Kirk Inlet Campground(Kirk Creek Campground)

Located in the southern part of the Big Sur region, Kirk Creek Campground is a campground managed by the Los Padres National Forest. There is a rock-and-sand beach present below a blufftop camping area of the Kirk Creek Campground. The beach also has sparse amounts of vegetation and the water near the beach has strong waves. The Kirk Creek also meets the ocean near this beach. Kirk Creek Campground Beach does not have any lifeguards, but the camping area near the beach has restrooms and picnic tables. The beach also allows dogs on leash. 

The Kirk Creek Campground also offers a memorable oceanfront camping experience within the rugged wilderness of the coastal Big Sur area. The campground accommodates tents and RVs. However, it does not have any amenities except restrooms, picnic tables, and a store selling firewood and drinking water. If you are planning to camp at Kirk Creek Campground, we recommend reserving a campsite well in advance through contacting the campground officials via phone at 1-877-444-6777. Just across the Cabrillo Highway from the campground is a hiking trail known as the Vicente Flats Trail which can be used to explore the vibrant and rich Big Sur landscape. However, if you are planning to hike here, we recommend looking out for poison ivy and ticks.

Kirk Creek Campground Beach offers many fun activities including swimming, surfing, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, fishing, bodysurfing, boogie boarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, boating, jet-skiing, surf skiing, sunbathing, beachcombing, wildlife watching, and tidepooling. If you are planning to go into the water in Kirk Creek Campground, we recommend being careful as the water here is known for strong waves and rip currents. The water near the beach is home to a variety of animals including seals, sea lions, dolphins, and migrating grey whales (between December and April). Another popular activity in Kirk Creek Campground Beach is fishing - you can catch a variety of fish here including croaker, surfperch, and bass. There are a variety of rock formations just offshore which can be explored by visitors.

Getting to Kirk Creek Campground Beach is easy - the entrance to the campground is located near the intersection of Nacimiento - Fergusson Road and Cabrillo Highway/ California State Highway 1. The access trail to the rocky beach starts near Campsite Number 10. There is also a paid parking lot near the campground. There is another access trail which leads to a more sandy part of the beach and starts from the "hiking and biking" section of the campground. We recommend visiting the rocky beach wearing appropriate footwear. Moreover, it is important to note that the parking lot here is only open to campers, and there is no alternative parking space for day-use visitors. If you are looking for a beach permitting day-use visits, we recommend heading to other nearby beaches including the one at Limekiln State Park and the Sand Dollar Beach.

There are many attractions near Kirk Creek Campground Beach. The Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument is set in the palatial estate which was formerly the home of the famous newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst. The site features the Hearst Castle, the businessman’s lavish mansion and also has interesting art galleries, historical exhibitions, a visitor center, and a gift shop. New Camaldoli Hermitage has lush public gardens that offer a pleasant view of the Pacific Ocean. In addition, it also has a bookstore. If you are looking for another attraction near Kirk Creek Campground, the Salmon Creek Falls is situated within the Los Padres National Forest and offers some great Instagram-worthy pictures along with a pleasant view of the coastal landscapes of the Big Sur region.

If you get hungry, there are many good restaurants near Kirk Creek Campground Beach. Wild Coast Restaurant & The Sushi Bar is an upscale restaurant offering a pleasant oceanfront dining experience and serves delicious sushi along with other delectable seafood dishes and burgers. Lucia Lodge Restaurant was awarded Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award in 2020 and offers a pleasant oceanfront dining experience. In addition, the restaurant also serves great seafood and sandwiches. If you are looking for a good and affordable restaurant near Kirk Creek Campground Beach, the modestly priced Whale Watcher’s Cafe features an exquisite marine-themed dining area and serves excellent seafood dishes.

If you are looking for a hotel near Kirk Creek Campground Beach, there are many great nearby options. The 3-Star Gorda Springs Resort offers many amenities including two restaurants, an espresso bar, and a general store. The 3-Star Treebones Resort offers accommodation in exquisite yurt tents and offers numerous amenities including two restaurants, a pool, a hot tub, complimentary breakfast, and arrangements for yoga classes. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Kirk Creek Campground, the modestly priced 2-Star Lucia Lodge offers many amenities including a restaurant, a deck, a patio, complimentary breakfast, and a seasonal convenience store with a gift shop. If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 4-Star Blue Dolphin Inn is 55 minutes away by car and offers pleasant oceanfront views and offers complimentary breakfast.