Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Category: Park in Big Sur, California

Address: Pfeiffer Big Sur Rd, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA

Phone: +18316671112

Reviews

-Artsy Photos LLC-

Sep 22, 2022

I wish we had more time to visit while we were there but many spots were still closed off for safety reasons. Just amazing and awe inspiring to see the sizes of the trees! 🌳 Well worth the trip just to be up close to them.

r3x

Sep 21, 2022

Showers, Bathrooms and the River around the corner. It's well maintained and some parts you have wifi signal(slow but yeah) . We stayed here for 3 nights and we enjoyed it ..

Lisa Berry

Sep 20, 2022

Exceeded expectations, beautiful, easy to navigate, informative signs. May need to label trails better for ease or difficulty. Must see!

Sunny Lee

Sep 19, 2022

Great State Park for day visit for Big Sur River to cool off or hike the trails to uphill from Big Sur River that runs thru the park. 4 different day visitor parking areas after passing the kiosk. Over 160 campsites in 3 different campgrounds that requires 6 months advance reservation. A several foot and road bridges that cross the Big Sur river inside the state park. Pfeiffer Beach is NOT accessible from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The names are similar but 2 different agencies operating each, so not to get confused or assumed one to the other. Campsites with a direct river access or larger secluded spaces are called Premium campsites. There was nature talk on Saturday night after dark by a ranger and a contained campfire provided where attendees could bring their own marshmallow to roast (roasting sticks are provided). Due to the large campground, you will encounter some less courteous (experienced) campers who might be very loud in the evening past the quiet hours (9 pm). Which case either letting them know on your own about quiet hour rules or contact camp host. Many campers who stay in this campsite has a long day of driving next day or planned a long hike next day, so being quiet at night for good rest are important for everyone. Coin-operated showers are available in a few bathroom/shower stations throughout the campgrounds. A laundromat and a camp store are located in South Camp (only accessible for campers with a campsite reservation). Firewood can be purchased at the Park entrance Kiosk. There are Pfeiffer Big Sur Lodge that operates hotel/cabin with a reception building/gift store/ice cream shop with a restaurant in the back is accessible to the first right turn at 4-way intersection once you drive into the main road. The Lodge/motel and cabins are operated by a different company and it's not part of CA State Park system. There is a swimming hole off of Pfeiffer Big Sur Road shortly after passed the 2 day use parking areas. Day visitors could park their vehicle and walk over to the river. Day use park 1 and 2 get filled up by 10-11 am and visitors are recommended to go to Day Use Parking 3 and 4 which is still a short walk to the river using footpath along the river. If you see photos of beautiful beaches within this state park reviews, that's NOT Pfeiffer big sur state park. The beach is most likely from Pfeiffer Beach which is not a part of state park and the $12 beach access and parking control is done by Parks Management Company for the Forest Service which is not a CA state park agency. And It's simply not worth trying to go to the beach on a busy summer weekend.

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Questions & Answers

Does each site have water?

Jeanne McDermott | Sep 26, 2018
irishpeddler3 O'Malley | Sep 26, 2018

No they do not

Is the rv size restriction enforced? I have 33 ft trailer.

Artur P | Sep 26, 2019
Artur P | Sep 26, 2019

I can answer my question now. Many spots are tight. We managed to park our 33 ft trailer in site 66 (if I recall correctly), but this was a close call. Anyway, we are planning to be there two times this season.

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I heard there was a landslide early this year in the area. Is big Sur state park open right now?

Arpit Sheth | Sep 25, 2020
Amit Sharma | Sep 26, 2018

The park is open but you cannot drive completely from North to South on Highway 1. It is closed at Gorda until summer 2018. From South access is closed at Salmon Creek.

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Hi, anyone got campsite on 1st come 1st serve basis? What's the possibility if we get there Fri early morning? What's the best time to show up? Thanks.

Petra Nizetic Mastelic | Sep 26, 2018
ex Td | Sep 26, 2018

The best thing to do is make a reservation since its a heavily used area. Plus with the road construction on highway 1 It is cut in half and does not go all the way thru last time i was there in October. I don't know if it's available, you might be able to reserve a camp site right behind the Pfeiffer falls. It has to be one of the most beautiful scenic campsites in the world and I'm not exaggerating.

