Big Sur Bliss or Bust? Our Kirk Creek Campground Review The sunset at Kirk Creek Campground. Oh. My. Goodness. Imagine this: the Pacific Ocean stretching out as far as the eye can see, a turquoise canvas painted with strokes of pure gold as the sun dips below the horizon. Jagged cliffs frame the scene, silhouetted against the fiery sky. That was our welcome to Big Sur, and Liam and I (Maya) were instantly buzzing with anticipation for a relaxing weekend getaway. But camping, as we all know, isn't always Instagram-perfect. So, we're here to give you the real deal – our honest and detailed review of Kirk Creek Campground. Was it the romantic escape we envisioned? Mostly, yes. But there were definitely some bumps along the road (and some burnt salmon!). Read on to find out if Kirk Creek is the right Big Sur camping spot for you. !(https://auth.promptmarketer.com/storage/v1/object/public/generated-content/images/af6e4e54-5d3c-494e-9ed9-78723fad2f4e/retrieved_image_1_2025-09-19T23-00-28-540Z_jljb2jmw6.jpg) ### Finding Our Little Slice of Coastal Paradise Kirk Creek Campground is surprisingly easy to find. Located right off Highway 1, you really can't miss it. Keep an eye out around mile marker 2.8 (south of Lucia), and you'll see the sign. The road leading into the campground is paved and in good condition, so no need to worry about a bumpy ride. ### Setting Up Camp (and Liam's Existential Crisis) Okay, let's be real. Setting up a tent is never actually relaxing, is it? The campsites at Kirk Creek vary in size, but ours was decent – enough room for our tent and a little breathing space. We had a picnic table and a fire ring, which are standard. Now, Liam, being the meticulous software engineer, immediately assessed the campsite layout with a critical eye. "The spacing is… inefficient," he muttered, pointing out how some sites felt closer together than others. The ground was also a bit rocky, requiring some extra elbow grease (and tent stakes!) to get everything secure. Let's just say Liam's organizational skills were put to the test. Check-in was self-service. We had booked our site in advance on Recreation.gov and just needed to find our designated spot. ### Campground Rules: A Necessary Evil Nobody loves rules, but they're essential for keeping things running smoothly. At Kirk Creek, quiet hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM, which is pretty standard. Campfire regulations are strictly enforced, especially during fire season, so be sure to check the current restrictions before you go. They were using the fire danger level from Cal Fire. Pet policies are in place, but it’s best to check the Recreation.gov site for the latest rules and regulations. The quiet hours were definitely appreciated, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep (except for the foghorn, which we’ll get to later). ### Bathroom and Shower Situation: Let's Be Honest Okay, let's talk bathrooms. They're…functional. The facilities at Kirk Creek are pretty basic. Cleanliness was acceptable, though definitely not sparkling. There were a decent number of stalls, and toilet paper was (thankfully) readily available. Soap was also available at the sinks. Hot water? Nope. Brace yourself for a brisk handwash. Showers are available, but they are coin-operated ($2 for 5 minutes). The water pressure was decent, and they were relatively clean, with separate facilities for men and women. We ended up skipping the showers this trip and embracing the "au naturel" camping vibe, to Maya's delight! ### Hiking Adventures and Highway 1 Wonders No trip to Big Sur is complete without hitting the trails and cruising down Highway 1. We decided to hike the Buzzard's Roost Trail in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, which was about a 20-minute drive from the campground. !(https://auth.promptmarketer.com/storage/v1/object/public/generated-content/images/af6e4e54-5d3c-494e-9ed9-78723fad2f4e/retrieved_image_2_2025-09-19T23-00-28-762Z_uztf8s2q4.jpg) The trail was stunning. It's a moderate hike with a decent elevation gain, but the views from the summit are well worth the effort. We were surrounded by towering redwood trees, lush ferns, and the earthy smell of redwood needles. The damp earth felt amazing under our hiking boots. Of course, we also did the obligatory scenic drive along Highway 1. Bixby Bridge is a must-see, even if it's swarming with tourists. The dramatic cliffs and crashing waves are truly breathtaking. We did encounter a bit of marine layer, which partially obscured some of the views, but it also added a mystical quality to the landscape. ### Campfire Cooking: Pinterest Fails and Hot Dog Victories This is where things got interesting…or rather, hilariously disastrous. Inspired by Pinterest, we envisioned ourselves whipping up gourmet campfire meals. First up: foil packet dinners with salmon, asparagus, and lemon. Sounds delicious, right? Wrong. We forgot the lemon. And the salmon ended up sticking to the foil, creating a smoky, charred mess. Next, gourmet s'mores. We brought fancy dark chocolate, artisanal marshmallows, and graham crackers dusted with sea salt. We forgot the skewers. And the marshmallows caught on fire. !(https://auth.promptmarketer.com/storage/v1/object/public/generated-content/images/af6e4e54-5d3c-494e-9ed9-78723fad2f4e/retrieved_image_3_2025-09-19T23-00-28-995Z_j18bs98t7.jpg) Defeated, we resorted to good old-fashioned hot dogs cooked over the fire. Simple, classic, and impossible to mess up (we hoped!). Let's just say, our Pinterest aspirations were quickly extinguished. ### Sounds, Smells, and Coastal Ambiance Despite our cooking mishaps, the ambiance at Kirk Creek was incredible. The constant sound of the ocean was incredibly soothing. The distinct sound of foghorns in the distance added a touch of drama. And the smell of coastal sagebrush was intoxicating. As the day progressed, the bright sunlight softened into a hazy glow, creating a magical atmosphere. ### Convenience and Comfort: The Little Things Kirk Creek Campground is reasonably close to nearby towns and services. The campground store had basic necessities like pre-cut firewood ($12 a bundle), charcoal, and lighter fluid. We even found Off! Deep Woods bug spray, which was a lifesaver. Gear We Wish We'd Brought: * Inflatable camp chairs (our backs were aching!) * A portable camp table (for easier food prep – and to avoid future Pinterest fails) * A lantern with a dimmer switch (the bright LED was a bit harsh) * A portable espresso maker (because coffee is essential!) ### Our Verdict: Big Sur Magic with a Few Quirks Would we recommend Kirk Creek Campground? Absolutely, but with a few caveats. If you're seeking a luxurious glamping experience, this isn't it. But if you're looking for breathtaking scenery and a chance to connect with nature (and don't mind a few Pinterest fails along the way), then pack your bags and head to Big Sur! Just remember to bring your own lemon and skewers. Have you camped at Kirk Creek Campground or anywhere else in Big Sur? Share your experiences in the comments below! And be sure to check out vistalocation.com for more travel inspiration.