9
Los Padres National Forest › Monterey Ranger District › California
› Monterey County
› Big Sur
› Kirk Creek Campground
› Campsite #9
Campsite #9 at Kirk Creek Campground, CA
$45
Campsite #9
| Drive-In | 8 people |
| 53 ft | Back-In |
| 2 | no signal |
2/22
9/7
Campsite #9 Features: Drive-In access, Back-In parking, 53ft driveway, Fire ring w/ Grill, Picnic Table, RV Site, Tent Site, Trailer Site, Pets Allowed
Campsite Reviews (25)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 84% |
| 4 star | | 12% |
| 3 star | | 0% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 4% |
@RyanP8052228 · Camped on Dec 8, 2025 at Campsite #9
I stayed at site 9, and I'm glad I randomly picked it. It was arguably the best site on the property for views. Overall, the campground was quiet and well-maintained. Bathrooms are a bit gnarly, but what can you do. The hike down to the ocean, accessible from site 9, was quite pretty and easy. Would highly recommend. Raccoons will come out at night, and they were climbing all over the car, but mostly harmless
No Service
@citlalminA0A87 · Camped on Dec 5, 2025 at Campsite #9
In my opinion site 9 had the best view of the ocean. The only drawbacks was that site 8 sits too closely.Also the trail is right next to site 9 so many people pass through. During sunset people seemed to stand directly in front of the campsite so you're view is of people staring at the sunset. Overall the campground looked well kept. Pit restrooms are just as you'd expect. One thing I noticed is that the campground felt extremely empty. It seems many people reserve the spots without arriving. Frustrating since it took me years to finally get a spot due to the competitiveness.
No Service
@GinnyDCA0F1B2F · Camped on Aug 27, 2025 at Campsite #9
We loved our stay at Kirk Creek. The views are amazing!!
No Service
@DylanD2759094 · Camped on Jul 30, 2025 at Campsite #9
not private at all if site 8 decides to be right next to you, they will be right next to you, totally open. killer view though. bathrooms could be better, felt like the ones on site #9's side were flowing a bit too much up. Hiking path goes right next to this site, alot of people coming up during the day. I'd recommend getting sites 8 and 9 if you have a group.
No Service
@DylanD2759094 · Camped on Jul 30, 2025 at Campsite #9
1.) The Racoons are definitely real. Ran into one on my first night and like five in my second night. They ran literally from the bushes on the right of the site into the campground. Just dont leave food out. Put your cooler or whatever in your car or stored away. The racoons will climb on your vehicle at night.2.) Site 22 no longer has a tree and man, in late July, the sun is very hot and beating. 3.) Expect overcast in the morning that clears up in the day and may return at night. 4.) stargazing is fantastic from this site, you can literally see stars over the entire ocean. Best time to go would be for a new moon or meteor shower to get the most out of it.5.) Its one of the only sites with a direct view of the beach below. Most of the coastal sites are on the cliff but are surrounded by brush. The wires protecting you from falling could be a bit better. 6.) It is probably one of the most private spots in the campground. No one to your right. One site to your left. One site behind you and its quite far. But due to losing the tree you lose alot of that foliage coverage. So some of the sites on the cliff exempting #9 can be more private. 7.) the bathrooms despite being pit toliets were a bit gross and needed to be cleaned out, not much care probably due to the private company that the campground is leaded out to. Should be back under the state and not be maintained for profit.Overall, great campground. People will definitely stop by this site to check out the awesome view and if your late sometimes they'll try to take it lol.
No Service
@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.
No Service
@MarvinB581E907 · Camped on Nov 13, 2024 at Campsite #9
Kirk Creek was one of the most beautiful campgrounds with the most breathaking views we have ever stayed at.
@LouisDD7636F65 · Camped on Apr 21, 2024 at Campsite #9
Stunningly beautiful.... peaceful and wild.... Otters... Condors... Dolphins... no access from the north... the drive around to access from the south totally worth it !!!
No Service
@DouglasB187722 · Camped on Mar 14, 2024 at Campsite #9
Great campground, clean bathrooms and friendly host.
No Service
@BenS5147247 · Camped on Mar 3, 2024 at Campsite #9
This site has stunning views of the water. Hwy 1 was closed a mile north during our stay, so the campground was very, very quiet. The short trail down to the water was a must. The sounds of the waves crashing was like sleeping with our own personal sound machine. We didn't have any issues with raccoons at our site, but garbage cans throughout the campgrounds were tipped over. Overall, this was one of our favorite campgrounds, highly recommend, we'd come back again in a heartbeat.
No Service
@EricA2710263 · Camped on Dec 9, 2022 at Campsite #9
Fantastic Bluff location with panoramic ocean. Vista views, really cool cove to explore plenty of privacy in between camp spots.
No Service
@BenYairRCD6797 · Camped on Nov 14, 2022 at Campsite #9
Amazing spot! Watch out for the raccoons at dusk
No Service
@MarkB1441206 · Camped on Oct 28, 2022 at Campsite #9
Camp site sloped at an incline made it hard to sleep. Raccoons. Raccoons. And more Raccoons tried to steal our food.
