Pfeiffer State Park Campground, Big Sur California

THE BEST CAMPGROUND IN THE BIG SUR AREA

Beautiful Highway 1

It was finally time to venture down to the Big Sur area. As luck would have it, the weather for our trip was perfect. December in California can deliver a wide array of weather patterns. While it was still very chilly in the mornings and evenings, during the day we were treated to highs in the upper 60’s.

The drive along highway 1, down the coast of California, is always spectacular. From steep cliffs to sandy beaches, you will find it all along the way. The road takes you from sea level to a couple of hundred feet above the ocean. There are many pullouts along the way to stop and enjoy the view. The addition of Sumo Springs on the van really help on these windy roads

This is a great time of year to visit as it is not a high tourist time for the area. That, along with Highway 1 being closed due to a landslide just up the road from Big Sur, made it easy to see the sites and walk right in for lunch at the River Inn. This area has a similar feel to Pinewood Campground in Fort Bragg.

Driving Into The Campground

As we pulled into the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, we were greeted with huge dense groves of towering redwood trees. The road into the park passes the lodge which has a gift shop, coffee bar with lots of tasty treats and a nice dining area.

The road into the park follows the Big Sur River which is just beautiful. As we drove over a bridge and into the camping areas, the trees became more dense and the area more shaded. We slowed down to take in the beauty as we drove along the well paved road.

During the late fall and through winter months, many of the campsites are closed for the season. So while we did not experience the campground in full swing, we did take time to walk and ride our bikes to see the entire 189 RV and tent sites.

One Of Our Favorite Campgrounds

With the beautiful redwoods, hiking trails, river access and pure serenity, this has to be one of our favorite campgrounds. The sound of the river was audible almost anywhere we went in the campground. Take a look at the map though. If you really want the sound of rushing river water during your stay, choose a site right along the river.

During our stay we saw deer grazing in the campground in the afternoon and a bobcat casually walking across the campground road. This campground has a lot to offer compared to many California campgrounds we have visited and reviewed.

If we wanted a break from the cold morning or evening air we would slip into the lodge for a hot beverage and a game of checkers by the warm fire. We highly recommend this campground if your are thinking of visiting the Big Sur area.

Types Of Campsites

Single sites no hookups.
Hike and Bike.
One cabin. No heat or insulation.

Campsite Ratings

If you rely on solar panels, these sites are shaded and might not recharge your batteries. 14 – 18, 21 – 27, 79, 90, 93, 105, 111
These campsites are pretty small. 170, 172, 76, 34, 36, 38
Partial to full sun. 185, 184, 183, 182, 78, 77, 12
Short parking pads. 135, 136, 137
Steep parking pads hard for van leveling. 171, 145, 112,110, 102, 81, 83, 84, 87, 76
Lots of space between campsites. 138 through 142
Road noise from main campground road. 171 through 189
Somewhat secluded. 61, 60
Hillside behind you and shaded. 8 through 21
Our favorite sites. 80, 93, 95, 113, 114, 118

Open Season

Open year round, but in the late fall through winter they close many of the campsites.

Amenities

Water spigots well dispersed throughout the campground.
Hot showers. Bring dollar bills to get tokens. $1 for 5 minutes.
Fire pit.
Picnic table.
Dishwashing sink at the restroom area.
Flush toilets.
Laundry machines.
Store, but it is closed in the fall/winter season.
Many hiking trails.
River swimming.
Bike riding allowed on paved roads throughout the campground.
Lodge with coffee, pastries, gift shop and dining.

Fees

$35 standard campsites.
$50 riverside campsites.
$5 hike and bike.
$45 En route overnight parking. One night only 5pm to 9am in day use parking lots. Must be fully self contained.
$2 off for seniors 62 and over. (excluding hike and bike sites)

Reservations

Online reservations at www.reservecalifornia.com
Call toll free 1-800-444-7275

Campgrounds Nearby

Local Things To See And Do

Preiffer Beach is 1/2 mile south and then down a 2 mile road, but no access for bikes, pedestrians or RV’s of any type unfortunately. We learned that the hard way after riding our bikes out there and being sent back.
The campground offers many hiking trails for all abilities. We suggest the Valley View or Pfeiffer Falls hike.
1/2 mile north is the tiny town of Big Sur which has a few great restaurants. We had a great lunch at the Big Sur River Inn. In the summer they put chairs in the river and bring your food to you.

Cell Service

ATT – 1 bar. On the bridge near site 119, ATT gets better reception.
Verizon – 1 bar
One of the camp hosts has his WeBoost on a 15 foot pole and he gets 4 bars.
There is no WiFi anywhere inside the campground. If you need WiFi just head down to the Big Sur library. They are closed Sunday through Tuesday, but you can access their free WiFi from outside the building with no password.

This trip was our first experience using the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Quilt and Camp Awn Shelter. Be sure to check out the reviews.

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