Kirk Creek Campground
4.43102 reviewsKirk Creek Campground
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$45.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard sites cost $45 daily during peak season, with an additional $2 weekend or holiday fee. Fees do not include potential discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Perched dramatically on a windswept bluff above the Pacific, Kirk Creek Campground offers one of California's most spectacular camping experiences. Here, where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the sea, campers wake to panoramic ocean vistas and fall asleep to the rhythmic crash of waves below. The campground welcomes both tent campers and RV travelers, with each site positioned to capture the mesmerizing coastal views. Just minutes away, the pristine Sand Dollar Beach beckons with its crescent of white sand, while the Vicente Flats Trailhead promises adventures into the rugged Big Sur backcountry.
The campground accommodates tent and RV camping but lacks utility hookups. Primitive camping is possible given the minimal facilities.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsKirk Creek's coastal climate offers a refreshing escape from inland heat, with temperatures remaining cool to moderate year-round. Morning fog often blankets the bluff, creating an ethereal atmosphere before burning off to reveal crystal-clear ocean views. Winter transforms the horizon into a whale-watching paradise as gray whales migrate past the coastline, their spouts visible from your campsite. Spring and fall deliver the most comfortable camping conditions, with mild temperatures and minimal fog, perfect for stargazing and sunset watching.
ElevationAt just 100 feet above the churning Pacific, Kirk Creek places you intimately close to the ocean's power. This modest elevation grants sweeping views of the coastline while keeping you connected to the marine environment below. The exposed bluff location means coastal winds are your constant companion, bringing the fresh scent of salt air and the invigorating feel of ocean breezes that shape this dramatic landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryKirk Creek's open, grassy expanse creates an amphitheater of natural beauty where every campsite becomes a front-row seat to the Pacific's endless performance. The minimal tree cover ensures unobstructed ocean views, while the surrounding landscape teems with wildlife. Gray foxes might trot past at dusk, while black-tailed deer graze peacefully in the morning light. More elusive residents include bobcats, raccoons, and the occasional mountain lion or black bear passing through. During winter months, the campground transforms into a premier whale-watching destination as migrating gray whales parade past, their ancient journey visible from your tent door.
Geological RegionKirk Creek occupies a privileged position on the legendary Big Sur coast, where the Los Padres National Forest meets the Pacific in a dramatic collision of land and sea. This coastal bluff represents millions of years of geological drama, where tectonic forces have thrust the Santa Lucia Mountains skyward while Pacific waves carve and sculpt the shoreline below. The result is one of the world's most spectacular meeting places of mountain and ocean, a landscape that embodies the raw beauty and power of the California coast.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible pit toilets, accessible grills, and scenic overlooks are available.
Sites SizeSites are spacious, open, and grassy, offering ocean views. Some sites are large enough for multiple tents.
Sites PrivacySites are slightly tiered, ensuring ocean views and reasonable privacy. However, proximity to neighboring sites varies, with some being more private than others.
Total Campsites33 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 8 is noted for its spaciousness, privacy, and proximity to a trail leading to a waterfall and beach. Site 24 offers tiered views and quiet ambiance.
Best CampsitesSites 8, 18, 21, and 24 are frequently praised for their views and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Reservations are limited to a maximum of 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 6 people per site, with $10 extra per person for up to 8 total.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are grassy, open, and tiered with varying levels of shade and privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round with peak season from January 1 through December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, app, or contact center.
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed with a $10 fee, and the first night's recreation fee is forfeited for late cancellations. No-shows incur an additional $20 fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Kirk Creek Campground offers numerous recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and access to nearby beaches. The campground features a short walk to a rocky beach and is close to Sand Dollar Beach, which is popular for surfing, fishing, swimming, and sunbathing. Trails nearby lead to waterfalls, redwood groves, and mountain meadows, offering a mix of scenic views and physical challenges.
Hiking
A variety of trails are accessible from the campground, including the Vicente Flats Trailhead directly across the highway. Trails provide views of waterfalls, redwoods, and mountain meadows.Fishing
Fishing is permitted, with a required permit for individuals over the age of 16. Anglers can catch yellow perch and other coastal surf fish.Swimming
Swimming is available at Sand Dollar Beach, located 5 miles south of the campground.Biking
Mountain biking trails are accessible within a short drive, featuring scenic views and varied terrain.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes foxes, bobcats, deer, raccoons, and occasionally mountain lions and bears. Seasonal whale migrations from November to February provide excellent viewing opportunities.Beach activities
Beach activities are popular at Sand Dollar Beach, including surfing, sunbathing, and exploring rocky shores.Winter Activities
Winter activities are indirectly referenced, with whale migrations being highlighted as a seasonal feature.Water Sports
Water sports like surfing are prominent at Sand Dollar Beach, though kayaking or paddleboarding are not explicitly mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted at designated fire rings. Local wood is required to prevent invasive pests.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsRaccoon infestations, poison oak, lack of potable water, and uneven campsite terrain are frequent concerns.
Active alertsHwy 1 is temporarily closed north of Monterey with seasonal rockslide risks.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 94%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31 annually
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are standard but not raccoon-proof, leading to frequent issues with wildlife accessing garbage.
Proximity to water featuresShort walk to a rocky beach and 5 miles from Sand Dollar Beach.
Common complaintsRaccoon infestations, unlevel campsites, lack of running water, and poorly maintained vault toilets are recurring issues.
HostCamp hosts are often described as helpful, polite, and attentive.
Campground Map
Driving directionsHwy 1 is TEMPORARILY CLOSED from the Monterey area. From San Luis Obispo, take Highway 1 north for approximately 60 miles to the campground.
Highway 1 access is temporarily closed north of Monterey. Roads leading to the campground are paved but may experience closures due to weather or rockslides.Nearby places
San Luis Obispo (approximately 60 miles), Big Sur (distance not specified)
Nearby supplies
Closest store with food, water, ice, and gas is in Gorda, which also offers hot showers for $15. Distance not specified.
Camper Reviews
4.4
102 reviews
Kirk Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Kirk Creek Campground is highly praised for its stunning ocean views, spacious sites, and proximity to trails and beaches. However, it faces criticism for its lack of basic amenities like potable water, running water, and raccoon-proof trash bins. Seasonal whale watching is a major highlight.
Review Summaries
Based on 102 reviews
What Campers Love
Beautiful ocean views, spacious campsites, proximity to hiking trails and beaches, attentive and helpful camp hosts, clean vault toilets.
Based on 102 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent raccoon activity, lack of potable water, no running water, high prices for firewood, uneven site surfaces, and occasional poor management.
Based on 102 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water and firewood. Secure all food items and trash to prevent raccoon problems. Leveling blocks are recommended for uneven sites. Visit during whale migration season for a chance to...
Based on 102 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter reviews highlight whale watching as a standout seasonal activity. Fog and moisture are common in summer, with some complaints about dusty conditions. Wildlife challenges, particularly...
Based on 102 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Possibly the best campsite in all of California." – Ry Bacorn
"Campground is amazing. Site #8 has perfect views, privacy, tons of space." – Kelsie C
"Raccoons tried to snatch things right from...
Based on 102 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites #8, #9, and #10 are recommended for their views and space. Site #1 is noted for its proximity to the highway. Site #12 is praised for its spaciousness and sunsets.
Based on 102 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible features such as scenic overlooks and pit toilets are appreciated. However, the lack of additional amenities may limit accessibility for some visitors.
Based on 102 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are permitted, but raccoons pose challenges for pet owners. Poison oak in some areas may also be a concern for pets.
Based on 102 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025