8 a.m. to Sunset
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
UPDATE (June 30, 2020) - As California State Parks begins working with locals on a phased and regionally-driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved, it is important for visitors to continue to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with people outside their immediate household. Everyone has the responsibility to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Here are some guidelines for people visiting Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park:
What is open now?
The following is open at the park:
What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
Statewide:
Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, please see below:
Thank you for your patience and continued support of California State Parks as we work to limit your risk for exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors. For more information, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
Here are some guidelines for people visiting Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park:
What is open now?
The following is open at the park:
- Limited parking is available to the public.
- Campground will open June 22. For more information about camping, visit www.parks.ca.gov/COVID19Camping. To make a reservation, visit www.ReserveCalifornia.com or call 800-444-7275. Reservations are necessary and must be made 48 hours in advance of arrival date.
What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
Statewide:
- Many campgrounds across the state remain closed until further notice. Some campgrounds have started to reopen with modifications. For more information, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/COVID19Camping.
- Many high public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
- Special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.
Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, please see below:
- Stay Local: Stay close to home. Walk or bike into the park. Parking is very limited. Do not take road trips to parks and beaches or to neighboring states.
- Stay Active: Keep walking, jogging, hiking and biking. Watch for one-way trails.
- Stay Safer at 6 Feet: Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more. Gatherings, picnics and parties are not allowed. Visitors will be asked to leave if there are too many people at the park, beach or on trails to allow for the required physical distance.
- Stay Clean: Be prepared. Bring soap/sanitizer and pack out all trash.
- Stay Covered: The state now requires you to wear a face covering in most indoor settings and public outdoor spaces when you cannot maintain physical distancing of six feet or more from people outside of your immediate household. For details, please visit CDPH’s guidance here. Visitors should also abide by their local county health orders.
Thank you for your patience and continued support of California State Parks as we work to limit your risk for exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors. For more information, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
Phone Number
(831) 667-1112
Max. Trailer Lengths
Trailer: 27 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 32 Feet
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs allowed on the Warden's Path and River Path, and in day-use lots and campground. Dogs not allowed on all other trails.
Driving Directions to Pfeiffer Big Sur SP
The park is located 26 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1.Camping and Lodging
Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
En route Campsites
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
Lodging
RV Dump Station
RV Access
En route Campsites
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
Lodging
RV Dump Station
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Family Programs
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Family Programs
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Food Service
Camp Store
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Food Service
Camp Store
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
About Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
THERE IS NO BEACH OR OCEAN ACCESS IN THIS PARK
The turn-off for popular Pfeiffer Beach is located on Highway 1, approximately one mile south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park's entrance. Heading south from the State Park entrance, it is the second right turn. Pfeiffer Beach is not a California State Park and charges a separate entrance fee.On the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the peaks of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park tower high above the Big Sur River Gorge, where the Big Sur River enters this popular park. Walk along the banks of the river and among the redwoods, conifers, oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, maples, alders and willows. A large campground accommodates hikers, bikers, car campers and RVers. Many campsites are located along the Big Sur River. Wildlife includes bobcats, black-tail deer, gray squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and birds, such as dippers and belted kingfishers. Hikers can enjoy many scenic trails, including a self-guided nature trail. Big Sur Lodge is located in the park .The lodge has 61 guest rooms, a conference center, cafe, and a grocery store.
Weather
CHECK CURRENT WEATHER
The weather can be changeable. Layered clothing is advised. In winter, overnight temperatures can range in the 30s-50s (Fahrenheit). Winter daytime temperatures can be low 50s-mid 70s. In summer, overnight temperatures can range in the 50s-70s, with daytime temperatures typically in the 70s-80s. Summer mornings bring fog, which usually burns off by midday.
Location
Near mile marker 47.2 on Highway 1, the park is located 26 miles south of Carmel.
GOOGLE MAP
BIG SUR AREA STATE PARKS CAMPGROUND CLOSURES
ANDREW MOLERA State Park
Trail Camp is CLOSED until further notice due to damaged infrastructure. Please visit Andrew Molera State Park
PFEIFFER BIG SUR State Park
Pfeiffer's campground is open for camping. Please visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS State Park
JP Burns' campground is CLOSED until further notice due to COVID-19. Please visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
LIMEKILN State Park
Limekiln's campground is open for camping. Please visit Limekiln State Park
BIG SUR AREA STATE PARKS TRAIL CLOSURES
ANDREW MOLERA State Park: OPEN TRAILS: Creamery Meadow, Ridge, Bluffs, Panorama, Spring, Bobcat, Coyote Flats, Headlands and East Molera. NOTE: The seasonal footbridge crossing the Big Sur River has been installed. Hikers wishing to access the beach, Creamery Meadow, Ridge, Bluffs, Panorama and Spring trails do not have to ford the Big Sur River to do so. The footbridge will be removed in October.
PFEIFFER BIG SUR State Park: CLOSED TRAILS: Oak Grove, Pfeiffer Falls and Pine Ridge. OPEN TRAILS: Buzzard's Roost, Valley View, Liewald Flats, Mt. Manuel, River Path, Warden's Path and the Big Sur River Gorge. 
More trail information at Pfeiffer Big Sur
JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS State Park: CLOSED TRAILS: McWay Falls Overlook and Ewoldsen. OPEN TRAILS: Tanbark, Tinhouse and Partington Cove.
BIG SUR STATION IS OPEN
Photographs courtesy of Sharon Pieniak