Address: Pfeiffer Big Sur Rd, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA
Phone: +18316671112
-Artsy Photos LLC-
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! π³ Well worth the trip just to be up close to them.
r3x
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
Exceeded expectations, beautiful, easy to navigate, informative signs. May need to label trails better for ease or difficulty. Must see!
Sunny Lee
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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No they do not
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.
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.
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.
Lol what, go-to ReserveCalifornia.com
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!
Yes
You can walk the pavement where the campsites are
1-800-444-7275 Or https://www.reservecalifornia.com/CaliforniaWebHome/
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.
I was just they're a couple weeks ago and the showers were open. π
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.
We had to book our camp spot over 6 months in advance too. Best to do this since this spot is pretty popular.
Park is open for day use and first come first serve camping unless the weather causes the park to close before then.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
No they don't. Just make sure it is not left in the open.
There were electrical outlets in the bathroom sinks that I saw.
No, closed. Being used as a fire base camp for the Dolan fire.
Yes on Fire pits, currently no Wildland fires in the area.
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?
Yes, reservations required
Hike n bike are first come first served
Go to the website and follow camping reservation link
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).
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)
unfortunately, you have to go through the website. If it is down tomorrow, try contacting CA state parks to let them know.
They are
It should be
Yes
What is the hours of operation of big sur medical? Thanks!
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.
Yes tents and small trailers and RV's are allowed! Enjoy!!
Depends on the season and how dry the grounds are and the campground.
We were there in August and had warm days (low 90s) and cool but comfortable nights. June/July should be about the same.
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.
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.
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
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!
pretty late. they can have camp host stop by in morning so just make sure ur in the right place with reservation
74, 75
I think their, anywhere close to one mile, or two...
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"
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!
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
Yeah it is!! You just have to be prepared to get wet, its a bit of a hike to the hole!
They just ask that you keep the flame low and under control.
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
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..
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.
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.
excellent riverside camping at Pfeiffer State Park..... beach 10 min car ride
yes. we were given a map at the entrance. also found one online
$35 for campsite not on river side..$50 for campsite on river side..there are a lot of poison oak plants at the campsites.
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.
You can reserve ahead of time
Not yet - still blocked between Ragged Point and Gorda because of the landslide. Have to go around - through Monterey.
Web site said $5
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.
there is a river but not very big
Still closed
Yes, but "nearby" is relative. I'd say less than a quarter of a mile.
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!
Google it, it will redirect to parks website and then download
Yes, they always are open. For more information go to the webside or call them.
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