Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Covering about 1,357 acres, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park lies in Monterey County, about 25 miles south of Monterey.

Visitors come for historic sites, swimming, ranger programs, wildlife watching, and picnicking. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites, tent sites, group camping, and showers.

Overnight facilities: En route Campsites, Tent Camping, Group Campsites, Hike-and-Bike Campsites, Lodging, RV Dump Station, RV Access Max trailer: 27 feet Max camper/motorhome: 32 feet

Lodging

Overview Visitors may enjoy redwoods, conifers, oaks, open meadows and great views of the Pacific and Big Sur gorge. Big Sur Lodge is located in the park. The lodge has 61 guest rooms, a conference center, meeting rooms, a cafe, and a grocery store with many accessible features. The park is located 26 miles south of Carmel on Highway One. Phone (831) 667-2315 for more information. Camping Five designated accessible campsites provide accessible tables and fire rings. Some sites have hard packed dirt surfaces; others have thick duff or loose soil. All campsites have water spigots nearby, some with accessible designs. Five accessible combination restroom/shower facilities are disbursed throughout the campground loops. Generally accessible paths connect campsites and restrooms. Campfire Center: The campfire center includes seating for wheelchair users. Accessible parking and restrooms are available in day use lot #1 and #2. Route to campfire center is accessible. Assistive listening devices for use at the campfire center are available upon request. Picnic Area The main day use and group day use area have been improved and include accessible tables, parking, restrooms, and paths that connect facilities throughout the area. A raised deck and ramp system connects the main day use area to the Big Sur Lodge. Trails The Nature Trail is a 0.28 mile accessible trail that can be accessed from trails near the lodge or from day use lot #2. The surface is compacted aggregate. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8%. Accessible parking and restrooms are nearby. The River Trail is an ‘out-and-back’ accessible trail that is 0.45 miles each way that can be accessed from trails near the lodge or from day use lot #1. The surface is compacted aggregate. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8%. Accessible parking and restrooms are nearby. Trail Name Running Slope Cross Slope Trail Width Trail Surface Nature Trail 2% Average 5 FT Average Aggregate & wood 7% Maximum 5% Maximum 5 FT Minimum River Trail 3% Average 3% Average 5 FT Average Aggregate 8% Maximum 3% Maximum 5 FT Minimum Exhibits/Programs Ernst Ewoldsen Nature Center: Located along the Warden’s Path on the south side of the Big Sur River, the nature center features exhibits on the wildlife and plants found in the park. The nature center is open for visitors during the peak season (May-September) from 10am – 2pm. Accessible parking and restrooms for the nature center are available in day use parking lot #1 and #2. Route to the nature center is accessible. Big Sur Station: Located about 0.5-mile south of the entrance to the park along Highway 1, Big Sur Station is a multi-agency visitor center serving California State Parks, the Los Padres National Forest, and the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). The visitor center is the main destination for visitors looking to explore the Big Sur Coast. The visitor center is open 7 days a week from approximately 9am – 4pm. Parking, restrooms, and route to the visitor center are accessible. Other Information Big Sur Lodge: Accessibility improvements have been made. Parking for autos and vans is accessible. Please call the Lodge concession at 1-800-424-4787 if you have special needs. Campground store and laundry: Accessible parking is available. An accessible path leads to store and laundry, but store aisles are narrow. Staff is available to assist customers in the store. Laundry room has adequate clear space to maneuver and assistance is available for reaching coin boxes.