Kirk Creek Campground, CA

Kirk Creek Campground is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (3 hrs 21 min southeast of Seaside, CA) with an elevation of 508 feet. There are a total of 32 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 26 and 56 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $45.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming, restroom. Activities include fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
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Kirk Creek Campground

Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)

Campsite Reviews (369)

4.5 out of 5

5 star
72%
4 star
13%
3 star
7%
2 star
4%
1 star
2%
@AnnieAC3931B73 · Camped on Apr 1, 2025 at Campsite #32
Kirk Creek Campground is an absolute gem. The views alone are worth the tripperched right on the bluff, you get sweeping, unobstructed ocean panoramas that take your breath away. The campground is small and peaceful, which made for a quiet, relaxing stay. It was incredibly easy to get in and out, and everything felt very accessible.Our kids had a blast riding their bikes around the campground loopits just the right size for them to feel independent but still safe. The hikes nearby were out of this world, with stunning coastal scenery that made every step feel like an adventure.What really surprised me, though, was how magical it feltlike stepping into a Disney movie. There were rabbits hopping through the wildflowers, birds singing in the trees, and wildlife all around. It added this whimsical, enchanted vibe to the whole experience. The bathrooms were also pretty clean, which was a nice bonus.If youre looking for a serene spot with unforgettable views, amazing hiking, and a family-friendly vibe, Kirk Creek delivers. Were already dreaming about going back.
@JeromeC8303540 · Camped on Apr 1, 2025 at Campsite #14
This campsite is beautiful, with stunning views. Camping right in the coast, you must be aware of the winds and how unpredictable they can be. On a couple of nights the wind was gusty all day, right until sunset. Our site was #14 and we had a great view of the water out to Limekiln Beach. Will try to book #8 next time as it seemed to have completely unobstructed views. There is little to no flat ground at #14 and not much space for more than one tent. Other things about the Site, we surprisingly saw zero raccoons, may have to do with us being uber careful not to leave any trash or food out. In terms of trails, there were 2 easily accessible to the camp. Across the road is the scenic Vicente Flat Trail and the trail down to Kirk Creek and the rocky beach below starts right by Site #9. There is no running water so be prepared for that. The toilets werent in horrible shape though. I would highly recommend camping here and will be coming back in the future.
@KailaP27560926 · Camped on Mar 25, 2025 at Campsite #6
Stellar as always. Beware: There is a ton of poison oak both in the campground, the hike down to the beach, and on the Vicente Flats hike across the highway. Be sure to bring some Tecnu wipes for you and the pups and wear long pants + long sleeves.
@MarjieAC256CB4 · Camped on Mar 24, 2025 at Campsite #17
Best place we've ever camped. Very clean and well kept campground. Great staff. Wish more of the shrubbery closer to the cliff was cut down lower for a better view. Maybe a posting of a map of the trails would be great.
@SherriB3960606 · Camped on Mar 23, 2025 at Campsite #20
Absolutely gorgeous, small, quiet (road is still closed just north of here!) campground. Great little path down to the beach, great hike up to astounding views just across the street. Campsites are spacious and private.
@CodyW4DFE16090 · Camped on Mar 18, 2025 at Campsite #30
Super cool camp hosts , very helpful. My one gripe is the HWY being closed and it not being noted on the campsite as I am not a local . I still would have went , would have been nice to know .
@TarahP4C91C222 · Camped on Mar 14, 2025 at Campsite #16
This site is truly the stuff of dreams. Loved every second of it.
@MaxRFFD03CDE51 · Camped on Mar 7, 2025 at Campsite #27
Amazing spot! The hosts were so kind and approachable. We had a blast!
@JamesA8630934 · Camped on Mar 7, 2025 at Campsite #30
Excellent friendly and informative hosts. Great time to go now while Highway 1 is closed just north of the campground. No traffic/noise from the highway! Unparalleled ocean views.
@SusanM0D08D5B9 · Camped on Mar 5, 2025 at Campsite #18
Kirk Creek is stunningly beautiful and very well managed by the new custodians, Katie and her husband. Katie went above and beyond to make us welcome after Google Maps had claimed the road to the campsite was closed leaving us aborting the first two nights of our trip. She found a beautiful spot for us and was so kind. She even rushed over to our site to let us know when her husband and her had spotted whales as they knew we were keen to see them. Really well kept, beautiful site in unrivalled position.
