Limekiln State Park Big Sur: 2026 Visitor Guide (What’s Open)
Limekiln State Park Big Sur: 2026 Status
Limekiln State Park in Big Sur is open with restrictions in 2026. Day-use ($10/vehicle, cash only, 8am–sunset) and the campground — reopened April 2026 after a ~3-year closure, ~$35/night via ReserveCalifornia — are open. The Limekiln Trail to the historic 1880s lime kilns is open. But the waterfall trail and Hare Creek Trail are closed, and the campsites closest to the beach are closed. Highway 1 is open through Big Sur again as of October 2026.
Limekiln State Park is a nice stop if you’re in Big Sur. You could do a quick day hike there, or stay longer and camp. We spent a weekend camping there back when everything was open, and had all the time in the world to explore and relax. A lot has changed since — read the 2026 status notes below before planning around my old itinerary.
Hiking: What’s Open in 2026
Limekiln Trail (Open)
The short trails through the redwoods are the heart of the park. The half-mile Limekiln Trail leads to the four historic lime kilns (built 1887–1890) and continues to the Pitkins Curve Trail ocean-view overlook. This trail is currently open.
Honest opinion: the lime kilns were a bit underwhelming — I don’t think I would’ve missed anything if I hadn’t seen them. The redwood walk to get there is the real attraction.
Limekiln Falls Trail (Closed)
On our visit, we crossed the creek and scrambled over rocks to reach the waterfall — it was pretty, the water was freezing, and you could go for a dip if you were brave. As of 2026, the waterfall trail is closed. Go for the kilns and the redwoods, not the waterfall — that trail is closed until further notice.
Hare Creek Trail (Closed) & Backcountry (Closed)
The Hare Creek Trail is closed, and all backcountry trails east of Highway 1 are closed indefinitely due to fire damage. We once hiked the long trail out of the campground toward the ridgeline — gradual climbs through the woods opening to Pacific views, about 3–4 miles roundtrip before we turned back. Don’t plan on that route in 2026; check the park’s official page for the current trail map.
Camping: Reopened April 2026
The campground reopened in April 2026 after being closed for roughly three years during the Highway 1 slide closure. There are ~29–33 sites across two loops (Ocean Loop fits RVs up to 24 ft; Redwood Loop is tents). Sites run about $35/night and book through ReserveCalifornia up to 6 months out — this small campground sells out fast, so book the day your window opens.
Note: the campsites closest to the beach are currently closed while Caltrans studies the Limekiln Bridge. We stayed at campsite 6 near the beach back in the day — shaded, hammock-friendly, with the trails and a little beach right there. The sites are close together, so expect to hear your neighbors. Until the beach-loop sites reopen, expect a slightly different layout than the one I experienced.
Day-Use Details (2026)
- Fee: $10 per vehicle, cash only. Kiosk staffed 8am–4pm; park open 8am–sunset.
- Restrooms and beach: open.
- Reservations: camping via ReserveCalifornia only — no first-come sites.
Getting There: Highway 1 Status
Limekiln State Park is in Big Sur, about a 3.5-hour drive south of San Francisco. Highway 1 fully reopened through Big Sur in January 2026 after the Regent’s Slide repair, then closed again August–September 2026 for wildfires — as of October 2026, it’s open through Big Sur again. Expect possible one-way traffic controls and delays in sections; check Caltrans before driving. To rent a car, check out Discover Cars to find the best deal.
Pair it with glamping: my Treebones Resort Big Sur review covers the yurt-and-nest glamping spot further down the coast. For more California mountain scenery, see my Yosemite viewpoints and easy hikes guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Limekiln State Park open in 2026?
Yes, open with restrictions. Day-use areas, restrooms, the beach, the campground (reopened April 2026), and the Limekiln Trail to the historic kilns are open. The waterfall trail, Hare Creek Trail, and backcountry trails are closed.
Can you camp at Limekiln State Park?
Yes — the campground reopened in April 2026 after a ~3-year closure. About 30 sites at ~$35/night, bookable on ReserveCalifornia up to 6 months ahead. It sells out quickly. Beach-adjacent sites are currently closed.
Is the Limekiln waterfall trail open?
No. The Limekiln Falls Trail is closed as of 2026, along with the Hare Creek Trail. The Limekiln Trail to the 1880s lime kilns and the ocean overlook remains open.
How much does it cost to visit Limekiln State Park?
Day-use is $10 per vehicle, cash only. Camping is about $35/night reserved through ReserveCalifornia.
Is Highway 1 open to Limekiln State Park?
As of October 2026, Highway 1 is open through Big Sur. It fully reopened in January 2026 after slide repairs, closed briefly for summer wildfires, and reopened again. Check Caltrans for current one-way controls and delays.
Is Limekiln State Park worth visiting?
Yes for the redwood groves and the quirky 1880s lime kilns — but go in knowing the waterfall trail is closed. It’s a peaceful half-day stop or a one-night camp, best paired with other Big Sur sights.
