Sitting on a coastal bluff above the Santa Cruz County shoreline, Manresa State Beach Campground is a walk-in tent-only site managed by California State Parks. There are no RV hookups and no drive-up sites. Campers park in a designated loading zone and carry gear to their sites, a walk that ranges from a few steps to several minutes depending on placement. The campground sits within camping spots around Manresa State Beach, a stretch of coast that draws visitors year-round.
Sites are separated by shrubs and low vegetation, which gives each one a degree of visual privacy despite the campground being fairly well-used during summer weekends. The beach is a short downhill walk from camp, roughly five to seven minutes. Whales and dolphins have been spotted from the bluffs around sunset during summer months. Afternoon winds pick up along this part of the coast, so layers are worth packing even in warm months. Raccoons are active at night. Store food and gear accordingly.
Restroom and shower quality gets mixed reports. Some visitors find them well-maintained, cleaned each morning; others have encountered dirty facilities and broken shower stalls. Hot water is available in the showers, which are coin-operated, so bring quarters. Cara V. describes "beautiful views of the ocean just steps from your tent," which captures what the bluff position provides. The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday is less than a mile away and can be a useful stop for change or supplies. Reservations are recommended for summer visits, when families and groups fill the campground quickly.
Description
Manresa State Beach Camping is tents only, no RVs, mid-May through September. Parking for over 60 walk-in tent sites at Manresa Uplands is in a separate lot near the campground. Pets must not be left unattended in campsites. One vehicle is included in camping fees.
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Modification Policy : If you need to change your arrival/departure date and/or site, you must call ReserveCalifornia at 1-800-444-7275 or log into ReserveCalifornia.com by 6 p.m. the day before arrival. Visitors will be charged a modification fee per reserved campsite for change in dates, sites, parks, extending or shortening stay requests. Two modifications may be made to an existing reservation. The park does not handle modifications to reservations.
The following campgrounds of the Santa Cruz District are collectively restricted to an occupancy limit of 30 days by the same person(s), equipment or vehicles in any calendar year: [CCR 4455(a)]
Big Basin Redwoods State Park (Including Little Basin sub-unit)
Butano State Park
Castle Rock State Park
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Manresa State Beach
New Brighton State Beach
Portola Redwoods State Park
Seacliff State Beach
Sunset State Beach
One vehicle is included in the camping fee. Additional funds may be collected on site for up to 1 additional vehicle at a nightly rate.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsManresa State Beach Campground is located in California near Freedom
Address
205 Manresa Uplands Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
Coordinates
36.91617 N
121.849258 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/15/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 6/18/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/15/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/15/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 6/18/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/15/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 10 min from Santa Cruz, CA
- 27 min from Salinas, CA
- 45 min from San Jose, CA
- 1 hr 52 min from Modesto, CA



















