Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is renowned for its majestic redwood forests, breathtaking coastal views, and tranquil atmosphere, making it a prime destination for nature lovers. As a single dad in my early 40s, I was looking for a way to reconnect with my 15-year-old daughter, Chloe, and what better way than a weekend camping trip? We chose Pfeiffer Big Sur, specifically campsite #96, hoping to trade screen time for quality time. This blog post is a review of our experience, the gear we used, and the challenges we faced, all while trying to bridge that ever-widening gap between a dad and his teenage daughter. Was Pfeiffer Big Sur camping the answer? Read on!

Finding Campsite #96 and Setting Up Camp

Navigating to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park was easy enough; the well-marked Highway 1 led us straight to the entrance. Finding campsite #96 within the campground was also straightforward, thanks to the clear signage. The real adventure began with setting up our NEMO Aurora Highrise 6-Person Tent.

NEMO Aurora Highrise 6-Person Tent Review:

For just the two of us, the NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 was spacious, to say the least. It boasts excellent headroom, large windows for ventilation, and a sturdy construction. The setup, advertised as "easy," proved somewhat challenging initially. The color-coded poles helped, but I struggled to get the tent taut. After a quick search on YouTube for "NEMO Aurora Highrise setup tips," I discovered I wasn't angling the poles correctly. Crisis averted!

Safety Tip: Always wear gloves when setting up a tent to protect your hands from blisters and scrapes.

Overall: The NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 is a fantastic tent for two people who want plenty of space and comfort.

Campground Logistics: Rules, Bathrooms, and Noise

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has well-defined rules to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment. Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM, but even outside those hours, the popularity of the park and its proximity to Highway 1 mean that noise can be an issue.

The bathroom facilities were relatively clean, considering the number of campers. Showers are available for a fee, and while the water pressure was decent, the temperature fluctuated a bit.

Tips for Minimizing Noise:

• Earplugs: A must-have for light sleepers.
• White Noise App: A white noise app on your phone can help drown out background noise.
• Choose Campsite Carefully: When booking, try to select a campsite further away from the highway.

Three Unforgettable Activities

1. Buzzard's Roost Trail Hike

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Buzzard's Roost Trail is a must. The Buzzard's Roost Trail Pfeiffer Big Sur hike climbs 800 feet, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Big Sur coastline. The trail is steep and rocky in sections, so sturdy hiking boots are essential.

We reached several viewpoints that offered incredible photo opportunities. While Chloe complained about the uphill climb, even she had to admit the view from the top was worth it. This was a great way to encourage father daughter bonding.

2. Pfeiffer Beach Tide Pooling

Pfeiffer Beach is a short drive from the campground and offers a completely different experience. We spent hours exploring the tide pools, searching for sea anemones and starfish. It was a fascinating glimpse into the marine ecosystem.

Important: Before you go tide pooling, check the tide charts NOAA Tide Predictions. Be aware of sneaker waves, which can be dangerous. Never turn your back to the ocean!

3. Bixby Bridge Photography

No trip to Big Sur is complete without visiting the iconic Bixby Bridge. Sunset is the perfect time to capture stunning photos and videos. I used my iPhone 14 Pro to film in cinematic mode, focusing on composition and framing the bridge with the surrounding landscape.

Tip: Use a tripod for sharp, stable shots, especially in low light.

Instagrammable Moments: Dutch Oven Pizza Time-Lapse

Capturing a time-lapse video of cooking dinner over a campfire is pure social media gold. We used a smartphone tripod adapter to stabilize Chloe's phone and set it to time-lapse mode. The resulting video captured the flickering flames, the cooking process, and the beautiful redwood forest surrounding our campsite. It was surprisingly captivating.

Dutch Oven Camping Pizza: A Culinary Adventure (Sort Of)

Our main campfire cooking event was making Dutch oven pizza. Here’s the recipe we used:

DUTCH OVEN CAMPING PIZZA:

• Pre-made pizza dough
• Contadina pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Hormel pepperoni
• Lindsay sliced black olives
• Sprinkle of Italian seasoning

The process started out promising, but I quickly learned that Dutch oven cooking requires patience and precision. Despite my best efforts, the bottom of the pizza burned while the top remained pale. I tried rotating the Dutch oven and adjusting the charcoal placement, but it was a losing battle.

The final product was… edible. The burned bottom was a bit off-putting, but the toppings were delicious.

What I would do differently next time: Use a Dutch oven liner, elevate the pizza slightly with a trivet, and monitor the temperature more closely.

Powering Up: Portable Chargers and Solar Panel Dreams

In this day and age, keeping our phones charged is essential, even in the wilderness. We relied heavily on a portable charger to keep our devices going. We had planned to use a portable solar charger. We quickly realized that our shady campsite offered little opportunity to charge. We’ll need to be more strategic in the future for using solar.

Father-Daughter Dynamics: Connection and Communication

This camping trip was more than just an outdoor adventure; it was an attempt to reconnect with my teenage daughter. There were moments of connection, like laughing together during the Buzzard's Roost hike or sharing stories around the campfire. There were also challenges in communication, as Chloe retreated into her phone at times or expressed her teenage angst.

Despite the ups and downs, the trip was a success. We spent quality time together, away from the distractions of everyday life. We learned to rely on each other and appreciate the simple things. We've even planned some more Big Sur camping trips in the future.

Conclusion

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers a fantastic escape for families seeking outdoor adventures. While there were challenges along the way, the experience of camping, hiking, and exploring nature together helped us strengthen our bond. The importance of outdoor experiences in forging stronger family relationships cannot be overstated. So pack your bags, grab your family, and head to Pfeiffer Big Sur for an unforgettable adventure.