Kirk Creek Campground: The Hardest-to-Book, Most Beautiful Campsite in Big Sur

Ocean views, zero crowds, and the app that finally got us a site after years of trying.

If you've spent any time dreaming about camping in Big Sur, chances are Kirk Creek Campground has come up. It's one of the most beautiful campgrounds we've ever stayed at and every single site overlooks the ocean, right on Highway 1. Some sites have completely unobstructed views straight out to the water. Others have a site or two in front of them, but you can still see the ocean beautifully, along with the mountains and the sunset dropping right in front of you every night.

We stayed at Site 30 over July 4th weekend, and it was pure magic. I've been trying to snag a spot at this campground for years and it genuinely feels like winning the lottery when you get one, because it is always sold out.

How We Actually Got a Site (Last Minute!)

At a Glance

We got so lucky with the weather too. It was our first time experiencing that warm-but-with-a-cool-breeze Big Sur weather where you're not constantly layering up and down. It was honestly perfect the entire stay.

Where to Go Nearby

Limekiln State Park — About a 5-minute drive north of Kirk Creek.

Mill Creek — Head south from Kirk Creek and you'll find Mill Creek, the most beautiful little creek. Since there's no running water at the campground, this became our spot — we dipped our toes in, washed our faces and hands, and just hung out for hours. We had zero tourists the entire time. It felt like we had the whole creek to ourselves.

Sand Dollar Beach — Despite the name, we didn't actually find any sand dollars here. But if you walk down the staircase and keep going to the left, you'll hit an incredible tide pool area — tons of anemones, starfish, and mussels. We climbed over the boulders and the views of them jutting out into the ocean were breathtaking. It's quiet, uncrowded, and absolutely worth the walk.

Plasket Creek Campground — A little further south of Kirk Creek. This is also the starting point for the hike up to the secret swing in Big Sur which is a must if you're in the area!

Why Kirk Creek Over Pfeiffer Big Sur

If you head further south toward Kirk Creek, Limekiln, and Plaskett Creek, you skip the crowds that flood into Julia Pfeiffer Burns and the Pfeiffer Big Sur / Big Sur River Inn area, which is where most people end up. If you want something quieter and less touristy, this stretch of coast is it.

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