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Los Padres/Kirk Creek
Overview
Overview
Kirk Creek Campground is widely considered one of the most picturesque spots for RVers along the California coast. Located within the Los Padres National Forest, this campground sits on a grassy bluff elevated about 100 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Unlike traditional resorts, it offers a raw, immersive connection to the Big Sur wilderness. Travelers come here to experience the dramatic coastal views and the constant, soothing sound of the crashing waves below.
Location & Surroundings
Perched directly off the iconic Highway 1, the park is nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the sea. The surroundings are defined by rugged cliffs, coastal scrub, and vast horizons. Because there are few trees on the bluff, almost every site provides an unobstructed vista of the water. It is a remote destination where the natural landscape takes center stage, offering a true escape from urban noise and light pollution.
Amenities & Park Features
It is important for visitors to note that this is a dry camping facility with no hookups for electricity, water, or sewer. The park focuses on providing a primitive experience that highlights the environment. Features include:
- Access to vault toilets and localized trash collection.
- Individual sites equipped with sturdy fire rings and picnic tables.
- A scenic trail that leads from the bluff down to the rocky shoreline.
There is typically no potable water available on-site, so RVers must arrive with full freshwater tanks and be prepared for a self-sufficient stay.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Just a short drive south, travelers can explore Sand Dollar Beach, the largest stretch of sand in the Big Sur area, perfect for beachcombing and surfing. For hikers, the Vicente Flat Trail starts directly across the highway, leading upward into the lush mountains. Rockhounds often visit nearby Jade Cove to search for California nephrite jade, while photographers find endless inspiration in the sunset views from the campground cliffs.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for self-contained RVers who prioritize scenery over luxury amenities. If you enjoy falling asleep to the ocean and do not mind a lack of cell service, you will find this park deeply rewarding. It is perfect for nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a quiet home base to explore the central coast. Those who prefer a rustic, quiet atmosphere will find Kirk Creek to be an unforgettable stop.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Michelle Kohnen
Gorgeous campsite with beautiful views no matter which site you end up with! At night the stars are unreal, I’ve never seen so many in my life! I didn’t see many reviews on this part of the campsite, and if I had we could have come more prepared. There’s no running water on the site, and the bathrooms are outhouses with no plumbing. Which is understandable for being on a location so close to the ocean with stunning views, but just want future guests to be more aware than I was! It was difficult to use the bathroom as it was during the summer and the bathrooms were full of flies. I will say I’m not an extreme camper so this felt more intense for me. Also you will lose service driving along the coast of Big Sur so download maps ahead of times, luckily this campsite is very well marked and easy to find!
Caroline Gray
Suggestion: the sites which only have dirt (which is rock hard) should be for RV’s (like site 25). The sites which have grass should only be for tent/car camping. Sleeping in a tent on rock rocky dirt is very uncomfortable. It was very frustrating to look at a campground of 90% RV’s where the people didn’t use their huge grassy spots at all. While I’m in a tent at a site with zero grass basically sleeping on a patch of dirt road. The giant bushes need to be trimmed down so site 25 has a view of the ocean. Currently it has zero view unless you practically sit on the paved loop road to see the ocean around the bushes. This campground is only as good as the site you get. People think there are tons of no-shows, but the host told me no-shows are exceptionally rare. What you’re seeing at the seemingly “empty” sites are people staying one night who arrive late at night and leave early in the morning (which seems a waste since the whole point is the daytime ocean view). I asked to switch to one of the several “empty” sites with soft grass and fantastic ocean views and was told they were all booked. 🤷♀️ Like all campgrounds, no one should be allowed to blast music and disturb everyone else. Everyone comes here for peace and quiet. This should be stopped by the camp hosts. Use headphones so you don’t ruin it for everyone.
David Mahoney
Kirk Creek is a very special campsite in Big Sur. The sites are relatively private and large. The nearby hiking trails are absolutely spectacular. The sunsets and scenery are some of the most epic I have seen any where in the world. While remote the facilities are adequate and one needs to go in with the understanding that this experience is a bit more roughing it than one might experience from some of the other campsites throughout Big Sur. If pit toilets are not your thing bring a portable toilet and shower setup. These small creature comforts can help to elevate the experience if they are important to you. Most of all soak in the beautiful place you are in and appreciate how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to experience places like this.
David Martin
Kirk Creek Campground is one of those rare places that lives up to the hype, even when you’ve been on the road for a long time. As a full time van lifer, you get used to filtering spots fast. Most either lean too crowded, too restricted, or too forgettable. Kirk Creek cuts through all of that immediately. The setup is simple. You’re parked on a bluff directly above the Pacific, with wide open views from almost every site. No trees blocking your line of sight. No buildings in the way. Just coastline, cliffs, and water stretching out in both directions. It feels exposed in the best way. This is not a luxury campground. It’s closer to primitive. No water, no hookups and no cell service. Strictly minimal but amazing at the same time.
Kevin White
Absolutely loved my time at Kirk Creek site #11. Very secluded and beautiful views. The trail/people go right next to the site but not a bad trade off for this site. Tall shrubbery offers privacy. Campground was extremely peaceful and especially quiet by 8pm. Can't beat the views and the hike down to the beach. Perfect for 1-2 people. Could do 3-4 adults but not much flat ground for big tents. Perfect spot for a truck camper to back in