Guide: Camping at Plaskett Creek Campground
93/100
💡 Plaskett Creek came in at 93 out of 100 for us and most of that score comes down to location and how easy it is to settle in without feeling crowded. It’s right on that Big Sur stretch where you can walk to the beach, jump on real trails, or just stay put at camp and enjoy the space. Sites are genuinely roomy, there’s enough vegetation to break up wind and noise, and it feels workable for families or a small group. You don’t have to commit to a full day plan either; you can fish, hike, or just hang out and all of it is close enough that you don’t feel like you’re driving around all day just to find something to do.
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Discover Tranquility at Plaskett Creek Campground on the Southern Big Sur Coast
Plaskett Creek sits in Monterey County and makes a good base if you want Big Sur access without being jammed into a tight roadside pullout. There are 44 sites that work for tents and RVs and you can walk to Sand Dollar Beach in a few minutes, which is where most people end up fishing for surfperch or looking for rockfish pockets when the tide lines up. The mix of coastal views and pine cover gives you enough contrast to feel like you’re actually in the forest while still being close to the ocean, and it’s common to see deer moving through camp in the evenings with the occasional fox cutting across the road. Nights here tend to feel slow in a good way and if you like to cook over a fire or sit out and watch stars instead of headlights, this area delivers that kind of pace without much effort.
🚀 RESERVATIONS👇
CURRENT STATUS & RESERVATIONS🏕 Best Campsites
Sites on the outer edges are usually the best call at Plaskett Creek if you want a quieter stay, and the ones that keep coming up for privacy are 6, 21, 22, 31, 32, 33, 40, and 42. Those corners and perimeter pockets have fewer direct neighbors, a little more separation, and you notice it at night when the campground settles down and it feels easier to relax. If your goal is to unwind and actually enjoy the coastal setting without a lot of campground traffic moving past your table, these are the spots that tend to give you that calmer Big Sur feel.
Location
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📖 Some Quick History & Background
It’s easy to see why Plaskett Creek draws people in when they’re moving up and down Big Sur. The Forest Service set it up in the late fifties to give people real access to this stretch of coast without stripping the landscape down in the process, and it still feels like that. Monterey pines and cypress frame most of the campground, Sand Dollar Beach is right down the road, and the Santa Lucia range sits behind it as a reminder that this is real terrain, not just a scenic drive. You can set up and feel like you’ve got history, coastline, and a practical place to sleep all in one spot. The area saw early settlement long before campers showed up and you still get that sense of refuge when the sun drops and the wind settles. Forty four single sites plus a few group spots give it the mix that lets families and small crews all make it work. Some people are here to fish the surf, others just want to sit by a fire and look at the sky. Either way it’s a comfortable way to live in the coastal part of the forest for a few days.
🧐 Tips for First-Time Campers
Planning ahead matters at Plaskett Creek, especially in summer when reservations go fast, so it’s worth locking in your dates early and not counting on the limited first come spots. Highway 1 can shift with closures or delays, so having a real plan for how you’re getting in and out helps, and packing layers is smart because evenings cool off even when days feel warm. Once camp is dialed in, most people hit Sand Dollar Beach or the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail and treat the day like a mix of fishing, walking, or just watching surf lines settle. Fire rings make dinner simple and most nights end up being about sitting by a flame and letting the day slow down. It’s not complicated here and that’s part of the draw.
Once you're set up, explore the nearby trails like the easy Sand Dollar Beach Trail or the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail for great views. Your camping experience isn’t just about setting up at the site; it’s about making memories. Take advantage of the area’s wildlife and plan for fun activities like surf fishing or kayaking. Cooking can be a social event too, with fire rings provided at each site for meals under the stars. After a long day, you'll want to kick back and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Whether it's stargazing or roasting marshmallows, make the most of this beautiful spot in the heart of Big Sur.
🏇 Activities to Enjoy at Plaskett Creek Campground
You’re close to Sand Dollar Beach here and it’s an easy place to start a day with a swim or a few casts for perch in the morning light, then wrap it with a short push up Pacific Valley Bluff for views if you want to move your legs a bit. Wildlife is around enough that you notice it, especially deer and the occasional fox cutting through camp at dusk, and some seasons you’ll see butterflies drifting across the bluffs on the right days. Back in camp you’ve got a table and ring at every site so meals are straightforward, the Monterey pines help with shade, and layers are still a smart call once the air cools. Jade Cove is close if you want a mellow walk without turning it into a half day mission. Everything here stays pretty tight to camp so you don’t need to burn time driving around to feel like you’re doing something.
💡 Insider Tips & Recommendations
Bring your fishing gear to Plaskett Creek because Sand Dollar Beach is close and it’s one of the easier places to cast for perch without having to drive anywhere. If you’re over sixteen you’ll need a license, and the water can feel cold even on a warm day so be ready for that. Pacific Valley Bluff is worth the short effort for views and the Sand Dollar Beach trail is good for tide pools when the tide lines up. Raccoons work the campground at night so keep food locked down and don’t leave trash out. This area stays pretty quiet once the sun drops and if you lean into the slow pace it ends up being a comfortable way to spend time on the coast.
🐕🧑 Pet-Friendly Guidelines at Plaskett Creek Campground
Regulations can change at a moment's notice. Always check with campground, state, and local laws for up to date pet regulations.
If you bring a dog to Plaskett Creek there are a few rules to keep everything smooth for you and everyone around you.
🐾 Dogs are allowed only in the main camping area, not on trails or in other restricted zones
📏 Leash stays on and no longer than six feet at all times
🧹 Waste needs to be picked up immediately and not left bagged on the ground or tied to a table
🚫 Keep pets out of non designated areas to protect wildlife and keep the campground clean
🏕️ Some sites have capacity limits so check that ahead of time if you’re bringing more than one dog
A trip you're going to remember
When you wrap up a trip here it usually feels like you’re leaving with a few real moments instead of a blur. Long beach walks, time on the bluffs, or just listening to waves while you cook are what you remember later. It’s smart to check current rules before you go because seasonal changes can shift what’s open or how access works, and having the right information makes the whole thing easier.
Plaskett Creek works because it stays simple and lets the landscape do the talking. Each season feels different, the coastline moves in its own rhythm, and you end up slowing down without forcing it. Treat it like time to reset and you’ll get exactly what you came for.