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Hello we are trying to book a pitch for the night between 19 and 20 June. We will travel with a C class motorhome (C28), whose exact length I do not know at the moment. Could you confirm the availability of a pitch on the date indicated above? Thanks

Mauro Mirgovi | Sep 26, 2018
Mason Channer | Sep 25, 2020

Lol what, go-to ReserveCalifornia.com

Is it good to visit in December? Any recommendations for newbies would be much appreciated 😊

Aya AbdelWahab | Dec 29, 2021
Nicole Ramirez | Dec 29, 2021

I just came back from camping (November 19-21). The nights were chilly, but in the sleeping bags we were fine. The mornings are cold too, so layers are recommended because during the hikes you get sweaty. The restrooms have plumbing (YAY!) and they also have HOT showers throughout. They have faucets throughout the park, so you can rinse your dishes. But the hot water is found where the showers are. Just a tip that we found too late lol. Our hands were freezing at the faucets. They sell hot chocolate and coffee and food in the cafe/souvenir shop. And firewood we found for sale down the road at the bakery, where that small Shell station is at! Best of luck!

Any smoke right now at the campgrounds?

Diane Bradley | Sep 25, 2021
Jose Magana | Sep 25, 2021

Yes

How do i make a reservation ?

Evan Mendel | Sep 25, 2020
Arles Neon | Sep 25, 2020

1-800-444-7275 Or https://www.reservecalifornia.com/CaliforniaWebHome/

How does first come first serve work here

Barbara Bates | Sep 25, 2020
Dannielle Fewster | Sep 25, 2020

Get there during the week when they open to get a spot. They usually have a limited number avilable. Earlier you arrive the better. Weekends will be much busier.

Are the showers open for use in July, 2020?

David Lake | Sep 25, 2020
Kyle Sutherland | Sep 25, 2020

I was just they're a couple weeks ago and the showers were open. πŸ‘

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What restaurant in Big sur or near recommend Β not very expensive with good food

Leticia Estrada | Sep 26, 2019
Ross Condit | Sep 26, 2019

Generally when we go camping, we cook there on site, but most restaurants near Big Sur are a bit expensive because it is a very touristy place.

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Why does it seem like you can never make a reservation because everyone already books way in advance

Bev :Castillo | Sep 26, 2019
Maisee Ray | Sep 26, 2019

We had to book our camp spot over 6 months in advance too. Best to do this since this spot is pretty popular.

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Are you guys Open on Christmas Eve ?

Manisha naktode | Sep 26, 2018
Ross Cramer | Sep 26, 2018

Park is open for day use and first come first serve camping unless the weather causes the park to close before then.

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How strict is the '2 vehicle limit'? we have one extra vehicle for 1 night.

Dileep, Anu Neel, Tara and Zazu Mouleesha | Jul 27, 2022
Randy Mills | Jul 27, 2022

VERY strict!!! And if you have a trailer, that counts as a vehicle. We ended up parking vehicles outside the park on highway 1, afraid that they would be vandalized, but were never touched. They used to have an overflow lot, but no longer have that option. The 2 vehicle limit, even if there is room, is a hard limit!!

Can you park overnight with a campervan in the day use area?

Brad Cone | Jun 27, 2022
Balajee VenkataRaman | Jun 27, 2022

No

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Is there a pay-per-use shower available for the public?

Michelle H. | Jun 27, 2022
Balajee VenkataRaman | Jun 27, 2022

Yes it is available!

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Are there a lot of bees, wasps or flies? I will be there in early June.

Hampstar Wheel | Jun 27, 2022
Julia Sanchez | Jun 27, 2022

Hi. Well I didn't see bee's, wasp's. Flies either. I saw lots of blue dragon flies. But it is in a forest vibes so those creatures are bound to be around.

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Hi, Is it safe to assume that fire wood is sold in their store?

