LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST: Encompassing
nearly two million acres, stretching across almost 220 miles from the
Big Sur Coast in Monterey County, to the western edge of the Los Angeles
County, there are an array of camps and campgrounds to choose from.
Kirk Creek Campgrounds:
Location: Big Sur Coast
Description: Open bluff, 100 feet above sea level
Campsites available: 33 units
Activities: Hiking, fishing, full beach access
Fees: $18 per night, per site- 6 to 8 people per site. Bicycle or walk-in/tent
camping $5
Season: Open year round
Specifications: First come, first serve, flush toilets, trailhead parking,
water, table fire rings and grills, RV’s no longer than 30 feet.
Mill Creek Day Camp:
Location: Big Sur Coast
Description: Scenic views, picnic area is on raised ground with full
beach access
Campsites: Day use only. 4 sites available
Activities: Fishing, hiking, scenic views
Fees: No fee
Season: Open year round
Specifications: Open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., vault toilets, picnic
tables and barbecue grills
Plaskett Creek Campgrounds:
Location: Big Sur Coast
Description: Campsites in wooded Monterey Pines
Campsites available: 45 units, overnight
Activities: Hiking, fishing, scenic views, full beach access
Fees: $18 per family campsite, per night. Group sites available; $60,
bicycle or walk-in camping $5
Season: Open year round
Specifications: Check-in, daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations
recommended, call: 1-877-444-6777 or www.ReserveUSA.com
Flush toilets, water, picnic tables, fire rings, grills and garbage
bins
(Note: There is a large amount of poison oak on the hiking trails)
Sand Dollar Day Camp:
Location: Big Sur Coast
Description: Incredibly scenic beach with a large spread of sand.
Campsites available: 14 sites for day use only. No overnight camping
Activities: Hiking, fishing, swimming, surfing, scenic views, photography
Fees: $5 per day, annual passes, $15, bus tour pass, $30 per day, per
bus for all sites
Season: Open year round
Specifications: Daily check in from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., first come, first
serve, only 8 picnic tables and 5 barbecues. No lifeguard on duty.
Willow Creek Day Camp:
Location: Big Sur Creek
Description: Directly off Highway 1, incredible scenic views, rocky
shores, crashing waves
Available sites: 2-Day use only
Activities: Hiking trails, picnicking, camping, RV’s no longer
than 20 ft
Fees: No fee
Season: Open year round
Specifications: Camp open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, first
come first serve, vault toilets
OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
An easy 45 minute to an hour drive
into Carmel by the Sea
Zmudowski State Beach
Post Ranch Inn Day Spa/Resort
Ventana Inn, Spa and Campgrounds
Nepenthe Restaurant
Andrew Molera State Park
Bixby Bridge
by: Carla Iacovetti
©2006Carla Iacovetti
