Kirk Creek Campground

Kirk Creek Campground sits on a bluff overlooking the ocean along the Big Sur coast. Nearby to the north is Limekiln State Park and to the south, Sand Dollar Beach. The nearby beach is narrow and at high tide portions of it can be covered by waves. Because of the beautiful ocean views from most of the campsites, they are in high demand. Sunsets are spectacular.

Kirk Creek Campground has 32 campsites spread across a grassy bluff 100 feet above the ocean. All the campsites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Parking surfaces are gravel and grass. Each campsite has a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. There is no water at the campground. There is a Hike & Bike campsite. The campground is in the Los Padres National Forest, a short distance south of Lucia in southern Big Sur. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.

Watch for wildlife such as foxes, deer, and raccoons. During November to February migrating whales are common along the coast.

Shop Amazon for:
Camping Essentials

Kirk Creek Campground Basics
Kirk Creek Campground Location:	Highway 1, 60 miles south of Carmel and 6 miles south of Lucia
Camping Season:	Open year-round
Number of Sites:	32
Max. People per Site:	8 (including children) Fee only covers first 6 people, $10 for additional people up to maximum of 8
Vehicles per Site:	1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle or trailer, 2nd vehicle $10 per night
Pets:	on leash, always attended
Operated by	Parks Management Company for Los Padres National Forest
Monterey Ranger District:	(831) 385-5434

Reservations at Kirk Creek Campground
Reservations required	Kirk Creek Campground reservations are available for camping dates year-round. A few campsites are available first-come, first-served.
Booking Window:	Reservations taken from 3 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Camping Limit:	14 days in any one year
Maximum Vehicle Length	30 feet
Wheelchair accessible Sites:	None designated
Fees:	$45 per night ($2 more over weekends or holidays) Hike & Bike sites - $5 per person
Reservations:	Kirk Creek Campground Reservations
Check-in, Check-out:	Check-in: 3:00 PM Check-out: 2:00 PM

Kirk Creek Campground Amenities
Campsites:	picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground:	Vault toilets, no potable water
Showers:	No
Dump Station:	No
Attractions near Kirk Creek Campground:	Take a picnic to Mill Creek Beach, Sand Dollar Beach, and Jade Cove. Hike the Willet Trail. Find good surfing along the coast. Try you luck surf fishing. Enjoy with a delicious meal at Lucia Lodge. Experienced hang gliders have a hang glider landing area nearby. Hike into the Ventana Wilderness.
Updates	Last Updated August 2025

Haystack Rock

Kirk Creek Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

- 2023 - 2024 -

Campsite #22 is a great choice with ocean view.

Watch out for poison oak.

Keep food put away from bold raccoons.

Be sure to bring your own water.

Clean bathrooms.

Santa Cruz - Monterey Beach Attractions

Visitors to the Santa Cruz - Monterey coast find a wide variety of attractions from popular surfing destinations around Santa Cruz to the wild and scenic Big Sur coast. Campers at Kirk Creek Campground have great views of the ocean.

Visit beautiful Sand Dollar Beach and Jade Cove.

Enjoy the beauty of the waterfall cascading onto the beach at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Run your bare feet through the green sand and view the spectacular rocks at Pfeiffer Beach.

Surfing is popular at Santa Cruz's famous Steamer Lane as well as to the south at Carmel.

Excellent pier fishing can be enjoyed at Santa Cruz's well-developed wharf as well as at the recently rebuilt Capitola Pier.

For wildlife and scenery, Point Lobos State Park leads the list. There are also many more wonders to be enjoyed all the way down the Big Sur coast.

Attend the festivities on Labor Day weekend at Capitola Beach.

Key Kirk Creek Campground Regulations

Do not feed or leave food out for wildlife.
Dogs are not permitted on trails or the beach. At night they must be confined to a tent or vehicle.
Generators may only be operated between the hours of 10 AM and 8 PM.
For safety, stay on the hiking trails as the canyon walls are steep.

Check for any park or campground updates:
Los Padres National Forest - Kirk Creek Campground

Kirk Creek Campground
Big Sur

Monterey Countty

Kirk Creek Campground
Big Sur

Monterey Countty