Kevin Valencia | Mar 29, 2022
Jason Moore (SirArgonaut) | Mar 29, 2022

Yes, you can buy firewood at the store, at the checkin ranger station and they even have a cart that goes around the campgrounds selling firewood.

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What is the maximum length of a vehicle allowed in a tent only site?

Marilyn Tilley | Feb 27, 2022
Joshua Cortez | Feb 27, 2022

I saw some SUVs in the tent-only sites. The areas are pretty spacious in terms of width, compared to other campgrounds I have been to. Premium riverside sites definitely have a lot of space where length shouldn't be an issue.

Does each camp site have food bins?

Jimmy Styles | Sep 25, 2021
Lisa Plazas | Sep 25, 2021

No they don't. Just make sure it is not left in the open.

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Are there electrical outlets? Wondering about inflating my air mattress

Melissa Br | Sep 25, 2021
Andy Au | Sep 25, 2021

There were electrical outlets in the bathroom sinks that I saw.

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Is the campgrounds open during this time?

G B | Sep 25, 2020
Rob Chase | Sep 25, 2020

No, closed. Being used as a fire base camp for the Dolan fire.

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Is there fire in Big Sur? Pfeiffer Camping grounds?

Doris Ruvelson | Sep 25, 2020
Jason Mckeon | Sep 25, 2020

Yes on Fire pits, currently no Wildland fires in the area.

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are you open for camping now

debbie comer | Sep 25, 2020
Phyllis The | Sep 25, 2020

Yes.

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At Pfeiffer campground (not Julia) what camp site # is close to that section of the creek that is deep? Across from day parking lot 2? The creek bed has good shallow area for lil ones, also a deep section for bigger kids. Thank you

Ed35 | Sep 25, 2020
ken brilliant | Aug 26, 2022

I have a 25 foot travel trailer, and wanted to camp at Big Sir. What campsites are available and how long is the reservation time?

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will the park be open this weekend?

LitBricks Sheesh | Sep 25, 2020
Mason Channer | Sep 25, 2020

Yes, reservations required

Can I make a reservation for a hike and bike site? I'm taking a bus from Monterey so can't arrive early.

Anni Junnola | Sep 25, 2020
Ted Coulton | Sep 25, 2020

Hike n bike are first come first served

About how much to camp per night? Any discounts for senior citizens??

Richard Page | Sep 25, 2020
Davide Frongia | Sep 25, 2020

Go to the website and follow camping reservation link

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How to reserve Weyland Campground? We can book other main and south sites, but saw all Weyland campground sites are occupied everyday when they can be reserved already

Jian-Cheng Lin | Sep 25, 2020
Paul Douglas | Sep 25, 2020

It very well could be all of the sites are reserved. When we reserved a site for in May (in March), all of Memorial Day weekend was booked as was the weekend before. We were able to book space during the week (Sunday - Thursday).

how to reserve campsite

Leif Ourston | Sep 25, 2020
Paul Douglas | Sep 25, 2020

start on the State Parks website for Big Sur. Follow the link to reserve a space. I forget the name of the company. You will get a map of all the spaces. When you start picking dates, you find out what spaces are available. Once you have a space and a date, you provide a name and credit card. You may have to create an account. The account is good for all of the CA state parks. Enjoy! You need a credit / debit card and an e-mail account. Also, if a senior citizen, there is a discount you can get. (maybe 10% or so)

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The website is not avaliable .How can i make a reservation for a camperplace

Henna Hoogerwerf | Sep 26, 2019
Paul Douglas | Sep 26, 2019

unfortunately, you have to go through the website. If it is down tomorrow, try contacting CA state parks to let them know.

Are dogs allowed?

Steve Brown | Sep 26, 2019
azimiut | Sep 26, 2019

Yes on a leash.

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are you dog friendly?

Guest Services | Sep 26, 2019
Wallace Floyd | Sep 26, 2019

They are

I am looking for booking a campsite in last 2 weeks of Dec, all sites but 5 are greyed out on reserve California. Reserve cali and stare park are giving conflicting answers. Do you know if campground is open in Christmas week?

