Wood for Sale
Picnic Tables
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground is the perfect vacation place if you want some off-the-grid camping. However, the lack of cell service might put some off, and there are also no hookups or dump stations.
If you need more facilities, here are some campgrounds in the area that you can also consider.
South Carlsbad State Beach
South Carlsbad is a significantly larger campground with over 200 sites compared to 44 found in Plaskett Creek. This campground also has RV sites with hook-ups and dump stations, both of which are not present in Plaskett Creek Campground.
It is also wheelchair accessible, unlike Plaskett Creek. Trailers up to 35 feet are allowed in South Carlsbad State Beach while Plaskett Creek allows 35 to 50 feet RV vehicles. Fees are $35 to $50 without hookups and $60 to $100 for hookups, significantly higher than the $35 fee for Plaskett Creek.
Carpinteria State Beach
Carpinteria is a large campground with over 200 sites compared to the 44 in Plaskett Creek. Over 100 of them have hookups while Plaskett Creek has none.
Carpinteria is also wheelchair-accessible while Plaskett Creek isn’t. Carpinteria also offers group camping for up to 40 people, which is the same as Plaskett Creek. Fees are significantly higher at $45 to $80 compared to $35 at Plaskett Creek.
Kirk Creek Campground
Kirk Creek is a similarly-sized campground with 40 sites. Like Plaskett Creek, Kirk Creek is located in Los Padres National Forest.
However, Kirk Creek doesn’t offer any group camping sites while Plaskett Creek has three. Both campgrounds don’t offer hookups or dump stations, and they are both priced at $35 a night.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Camping
This unique campground only has two environmental camping sites, while on the other hand, Plaskett Creek has 44 individual campsites. This state park is located 80 feet above the Pacific Ocean, on a cliff. It is considered amongst the most beautiful campsites in California.
Julia Pfeiffer is an environmental site that has no vehicle access, which means you’ll have to hike all your gear in. You can unload your gear at your site at Plaskett Creek.