Discover the Adventure
Big Sur Oceanview Campgrounds

Dramatic Big Sur Oceanview Campgrounds

Big Sur oceanview campgrounds are some of the most dramatic camping sites in the world.

Who can resist camping along the ocean when given the opportunity - whether it's on a beach, or high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific.

Long walks along the beach, a toasty campfire in the evenings, the soothing sounds of waves rolling ashore to lull you to sleep at night - it's heavenly!

And it certainly doesn't get any better than the views from these oceanview campgrounds! Continue down the page to discover what you need to know about camping near the ocean in Big Sur.

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Big Sur Oceanview Campgrounds:
Kirk Creek Campground

Kirk Creek Campground is situated on a bluff about 100 feet above the ocean.

It's scattered with Monterey Pines and the views are spectacular!

This campground is open all year. In fact, the best time to come is October to May.

Kirk Creek Campground is situated on a bluff about 100 feet above the ocean.

It's scattered with Monterey Pines and the views are spectacular!

This campground is open all year. In fact, the best time to come is October to May.

That's when the weather is usually mild and there are fewer people.

Reservations are still required, though. You'll find 34 campsites at this Big Sur oceanview campground (RVs are allowed, but there are no hook-ups), and each site has a fire ring, a picnic table, and a pedestal grill. There are also water spigots, flush toilets, and sinks in the restrooms.

Why camp at Kirk Creek campground?

  • Whale watching from November to February as the Gray Whales migrate south to Baja
  • Spectacular coastal views
  • A trail to the beach
  • The Vicente Flats trailhead, which leads into the Ventana Wilderness

That's when the weather is usually mild and there are fewer people.

Reservations are still required, though. You'll find 34 campsites at this Big Sur oceanview campground (RVs are allowed, but there are no hook-ups), and each site has a fire ring, a picnic table, and a pedestal grill. There are also water spigots, flush toilets, and sinks in the restrooms.

Why camp at Kirk Creek campground?

  • Whale watching from November to February as the Gray Whales migrate south to Baja
  • Spectacular coastal views
  • A trail to the beach
  • The Vicente Flats trailhead, which leads into the Ventana Wilderness


Big Sur Oceanview Campgrounds:
Julie Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campgrounds

Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP only has two campsites - both are environmental campsites, and both are tent camping only.

They're about one mile from the parking lot so it's a hike in, but once you arrive you'll find yourself atop a forested bluff overlooking McWay Falls - the only U.S. waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (when the tide is high) - beyond that: the Pacific Ocean!

These are very popular sites and must be reserved in advance.

The draw:

  • No crowds
  • Incredible views
  • Partington Cove and McWay Falls
  • Pfeiffer Beach is nearby
  • If you're an experienced diver, see about getting a permit to dive the Julia Pfeiffer Burns Underwater Area


Big Sur Oceanview Campgrounds:
Limekiln State Park

Oceanview campgrounds at Limekiln State Park - one of the more interesting sites along the Big Sur coastline because of the cultural history of its limekilns.

In 1887 the Rockland Lime and Lumber Company was extracting lime from the area, processing it in four large lime kilns, and loading it on ships for transport, to be used in the making of concrete. The ruins of the kilns are still around.

You'll find breathtaking views at Limekiln of both the Redwood forests, and the rugged Northern California coastline. It's normally open all year and reservations are recommended, although there are five campsites available for first-come, first served.

There are 33 developed campsites, 28 of which are can be reserved, set into the Redwood forest. Facilities include restrooms and showers. Vehicle size is limited to 24 feet (thus RV access is limited).

What's the draw at this Big Sur oceanview campground?

  • Fewer people
  • Beautiful setting amongst the Redwoods, and extraordinary views of the California coastline
  • The history of the limekiln industry - you can still see what's left of the kilns along the West Fork of Limekiln Creek
  • Pay witness to Coastal Redwoods (fog-loving trees) living nearly side-by-side with yucca (drought-tolerant succulents)


Big Sur Oceanview Campgrounds:
Treebones Resort

Treebones Resort is the truly unique Big Sur oceanview campgrounds experience!

Positioned on a bluff overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean, there's not a bad view in the place.

In addition to the views and the yurts, there are campsites, a restaurant, and something new - a "human nest" created by Jayson Fann.

Treebones is open all year and reservations are necessary.

You'll find 16 beautiful yurts with fabric walls and roof wrapped around a wood lattice frame, all furnished and cozy; 5 campsites; a heated swimming pool and spa, a store, and a central Guest Services building for showers and laundry.

Why stay at Treebones?

  • Bragging rights: "Oh, didn't I mention? We stayed in a yurt." (Spoken in a very casual tone, of course.)
  • Spectacular views of the Pacific, especially sitting on the deck of your yurt with a cocktail in hand - they call them "Sundowners" in Africa - while, appropriately, the sun drops into the sea
  • The warm & friendly ambiance created by the owners and staff


Looking for a camping experience other than Big Sur oceanview campgrounds? Look no further...


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