Anup Bhople | Sep 26, 2019
Maisee Ray | Sep 26, 2019

It should be

Can I stay in my conversion van at an RV site?

Saul Hernandez | Sep 26, 2019
Rob Armbruster | Sep 26, 2019

Yes

Is there electric hook up?

James Brady | Sep 26, 2019
Bernadette Maloney | Sep 26, 2019

No hookups

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What is the nearest emergency room/hospital? Do pfeiffer big sur campground have medical emergency service right away if needed day or night?

Auritro Rob | Sep 26, 2019
Auritro Rob | Sep 26, 2019

What is the hours of operation of big sur medical? Thanks!

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Is there any tick or infestation issues happening or a warning?, planning on visiting next month

E E | Sep 26, 2019
Russ Roberts | Sep 26, 2019

There is a generic posting at the information kiosks in the campgrounds, advising you to be wary at all times for ticks and other nuisance "bugs". Usually the hotter weather brings these critters out, and we have had temperate weather so far in the park. Risk is low right now. Not sure what Mother Nature plans for June, and how warm is going to get, but you can always call a park one or two days before your actual arrival for last minute update.

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Do they have a water tap to fill TVs?

Steven cheek | Sep 26, 2019
YOOcan DOOiit | Sep 26, 2019

Yes they do, it's located at the dumping station

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Hi everyone. I am planning to visit this place next week. Is it allowed to stay with a trivel trailer? Small one. Thanks

Mitch Radev | Sep 26, 2019
Kurt Lungstrum | Sep 26, 2019

Yes tents and small trailers and RV's are allowed! Enjoy!!

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Are campfires allowed?

Rachell Ramalez | Sep 26, 2019
Kurt Lungstrum | Sep 26, 2019

Depends on the season and how dry the grounds are and the campground.

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How's the weather in Mid-June early July up here? Plan to bring the family

Mike Macias | Sep 26, 2019
B Nichols | Sep 26, 2019

We were there in August and had warm days (low 90s) and cool but comfortable nights. June/July should be about the same.

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Hello there, we are planning to travel along the coastline with a RV and want to know if we can maybe stay at your campground. Are RV's allowed and do we need a reservation if we want to visit around 23/24 of April '19? kinds regards Elisabeth

Elisabeth van Doorne | Sep 26, 2019
B Nichols | Sep 26, 2019

I definitely recommend making a reservation. Not all sites are RV sites, and even though it is currently considered the off season, it is a popular destination and may fill up quickly.

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Could you BBQ anywhere in this campground?

Shirazi Home | Sep 26, 2019
Russ Roberts | Sep 26, 2019

Just about all campsites, including RV slips, have a fire ring; and some still have the grate attached too. There are no more built in grills (the past took those), but you can safely bring a BBQ or smoker to the campground. Bear in mind (no pun intended) that the host and ranger have the final say on fire/coal/propane devices due to changing weather conditions.

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I have reservations for next week. Are there sheets and blankets?

Glenda yoder | Sep 26, 2019
arturo vera | Sep 26, 2019

Take everything you need because the stores out in town charge a premium for certain things. Had to learn the hard way when I forgot a sleeping pad

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We want to take a small tent trailer does anyone know if this is consider a β€œvehicle” my husband thinks yes but I disagree and cannot get anyone to answer the phone to ask

Bryanna Estrella | Sep 26, 2019
B Nichols | Sep 26, 2019

I would imagine that it would be included with the vehicle it's attached to. However, most sites, unless they're RV specific, would only have the parking space available for the tent trailer. You wouldn't be able to put it on a tent campsite due to a barrier between the parking spaces and the campsites. So in that case, if your site allows 2 vehicles, your car/truck/suv would take 1 spot and the tent trailer would take the second spot. I hope that is helpful!

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How late can one check into the camp ground? I do obtain a reservation.

