Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is one of the most scenic campsites in California with only 2 campsites. It is 37 miles south of Carmel. The site is a short hike from McWay waterfall. There is no beach access, but the view are spectacular.
Features
- Level campsite. Enough for 1 or 2 big tents
- Campfire Ring
- Picnic Table
- Bear Box
- 2 Portable toilet
- No water at campsite, but you can get it from the park across the street at the McWay Beach Parking Lot.
- No Pets
- No Showers
- Pack out our own trash
Check In
You can check in at the campsite Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (12 Miles North of the Campsite). If you want to buy wood for the campfire, you’ll need to buy it from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Parking
Near mile marker 35.8 on Highway 1, the park is 37 miles south of Carmel. You cannot park at the campsite. You park on Highway 1 and there is a short hike down to the campsite. See map below.
Look for a green gate. You can park next to the gate, but do not block the gate. There is room enough for 3 to 4 cars. If it is full, you can park in the next turn out just down the road. You can also park at the McWay Beach Parking Lot (but be sure to leave your pass in your windows).
Campsites
The are only 2 campsites here. Both of them are great. If I had my choice of either, it would be campsite #2. It has better views of Saddle Rock and McWay Canyon. You also have to walk through campsite #1 to get to campsite #2.