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Kirk Creek Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — California · Los Padres National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Los Padres National Forest |
| Location | California · Los Padres National Forest · 35.99167, -121.49417 · Map |
| Sites | 32 public sites counted from the federal listing — 32 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 32 sites Water hookups at 0 of 32 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 32 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 32 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 56 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 32 sites · 30 ft: 28 sites · 35 ft: 23 sites · 40 ft: 14 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | 6 PEOPLE 1 VEHICLE |
| Check-in / out | In 3:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 31 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 805-434-1996 OR EMAIL CUSTOMERSERVICE@PMCPARKS.COM |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Kirk Creek Campground is an oceanside paradise, with each site overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It offers a variety of opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The campground is located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and is close to a variety of scenic trails that lead visitors into the Los Padres National Forest. Recreation There is short walk to a rocky beach from the campground. A five mile ride will take you to Sand Dollar Beach, the largest sandy beach in Big Sur. It's a very popular spot for surfing, fishing, swimming, exploring, sunbathing and more. Fishing permits are required for anyone over age 16. Anglers can expect a catch of yellow perch and other coastal surf fish. The beach is dog-friendly, as long as dogs are leashed and waste is picked up.
A variety of trails exist along the beach, which lead to the bluffs that overlook the beach and coves in the area. Additional hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails can be accessed within a short drive of the campground, and offer scenic views of waterfalls, redwood groves and mountain meadows and streams. Directly across the highway from the campground is the Vicente Flats Trailhead, which leads into the Ventana Wilderness. Facilities The campground offers single-family sites for tent and RV camping. Utility hookups are not available and parking surfaces within the campground are gravel and grass. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets are provided throughout the campground. Natural Features The campground is located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, at an elevation of about 100 feet. It offers fantastic views of the Big Sur coastline. Campsites are spacious, open and grassy. Each site has a view of the ocean, where sunrises and sunsets are outstanding.
Wildlife in the area includes fox, bobcat, deer and raccoon. Mountain lions and bears are occasionally seen, although they have never entered the campground. From November to February each year, whales migrate along the coast and can frequently be viewed from the campground. Nearby Attractions The Nacimiento Road, which offers a scenic drive on a paved road to an ocean overlook and picnic area, can be accessed across the road from the campground. The road climbs to the peak, 2,500 feet above sea level. Sand Dollar Beach is located 5 miles South of Kirk Creek. Sand Dollar Beach is the largest Sandy Beach in the Big Sur Area.
Directions, from the listing
Hwy 1 is TEMPORARILY CLOSED from the Monterey area
From San Luis Obispo, take Highway 1 north for approximately 60 miles to the campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
5 mi straight-line · BIG SUR CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServicePonderosa Campground
7 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceMemorial Campground
9 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceEscondido Campground
10 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceArroyo Seco Group Campground
17 mi straight-line · California
Trip Card — Kirk Creek Campground
California · Los Padres National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | California · Los Padres National Forest |
| Fees | 6 PEOPLE 1 VEHICLE |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 56 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 32 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233116 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.