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In the spectacular Big Sur area, this park is still relatively undeveloped and offers visitors great hiking, fishing and beachcombing.

Miles of trails wind through meadows, beaches and hilltops. A primitive walk-in trail camp, popular with hikers and bikers, is located approximately one third mile from the parking area.

Andrew Molera SP Trail Camp
There are 24 identified sites. Camping is allowed only at these sites with a maximum of four people per site. Registration will continue to be on a first-come, first-served basis.

The establishment of 24 sites with a limit of four people per site will allow for maximum availability of individual campsites, yet continue to meet the required carrying capacity. Due to these changes, however, group camping at Trail Camp is no longer feasible. Please contact the park for additional information.

Arroyo Seco Campground is located in the Carmel Valley just outside of Greenfield, at an elevation of 900 feet. The campground has both modern and primitive sites which are nestled into a hillside providing lots of shade under large oak trees. This campground is open year round.

MODERN CAMPING:
Modern sites allow only one vehicle per single site or two vehicles per double site. Extra vehicles are $5.00 per vehicle and will be paid upon arrival. There are water hydrants throughout the campground and close to all sites. All sites are large enough to accommodate any size RV, however, please be aware that there are no electrical, water, or sewer hook-ups available and there is no dump station on site. All sites have a picnic table, fire ring, and a pedestal barbecue grill. The modern camping area offers paved sites, coin operated showers and flushable toilets, which are handicap accessible.

PRIMITIVE CAMPING:
Primitive sites allow only one vehicle per single site or two vehicles per double site. Extra vehicles are $5.00 per vehicle and will be paid upon arrival. There are water hydrants throughout the campground and close to all sites. All sites have a picnic table, fire ring, and pedestal barbecue grill. The primitive camping area offers pit toilets.

GROUP CAMPING:
There is only one available group site and can accommodate no more than 50 people maximum. A total of 10 vehicles are included with the group rate; additional vehicles will cost $5.00 per vehicle. The group camping area offers pit toilets, a water hydrant, 4 picnic tables, 2 food preparation tables, 1 large fire ring, and 2 large built in grills. Tents only in group site.

DAY USE:
The day use facility offers water hydrants, flushable toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and 3 large covered patios. Summer hours are from 9am until 6pm. Winter hours are from 9am until 4pm.

SERVICES & FACILITIES:
Flush toilets and water hydrants are available. Firewood is also available for sale (ask your camp host). A grocery store is located within 4 miles from the campground.

THINGS TO DO:
The Ventana wilderness, which we also call the "Gorge", is available for hiking, backpacking, bicycling, hunting, fishing, swimming and horse back riding. Take a 4-5 mile hike upstream to a beautiful waterfall; you’ll not only have to walk the trail but also swim across the river.

DIRECTIONS:
Coming from the South on Highway 101 to Greenfield, take the Arroyo Seco exit into town. Make a left turn on Elm St. Go west to Arroyo Seco Road and turn left; campground is at the end of Arroyo Seco Road.
Coming from the North on Highway 101 just pass Soledad. Go west to Arroyo Seco Road and turn left; campground is at the end of Arroyo Seco Road.

 Located among majestic Coastal Redwood trees along the pristine Big Sur River, Big Sur Campground and Cabins offers camping and lodging with the emphasis on Family. Enjoy tent and RV camping on the forest floor as you watch the kids inner tube by in the cool water. Or pamper your family in one of several styles of cabins, from rustic tent cabins to fully equipped cabins with kitchens and fireplaces.

Big Sur Campground and Cabins offers a variety of great activities for the entire family. Enjoy an afternoon of swimming in the river, or take advantage of our inner tube rentals. Gaze in awe at the towering redwoods. Or enjoy the relaxation of sitting around the campfire, telling stories.

We offer basketball and volleyball, along with a great playground for the kids. And don't forget to line up for our happy-hour soft serve ice cream special during the summer camping season. You'll also find beach access and miles of spectacular hiking trails just a few minutes drive along the highway.  