No Service
@CelesteB54DFE9 · Camped on Oct 16, 2022 at Campsite #9
Favorite campground ever. Raccoons are the biggest problem here, but that was the only drawback and if youre smart they wont bother you much. Absolutely gorgeous and so special.
@EricKDAE7AA581 · Camped on Aug 15, 2022 at Campsite #9
Now I understand why this campsite is always fully booked! It's beautiful with access to a spectacular rocky beach a short walk away.
No Service
@JanetA3115325 · Camped on Jan 28, 2022 at Campsite #9
I love this campground. There is not a bad sight. I love being this close to the Pacific Ocean.
No Service
@JustinS740 · Camped on Jan 14, 2022 at Campsite #9
Absolutely stunning campground on a coastal bluff. Some of the best tide pools we've seen at low tide. Kirk Creek itself is a beautiful little creek. Jumping off point to incredible Backcountry.
@YuShienN988 · Camped on Aug 18, 2021 at Campsite #9
Snagged a last minute cancellation at the most beautiful campsite at the campground. The campsite host was so helpful and was able to get us a first-come, first-served site for our next night since we only had reservations for one. Poison oak is definitely all over the campground and surrounding area, including the short hike up from the Vicente trailhead we did, so plan and dress accordingly. We also enjoyed checking out Sand Dollar Beach and will definitely be bringing our wetsuits & boards next time! Last thing to keep in mind is that the campground has NO water, not even gray water, so bring your own.
No Service
@MelissaM974 · Camped on Jul 11, 2021 at Campsite #9
Love it!
@HectorG683 · Camped on Apr 22, 2021 at Campsite #9
The only campground with these views. Nice hosts. Clean restrooms.
No Service
@PrashantK900 · Camped on Mar 11, 2021 at Campsite #9
I cannot say anything about this campground that hasn’t been already said. A++ location, great friendly staff, clean facilities..all in all just a great experience.
I will try help out potential readers with some good to knows
1. The ground isn’t fully level at campground I stayed at and some of the other ones I observed. Between gopher holes and natural slope it can be a tad challenging. But it was easily solvable
2. The camp hosts bring around firewood every evening so if you didn’t bring any or enough you are covered
3. There is a trail down to the beach near Campground 8-9. The views are absolutely fantastic but be very cautious..the trails infested with poison oak and ivy
4. The restrooms are clean and well kept. They are pit toilets. No plumbing or for that matter no water available onsite (potable or otherwise). So make sure you bring enough
5. As of March 2021 the CA - 1 Northbound route has shut down at Rat Creek (that’s just south of Lucia). The Ferguson-Nacimento road from Ft. Legget is also shut down. So if you are coming from San Francisco, the only way is to go south all the way to Paso Robles, take SR-46 near Cambria and drive up CA - 1 via San Simeon. It’s a beautiful route but it’s a bit longer and the stretch from Gorda to Kirk Creek is especially twisty. So have you mountain driving skills sharp
I will try help out potential readers with some good to knows
1. The ground isn’t fully level at campground I stayed at and some of the other ones I observed. Between gopher holes and natural slope it can be a tad challenging. But it was easily solvable
2. The camp hosts bring around firewood every evening so if you didn’t bring any or enough you are covered
3. There is a trail down to the beach near Campground 8-9. The views are absolutely fantastic but be very cautious..the trails infested with poison oak and ivy
4. The restrooms are clean and well kept. They are pit toilets. No plumbing or for that matter no water available onsite (potable or otherwise). So make sure you bring enough
5. As of March 2021 the CA - 1 Northbound route has shut down at Rat Creek (that’s just south of Lucia). The Ferguson-Nacimento road from Ft. Legget is also shut down. So if you are coming from San Francisco, the only way is to go south all the way to Paso Robles, take SR-46 near Cambria and drive up CA - 1 via San Simeon. It’s a beautiful route but it’s a bit longer and the stretch from Gorda to Kirk Creek is especially twisty. So have you mountain driving skills sharp
No Service
@PrashantKD417B · Camped on Mar 11, 2021 at Campsite #9
I cannot say anything about this campground that hasnt been already said. A++ location, great friendly staff, clean facilities..all in all just a great experience. I will try help out potential readers with some good to knows1. The ground isnt fully level at campground I stayed at and some of the other ones I observed. Between gopher holes and natural slope it can be a tad challenging. But it was easily solvable 2. The camp hosts bring around firewood every evening so if you didnt bring any or enough you are covered3. There is a trail down to the beach near Campground 8-9. The views are absolutely fantastic but be very cautious..the trails infested with poison oak and ivy4. The restrooms are clean and well kept. They are pit toilets. No plumbing or for that matter no water available onsite (potable or otherwise). So make sure you bring enough5. As of March 2021 the CA - 1 Northbound route has shut down at Rat Creek (thats just south of Lucia). The Ferguson-Nacimento road from Ft. Legget is also shut down. So if you are coming from San Francisco, the only way is to go south all the way to Paso Robles, take SR-46 near Cambria and drive up CA - 1 via San Simeon. Its a beautiful route but its a bit longer and the stretch from Gorda to Kirk Creek is especially twisty. So have you mountain driving skills sharp
No Service
map icon in the lower right corner.
*Earn our 
Show your commitment in keeping our forests healthy and protecting our public lands by earning the Leave No Trace badge.