The Best Swimming Holes in Big Sur — Inside Pfeiffer Beach Campground

When people think of Big Sur, they picture towering redwoods, crashing Pacific surf, and iconic Highway 1 pullouts. But tucked into the trees of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is one of the coast’s most underrated gems: river swimming holes with clear water, mossy rocks, gentle currents (in the right season), and big-tree shade.

These swimming spots aren’t hidden—they’re part of the campground and river area—but they do feel like a secret escape. For families, hikers, and adventurers alike, they offer a refreshing break from coastal fog and saltwater splash.

Here’s everything you need to know before you go. Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground is located in Big Sur, California, along Highway 1, about 1 mile south of Big Sur Station.

Address:
📍 Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
47225 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920

It sits right along the Big Sur River, surrounded by redwoods, which is why it’s such a favorite for families, swimming holes, and easy river access 

Why the Pfeiffer River Swimming Holes Are Special

Unlike ocean beaches in Big Sur, the river swimming spots:

• Are protected from strong currents and sneaker waves
• Offer cool freshwater on warm days
• Sit in a lush redwood canyon — shade, moss, and old-growth forest vibes
• Are spread out enough that you can find quieter pools

I would say simply magical. These swimming holes feel like nature’s own playground — perfect for kids, teens, and adults who want a break from the ocean or a relaxing dip after hiking.

Where and How to Find the Swimming Holes

Here is what you are looking for! The main swimming areas are along the Big Sur River inside or near the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground. There isn’t an official “map trail” with signs, but the campground paths (especially along the river) lead you right to them.

How it works:

• Park in the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground day-use area or walk from your camp. ($10 dollars per day)
• Follow the river paths (the trails parallel the river and wind through redwoods)
• You’ll find a handful of pools, shallow stretches, and smooth rock edges that make great swimming and wading spots

Because these aren’t designated public swimming beaches with lifeguards, always check water conditions and depth before jumping in. Specially watch out for your little kids.

1. Big Sur River Gorge (the scenic pools)

This is where you’ll find the bigger, postcard-y pools. Very well know and with a marked trail surrounded by rocks and trees.

You can reach it via a trail from parking lot #3. Just know: the best spots usually take a little effort. You’ll likely need to wade through water and navigate rocky terrain to get to the most beautiful pools and calmer pockets. Heads ups big Rocks I would do this with older kids. My kids are great swimmers so I am comfortable with it but getting there took some effort and also you need to respect your kids swimming level.

Quick tips for the Gorge:

• Wear water shoes (the rocks can be slippery and rough)
• Go slow — some areas can have fast-moving water, especially earlier in the season
• No diving (depth changes + hidden rocks make it risky)
• Vibe: Mini adventure, very scenic, more secluded
• What to know:
  • Reaching the best spots often requires wading through water
  • You’ll need to navigate rocky terrain
  • Water shoes are highly recommended
  • Be cautious — water can move faster here, especially earlier in the season
  • No diving (depth changes quickly and rocks are hidden)

This spot is best for older kids, teens, and adults who are comfortable exploring natural terrain.

Here’s the simplest way to find Parking Lot #3:

When you enter Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, follow the main park road in toward the campground area. You’ll pass the general day-use areas and see several small parking areas along the way. Lot #3 is one of the larger day-use parking areas closest to the river access trail that leads toward the gorge pools.

A few practical tips that make this easier:

• Look for posted “Day Use Parking” signs and the small numbered lot markers (they’re usually on posts near the entrance to each lot).
• If you see a parking area that feels like it’s set up for people stopping for the river (picnic tables nearby, obvious foot traffic heading toward the water), you’re likely close.
• Arrive earlier in the day on weekends and summer months — these lots fill fast.
• Since reception can disappear, download offline maps and screenshot this section of the guide before you go.

If Lot #3 is full, don’t stress — park in the nearest available day-use lot and follow the footpaths toward the river. The gorge area is still reachable, it just becomes a slightly longer walk.

2. Campground river access (easy + kid-friendly)my fav!

If you want the simplest “walk down, hang out, swim, repeat” option, stick close to the campground.

There are multiple spots along the river near the campground where you can swim, wade, and relax without a big hike. If you’re camping, sites 171–189 are some of the closest for quick access — which is amazing when you’re hauling towels, snacks, and the “I’m hungry again” crew.