Bottchers Gap Campground is located 8 miles inland at the end of Palo Colorado Road.

Palo Colorado Road winds its way up a narrow canyon through a Redwood grove, taking you to the campground at 2,100'. The campground is situated in a ridge saddle among Oak and Madrone trees. Bottchers Gap provides an excellent view of the Ventana Double Cones in the Santa Lucia Mountains within the Ventana Wilderness. The Skinner Ridge trailhead is located at the campground.

The campground has 12 units, each with a picnic table, fire ring and pedestal grill. Several of the sites are walk-in sites.

Fee: $12.00 per night
6-8 persons per site.

Bottled water is available from the campground manager.

Parks Management Company

Location: Carmel Valley - Tassajara Road Area
Description: Very shady sites. Located at Chews Ridge.
Number of Sites: 6 units
Directions: From Highway 101 north, exit at Arroyo Seco road near the city of Greenfield and proceed 16.2 miles to the junction of Carmel Valley Road and Arroyo Seco Road and bear right. Take Carmel Valley Road 17.2 miles to the junction with Tassajara Road and turn left and go 11 miles to China Camp.
From Highway 101 south, south exit at Arroyo Seco road and make an IMMEDIATE LEFT at Elm Ave. (If you get to the "Entering Greenfield" sign you have passed the left turn.) Follow Elm Street for 6 miles and turn left at the "T" onto Arroyo Seco Road. Proceed 6.5 miles along Arroyo Seco Road to the junction with Carmel Valley Road and bear right. Take Carmel Valley Road 17.2 miles to the junction with Tassajara Road and turn left and go 11 miles to China Camp.
Activities: Hiking, and picnicking, camping, trailhead to the Ventana Wilderness, RV's no longer than 20'.
Facilities: Vault toilets, trailhead parking, fire rings and picnic tables.
Campfire Use Site 14 day maximum stay.
Fees: No Fee
Reservations: First come, first served.
Seasonal Use: All year
Helpful Hints: Limited firewood available; use only firewood that is "dead and down." Bring water.

Location: Near Fort Hunter Liggett
Description: Camp is located among oak trees and grassland meadow. The Arroyo Seco River is nearby.
Number of Sites: 9 units
Directions: Take Highway 101 to Jolon Road, turn onto Mission Road, to Del Venture Road. Travel 12 miles to the campground. Last 3 miles is unsurfaced.
Activities: Hiking, fishing, camping, hunting (check with California Department of Fish and Game for hunting season in the area), trailhead for Ventana Wilderness.
Facilities: Vault toilets, trailhead parking, picnic tables, fire rings.
Special Rules: Campfire Use Site14 day maximum stay.
Fees: No Fee
Reservations: First come, first served.
Seasonal Use: Closed November thru April
Helpful Hints: Limited firewood available; use only firewood that is "dead and down." Bring water. During summer months temperatures may get above 100 degrees.

Fernwood Resort is a full service resort located on scenic Highway 1, in the heart of the Big Sur valley,  just 1/2 mile north of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.   We have 12 rustic motel rooms each with a private bath.  Some of the rooms have cozy fireplaces and hot tubs on decks under the stars and towering trees.   Our rooms our clean and the best value in the Big Sur area.  The central location of the resort lends itself perfectly to exploring the Big Sur area.  Fernwood's campground is located in a magestic redwood grove along the Big Sur River.   We have tent camping, RV sites with water and electric hookups, and tent cabins along the river.  Hiking trails lead right from here into the state park.  Our campers enjoy horseshoes, volleyball and tubing and swimming in the Big Sur River.    We have a grocery store with DVD rental, camping supplies, an espresso bar,  Lappert's Ice cream, and many unique gifts.   The well informed store staff are happy to help you plan the perfect hike for the day and the store has all of the fixin's for building a great picnic to take wtih you. The family friendly Redwood Grill, serving lunch and dinner, offers tasty California Comfort Cuisine at reasonable prices.  Sofanya's Art Gallery is a working art studio, gallery and gift shop. The tavern features live music on Saturday nights and the big screen TV shows all of the major sporting events. With free Wi/Fi in the lounge Fernwood Resort is a great blend of a rustic vacation with all of the comforts of home.  For more photos and information check out our website at fernwoodbigsur.com

