Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Camping

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has two walk-in, environmental campsites considered among the most beautiful campsites in California. As a result, they are always in high demand. The sites are located a short distance from Highway 1 on the point above McWay Cove, McWay Falls, and Saddle Rock. Site #1, Saddle Rock Campsite, is located closest to the ocean and has wonderful views. Site #2, South Gardens, is situated slightly back amidst mustard flowers which attract lots of hummingbirds.

ReserveCalifornia Reservations Tips

California State Parks' reservation system - ReserveCalifornia - allows campers "to make reservations 6 months to the day in advance of their arrival date." For example, on January 1 reservations can be made for stays beginning on July 1. In the past, reservations were released in one-month blocks. Now it is day by day. For months with fewer days than the month 6 months away, reservations for the remaining days will be released in a small cluster on the first of the next month. For example, on March 1 (because February is a short month) you can make reservations for stays beginning August 29-31. Reservations open at 8:00 AM PST. For highly competitive campsites, log on 10 minutes before 8:00.

Campground Information

• Park at main parking lot and carry gear ½ mile, or park along highway and carry gear 300 years down a very steep trail.
• Portable toilets close to the sites
• No piped water available at the campsites
• Picnic tables, fire pits, metal storage boxes, trash bins
• Tents only, each campsite for up to 8 people
• Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia:
  Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground Reservations
  or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
• Fee: $30
• Dogs are not allowed on trails or at campsites

National Forest Campgrounds

Kirk Creek Campground

Kirk Creek campsites are on a high bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Most of the campsites are well spread out and have grass. 33 campsites are available for RVs or tents, and each comes with a picnic table and fire pit and grill. Due to water quality problems, Kirk Creek Campground no longer has water. Their restrooms have been changed to portable toilets.

About half of the campsites may be reserved through Kirk Creek Campground Reservations. The other campsites are on a first come, first served basis and may not be reserved. Ignore the information on their website that the campground is within walking distance of Sand Dollar Beach. Sand Dollar is 5 miles to the south.

Fees: $35 per night, bicycle or walk-in camping $5

Plaskett Creek Campground

Plaskett campground is practically right across the highway from Sand Dollar Beach. The campground is a family-oriented site with a variety of activities nearby.

The campground has 38 single family campsites along with 3 group sites, all for either tent or RV. The group sites can accommodate up to 40 people. The individual campsites each have a table and campfire ring with grill. Restrooms have flush toilets and drinking water is available around the campground.

Fees: $35 for single site, $150 for group site
Reservations: Recreation.gov - Plaskett Creek Campground

Andrew Molera State Park Camping

Andrew Molera State Park is about 15 miles north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Molera State Park has 24 walk-in campsites at their Trail Camp in a meadow about a third of a mile from the parking area. Campers must carry their gear to the campsites. The sites are on a first come, first served basis. (831) 667-2315

Campground Information

• A maximum of 4 people is allowed per site, 2 tents, one vehicle
• Camping allowed up to 7 consecutive nights
• Fee: $25 (includes admission to the park)
• Sites equipped with picnic table, fire pit with grill, and food storage locker
• Two restrooms with flush toilets and sinks; no showers
• Piped water available in several locations around the campground
• Firewood and trail maps sold by park manager between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM
• Quiet time: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
• Checkout time: 12 Noon
• Dogs are not allowed at the Trail Camp