Limekiln Beach and Creek Beaches

Monterey County

Sand Dollar Beach, Southern Big Sur, California
Sand Dollar Beach, Southern Big Sur, California

Limekiln Beach and Creek Beaches

Monterey County


Limekiln State Park

Limekiln Beach is part of 711-acre Limekiln State Park on the southern Big Sur coast. The park is named after four towering limekilns which stand along Limekiln Creek. 100-foot-high Limekiln Falls is a favorite attraction in the park.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.


Limekiln State Park map, Big Sur, California

The small beach at Limekiln State Park is virtually under the shadow of a Highway 1 bridge. Steep cliffs rise on either side of the narrow valley created by Limekiln Creek. A steep beach, rugged surf, and strong rip currents make it too dangerous for wading or swimming. Visitors enjoy picnicking on the sand and photographing the sunset here.

The opportunity to camp close to the sound of rolling surf makes Limekiln State Park a worthy attraction for beach lovers. The campground makes a good base for visiting nearby beaches such as Sand Dollar Beach, Kirk Creek Beach, and Mill Creek Beach.

Limekiln Campgrounds

Limekiln State Park has 29 campsites. Some are located in the redwoods along Limekiln Creek. Those sites are for tent camping only. Other sites for RVs or tents are situated near the beach. Up to 8 people may occupy each site. Because of the small campsites, RVs are limed to 24 feet and trailers to 15 feet. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Restrooms have flush toilets. Hot showers are available, 25 cents for 3 minutes.

Campground Map

Limekiln Camping Reservations

Limekiln State Park Campground Reservations Camping fees are $35, plus any reservation service fee ($8).


Big Sur's Creek Beaches

Three Creek Beaches are located along the southern Big Sur coast - Kirk Creek Beach, Mill Creek Beach, and Willow Creek Beach. All 3 are operated by Los Padres National Forest. Only Kirk Creek has camping available.

Kirk Creek Beach

Kirk Creek Beach is a long narrow strand of rocks and sand at the mouth of Kirk Creek and a short distance north of Mill Creek Beach. Access to the beach is through the Kirk Creek Campground. Parking is available in two small pull-outs along the highway next to the campground entrance. A trail from the north end of the campground leads down to the beach.

At low tide it is possible to hike a fair distance north along the base of the cliffs, but anyone venturing this way should keep track of the time and when the incoming tide will arrive. Long sections of beach are covered by waves at higher tides. The ocean is dangerous along this part of the coast. Rogue waves and rip-currents make the water and the shore line hazardous.


Kirk Creek Campground

Kirk Creek campsites are on a high bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Most of the campsites are well spread out and have grass. 33 campsites are available for RVs or tents, and each comes with a picnic table and fire pit and grill. Due to water quality problems, Kirk Creek Campground no longer has water. Their restrooms have been changed to portable toilets. Sand Dollar is 5 miles to the south.

Kirk Creek Camping Reservations

Recreation.gov - Kirk Creek Campground.
A couple of campsites are on a first come, first served basis and may not be reserved.
Fees: $35 per night, bicycle or walk-in camping $5

Kirk Creek Campground and Beach map, Big Sur, Monterey County, CA

Kirk Creek Campground, southern Big Sur, California

Kirk Creek Campground


Mill Creek Beach

Tiny Mill Creek Beach is found ½ mile south of Kirk Creek Campground. A paved road just north of the Mill Creek bridge leads to a small parking lot overlooking the ocean. Portable toilets are found there, but no water. There are picnic tables. A short, easy trail leads to the ocean.

Immediately below the parking lot is a rocky shore, while to the north is a small sand and rock beach. Visitors should keep track of the tide to avoid being trapped on the beach by dangerous waves. A similar beach can be found to the south by hiking over a low ridge. The ocean at Mill Creek Beach is too hazardous for swimming or wading. Most visitors are fishermen, photographers, or surfers.


Mill Creek Beach map, Big Sur, Monterey County, CA

Willow Creek Beach

Willow Creek Beach is small beach near the outlet of Willow Creek. It is a day use area with parking and restrooms. There is parking just off the highway or, if you follow the road down, more parking available under the shadow of the bridge. Portable toilets are located at the lower parking area.

Follow the gravel bar around to the north to a dark rock and sand beach at the foot of the sandstone cliffs. Keep an eye on the tide to be sure you don't get caught on the beach. The beach is most often visited by anglers, photographers, surfers and those looking for a nice stopping place along the highway to spend a few hours.

Willow Creek Campground and Beach map, Big Sur, Monterey County, CA

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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