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Limekiln Campground
Description
This coastal campground has two main hiking trails: one that winds along the redwoods along Limekiln Creek, and one that perches on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Both trails are day use only.
There are 29 campsites (4 are walk-in), and RVs and trailers aren’t allowed on the redwoods side (only at campsites 5 through 16). The two loops have very different atmospheres, and, in general, you will find families on the Redwood side and surfers and ocean-lovers on the other.
Some of the sites on the ocean view are in the shadow of the Highway 1 overpass, so keep that in mind as you are selecting your site. Word on the street is that the best sites are 1, 2, and 3, but they are first-come, first serve and you can’t reserve specific sites online, so getting there early is always a good idea.
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Fishing
Rough surf conditions can discourage fishing from the beach, however we hear there is some good stream fishing in the park. You...Read more
Hiking
The trails here are on the mellow side, but boast beautiful redwood lined canyons as well as magnificent ocean views. If hiking...Read more
Wildlife watching
With the varying environments present in Limekiln, it’s no surprise that many different species call the park home. Don’t be su...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Limekiln Campground.
29 Reviews
One of my favorite places! You get the ocean and the mountain trees! Love love love this place!
Nothing short of magic. We got very lucky and last-minute booked a beachside campsite, which was nestled in between the ocean and stream that runs through the campground. The white noise was so peaceful and waking up next to the beach in Big Sur is an otherworldly experience. The amenities were clean + up to date and the camp hosts were awesome!
Magic. This is FernGully. I highly recommend staying a night here to break up a Big Sur destination if you’re headed from SoCal. The tucked away lush hikes are fun and playful. Little waterfalls and fun tree bridges crossing small streams make it feel like a fairy tale. We stayed closest to the ocean which lulled me to sleep both nights we stayed. This ground offers some of the best nature has to offer. The ocean side is a little more “parking lot” although 1-3 sites are great. But the ocean steps away is worth it. The sites further inland are really beautiful. It’s like Lord of the Rings back there. Shoot for site 29.
I book Ocean site #4 for an early Sept weekend. Mainly because it was the only site available through a cancellation so I was lucky to even get it for a more or less last minute anniversary camping trip. I'm worried it might be too windy/ exposed. Anyone stay on the ocean side camp sites have any feedback on that? I mainly ask since we have a 1 year old! Though I actually think the proximity to the ocean will be helpful for her to sleep - she has an ocean sound white noise machine anyway - wa la! The whole area seems great for a quick family trip though....
Yes, and more than once...a pure slice of heaven on earth~ My favorite place to camp~
My wife and I was the manager of limekiln in the late 90s when it was private owned. It still looks close to the same. We did not have the the bridges, you either crossed the Creek on logs jumped or got your get wet. We ran it for 3 years. Wish we were still there.
We stayed at a site near the creek in the forested area. There's lots of wildlife to see in the forest and it's an easy walk to the beach for sunset! We saw many deer at our site and even a whale during sunset! This campground really is a all-in-one for Big Sur. The hike trail was clearly marked. You could wade through crystal clear creeks, which I always enjoy doing in my chacos. The trail was adventurous without being difficult and cleverly made-super enjoyable hike. Of course, the waterfall at the end was wonderfully rewarding as well.
There are two options for this site: wooded camp sites and beach front campsites. The beach front is nestled right in between the beach and a small river, which was lovely to fall asleep to!
I loved this campsite. There's a variety on camping spots throughout the park. If you like the beach you can camp closer to the beach, and if you like to be tucked away under soaring Redwoods you have that option, too. There's a beautiful stream that runs through the campsite, and meets at the roaring waves of the Pacific Coast. This is definitely one to check off your list!
- Park
- Limekiln State Park
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- (805) 434-1996
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 36.01° N, 121.518° W
- Unknown price
- Tent Only: 17 Sites (Up to 8 people per site)
- Unknown price
- Tent / RV / Trailer: 11 Sites (Up to 8 people per site)