Joe Macchina | Sep 26, 2019
Kiana Berkman | Sep 26, 2019

pretty late. they can have camp host stop by in morning so just make sure ur in the right place with reservation

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Hello happy campers 😎! Looking for a site number that would be on the river and my kids can play with ease, ages 3-5. Trying to avoid lotsof rocks and steep hills. Possibly somewhere where the water is shallow. Any site number’s?? Thank you πŸ™βœŒπŸ½

Alfred Negreros | Sep 26, 2019
Alntresa Desmond | Sep 26, 2019

74, 75

Does anyone know how far the hike and bike sites (primitive) are from the main camp sites?

Kimberly Canada | Sep 26, 2019
holly khounani | Sep 26, 2019

I think their, anywhere close to one mile, or two...

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Do you guys have a Passport to you Nat Park stamp?

Courtney Tsang | Sep 26, 2019
Russ Roberts | Sep 26, 2019

If you are talking about the souviner passport for the stamps or coins to record your trips to the parks, I am not sure. I have never asked. I have seen what you describe at other parks though. Even if the park does not have the stamps, you should go for its beauty and relaxation, not to just collect stamps to say "I've been there"

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is there any first come first serve style camping at pfieffer ?

travis pierce | Sep 26, 2019
Kurt Lungstrum | Sep 26, 2019

Yes

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Is hwy 1 fully accessible now to get to park..driving south from San Francisco

Brenda Bamsey | Sep 26, 2019
Kurt Lungstrum | Sep 26, 2019

Yes... however when I was there end of last year you couldn't go much farther south past the park. Heard "most" is open on south of the park now. You're good from SF!

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Help! I’ve tried to book for 6-months out because that’s what I’ve read to do. Well, no luck online and I finally got a human in the phone and she told me that it’s a β€œshow up- first come, first serve”!!! Nothing online indicates this????

Carla Etherton-Moore | Sep 26, 2018
Kiana Berkman | Sep 26, 2018

it actually depends on which camp ur trying to book. some are first come first base but the major ones do book six months in advance

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I want to visit the Gorge swimming hole this weekend. Is it accessible at this time?

Jenny Mehdi | Sep 26, 2018
Sierra Carlstedt | Sep 26, 2018

Yeah it is!! You just have to be prepared to get wet, its a bit of a hike to the hole!

Are there fire restrictions atPfeiffer Big Sur State Park for Sept Oct 2018?

Alntresa Desmond | Sep 26, 2018
Michael Bornstein | Sep 26, 2018

They just ask that you keep the flame low and under control.

I want to go camping this weekend, but I am training for a triathlon and need to find a place to swim. Anyone know any lakes around where I can get a solid 45 minutes swim?

Bryan Vitale | Sep 26, 2018
Kar Wei | Sep 26, 2018

I have been here for 2 months but I didn't see any lake here but there is ocean surrounding Big Sur. Maybe you can go and swim at the sea

Does it make sense to bring bikes while camping at Pfeiffer Big Sur? Thinking about the best way to get the family to the beach from the campground.

Angela Hedges | Sep 26, 2018
William Wylie White | Sep 26, 2018

Definitely possible. The road is not far from the campground. Just remember there are some hills - but not big ones. Only one beach realistically accessible from Pfeiffer. Another beach - Molera is farther north... But it requires a walk on a sandy road... And crossig a creek on a log - not super easy for bikes from parking lot..

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Does anybody know places to camp around Big Sur where there is not much people? I like camping in less visitor area.

Ramesh Awal | Sep 26, 2018
Brian Klinger | Sep 26, 2018

There's back packing out of Pfieffer, but Big Sur is really popular. You have to backpack to avoid crowds and even then it can get crowded around here.

How would I get direction s to drive to Big Sur and visit Phefier Beach?

Debbie Michelle Clark | Sep 26, 2018
Nic Ng | Sep 26, 2018

From North to South, take CA-1 to Big Sur.. From South To North, take 405 N to 101 N, Take Abbott St exit (it is on the left side.) from 101N. Turn left onto Harris Rd & keep right to continue on Harris then Spreckels Blvd. Merge onto CA-68 W, follow sign for CA-1. Drive pass Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, keep going until you see a yellow sign 'Narrow Road No RV's - Trailers' on the right, that is your entrance to Pfeiffer Beach.

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Is there tent camping available here? And is it on the beach or by a waterfall?

