Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
The Park is currently OPEN.
Please check the hours of operation.
Big Sur State Parks Open for Summer Update (August 7, 2024)
Access to Big Sur State Parks and surrounding businesses via Hwy 1 was restored on Friday, May 17, 2024. A new traffic signal was installed to monitor one-lane, alternating North and South traffic, and delays in travel time are to be expected. State Parks is proud to have been a significant contributing agency to the emergency response effort following the Hwy 1 road slip out. During the closure we provided equipment staging facilities, emergency response, medical evacuation areas, and facilities for the community members and visitors that were temporarily stranded in Big Sur. We have shifted our operations from emergency support back to our regular State Parks Day use programs and campground activities. Rocky Creek Slip Out area may be closed overnight due to ongoing work- please check current CalTrans information. Intermittent or full closures may be in effect. Overnight work will be scheduled five nights a week, Sunday through Thursday night, on a consistent schedule from 10 pm to 6 am. No overnight work will take place on Friday or Saturday nights.
State Parks opened to camping on Thursday, May 23, 2024, along with other accommodations that provide overnight alternatives to camping, including the Big Sur Lodge, located inside the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
NOTE: Highway 1 is still closed to the south 5 miles south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns. Please see the Highway 1 closure info and maps on our websites.
Highway 1 remains closed between Dolan Point and Limekiln Creek. While motorists on Highway 1 can now drive to the Limekiln State Park entrance gate from the Cambria/San Simeon area, the park remains closed.
The anticipated full opening of Highway 1 at Regent's Slide is not until Fall of 2024.
Camping reservations can be made at www.reservecalifornia.com up to 6 months in advance.
Always check area weather forecasts and road updates before visiting. NOAA Weather- Big Sur
For more information about USFS properties and current closures, please visit USFS - Los Padres National Forest - Big Sur
For current highway closures and conditions please visit CalTrans - Road Conditions Map
Follow us on social media @BigSurStateParks for photos and information.
Access to Big Sur State Parks and surrounding businesses via Hwy 1 was restored on Friday, May 17, 2024. A new traffic signal was installed to monitor one-lane, alternating North and South traffic, and delays in travel time are to be expected. State Parks is proud to have been a significant contributing agency to the emergency response effort following the Hwy 1 road slip out. During the closure we provided equipment staging facilities, emergency response, medical evacuation areas, and facilities for the community members and visitors that were temporarily stranded in Big Sur. We have shifted our operations from emergency support back to our regular State Parks Day use programs and campground activities. Rocky Creek Slip Out area may be closed overnight due to ongoing work- please check current CalTrans information. Intermittent or full closures may be in effect. Overnight work will be scheduled five nights a week, Sunday through Thursday night, on a consistent schedule from 10 pm to 6 am. No overnight work will take place on Friday or Saturday nights.
State Parks opened to camping on Thursday, May 23, 2024, along with other accommodations that provide overnight alternatives to camping, including the Big Sur Lodge, located inside the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
NOTE: Highway 1 is still closed to the south 5 miles south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns. Please see the Highway 1 closure info and maps on our websites.
Highway 1 remains closed between Dolan Point and Limekiln Creek. While motorists on Highway 1 can now drive to the Limekiln State Park entrance gate from the Cambria/San Simeon area, the park remains closed.
The anticipated full opening of Highway 1 at Regent's Slide is not until Fall of 2024.
Camping reservations can be made at www.reservecalifornia.com up to 6 months in advance.
Always check area weather forecasts and road updates before visiting. NOAA Weather- Big Sur
For more information about USFS properties and current closures, please visit USFS - Los Padres National Forest - Big Sur
For current highway closures and conditions please visit CalTrans - Road Conditions Map
Follow us on social media @BigSurStateParks for photos and information.
Park Facilities
Trailer: 27 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 32 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 32 Feet
En route Campsites
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
Lodging
RV Dump Station
RV Access
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
Lodging
RV Dump Station
RV Access
Food Service
Camp Store
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Camp Store
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
HIGHWAY 1 CLOSURES
Northbound / Southbound 1 Full Closure
From Turnout South of Vicente Creek to Turnout South of Lime Creek
Due to Emergency Work
No estimated time for reopening of closure.
Information courtesy of 
Last updated: 07/18/2024 5:15pm
ONGOING OVERNIGHT HIGHWAY 1 CLOSURES
EXPECT OVERNIGHT DELAYS OR FULL CLOSURES SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY FROM 10 PM to 6 AM. NO OVERNIGHT WORK WILL TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAYS OR SATURDAYS.
Date: Friday, September 6, 2024
District:05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact:Kevin Drabinski or Genelle Padilla
Phone:(805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UPDATE #8
INTERMITTENT DAYTIME DELAYS CONTINUE ON HIGHWAY 1 AT ROCKY CREEK
FOR WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 8
MONTEREY COUNTY – Caltrans will continue with emergency repairs to Highway 1 near the Rocky Creek Bridge, 12 miles south of Carmel. Caltrans previously stabilized and reinforced Highway 1 at this location after a March 30 slipout resulted in a loss of a section of the southbound lane.
Upcoming Repair Schedule Update
For the week of Sunday September 8, daytime traffic control, customarily directed by a temporary signal, will be replaced with flagging crews from Monday September 9, thru Thursday September 12. These flagging operations are necessary to allow for the movement of trucks to deliver equipment and materials for crews as they prepare for the next phase of construction efforts. Daytime flagging will be intermittent and on an as needed basis so that construction vehicles can move in and out of the work area situated behind concrete barriers. Travelers can expect intermittent daytime delays of up to a maximum of 20 minutes.
There will be no overnight closures or delays the week of Sunday September 8, and travelers overnight will continue to enjoy access through the repair site driving on the northbound lane and directed by a temporary signal system. All Big Sur businesses and amenities remain open and accessible.
Customary Overnight Repair Schedule
Overnight work will customarily take place five nights a week, Sunday through Thursday night, and scheduled from 10 pm to 6 am. No overnight work will take place on Friday or Saturday nights.
The estimate for completion of the Rocky Creek viaduct is summer 2025 and is dependent on conditions encountered during construction. The contractor for this project is Gordon N. Ball, Inc. of Alamo, CA.
Highway 1 remains closed 40 miles south of Carmel due to the Regent’s Slide.
Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: X/Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.
Our crews deserve to get home safely too. Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.
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
Ewoldsen Nature Center Now Open Friday through Tuesday
The Ewoldsen Nature Center is now open for all visitors to enjoy on
Friday through Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Set amidst life-size murals of Big Sur's natural habitat areas, visitors are encouraged to learn about the flora and fauna of Pfeiffer State Park and beyond. Adults and children alike can experience what it's like to "Fly like a Condor" at our digital condor flight station designed with actual Big Sur condor flight patterns. Hosted by State Parks staff and volunteers, the Ewoldsen Nature Center is a place of wonder and delight for all who stop by.
We'd love to see you here!!
Park Interpretive Programs
