Plaskett Creek Campground is one of the most underrated camping destinations on the entire Big Sur coast — a spacious grassy campground in Los Padres National Forest just steps from Sand Dollar Beach, the largest sandy beach in the Big Sur area. While Kirk Creek gets most of the attention for its dramatic clifftop ocean views, Plaskett Creek Campground delivers equally spectacular coastal access with more availability, better beach access, and a relaxed surfer vibe that makes it one of the best coastal campgrounds in Central California. Here is everything you need to know before you go.
Where Is Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground sits on the east side of Highway 1 at 69345 CA-1, Big Sur, approximately 40 miles south of the main Big Sur village and about 25 miles north of Ragged Point. It is managed by the US Forest Service as part of Los Padres National Forest. The address puts you roughly 40 miles south of Monterey and is easy to find — watch for the signed turnoff on Highway 1. The entrance road is paved and suitable for all vehicle types.
Sand Dollar Beach Day Use Area is directly across Highway 1 — a 5-minute walk from your campsite. This proximity to the largest sandy beach on the Big Sur coast is the defining advantage of Plaskett Creek Campground over other options in the area.
Plaskett Creek Campground — Sites and Amenities
Plaskett Creek Campground has 44 total sites spread across a grassy, park-like setting under a canopy of mature Monterey pine, cypress, and cedar trees. The fragrant cedar aroma throughout the campground is one of the things campers mention most. All sites are grassy with paved parking pads.
Standard sites (42): Each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and barbecue grill. Suitable for tents and RVs from 20 to 50 feet, depending on the site. No electrical hookups anywhere in the campground. $45 per night for up to 6 people and 2 vehicles.
Group sites (3): Accommodate up to 40 people and 10 vehicles. $150 per night and up. Maximum RV length 20 feet for group sites.
Hiker/biker sites: Available for those arriving without a vehicle.
Facilities: Flush toilets, drinking water at spigots throughout the campground, trash collection, and firewood available for purchase from the camp host at $12 per bundle. No hookups, no dump station, no showers. Cell service is essentially nonexistent — download everything before you arrive.
Best Sites at Plaskett Creek Campground
Sites on the outer edges and perimeter of the campground consistently get the best reviews for privacy and quiet. The most recommended sites for space and separation from neighbors are 6, 21, 22, 31, 32, 33, 40, and 42. These corner and perimeter sites have fewer direct neighbors and better separation — a noticeable difference once the campground fills and settles at night.
Sites near the upper group area occasionally pick up a bar of AT&T cell signal if you need to make a call. Bring a signal booster if connectivity matters.
How to Get Reservations
Most sites at Plaskett Creek Campground are reservable through recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. A small number of first-come, first-served sites are available daily. Summer weekends fill quickly — book as early as possible. Weekday and shoulder season availability is significantly better than Kirk Creek, making Plaskett Creek Campground the more realistic option for spontaneous Big Sur camping.
Check-in time is 3 pm, checkout is 12 pm. Maximum stay is 14 days. Generators are permitted 9 am to 9 pm only.
Sand Dollar Beach — Your Backyard
Sand Dollar Beach is the main reason to choose Plaskett Creek Campground over other Big Sur options. The beach is the largest sandy beach in the Big Sur area — a long crescent of sand protected enough for swimming while still delivering Big Sur’s dramatic coastal scenery. The walk from camp is too short to even qualify as a hike.
The beach is excellent for surfing, surf fishing for yellow perch, swimming (with caution — Big Sur waves can be strong and rip currents are present), beachcombing, and whale watching from the bluffs. Anglers over 16 need a California fishing license. Dogs are welcome on Sand Dollar Beach on a leash — one of only two dog-friendly beaches in the Big Sur area.
Your Plaskett Creek Campground reservation covers beach access without paying the separate $10 Sand Dollar day use fee. This alone makes camping here more economical than day tripping.
Pro tip from campers: Hit Sand Dollar at low tide for the most exposed sand. At high tide, the beach shrinks to rocky higher sections.
Hiking Near Plaskett Creek Campground
Pacific Valley Bluff Trail is 1 mile north of the campground and delivers spectacular coastal bluff views with minimal effort — one of the finest short walks on the entire Big Sur coast.
Sand Dollar Beach Trail leads from the day use area to tide pools and the beach — excellent for exploring at low tide.
Jade Cove is accessible via a short trail across Highway 1 and is famous for jade stones that wash up on the rocky shore. Beachcombing here is genuinely rewarding.
Willow Creek Picnic Area is 2 miles south of the campground — a paved road drops into a canyon to a rocky beach with parking and a toilet, perfect for a picnic.
The surrounding Los Padres National Forest offers extensive trail access for those wanting longer hikes into the Santa Lucia Mountains.
Plaskett Creek Campground vs Kirk Creek
The two campgrounds are the best options at the southern end of Big Sur and are constantly compared. Here’s the honest breakdown:
Kirk Creek has more dramatic ocean views — every site sits on a bluff above the Pacific. But it has no water, fewer sites, and is harder to book. The walk to the beach is longer and rougher.
Plaskett Creek Campground has a more sheltered, forested setting with less wind exposure, better beach access via Sand Dollar, full facilities including water and flush toilets, more availability, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Ocean views are partial rather than panoramic.
Choose Kirk Creek for the most dramatic setting. Choose Plaskett Creek Campground for the best overall experience, easier booking, better beach access, and full facilities.
Practical Tips
Bring everything you need before arriving — the nearest gas, showers, and supplies are at Gorda 3 miles south. Raccoons actively work the campground at night — keep food locked in your vehicle and never leave trash out. No cell service means offline maps are essential. Fire restrictions are common in summer and fall — check CalFire before you go. Bring layers even in summer — coastal fog and evening winds make Big Sur campgrounds chilly at night, regardless of daytime temperatures.
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For more Big Sur camping see our guides to Car Camping Big Sur California — 10 Best Campgrounds Ranked, Big Sur Camping No Reservations — 7 Spots You Can Actually Get, and 10 Top Things to Do in Big Sur for First-Time Visitors.
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