Plaskett Creek Campground is tucked away on the eastern side of Highway 1Â in Los Padres National Forest, and is just a short walk from Sand Dollar Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the California central coast. Plaskett Creek is a large open grassy space that is shaded by cypress trees and Monterey pines, with one main driving loop that circles the campground.
Each campsite includes a fire ring, grill, picnic table, and access to bathrooms. Only 50% of the campsites at Plaskett Creek are available for reservations, the others are first-come-first-served.
Plaskett Creek Campground is currently closed due to damage to the area from the recent wildfires and heavy rains. Please be sure to check with Los Padres National Forest before going. More information can be found here.
Plaskett Creek Campground – Bottom Line
While it should not have been, Plaskett Creek Campground was a surprise when we stumbled upon it while driving down the coast; we did not have it on our map, but should have. While the campsites at Plasket Creek Campground are not the most private campsites we have ever seen, this campground was a pleasant surprise. It is an uncommon destination for camping and is decent distance away from the popular Big Sur area, so the campground is often underutilized and has last minute campsites available during the peak camping season.
If you camp at Plaskett Creek Campground try and get a campsite along the outer edge of the campground, these are on the left-hand side of the outer loop of the campground. The campsites on the outer loop are generally more private and are the best campsites, since they back onto the national forest and have no campsites behind them.
Washburn Campground Features
| Campground Type: | Organized |
| Number of Campsites: | 41 Campsites |
| Cost: | $25/Night |
| Use Level: | Low |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Fire Rings: | Yes |
| Drinking Water: | Yes |
| Toilets: | Yes |
| Showers: | No |
| Trash/Dumpsters: | Yes |
| Hiking Access: | Yes |
| Beach/Lake Access: | None – Sand Dollar Beach just south of the campground |
| RV/Trailer Length: | Site dependent – between 35′ – 50′ |
| RV/Trailer Amenities: | None |
| Cell Phone Service: | Possible – Verizon |
| Wifi: | None |
| Operating Season: | Campground Open Year-round |
| Other: |
Getting There
| Address: | |
| Geo Coordinates: | 35.91722, -121.465 |
| Nearest City/Town: | Carmel, California |
| Elevation: | 50 feet |
| Location: | Monterey County, California |
| Paved Road Access: | Yes |
| Proximity to Stores: | Cambria, CA is 39 miles south |
| Directions: | Plaskett Creek Campground is 1 hour north of San Luis Obispo. Take California Highway 1 north for approximately 60 miles to the campground.Plaskett Creek Campground is 1 hour south of Monterey. Take Highway 1 south for approximately 55 miles to the campground. |
Connect
| Phone: | Facebook: | |||
| Web: | Plaskett Creek Campground Website | Â |
| 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. Additionally, in January and February you may be able to do some whale watching.
What To Do
Beach – Sand Dollar Beach is an east destination from Plaskett Creek and offers a great sandy beach.
Plaskett Creek Campground Photos
