Key Andrew Molera State Park Campground Regulations
Check Andrew Molera State Park for any campground updates.
Riverside Campground & Cabins
Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 667-2414Campsites: 28 tent sites, 14 RV sites , picnic tables,fire pits.Limit of 5 people per siteFacilities: Cabins, beach access, hot showers, laundry, restroomsRates: $$
Andrew Molera State Park: 8:00 AM to Sunset, $10 per vehicleBeach: 1 mile trail to beachPfeiffer Beach: 9 AM to Sunset, $12 per vehicleLocation: Sycamore Canyon Rd., off Hwy. 1, 0.9 miles south of Pfeiffer State Park.
Andrew Molera State Park Barn
Big Sur Day Hikes
Hiking & Backpacking Big Sur
Income Education And Poverty 2013
Generally, the western/southern parts of the Monterey Peninsula, , Creekbridge , and eastern parts of Prundale were the county’s most affluent and educated . These areas had a median household income significantly above that of the California or the U.S. overall and comprised roughly 8%-10% of neighborhoods . Educational attainment was at least on part with, or above, state and national levels, in these areas while the percentage of people living in poverty was typically a third or less than national and statewide average .
Social deprivation was concentrated in the central and eastern parts of Salinas, and central areas of Monterey, Seaside, Marina, Soledad and King City. In central and eastern Salinas up to 46% of individuals lived below the poverty line and those without a secondary educations formed a plurality or majority of residents. Overall, the Salinas metropolitan area, defined as coterminous with Monterey County, was among the least educated urban areas in the nation.
Most affluent neighborhoods
Roughly 8% of neighborhoods, as defined by Census Block Groups, had a median household income above $100,000 per year, about 60% above the national median. This coincided with the top 20 census block groups in the county listed below.
Most affluent neighborhoods
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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park covers 1,006 acres in Big Sur with redwoods, oaks, chaparral and meadows. Within the park are 8 miles of hiking trails. The park adjoins the Ventana Wilderness with miles of trails.
Within each campground are several sites are set aside for tents only. RVs are limited to 32 feet and trailers to 27 feet.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Camping
Location: Highway 1, 26 miles south of Carmel Facilities: Big Sur Lodge, conference center, cafe, grocery store, campgrounds, restrooms, showers, nature centerHours: ½ hour before sunrise to & frac12 hour after sunsetCampgrounds: South Camp and Weyland Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia:Fees: Standard site $35, premium sites $50
After Being Closed More Than Four Years The Campground At Andrew Molera State Park Has Reopened
After the Soberanes Fire ravaged much of Big Sur in 2016, the following January brought an unwelcome follow-up: A deluge of rain that caused widespread flooding in Monterey County, particularly in watersheds impacted by the fire.
One casualty of that flood season was the campground at Andrew Molera State Park, at the mouth of the Big Sur River, which closed indefinitely after it got washed out and water entered the leach fields for the toilets.
People were saying it might not be opened again, says Brent Marshall, superintendent of the Monterey District of State Parks.
Those people were wrong: After a lot of heavy lifting by State Parks employees with a host of permitting agenciesIt was not a small flipping of the switch, Marshall saysthe campground reopened Aug. 1, and will remain open until Nov. 1, when it will close until sometime next spring or summer.
It was a lot of work to get where we are now, Marshall says. We were fighting nature and gravity.
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All About Andrew Molera State Park
Named after the man who introduced artichokes to California, Andrew Molera State Park has a long and interesting history. It all started when John Bautista Rogers Cooper, a pioneer of California, traded his ranch in Salinas Valley for Rancho El Sur, where the park is located today. After California was ceded to the United States by the Mexican Government in 1851, Cooper filed a claim for his land and received the legal land patent in 1866. Later, his son John Bautista Henry Cooper built a home on the ranch in 1899 but didnt live long enough to fully make the best of his estate.
After his death, his sister Francisca Cooper inherited the ranch and passed it down to her children. Her son, Andrew, died of a sudden heart attack in 1931, leaving the daughter Frances Molera as the sole owner of the familys property. In 1965, Frances arranged to sell 2,200 acres of her grandfathers land to the Nature Conservancy with the intent of turning it into a state park. One of her demands was that the state park be named after her late brother Andrew Molera. After Frances death, the state bought her half of the original Rancho El Sur, and thus, Andrew Molera State Park became what it is today.
Nowadays, the state park is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Many people come here to swim and surf, but during the winter months, visitors explore the hiking trails, go biking, camp at night, enjoy picnics, go on wildlife viewing tours, and engage in many other outdoor activities.
