Trish T.
Yelp
We just spent an amazing weekend at this campground. The hosts were very friendly and helpful and the sites were beautiful and facilities were well-maintained. We are definitely coming back!
Some quick tips and info for our favorite sites:
1. As many have said, #8 and #9 are the prime sites, but between the two #9 is better IMO as it has a small tree for some shade vs. #8 which is completely exposed.
2. #22 has a big, sturdy tree for hanging hammocks. It's right on the edge of the cliff as well for privacy and close (but not smelling distance) to the trash cans and bathrooms. It's mostly dirt though vs. grass, so if you're fussy about mud or dust, get one of the grassier sites. This is probably my third favorite site there.
3. #19 (our site) had a private overlook from which we watched dolphins playing in the surf down below. The trash bins were also just across the road so it was very convenient. It was a great site all around, as are sites #15 and #17. Bring a sun shade for these sites as they are fully exposed.
4. #11 and #13 are a bit smaller so if you have giant 6-person+ tents it will be a tight squeeze. I did see one group pitch three smaller 2-person tents side by side and they made it work.
5. #25, #26, #28, or basically all the ones closest to the highway, don't have a lot of space to pitch a tent, so they are best for RV campers.
6. The pit toilets were very clean and well-maintained during our stay (kudos to the camp hosts!). No smell whatsoever, unless you count the air freshener they spray every couple of hours. There are no lights in the stalls so bring a headlamp at night.
7. Firewood is available onsite for $12 for a bundle of about 8 logs, and water is $5 a gallon (so bring your own water!)
8. Take the warnings about the raccoons seriously! They have no fear and WILL run right up to your table and snag a pack of Oreos if your back is turned... even if you are just two feet away. The other residents (birds, ground squirrels, bunnies) are much more polite.
9. Yes poison oak is abundant here but very well maintained so as long as you don't run into a bush on purpose, you'll be fine.
10. Staying at Kirk Creek DOES NOT, I repeat, DOES NOT give free access to park at the Sand Dollar day use area, the $10 parking fee still applies. I don't know when that rule was changed, but the staff at Sand Dollar beach seemed exasperated at the misinformation as we weren't the only group who thought we could park for free since we were staying at a nearby campground. Just park on the highway next to the beach entrance and save the $10.