Andrew Molera State Park: CAMPING

UPDATE (March 27, 2025) - 
Andrew Molera Trail Camp closed for the winter season on October 22, 2024.  Camping is still available at several Big Sur area state parks including Pfeiffer Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer Burns. Andrew Molera Trail Camp is scheduled to re-open May 1, 2025.  Reservations are strongly encouraged for all campsites.  There are no first-come, first-served campsites. Reservations can be made at ReserveCalifornia.com.

CAMPING RULES

  • One (1) vehicle included in camping fee
  • Maximum four (4) people per campsite
  • Fires must be in provided fire rings 
  • No wood gathering
  • Do not feed wildlife
  • Store food and trash properly
  • Plants are protected
    • Do not tie hammocks, slacklines, clotheslines, etc. to plants
  • Dogs prohibited
  • Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Check-in time: 2 p.m.
  • Check-out time: 12 noon

 Andrew Molera Trail Camp Map

Andrew Molera Trail Camp is a hike-in campground.  Campers park in the day use parking lot and hike about 1/4 mile to the campground.   Trail Camp contains 22 standard tent sites and two (2) hike-and-bike campsites.  The campground is situated in a meadow near the Big Sur River.   Each site has a fire pit, picnic table and food storage container.  Trail Camp offers potable water and restrooms with flush toilets. There are no showers.

Standard campsites are available for reservation.  Reservations fill up six months in advance.  Andrew Molera Trail Camp is scheduled for seasonal closure on October 22, 2024.  Online reservations are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at https://www.reservecalifornia.com/CaliforniaWebHome/. You may also call toll free 1-800-444-7275. 

Campsites cannot be reserved online or by phone less than 48-hours prior to arrival.  During peak season, this park has a maximum stay limit of seven consecutive nights. Once the stay limit has been reached, all persons, equipment, and/or vehicles must vacate the park for at least 48 hours before returning for another stay. Maximum length of stay per calendar year is 30 days.

CAMPING FEES
Standard campsite: $30/night
Extra vehicle: $10/night (Parking not guaranteed for second vehicle.  See Vehicles below for additional information.)
Hike and Bike campsite: $5/night (Hike and bike sites are for the exclusive use of visitors traveling on foot or by bike. Limit is two consecutive nights.)
 
DISCOUNTS
Senior Citizen Discount: Age 62 or older, $2.00 off standard campsite fee.  No discount for hike-and-bike campsite.
Disabled Discount Pass Holders: 50% off standard campsite fee
Distinguished Veterans Pass Holders: No charge

State Parks Pass holders must present pass at kiosk upon entry to park.

VEHICLES
Campers must park their vehicles in the day use lot and walk 1/4 mile to Trail Camp.  The standard campsite fee includes parking for one (1) vehicle which may park in the designated area of the parking lot. Recreational vehicles, towed vehicles and trailers are not permitted at Andrew Molera State Park due to limited space in the parking lot.  Parking for a second passenger vehicle is not guaranteed.   When space is available in the parking lot, a second vehicle may be registered, and an extra vehicle fee will apply (see CAMPING FEES above). 
 
CAMPER REGISTRATION
Check-in time is 2 p.m.  All incoming campers must check in at the entrance station upon arrival.  Campers will be issued a registration tag for their vehicle and a registration tag for display on the post at their campsite.  The vehicle tag must be placed in the windshield of the vehicle prior to hiking to Trail Camp.  Vehicle tags are valid for day use entry into other State Parks.   Maximum occupancy of each campsite is four peope (including children).  Check-out time is 12 noon.
 
LATE ARRIVALS
Campers with a reservation who arrive after the entrance station has closed should follow the self-registration instructions at the entrance station and proceed to their campsite. A notice will be posted at the entrance station with names and campsite numbers. Campground maps are available at the trailhead. Please check in with the entrance station staff by 10 a.m. the following morning to complete your registration.
 
STORE FOOD inside the provided storage container at each site to protect yourself and park wildlife.  Food is not secure in tents, plastic storage boxes, or ice chests. Dispose of trash and food waste promptly in the animal-proof dumpsters to keep wildlife from consuming or spreading them around. Please recycle your plastic, glass, and aluminum.
 

FIRES are allowed only in the provided steel fire rings at each campsite. Wood must be small enough to fit inside the ring and flames must be completely contained within it.

NO WOOD GATHERING is permitted in the park.  Do not cut or collect branches, leaves, twigs, etc.  This material decalys and assists the growth of other vegetation as well as providing food and habitat for a variety of wildlife.  All plants in the State Park system (including downed wood and leaves) are protected by law.

FIREWOOD may be purchased at the entrance station.

HAMMOCKS, CLOTHESLINES, SLACKLINES, etc. may not be attached to trees and plants. Do not tie, affix, strap or otherwise attach anything to trees and plants in Trail Camp.   

DOGS are prohibited 

QUIET HOURS: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.  During this time, amplified music, speakers, radios, etc. are prohibited and campers should not be audible beyond their campsite.  Please note, it is unlawful to disturb other visitors by loud and/or unreasonable noise at any time of day. 

FIREARMS, WEAPONS or HUNTING are prohibited. Possession of loaded firearms and air rifles is prohibited. A 'weapon' includes anything that shoots a projectile, including, but not limited to arrows, pellets, BBs and paint balls.

PLANTS, ARTIFACTS and ANIMALS are protected by law and should not be touched, fed or harassed. 

 

See Alternate camping on the coast, Santa Cruz to Big Sur for more camping options.  Please be advised that this document is for reference only and does not include up-to-date information on campground closures or availability.  Please contact campgrounds directly for additional information or reservations before traveling to Big Sur.