Kirk Creek Campground: A Mother-Daughter Big Sur Adventure

Big Sur. The name alone conjures images of dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and the iconic Bixby Bridge. For my mom, Carol, a newly retired librarian, and me, Ava, a freelance sustainable travel photographer, it was the perfect destination for a bonding trip. Our mission: to escape the everyday and reconnect with nature, and maybe, just maybe, learn a thing or two from each other. We chose Kirk Creek Campground (36.0535° N, 121.4891° W), drawn in by its promise of stunning ocean views.

The Highway 1 Pilgrimage

The drive down Highway 1 is legendary, and rightfully so. The "difficulty" wasn't the road itself, but resisting the urge to stop at every single scenic overlook. Each bend in the road revealed a more breathtaking vista than the last. Of course, we had to stop at the majestic Bixby Bridge, snapping photos from every conceivable angle, joining a horde of other admiring tourists. It was a reminder that sometimes, the journey is just as important as the destination.

Tent Troubles and Mother-Daughter Dynamics

Setting up camp was a comical study in generational differences. Ava, ever the minimalist, quickly assembled her Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 backpacking tent. Carol, however, insisted on wrestling with her old, bulky Coleman tent.

"Ava: Mom, are you sure you don’t want help? That tent looks like it's about to take flight!"

"Carol: Nonsense, dear. I’ve been pitching this tent since before you were born. Just needs a little… persuasion!” (struggles with a tent pole).

Noise and Nature: Finding Balance

Kirk Creek Campground is beautiful, but it's not exactly a silent sanctuary. After 10 PM, quiet hours are supposed to kick in, but that didn't stop some campers from blasting country music. Ava, trying to edit photos on her Macbook Pro, was understandably frustrated.

"Ava, honey, let's remember we are here to unplug and enjoy nature," Carol gently mediated, reminding Ava to embrace the imperfect reality of camping. And, truth be told, the music did stop eventually, allowing the sounds of the ocean to lull us to sleep.

The Quarter Shower Conundrum

The pay showers at Kirk Creek are a unique experience. You'll need quarters, and be prepared for a quick rinse! Water conservation is critical in California, so showers are on the shorter side.

Ava, ever the documentarian, attempted to capture the perfect "shower-with-a-view" photo with her iPhone 14 Pro, mounted on a Joby GorillaPod. But between the long lines and the brief water bursts, it proved challenging. Still, the invigorating (if fleeting) shower was worth it. We even managed some awkward small talk with other campers: "Did you see that hawk earlier? Incredible!"

Hiking Among the Wildflowers at Andrew Molera State Park

A highlight of our trip was a hike to Andrew Molera State Park. The coastal ecosystems are stunning, a mix of rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. Carol, with her librarian's knowledge, was in her element identifying the wildflowers.

"Carol: Look, Ava, isn't that Eschscholzia californica? The California Poppy!"

"Ava: (Through her camera lens) Very pretty, Mom. Just trying to get this composition right."

We spotted vibrant California poppies, lupine, and Indian paintbrush, painting the landscape in a riot of color. Hiking in Andrew Molera State Park near Kirk Creek Campground provides excellent views and a great way to experience the California coast.

The Sea Glass Search and Macro Magic

The beaches near Kirk Creek Campground are known for sea glass. We spent an afternoon scouring the sand, our eyes peeled for these tiny treasures. Ava, armed with her Sony Alpha 7 III and a Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens, captured the intricate details of the frosted glass, transforming them into miniature works of art. Sea glass hunting near Kirk Creek can be a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Sunset Dreams and Foggy Realities

Ava's quest for the perfect sunset photo is a running joke in our family. This trip was no exception. Armed with her ND filters and knowledge of long exposure techniques, she set up her tripod, ready to capture the magic. Her plan: ISO 100, f/16, 30-second exposure. Alas, the notorious Big Sur fog rolled in, obscuring the sun.

Instead of disappointment, Ava embraced the unexpected. She captured stunning images of the fog swirling over the cliffs, creating an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. Her photography workflow involves shooting RAW, importing into Lightroom, applying her custom preset "BigSurCoastal," and sharing on Instagram (@AvaAdventures).

Grilled Goodness: A Local Feast

Our camping meal was a celebration of local flavors. We grilled halloumi and vegetable skewers (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes) with couscous, using ingredients sourced from a farmers market in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Camp cooking with local ingredients adds another layer to the Big Sur experience.

The Microplastic Problem and Our Beach Cleanup

The beauty of Big Sur is undeniable, but it's also fragile. We were disheartened to see the amount of microplastics on the beaches. We joined a beach cleanup organized by the Surfrider Foundation, doing our small part to protect this precious coastline. Participating in a beach cleanup is one way to practice responsible tourism in Big Sur.

Gear Review: Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L

Ava swears by her Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L. It’s incredibly durable, made from recycled materials, and versatile enough for both hiking and everyday use. The Patagonia Black Hole Pack is an excellent choice for sustainable camping gear.

A Meeting of Minds: Photography and Presence

Initially, Carol and Ava had different ideas about the purpose of the trip. Ava wanted to capture the perfect photos for her portfolio, while Carol wanted to simply be present in nature. A compromise was reached: Ava taught Carol basic photography skills (composition, rule of thirds), and Carol helped Ava appreciate the beauty around her without needing to constantly document it. This helped both of them appreciate and enjoy the wonders that Big Sur had to offer.

Visit Big Sur Responsibly

Our mother-daughter trip to Kirk Creek Campground was more than just a vacation; it was a chance to reconnect with nature and with each other. We learned to appreciate our differences, find common ground, and embrace the unexpected. We encourage you to visit Big Sur, but please do so responsibly. Pack out your trash, respect wildlife, and consider participating in local environmental efforts. Book your campsite at one of the best campgrounds in Big Sur California today!