If you’re traveling with younger kids or want easy access, this is your go-to.

• Several calm swimming and wading spots are located right along the campground
• Short walks lead directly to shallow areas perfect for floating, splashing, and relaxing

This area is ideal if you want a simple “walk down, swim, snack, repeat” kind of day.

Near Parking Lot #2 (easy access):
Parking Lot #2 sits closer to the campground river bends, not the gorge. From here, you can walk a short distance to calmer, shallow sections of the Big Sur River that are great for:

• wading and floating
• younger kids
• relaxing without scrambling over rocks

These spots don’t have the dramatic cliff walls of the gorge, but they’re much more approachable and perfect for a laid-back river stop. Just find the spot that is good for your family.

Who Parking Lot #2 is best for:

• families with small kids
• anyone carrying coolers, towels, or picnic gear
• visitors who want quick river access without a hike

If you are looking to where to stay in Big Sur here are my recommendations :

WHERE TO STAY IN BIG SUR HERE

River conditions (what to expect)

The water is usually clear, and in summer it can feel surprisingly warm (especially compared to the ocean). Conditions vary a lot depending on rain, season, and releases upstream, so always take 30 seconds to look at the current before getting in.

What Each Parking Lot Is Closest To (Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park)

🚗 Parking Lot #1

Closest to:

• Calm river bends
• Shallow wading areas
• Quiet spots to sit, relax, and dip your feet

Best for:
Families with toddlers, low-key river time, people who want easy access without crowds.

Vibe:
Peaceful, mellow, more “hang out by the river” than swimming laps.

🚗 Parking Lot #2

Closest to:

• The campground river access points
• Easy swimming and floating spots
• Areas near campsites 171–189

Best for:
Families with kids, picnics, swimming without hiking, carrying coolers and towels.

Vibe:
Classic Big Sur river day — easy, social, and family-friendly.

🚗 Parking Lot #3

Closest to:

• The Big Sur River Gorge
• Larger, deeper, scenic swimming pools
• More adventurous river access

Best for:
Older kids, teens, adults, and anyone comfortable wading over rocks to reach the best pools.

Vibe:
Mini adventure + dramatic scenery.

When to Swim

The river changes with the seasons:

Spring (March–May)
Best overall time
Snowmelt and rain keep the water flowing
Water is cool — refreshing, not freezing
Great for families with kids in shallower spots

Summer (June–September)
Warm weather means the river is inviting
Plenty of shade under the redwoods
Lower water levels late in the season — deeper pools can shrink

Fall (October–November)
Cooler air, peaceful vibes
Water stays calm and shallow in places
Short days — plan to swim earlier in the day

Winter (December–February)
Water can be higher and faster after storms
Not recommended for swimming — currents get stronger

Best time of day:
Late morning to mid-afternoon when the sun warms the air but you still have shade for longer stays.

Road trip Essentials the full list you don’t want to miss

Family Tips (Important!)

Because these are natural swimming spots and not lifeguarded beaches, here are some safety tips:

 Assess the water before entering.

Depth varies drastically; some pools are perfect for wading while others are deeper.

 Rock surfaces are slippery.

Water shoes or sandals with grip make wading and exploring easier — and safer.

No lifeguards.

Never swim alone or without watching kids closely.

Sun protection still matters.

Even under trees, sunscreen + hats keep you comfortable.

Pack water & snacks.

There’s no food service inside the campground — and you don’t want to hike back hungry.

Combine with Other Big Sur Stops

A day here can flow perfectly into other Big Sur highlights:

• Pfeiffer Beach (purple sand and arches) — morning or evening
• Pfeiffer Falls & Valley View Trail — short hike uphill with big views
• Buzzard’s Roost — an easy lookout with panoramic coastal views
• Nepenthe — lunch with an unforgettable ocean vista

The Pfeiffer Big Sur swimming holes are one of Big Sur’s best underrated experiences — especially for families and people who love water, shade, and a refreshing break from the Pacific. They’re quiet, scenic, and deeply connected to the heart of this redwood canyon landscape.

If you’re planning a Big Sur trip, don’t skip them — they might just be the most memorable dip you take on the coast.

If you’re spending more than a day in Big Sur, you’ll definitely want my complete Big Sur guide (coming soon).
Subscribers who sign up for the swimming hole info will get access the moment it’s released !