Limekiln State Park Campground is a small campground located on the central coast of California, with two main loops, one under the redwoods along Limekiln Creek, and the other on cliffs over looking a small beach. Limekiln State Park offers great hiking and views of the Big Sur coast, while providing access to the historical kilns for which the park gets its name.
The canyon that surrounds the campground is known as Limekiln Canyon and is one of the steepest canyons on the Pacific Coast, rising more than 5,000 feet from sea level over a short three and a half miles.
The campground has 29 campsites, of which 4 are walk-in ocean view campsites. RVs and trailers are not allowed in the Redwoods Campsites, and are only allowed at campsites 5-16. All of the campsites at Limekiln have a fire ring, picnic table, and access to bathrooms.
Limekiln State Park is currently closed due to damage to the area from the recent wildfires and heavy rains. Please be sure to check with California State Parks before going. More information can be found here.
Limekiln State Park Campground – Bottom Line
Limekiln State Park Campground is an interesting campground, it’s two main loops have completely different vibes, the Redwood Campsites loop is where you will find family campers, while the Ocean View campsites are for those looking to hang out on the beach or sit and watch the waves. The Ocean View campsites are also located on the busier end of the campground, next to the entrance and the day use area, making them somewhat less relaxing at times. Also, the Ocean View campsites are situated in the shadow of the towering overpass for Highway 1, and the support pillars for the overpass provide some view obstruction.
The bottom line is Limekiln State Park Campground is neat campground that is worth camping at. The best campsites are the walk-in Ocean View campsites that are located on the cliffs. These campsite numbers are 1, 2, & 3, however you will need to get there early to get these campsites as reservations at Limekiln are not site-specific, and a campsite is assigned to you upon arrival.
Limekiln State Park Campground Features
| Campground Type: | Organized |
| Number of Campsites: | 29 Campsites |
| Cost: | $35/Night |
| Use Level: | Medium |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Fire Rings: | Yes |
| Drinking Water: | Yes |
| Toilets: | Yes |
| Showers: | Yes |
| Trash/Dumpsters: | Yes |
| Hiking Access: | Yes |
| Beach/Lake Access: | Yes |
| RV/Trailer Length: | RV – 24′ / Trailer – 15′ |
| RV/Trailer Amenities: | None |
| Cell Phone Service: | Possible – Verizon |
| Wifi: | None |
| Operating Season: | Campground Open Year-round |
| Other: |
Getting There
| Address: | 63025 HIGHWAY 1 BIG SUR CA 93920 |
| Geo Coordinates: | 36.0085332, -121.5181256 |
| Nearest City/Town: | Carmel, California |
| Elevation: | 5 feet |
| Location: | Monterey County, California |
| Paved Road Access: | Paved to the campground, but campground is maintained gravel road |
| Proximity to Stores: | Lucia, CA is 2 miles north |
| Directions: | Limekiln State Park is 56 miles south of Carmel, directly off CA Highway 1; two miles south of Lucia. |
Connect
| Phone: | 805-434-1996 | Facebook: | Limekiln State Park Facebook Page | |
| Web: | Limekiln State Park Website |
| Reservations: | Online Campsite Reservations |
When To Go
Late Fall – Winter – We like going to the campsites on the Central Coast of California during the Late Fall and Winter. It is still plenty warm enough to camp and you do not have the crowds of peak camping season.
What To Do
Trail Hiking – The historic limekilns offer a quick and east trail hiking destination. The trail to the limekilns is about half a mile each way.
Fun Facts
Limekiln State Park was named for a decade of limekiln operations from 1870– early 80’s. Limestone was quarried within the canyon that surrounds the park and was “kilned” (smelted) in four massive wood-fired kilns, each made of stone and steel. After the limestone was kilned, small ships landed on the tiny cove located at the mouth of the campground and loaded the lime. The primary use of the lime was for making cement to construct buildings in the northern cities of California, such as San Francisco.
Limekiln State Park Campground Photos