@ZhengfengCB83E · Camped on Feb 22, 2025 at Campsite #12
This is the second time we are camping there. The ocean view is a fabulous.
@GenevaM72F7F6E · Camped on Feb 20, 2025 at Campsite #22
Great view
@SethF7599440 · Camped on Feb 17, 2025 at Campsite #13
Such a beautiful spot, much more peaceful now that the highway ends just a few miles north. Nicely maintained, super friendly
@JamesM9879118 · Camped on Feb 9, 2025 at Campsite #11
After driving 4 1/2 hours and getting within 13 miles of the campground, we found the main highway 1 closed, and had been closed for almost a year. To reach the camp ground we would have to backtrack and drive for another 4 hours at night. We ended up staying at a campground close to where we were. Why would either Kirk campground or Rec.gov not say something when making the reservation, or after when they sent a verification email. When we called rec.gov they were no help on refunding the money, and you can not reach anybody by phone at Kirk creek campground, only email. Too bad because we had a great spot that we paid for and did not use. What happened to the day where you talk to someone at the campground, or someone at the reservation company that actually was familiar with the campground..
@JoanH4402928 · Camped on Feb 9, 2025 at Campsite #32
I've been wanting to visit this park since I grew up in the Santa Cruz Mountains as a child. So hard to get in. We slinked into probably a canceled week. When we arrived we were able to get a slightly more level and massively awesome site. There was barely anyone here which I can't understand and is a travesty. Why are people not canceling so others can reserve? Come on ppl! We hiked the Vincente Flat / Kirk Creek trail across the street - what views! Hiked 3 miles to a great overlook before it turned inland. 1 downed tree that was somewhat difficult to get around. We also had the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail (look for the fire station) to ourselves. We also went to Limekiln which was fabulous since it had a lot of redwood trees and my husband got to see his first banana slug. Forgot to mention - do the campground's beach at low tide for tidepooling (check the tide charts before you leave - there's no cell). Saw 3 huge starfish and 1 huge crab.
@AngelaK95A327E · Camped on Feb 7, 2025 at Campsite #1
I know this is a top rated campground so I gave it a five. For anyone coming from north of Big Sur; YOU CANNOT COME DOWN HWY ONE THROUGH BIG SUR DUE TO HWY CLOSURE BETWEEN BIG SUR AND THE CAMPGROUND. You have to go south inland to San Simeon and then backtrack up north. For us we didnt know that and so had to make a last minute change on the way and stay at another campground before the closure. Otherwise this campground is exceptionally wonderful.
@ZhengfengCB83E · Camped on Jan 31, 2025 at Campsite #30
Beautiful ocean view! Very, very clean and safe. Prepare water and enough electricity power.
@ManuelC8644117 · Camped on Jan 31, 2025 at Campsite #24
You can hear the wave impacts as youre laying on your sleeping bag. Gorgeous views and great hiking areas. Randomly, you get to see some cool animals (been to this campsite multiple times).
@BriceydaGDD7E9 · Camped on Jan 24, 2025 at Campsite #1
We had a fantastic time at Kirk Creek, one of Big Surs best campgrounds with breathtaking views and immaculate surroundings. The hosts were very friendly and welcoming. Initially, we were hesitant about camping so close to the road, but due to the closure on Highway 1, there was minimal traffic mostly just fellow campers driving into the campground. Im unsure how it would be under normal conditions. Just a heads up avoid leaving any food outside, as raccoons here are a bit of a hassle and notorious for snatching up anything left out. Overall, it was a great site.
@Christine85968 · Camped on Jan 22, 2025 at Campsite #22
Katie and James were great hosts! I ended up locking myself out of my car and they were able to help me get in contact with triple A and figure it out. Amazing campsite. Clean bathrooms and the trash was tidy.
@GeorgeR1617124 · Camped on Jan 21, 2025 at Campsite #6
Beautiful location with awesome views of the coast.
@SierraREE7F6EF · Camped on Jan 17, 2025 at Campsite #12
Good times at the camp. Host was professional and other guests nice & quiet. Just wish it was easier to get a site here!
@DouglasO5168FE · Camped on Jan 14, 2025 at Campsite #11
This has to be one of the premier campgrounds in North America
@SaraC4030409 · Camped on Jan 7, 2025 at Campsite #9
Excellent place to stay! Very well managed. No loud music or noise after hours so you can enjoy the natural surroundings. I have been many times.
@AdrienneMDB53A · Camped on Dec 25, 2024 at Campsite #31
The best Big Sur campground by far. Spacious and every site has an amazing view.

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