Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park California Hiking Camping

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park covers over 1000 acres of California’s Big Sur coast and inland mountains. Besides a popular campground, the Big Sur Lodge also provides rooms and cabin accommodations. The park features trails where hikers are treated to spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the Big Sur Valley. If you only have time to visit for a day trip, Pfeiffer Beach is a perfect spot to view the rugged coastline of Big Sur.

Hiking Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Popular hiking trails in the park include Valley View and Pfeiffer Falls trails. The trailhead for both hikes is adjacent to the Big Sur Lodge. The left fork takes hikers to Valley View Overlook, where they can view a fantastic Big Sur River Valley vista. Take the right fork for a one-mile hike to Pfeiffer Falls, a seasonal 60-foot waterfall.

Pfeiffer Beach Day Use

Pfeiffer Beach can be reached via Sycamore Canyon Road, south of the ranger stations. Pfeiffer Beach’s day-use area is part of the Los Padres National Forest. It is a two-mile drive down a narrow road from Cabrillo Highway to the Pfeiffer Beach area and then a short walk to this fantastic beach. This beach is dog-friendly.

Camping at Big Sur State Park

The park’s campground has over 180 campsites on the south side of the Big Sur River. Day-use picnic areas are on the north side of the river. Flush toilets and showers are available at the campground. Both RV and tent campers are welcome.

The Big Sur State Park campground is usually booked up during summer. However, you may get lucky and pick up a canceled reservation. The campground is on the east side of Cabrillo Highway. The nearest beach access is the Pfeiffer Beach day-use area. Nearby Big Sur State Park. Andrew Molera State Park is 4 miles north. Limekiln State Park is 26 miles south along Cabrillo Highway 1.

Nearby Places To Stay

Big Sur Lodge

Big Sur Lodge is a historic lodging and dining option located within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, approximately 30–40 miles north of Treebones Resort. Big Sur Lodge is the place to stay if you’re not into camping but want to go to the park. The lodge features 62 attached cottages with all the comforts of home. Cabins are single-room or one-bedroom and can be equipped with a fireplace and a kitchenette. The lodge also has a swimming pool, gift shop, and restaurant.

The Restaurant at Big Sur Lodge: Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Adjacent to the restaurant, offering snacks, sandwiches, coffee, and basic groceries. Useful for Treebones guests needing supplies, as the nearest full grocery is in Carmel (~1 hour north).

Treebones Resort Big Sur, California