Andrew Molera State Park Camping
Camping at Andrew Molera State Park is an experience everyone needs to havesince theres so much to do, staying the night will help you recharge for the next day. Trail Camp is a hike-in Andrew Molera campground equipped with all the essentials. Visitors need to hike a quarter of a mile to actually reach the campground, but dont fret its not a difficult one. Situated near the Big Sur River, the campground features 22 regular tent sites and two hike-and-bike campsites. Each campsite comes with a fire pit, picnic table, and a food storage container. Restrooms with flush toilets and potable water are also available. Thanks to this backcountry camping spot in Big Sur, visitors can make a long weekend getaway out of their visit to the state park.
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Other Big Sur Camping
Big Sur Campground and Cabins
47000 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 667-2322Campsites: Tent and RV sites, bath house, hot showers, RVs up to 40′, water and electric hook-ups, dump stationFacilities: Cabins, camping cabins, close to river, outdoor sports, laundry, playground, storeRates: $$ – $$$
47200 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 667-2422Campsites: Tents, RV sites, tent cabins, bath houses, hot showers, electric hook-upsFacilities: Store, tavern, restaurant, motel, cabinsRates: $$
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Ocean Safety
California State Parks and Recreation cautions that “large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly.“Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety
Andrew Molera State Park
Trail Camp is Andrew Molera State Parks one and only campground. As a walk-in environmental camp with 24 sites located about a third of a mile from the trailhead, this is more of a gear haul than a backpacking trip. The campground has limited shade and privacy, although a handful of sites are tucked up against sycamore and oak trees that offer some respite from the sun. Sites are limited to four people and have a maximum duration of seven nights.
Lying adjacent to the lower section of the Big Sur River and its final reach to the Pacific Ocean, scenic Molera Point and Andrew Molera State Beach, a good spot for beachcombing and surfing, are both accessible from Trail Camp via the Headland Trail. En route to the beach youll pass through the blue gum eucalyptus trees of Coopers Grove. If you are camping between October and January you can witness the beautiful display of monarch butterflies that migrate thousands of miles to roost in the grove during winter. Be sure to watch for the wildlife here both in and out of the water.
Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table, a fire pit and grill, and a raccoon box to protect your food. Firewood can be purchased here on weekends, but youll have to look elsewhere on weekdays. Potable water is available both within the camp and at the trailhead parking area.
There is excellent hiking in Andrew Molera State Park, and it’s all accessible from Trail Camp. Watch for poison oak, as it is pervasive here.
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Andrew Molera State Park Campground
Andrew Molera State Park is along the Monterey County’s Big Sur coast, 20 miles south of Carmel. Park visitors enjoy miles of hiking trails along the coast, two sandy beaches, horseback riding tours, and a variety of nature activities.
Andrew Molera State Park Campground has 24 walk-in campsites at their Trail Camp. The camp is spread through a meadow about & frac13 -mile from the parking area. All the sites are first come, first served. A maximum of 4 people and 2 tents are allowed per site. Shade is limited at the campground, so some visitors bring shade tents.
Notice: Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp is open as of August 1, 2021.
| Andrew Molera State Park Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Andrew Molera State Park Campground Location: | Highway 1, 20 miles south of Carmel |
| Campground Open: | Closes for the season on November 1, 2021. |
| Number of Sites: | |
| 1 | |
| Pets: | No dogs allowed at the campground |
| Operated by |
| Reservations are strongly encouraged for all standard campsites. Two hike-and-bike sites are first-come, first-served. | |
| Reservation Window: | Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date. |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair accessible Sites: | |
| Hike-and Bike sites $5 per night | |
| Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: | or call 444-PARK between 8 AM and 6 PM |
| Check-out, Check-in: |
Find nice tent camping along the coast.
Hike to nearby beaches.
Enjoy exploring the Big Sur Coast.
Bixby Bridge
Relax By the Fire
One Park Two Campgrounds Choose From Cabins Yurts And Rv Sites Operated By Dons Cab
| PLEASE NOTE: The Blue Ridge Parkway is currently Closed from Milepost 135 to Milepost 121 due to the road damage. The Blue Ridge Parkway is OPEN and Explore Park can be accessed on the Parkway at Milepost 121 from US Route 220 headed North, at Milepost 112 from VA 24 headed South, Mill Mountain Parkway at Milepost 120, or our alternate entrance at 3900 Rutrough Road, 24014. . |
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California Condor Discovery Center
Andrew Molera State Park’s California Condor Discovery Center is run by the Ventana Wildlife Society. The discovery center focuses on the organization’s work with the California condor, but also explores the other wildlife in the area. Visit the songbird banding lab, take a tour, and learn all about Big Sur directly from local biologists and naturalists. The center is open during peak season on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Andrew Molera State Park: Attractions In Ca
California is of course revered and renowned for its amazing and varying terrain which consists of everything from pristine sandy beaches to vast mountainous regions. Sometimes, depending on where you stay, you can enjoy a variety of terrain in California and when you go camping near Andrew Molera State Park, cabins here will give you access to just that. Some of the best beaches in California can be found all along the north and south coast and Andrew Molera State Park is no different. Located on the central coast of California, beach getaways here are a great way to avoid bustling crowds of people on the beach and instead stay near one of the quieter beaches in California. Things to do aside from CA beach camping here also include day trips on the Panorama Trail where you can find waterfalls, hiking routes, and those mountain views that are bound to impress guests of all ages. From Highbridge Falls to Molera Point, camping here simply won’t disappoint families and couples looking for a good, relaxing time in the outdoors.
