Skip to content
Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground permit

Pfeiffer Campground Gear Checklist

What to carry on Pfeiffer Campground, and why. 5 more are worth the pack space.

5Total Items
5To bring

What to bring on Pfeiffer Campground

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    Shower tokens or cash for them

    $1 per five minutes at the kiosk

  • Bring

    A lighter and fire starter; firewood is $12 a bundle at the entrance kiosk

  • Bring

    Layers for coastal fog: winter overnights run 30s-50s and summer overnights 50s-70s

  • Bring

    A headlamp

    the redwood canopy makes camp dark early

  • Bring

    Water containers if you want to fill at the dump station rather than walk to a spigot

6 people can go on one permit. Split this list between them so nobody carries two stoves.

Build a shared list

General backcountry gear

Kit we recommend for backcountry trips in general. This is not a checklist specific to Pfeiffer Campground — the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park rules for this permit are above.

🎒
Recommended
Wild Ideas

Bearikade Weekender

Ultralight carbon fiber bear canister. IGBC certified.

1 lb 15 ozultralightcarbon-fiber
$325
🎒
Recommended
Katadyn

BeFree 1L

Ultralight collapsible filter system.

2 ozultralightfast-flow
$44.95
🎒
Recommended
BearVault

BV500 Bear Vault

The most popular bear canister for Sierra backpacking. Fits 7 days of food.

2 lbs 9 oz7-day capacityapproved
$89.95
🎒
Recommended
Black Diamond

Distance Carbon Z

Lightweight folding carbon poles.

1 lb 1 ozcarbonfolding
$169.95
🎒
Recommended
Sawyer

Sawyer Squeeze

The most popular water filter for backpacking.

3 ozpopularreliable
$37.95

Gear Tips for Pfeiffer Campground

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Weigh your pack before you go. A lighter pack makes for a happier hike.
  • •Rent expensive gear if you are trying a new activity for the first time.
  • •Test all new gear at home before hitting the trail.
  • •Check current regulations as some items may be required seasonally.

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase gear through these links, PermitSnag earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in. This helps us keep the lights on and continue building tools to help you get into the backcountry.