189 RV and tent sites are situated on or near the Big Sur River. Two group tent sites and a hike/bike site are also available to campers, but no RVs are allowed in these sites. There is a Campfire Center that offers evening programs on the weekends during peak season.
Pfeiffer Big Sur is an extremely popular campground. Reservations fill up six months in advance, even in the winter. Online reservations are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at Reserve America. Reservations can be made six months in advance on the first day of the month beginning at 8:00 am PST. You may also call toll free 1-800-444-7275. Due to seasonal volume, access to the Reserve America website and telephone line may be limited at times, especially on the first day of the month when sites become available.
CAMPING FEES
Standard site: $35/night
Premium Riverfront site: $50/night
Additional one-time fee for RVS or trailers with on-board lavatory: $10
En Route overnight parking: $35 (One night only, parking in Day Use Lots 3 and 4 for self-contained RVs with onboard flush toilets only, 5:00 pm - 9:00 am)
Hike and Bike site : $5/night (hikers and bikers must arrive on foot or by bike, they cannot have a vehicle. Hike and Bike stay is limited to two consecutive nights)
Senior Citizen Discount: Age 62 or older, $2.00 off all campsites except Hike/Bike.
Disabled Discount Pass Holders: 50% off regular Standard or Premium site rate
Additional Motor Vehicle: $10/night
Standard and Premium Riverfront camping fee includes entry for one vehicle and one towed vehicle or trailer. Additional vehicles will be charged per night. Maximum number of people per site is eight. Minors under 18 must have guardian authorization. There is no limit to the number of tents as long as they are contained within the boundary of the campsite and not on vegetation. All equipment, including trailers, extra vehicles, awnings, pop-outs and slideouts must fit within the parking boundary. During peak season, this park has a maximum stay limit of seven consecutive nights. Once the stay limit has been reached, the persons, equipment, and/or vehicles must vacate the campground for at least 48 hours before returning for another stay. Maximum length of stay per calendar years is 30 days.
Each campsite includes a parking area for at least one car, a fire pit with half-grill and picnic table. No hookups are provided at any site. Fresh water, hot showers and toilets are a short walk.
All incoming campers must check in at the entrance kiosk. Camper vehicles must display vehicle tag (proof of reservation) in the windshield. Vehicle tags are also valid for day use entrance into other area state parks.
Check-in is 2:00 pm. Check-out is 12:00 noon.
Accessible Sites
Any discount pass must be presented at the time of check in. Visitors reserving accessible campsites must possess a DMV Disabled Placard or license plates issued by DMV (or similar agency of another state). A Disabled Veterans license plate will also be accepted when reserving or occupying an accessible campsite. At the time of check-in, visitors must show the DMV placard. The disabled visitor must be an occupant of the site for the entire reservation period. No refunds will be issued for invalid reservations.
Walk-up Campsites
All campsites at Pfeiffer Big Sur are on a reservation system. Everyday during peak season, the campground is usually entirely reserved (booked 6 months in advance). Occasionally there may be cancellations that allow some day-of sites to be available. To get a day-of campsite (also known as a walk-up campsite), you must be physically present at the park's entrance kiosk. Day-of sites cannot be reserved over the phone, nor can information about site availability be obtained by calling. If you would like to try to get a walk-up site, it is best to be at the entrance kiosk when it opens at 9:00 am. At times of high demand, a waiting list may be created.
Showers
Hot showers are token-operated. Campers may purchase tokens at the entrance kiosk or at select bathroom locations throughout the campground. 1 token = $1.00 = 3.5 minutes of shower time. Showers are available to registered campers only.
Dump Station
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has a dump station that includes potable water for freshwater tank fills. All RVs and trailers with on-board bathrooms that are camping within the park must pay a one-time additional fee of $10 whether they use the dump station or not. Non-campers wishing to use the dump station may do so for a fee of $10.
Group Camp
$150/night.
Two Group Campsites are available from mid-June through mid-October by reservation.These walk-in sites are for larger groups with tents only. Group campsites feature a large camping area, fire ring, potable water, picnic tables, flush toilets, and access to one small amphitheater (seats 50 people). There are no showers. Campers may use the pay showers in the main campground of the park. Minimum number of people is 9, maximum number of people is 35. There is no vehicle access to the group campsites. Campers park on the west side of Highway 1 and walk in to the campground (approximately 1/4 mile) across the Big Sur River on a seasonal wooden footbridge. No trailers or motorhomes can be used at this site. There are no dogs allowed at the campsite.
Check in is at the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park entrance kiosk. Both group camps are 1/4 mile north of the entrance of the park, west of Highway 1 and southwest of the Big Sur River. Parking is on the side of Highway 1. Each reservation includes parking passes for 10 vehicles. Additional vehicles are charged per night at the park.
All weddings, receptions, welcome dinners, etc. at Group Camp must have a Special Event Permit. Contact the Special Event Coordinator at 831-667-0507 or BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov for details.
Fires are allowed only in the provided metal fire rings. Wood must be small enough to fit inside the ring and be completely contained. Do not gather firewood in the park. You may purchase firewood at the entrance kiosk or from a campground host. All fireworks are prohibited.
Firearms, weapons or hunting is not allowed. Possession of loaded firearms and air rifles is prohibited. This includes anything that shoots a projectile, including, but not limited to, arrows, pellets, BBs and paint balls.
Park plants, artifacts and animals are protected and should not be touched or harassed. It is important that you use the provided metal storage bins for all food and scented items to avoid accidentally feeding or having any negative interactions with native park wildlife.
See the Camping Reservation Guidefor complete information on camping in all California State Parks.
