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Established Camping

Seacliff State Beach

7 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Seacliff State Beach, near Aptos, California, is a fantastic spot for those who want to camp right by the ocean. With its beautiful beach and stunning sunsets, it’s a place where you can unwind and soak in the natural beauty of the coastline.

The campground offers a range of amenities, including picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings. Many visitors have praised the well-maintained facilities, including clean showers and restrooms, making it easy to enjoy your stay. One camper noted, “It’s on the beach... beautiful beach, amazing sunsets, whales, fall asleep to the ocean waves and more.”

If you’re into outdoor activities, you’ll love the proximity to the beach, where you can enjoy walks along the shoreline or simply relax by the water. Some campers mentioned that securing a reservation can be tricky, but they agreed it’s worth the effort for the experience. The camp hosts are friendly and available to help, ensuring you have a pleasant stay.

While the campground has a no-pets policy, it’s a great choice for families and anyone looking to enjoy the ocean's tranquility. Whether you’re pitching a tent or staying in a cabin, Seacliff State Beach offers a memorable camping experience right by the waves.

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Location

Seacliff State Beach is located in California

Directions

Located 78 miles south of San Francisco and 7 miles South of Santa Cruz on Highway 1. Take the Seacliff turn off from Highway One in the town of Aptos.

Address

201 State Park Drive
Aptos, CA 95003

Coordinates

36.98864126343925 N
121.91239567 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 4 users
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 5 users

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Sunol

1 hr 5 min away

Turner Cut Resort

1 hr 57 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

5 min from Santa Cruz
32 min from Salinas
40 min from San Jose
1 hr 52 min from Modesto

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 4 users
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 5 users

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Cabins
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
30 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+18004447275

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Chip C.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2025

Seacliff campground closed

Campground has been closed since winter storms washed most of it away in 2023. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29803

Liza T.

Scout

Reviewed May. 29, 2021

Accosted by police

Called ahead. No answer. Arrived late. Pulled in to a spot. A few minutes later a police type SUV rushed up to me, lights flashing and bright headlights in my eyes. A very nervous acting, hostile officer shouted "put both hands on the wheel". She asked if I had a res and I tried to explain there was no answer when I called, and that I was hoping to camp on the open site and pay in the morning. She said my vehicle was not an RV and if i didn't leave immediately she was going to cite me. I tried to explain how my Subaru Outback was indeed rigged up as rv (built in bed, self contained toilet, refrigerator andfood prep area and more). She was so uptight and adamant that I leave I doubt she heard a word. Scary encounter. All I wanted was a safe spot to camp for the evening. Rude, hostile encounter that was absolutely unnecessary.

Month of VisitMay

Gregory M.

Scout

Reviewed Feb. 2, 2021

My favorite beach spot!

I love Seacliff! My familiy and I have been coming here for years. Unfortunately it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to get a reservation at a site with a hookup.

Site16 (hookup site)

Month of VisitAugust

Ioan P.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 14, 2020

This is a very nice place, well maintained, run by the State.

Eric J.

Guide

Reviewed May. 22, 2020

On the beach!

It’s on the beach... beautiful beach, amazing sunsets, whales, fall asleep to the ocean waves and more.

Serge B.

Scout

Reviewed Jan. 29, 2020

Reservation are difficult to obtain

But well worth the effort. Full hookups in one area and dry camping in overflow area. All camping spots are adjacent to the 'boardwalk' beach path and the beach. Yes, your rig is within 20' of the beach at all campsites. Lots of dog walking, caution-fines are very hefty for being off leash. Camphosts are always present/available/helpful.

Corrie G.

Guide

Reviewed May. 21, 2019

Right on the beach

Pavement spots, right on the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seacliff State Beach open for camping?

No, Seacliff State Beach campground is currently closed. The campground was severely damaged by winter storms in 2023, which washed away significant portions of the camping area. The California State Parks website provides current closure information. There is no confirmed reopening date, so potential visitors should check the official California State Parks website for the latest updates before planning a trip.

What do reviews say about camping at Seacliff State Beach?

Seacliff State Beach offers a premium oceanfront camping experience with paved sites situated directly adjacent to the beach. Campers appreciate the stunning location where you can fall asleep to ocean waves, witness amazing sunsets, and occasionally spot whales. The campground is well-maintained and managed by California State Parks. While the oceanfront setting is spectacular with campsites within 20 feet of the beach, securing reservations can be challenging, especially for sites with hookups.

What parking options are available at Seacliff State Beach Campground?

When operational, Seacliff State Beach Campground offers paved parking spots directly adjacent to the beach. The campground features two distinct camping areas: a section with full hookups and an overflow area for dry camping. All parking spots are designed for RVs and are positioned along the 'boardwalk' beach path, placing vehicles approximately 20 feet from the shoreline. This configuration provides convenient beach access while maintaining the integrity of the natural shoreline.

Is Seacliff State Beach the only oceanfront camping option in Santa Cruz?

While Seacliff State Beach offers a premier oceanfront camping experience, it's not the only option in Santa Cruz County. New Brighton State Beach and Manresa State Beach also provide coastal camping opportunities. Each location has its own character and amenities, though Seacliff is notable for having campsites exceptionally close to the water. For those seeking oceanfront camping while Seacliff remains closed, these alternative state beaches are worth considering. Always check availability and make reservations well in advance for any coastal camping in the popular Santa Cruz area.

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