How to Get a Group Camp Permit
Two walk-in group sites across a seasonal footbridge over the Big Sur River — currently closed until further notice.
Check Group Camp permit availability1-7 nights
Duration
0.25 miles
Distance
easy
Difficulty
About Group Camp
Pfeiffer Big Sur's Group Camp is posted as closed until further notice. What follows is what the park publishes about it, so a group can judge whether to wait for it to reopen. Two group campsites are available from mid-June through mid-October by reservation. They are walk-in sites for larger groups with tents only, featuring a large camping area, fire ring, potable water, picnic tables, flush toilets and access to one small amphitheater seating 50 people. There are no showers, though campers may use the pay showers in the main campground. The minimum number of people is 9 and the maximum is 35, at $150 per night. The access is the defining feature. There is no vehicle access to the group campsites — campers park on the west side of Highway 1 and walk in approximately a quarter mile across the Big Sur River on a seasonal wooden footbridge. No trailers or motorhomes can be used at this site. Each reservation includes parking passes for 10 vehicles.
Group Camp takes 9 to 35 people in a tents-only setting reached on foot across the river. The park has it posted as closed until further notice, which makes its reopening the thing to watch rather than its availability.
The Experience
You park on the shoulder of Highway 1 and walk your gear a quarter mile over a wooden footbridge. The river separates the group camp from everything else in the park.
Two group campsites are available from mid-June through mid-October by reservation. These walk-in sites are for larger groups with tents only, featuring a large camping area, fire ring, potable water, picnic tables, flush toilets, and access to one small amphitheater seating 50 people. There are no showers; campers may use the pay showers in the main campground.
There is no vehicle access to the group campsites. Campers park on the west side of Highway 1 and walk in to the campground, approximately a quarter mile, across the Big Sur River on a seasonal wooden footbridge. No trailers or motorhomes can be used at this site. Check in is at the Pfeiffer Big Sur entrance kiosk; both group camps are a quarter mile north of the park entrance, west of Highway 1 and southwest of the Big Sur River. Each reservation includes parking passes for 10 vehicles.
The minimum number of people is 9 and the maximum is 35. The fee is $150 per night. All weddings, receptions and welcome dinners at Group Camp must have a Special Event Permit.
What to Expect
Currently closed until further notice — check the park's camping page before planning
Two walk-in, tents-only group sites for 9 to 35 people
A quarter-mile carry across a seasonal wooden footbridge over the Big Sur River
Fire ring, potable water, picnic tables and flush toilets; no showers on site
A small amphitheater seating 50
A seasonal window of mid-June through mid-October when open
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Permit Requirements
Minimum number of people is 9, maximum is 35.
Tents only. No trailers or motorhomes can be used at this site.
There is no vehicle access to the group campsites.
Each reservation includes parking passes for 10 vehicles; additional vehicles are charged per night at the park.
All weddings, receptions, welcome dinners and similar events at Group Camp must have a Special Event Permit.
Check in is at the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park entrance kiosk.
Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Fires are allowed only in the provided metal fire rings; do not gather firewood in the park.
Dogs must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed on park trails other than the Warden's Path and River Path.
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •Group cooking kit sized for up to 35
- •A way to carry everything a quarter mile across a footbridge
- •Firewood bought at the entrance kiosk
- •Warm layers for a river canyon
- •Shower tokens for the pay showers in the main campground
Recommended Gear
- •Wagons or handcarts for the walk-in
- •Rain shelter for a group, outside high summer
- •Long sleeves and long pants for poison oak
- •A Special Event Permit if the gathering is a wedding or reception
- •A Caltrans check before the group travels
Hazards & Safety
The camp is closed until further notice — confirm status before making any group plans.
The footbridge over the Big Sur River is seasonal.
Poison oak throughout the Big Sur parks.
Ticks and mountain lions are present; the agency names dawn and dusk for lions.
Raccoons are aggressive nocturnal scavengers around groups and food.
Highway 1 slides and one-way controls can strand a group's vehicles.
Best Time to Visit
Mid-June through mid-October is the published season, which is also when the footbridge is in place. Since the camp is currently closed until further notice, the practical answer is to watch the park's camping page for a reopening notice.
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This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Group Camp permit?
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Group Camp permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Group Camp?
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Mid-June through mid-October is the published season, which is also when the footbridge is in place. Since the camp is currently closed until further notice, the practical answer is to watch the park's camping page for a reopening notice.
How difficult is Group Camp?
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Groups of 9 to 35 who want a tents-only Big Sur base with potable water and flush toilets, and who do not mind carrying gear across a footbridge — when the camp reopens.
What gear do I need for Group Camp?
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Essential gear includes: Group cooking kit sized for up to 35, A way to carry everything a quarter mile across a footbridge, Firewood bought at the entrance kiosk, Warm layers for a river canyon, Shower tokens for the pay showers in the main campground.
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