Washburn Campground
About this site
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Pacific Ocean while camping at San Simeon Creek Campground (water + showers) or Washburn Campground (water fill-up in lower campground + no showers). This tranquil getaway has many recreational options. Beach is closed to dogs for the protection of the threatened Snowey Plover shorebird. Additional Info: Washburn Campground is a primitive campground with 68 campsites located approximately 1 mile inland from the beach on a plateau overlooking the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Facilities include fire rings, picnic tables, pit toilets, and parking pads for 2 vehicles or trailers at each campsite. Shower facilities are available to registered campers at the adjacent San Simeon Creek Campground. The campground is dog and cat friendly. Maximum RV length is 35 feet. A self-operated RV dump station is available at San Simeon Creek Campground for an additional fee. Nightly rates are $20 for Washburn Campground.
Amenities & access
Access
- Drive-in access
Amenities
- Toilets
- Showers
- Pet Friendly
- Fire Rings
- Clean Water
- Trash
Maximum vehicle length
35 feet
Contact
Location
35.594465, -121.111032
Reviews (2)
- 5C
Camper
February 4, 2026
Great backup spot if unlucky for first come first serve spots in Big Sur. Washburn is $20 compared to the lower more expensive sites, and is a basic campground with views of rolling hills and a sliver of the ocean. Don’t forget to drive 15 minutes north to see the elephant seals!
- 4C
Camper
February 1, 2026
Nice place to stay and really close to the ocean and the elephant seal vista point. Good backup spot if you’re unlucky in Big Sur. We visited late January and there were at least 50 sites still available to roll into late. Washburn is also only $20 as it’s marked a primitive site. Washburn is a bit more exposed with awesome views, and the lower creek campsites seem to be more protected.
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