Big Sur, a stretch of California’s central coast between Carmel and San Simeon, has long served as a favorite escape for nature lovers. With its stunning views and majestic redwood forests, it attracts millions of visitors each year. At the southernmost tip of Big Sur, San Carpoforo Creek Beach has been a go-to destination for those seeking the beauty of a beach campsite for the past several decades. Notably, it is also the only free beach campsite in Big Sur, offering an incredible experience at no cost.
Sadly, the California Coastal Commission, following a formal recommendation from the United States Forest Service (USFS), will temporarily ban overnight camping and campfires at San Carpoforo Creek Beach for a two-year period. This decision addresses growing concerns from both the local community and visitors regarding the area’s preservation.
The decision to close the beach comes after repeated reports of litter, human waste, and unauthorized campfires, which pose a significant threat to endangered species and the overall health of the beach’s environment. Additionally, the lack of visitor amenities, such as trash bins and restrooms, has contributed to the difficult decision to close the beach, as officials have noted high levels of trash and debris.
The USFS plans to use the two-year period to develop a comprehensive Visitor Use Management program, which will create guidelines for sustainable public use of the beach, ensuring Big Sur’s natural beauty is protected for the future.
Though overnight camping will be prohibited for the next two years, the beach will remain open for day visits. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy Big Sur responsibly. To help protect our natural, outdoor spaces, everyone is encouraged to follow the “Leave No Trace Seven Principles,” as laid out by the National Park Service to minimize one’s impact.
These principles include planning ahead, staying on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly, leaving natural items as they were found, minimizing campfire impacts, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors.