Manresa State Beach Campground, near Watsonville, California, is a fantastic destination for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the coast while camping. With sites that offer a good amount of privacy thanks to the surrounding trees and bushes, you can kick back and soak in the stunning ocean views just a short walk away.

The campground is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure. Visitors often rave about the clean bathrooms and the convenience of having drinking water available at many sites. As one camper noted, “The beach was clean and not crowded,” making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the waves.

If you’re up for some exploration, the beach is easily accessible, and you might even catch a glimpse of whales or dolphins during sunset. Just be prepared for a bit of a trek from the drop-off area to your site, but the beautiful surroundings and the chance to unwind by the ocean make it worth it. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Manresa State Beach Campground has a laid-back vibe that’s hard to beat.

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.

Manresa State Beach Campground

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It's a lot of work to haul your stuff from the drop off area to your site. It's a bit of a walk to the beach from the campground. It's a beautiful beach and not crowded however. This beach camping has some sites where you can have some privacy but mostly it's just a mass camping area. Way more spread out that the near by New Brighton SB Campground. It's an interesting set up. Not my number one pick but there's nothing wrong with it.

Beautiful Beach 

I've been to this campground a handful of time, and keep coming back. Walk up sites, clean restrooms, private beach, you can bring the pup and it's off the beaten track a bit. There are a LOT of raccoons, so pack up your stuff well. There are bathrooms and showers.

Private beach, dog friendly, clean campground

Beautiful views of the ocean just steps from your tent. During the summer months, whales and dolphins can be seen cruising through the ocean around sunset.

Amazing sunsets!

The drive in was a little confusing. We got most of our turns right the first time around and still spent a while circling trying to tell if we were where we were supposed to be. Site was nice- pretty close to neighbors, but plenty of bush between us to make the site feel somewhat private. Bathrooms were nice and clean. It would be awesome if there were someone working as a greeter/camp host all hours, but we figured out what was what eventually. It was a bit of a downhill walk to get to the beach, which was awesome. It was pretty foggy in the morning but that burned off and gave way to a nice warm(ish) day (in June). Wind picks up in the afternoon- bring layers!

Pristine camping close to beach

Stopped here on a one night stay on the way down to Big Sur.  Had campsite #1 which was decently sized and right in the middle of the camp.  The camp is a bit on the bluff and not directly on the beach, but you can get down there with a short walk.  There were a ton of families here so it was a bit loud, but not too bad.

  

Would stay here again

Busy but nice beach camping

Short walk from parking to camp sites. Clean bathrooms. Water spigot at many sites, Wi-Fi is pretty variable at different place around the campsites. Easy walk down to the beach, close to town if you need anything.

Nice spot near the ocean

First time visiting, We stayed at site 63 for two nights June 30 and July 1st. Sites are very private and seperated by bushes and trees. The loading zone was a short walk to our site. It was an easy 5-7 minute walk down to the beach. Beach was clean and not crowded. Beautiful sunset views. Only complaints are that the bathrooms were filthy. One of the showers wasn’t working and robbed us of $2. They need to put a quarter change machine for coins for the showers. We had to drive to KOA to get change to shower. We will definitely come back ! 


Right on beach!

This campsite was lovely. The sites were quite large and had the needed amenities. The shower had hot water and the restrooms were cleaned each morning. I loved that the beach was easily accessible for my morning walk. The many flowers were also lovely to wake up to. 

Large campsites with beach access

I stayed in site 5 and the walk from my car was not far. I enjoyed this campground!

Photos of Manresa State Beach Campground

Real photos from real campers