This park features expansive views of Monterey Bay, from its hiking trails in the grasslands of the higher peaks of the Gavilan Range. Other views include the San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountains east of Big Sur. Pine and oak woodlands in the park are home to many birds and mammals. There are camping and picnic facilities in the park. The park also features an astronomical observatory with a 30-inch telescope, which is open for public programs on selected evenings. Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
The weather can be changeable. Layered clothing is advised.
Facilities - Activities
Astronomical Observing
It’s best to arrive before sundown as vehicle headlights after sunset disrupt astronomers’ night vision. Clouds or rain will cancel astronomy programs. Call the park for weather and program updates before you go.

In general, astronomers are friendly, outgoing, and happy to allow you to view through their telescopes and answer your questions. A few courtesies that will enhance everyone’s experience: Do not touch any part of any telescope unless the owner instructs you on the proper method. In   particular, do not touch any glass optical surfaces. Please be sure that all children are supervised around telescopes. Remember, using lights near telescopes at night is highly disruptive. A piece of red "cellophane" wrapped over the end of a flashlight and held in place with a rubber band works great.
Fremont Peak Day - April
This annual event is an old fashioned picnic sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Native Daughters of the Golden West. The event commemorates Captain John C. Fremont and his expedition’s U.S. flag raising in 1846 in defiance of the Mexican government. The April event date varies, so please call the park for information.

Trails on the west side of Highway 1, including the McWay Falls Overlook trail, Partington Cove, and the environmental campsites, are open for public use and enjoyment. All trails and picnic areas on the east side of Highway 1 and east of the main parking lot will remain closed until further notice. Closed trails include the Ewoldson trail, the Tan Bark Trail, Tin House Road, and the Canyon Falls trail. Parking in the main parking lot is available, though limited. Additionally, the parking lot may be closed completely during significant storm events throughout the winter due to hazardous conditions.

Due to the fire and a sizeable rockslide, the ADA access ramp to the McWay Falls Overlook trail will be closed until further notice. This state park is named after Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a well respected pioneer woman in the Big Sur country. The park stretches from the Big Sur coastline into nearby 3,000-foot ridges. It features redwood, tan oak, madrone, chaparral, and an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean from the Overlook Trail. A panoramic view of the ocean and miles of rugged coastline is available from the higher elevations along the trails east of Highway 1.

Facilities - Activities

Whale Watching
In December and January the bench at the end of Overlook trail is an excellent place to watch for gray whales migrating southward to their breeding and calving grounds off the Baja California coast. Many whales pass close to shore at this point, and occasionally one will come into the mouth of the cove. In March and April, they can be seen returning north to their summer feeding grounds in the North Pacific.

Sea otters can sometimes be seen in the cove, and harbor seals and California sea lions are occasional visitors. Many sea and shore birds - Sleek black cormorants, seagulls, brown pelicans, and black oystercatchers also make an appearance.

Underwater Area
Between Partington Point and McWay Creek is the Julia Pfeiffer Burns Underwater Area, which was established in 1970 and is now a scuba diving area. The rocky shoreline is the access to the underwater park. Special-use permits allow experienced scuba divers to explore the reserve.

McWay Waterfall House
The terrace is all that remains of Waterfall House, the residence of Lathrop and Helen Hooper Brown. When the Browns began to acquire their Big Sur acreage in 1924, Mrs. Brown became acquainted with Julia Pfeiffer Burns, the daughter of a Big Sur pioneer family. In 1962, Mrs. Brown gave the ranch to the state for use as a state park dedicated to the memory of Julia Pfeiffer Burns.