Angela Acosta | Sep 26, 2018
Paul Howell | Sep 26, 2018

excellent riverside camping at Pfeiffer State Park..... beach 10 min car ride

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Is there a map where I can see my campsite 007

Joan Beard | Sep 26, 2018
Kiana Berkman | Sep 26, 2018

yes. we were given a map at the entrance. also found one online

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how much is a camp site rental?

Ella Saavedra | Sep 26, 2018
Nic Ng | Sep 26, 2018

$35 for campsite not on river side..$50 for campsite on river side..there are a lot of poison oak plants at the campsites.

Can I fish for trout at this camp site?

Bun-Toon Kun | Sep 26, 2018
Nathan Kistler | Sep 26, 2018

I don't think there are any specific restrictions against it (a state permit may be required) but I also don't think you would have any success.

We prefer to stay here so wondering if we can make reservations ahead of time or is it first come, first served basis only?

Anabel Kuykendall | Sep 26, 2018
Jonathan Lui | Sep 26, 2018

You can reserve ahead of time

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Is the highway open from the LA area up to big Sur?

Veronica Vargas | Sep 26, 2018
William Wylie White | Sep 26, 2018

Not yet - still blocked between Ragged Point and Gorda because of the landslide. Have to go around - through Monterey.

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Hi what is day rate for cyclist camping over night?

JJ TT | Sep 26, 2018
Ruany Gonzalez | Sep 26, 2018

Web site said $5

I'm staying in South Camp, how is service for Verizon out there?

Lexis Bullock | Sep 26, 2018
William Wylie White | Sep 26, 2018

Yeah... Between Carmel Highlands and the Lucia/Gorda area (where the road ends going south) don't expect to have any kind of reliable cell contact without a SAT phone. To be fair, ignoring the landslide there's really no service on Hey 1 between Carmel and San Simeon. The exception is that you can stop at some local businesses with good wi-fi service, login, and make calls that way.

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Is there att coverage in the main campground? Thanks

Aravind Ranganathan | Sep 26, 2018
irishpeddler3 O'Malley | Sep 26, 2018

No

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Where are the "swimming" locations located in the Pfeiffer Campgrounds vicinity, if any?

Charissa Fisher | Sep 26, 2018
doglas gzm | Sep 26, 2018

there is a river but not very big

Is there overflow parking or nearby off-site parking? We have a couple extra vehicles beyond the "3 vehicles per site". The reservation call center does not know. They told me to call the campground directly, but they do not answer the phone. Thx.

Chris Smith | Sep 26, 2018
David Burnett | Sep 26, 2018

Yes, but "nearby" is relative. I'd say less than a quarter of a mile.

Is south camp open? We have reservations and I heard it might be flooded.

Angela Hauner | Sep 26, 2018
Eric Stroh | Sep 26, 2018

It should be as far as I know. We've had some rain the past week and the river is running big but not in flood stage. Might want to call state parks to make sure before you pack up and leave though. Good luck!

Is Nepthamy still there??????

Mary Maher | Sep 26, 2018
David Burnett | Sep 26, 2018

Yes, Nepenthe is open

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Where can I find a map of the state park campsites?

Vicki Capalbo | Sep 26, 2018
Samir Sawant | Sep 26, 2018

Google it, it will redirect to parks website and then download

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Are dogs allowed to go on hikes at the Pfeiffer State Park?

Ariana Lozano | Sep 26, 2018
Maricruz Vidaurre Valdez | Sep 26, 2018

No, Dogs are not allowed.

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are you open for camping this summer(2018)? How much is the regular sites and the group sites? Thanks

Alan Duong | Sep 26, 2018
Maricruz Vidaurre Valdez | Sep 26, 2018

Yes, they always are open. For more information go to the webside or call them.

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Are they open new years eve or new years day?

Ito Amazon | Sep 26, 2018
Sanskruti Kolpe | Sep 26, 2018

Yes

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Are you guys open on Christmas Day?

Victor Zhang | Sep 26, 2018
Samir Sawant | Sep 26, 2018

Should be

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