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Camping At Andrew Molera State Park
Those campers with RV rentals from Monterey County can stay at one of the numerous RV campgrounds near Andrew Molera State Park. One option is Monterey Pines RV Campground. This RV campground is designed for active-duty military members and veterans. There are 29 sites that come with features such as water and electricity. There is also a bathhouse and laundry facility.
Another motorhome campground to keep your travel trailer at is Carmel by the River RV Park. This camping spot offers plenty of RV sites that come with amenities such as electric, water, and sewer hookups. The campground is landscaped with native plants and is a short walk away from the local beach.
Camping Near You Find A Free Campsite
Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we’ve got you covered. You can simply use your smart phone’s GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast.
Our community provides the best free camping information available. Free campgrounds can be hard to find. Freecampsites.net makes it easy. We give you a simple, map based search engine to find free and cheap camping areas. Community reviews and ratings provide you with up to date information and help you select the best camp site for your next camping trip.
This is a platform for sharing campgrounds and camp sites you have discovered. We are community driven, and while we will be adding many free camping spots, we hope that you will add some of your favorite camping places as well. By sharing camping information freely, we can all spend less time researching campgrounds, spend less money, and more time camping. If everyone contributes a few campsites, we’ll all have more places to go camping.
Please come back and let us know what you find!
We are not actively seeking Wal-Marts, truckstops or other parking lots and will not be adding very many of these. There are enough Wal-Mart and truck stop directories out there already. However, if a member of the community finds one of these locations to be useful for overnight RV parking and creates an entry, we may approve the listing.
Please come back and let us know what you find!
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When Is The Best Time
The State Park is popular for the 2 miles long beach but not crowded due to a one-mile walk to get there. The gate is open from sunrise until half an hour after sunset.The entire 2 miles beach is only accessible at low tide. Watch the tide and dont get trapped between rocky outcrops.
The summer is the foggiest season. Clearer skies and the best time for a visit are September and October followed by April and May.
Weather
Its a moderate cool coastal climate with moist air. The average temperature is between 50 to 65°F year-round. Most of the precipitation occurs from October to April with up to 50 inches / 1270 mm. Fog happens between May and October usually from evening until late morning. If its hot in the backcountry, the fog might stay until the afternoon.
Whales
The grey whales migrate from Alaska to Baja California and can be spotted during mid-December and February. And again on their northward migration with their newborn calves from February to May.
Interested In Staying On The Best Cabins Near Andrew Molera State Park Surf Hike And Relax In California This Year
Based on Big Sur, camping in California here is one way to look after yourself during an unprecedented time in America and the rest of the world. During the current pandemic, it’s of paramount importance that we find ways to relax enjoy as much downtime as possible until a solution is found before things can go back to normal. One way to do that is by escaping to the best Andrew Molera State Park cabins for rent where you can enjoy a distraction and stress-free environment where you will be completely at peace. Don’t entertain overpriced and crowded CA hotels when you can instead enjoy truly safe vacations in California with our remote camping cabins near Andrew Molera State Park.
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Andrew Molera State Park In Big Sur California
Andrew Molera State Park Beach is a long sandy, rocky, and driftwood-covered beach along the base of the Big Sur headlands. This is the largest state park along the Big Sur coast. It has open meadows, high ridges, groves of sycamore and redwood trees, a river, many trails, and one of the best beaches to explore in the area. However, it requires quite a walk to reach the beach. Surfers will make this trek when the conditions are ideal as the Big Sur Rivermouth is one of the rare surf spots in Big Sur. A popular loop hike from the parking lot descends on the Beach Trail and returns on the Creamery Meadow Trail. Each segment is about one mile to the beach so its a little over a mile to do the loop. Seasonal footbridges are provided for crossing the Big Sur River typically June through October. During the rest of the year you will have to remove your shoes and socks to wade through the river.
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