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Map showing campground location near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Camper submitted image from Carmel by the River RV ParkView 32 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Carmel by the River RV Park

13 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Day trips to Monterey Bay, the Carmel Mission, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve are all within reach of this full-hookup RV park, making it a functional base for exploring one of California's most visited coastal stretches. Sites are flat and open, with hedges separating many of the spaces, and the park accommodates rigs up to 48 feet with electric, water, and sewer hookups. No tents here. This is an RV-only setup.

The campground runs quietly, and that comes up repeatedly in reviews. Staff responsiveness is another consistent note: multiple campers mention calling after hours and reaching someone who helped them get settled. Sam B. describes the owners as people who "helped us with all our hook ups as this was our first time in a campervan," which gives a sense of how the place is run. Amenities include free morning coffee, a games room, WiFi, showers, and a shuttle, which can matter when you'd rather not move the rig every day. The grounds are consistently described as clean and well-maintained.

One note on the name: as David C. puts it, "you cannot access the river at all." Despite being called Carmel by the River, there's no riverfront access and no trail along the water. There's also no laundry on-site. Campers who need those features should factor that in before booking.

Getting here requires navigating a narrow entrance road that functions essentially as one lane. Meeting oncoming traffic is possible, especially with a large rig. Reviewers consistently flag this, but also consistently say it's manageable. Avoid Laureles Grade if you're driving anything larger than a passenger car; the 17% grade on that approach is not well-suited to RVs or trailers.

Rates run $110 to $235 per night, which puts it at the higher end for the region. Campers exploring places to camp around Carmel-by-the-Sea will find a handful of alternatives nearby, including Saddle Mountain RV Park & Campground just down the road. This park makes the most sense for RV travelers who want full hookups, attentive management, and a quiet overnight stop within range of the Monterey Peninsula's main draws.

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Map & DirectionsCarmel by the River RV Park is located in California near Carmel-by-the-Sea

Detail location of campground
RV Park

Directions

From jct Hwy -68 & Hwy -1: Go 3 mi S on Hwy -1, then 4-1/2 mi E on Carmel Valley Rd, then 1 mi SW on Schulte Rd.

Address

27680 Schulte Rd
Carmel, CA 93923

Coordinates

36.52460223 N
121.84413928 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 7/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 7/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/6/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 7/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 7/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/6/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time

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Reviews13 Camper Reviews - Carmel by the River RV Park

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

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1 Star

77%
8%
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4.5

out of 5

13 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the exceptionally clean facilities, friendly helpful staff, and peaceful atmosphere as standout features. The narrow access road requires some caution, and pricing divides opinion given the premium Carmel location.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Apr. 30, 2026

It's good but

Very nice, quiet spots but since it's called Carmel by the River you would expect it to have a river... Also no laundry and an unpleasant and narrow entrance definitely take this down a few stars

SiteWillow
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2025

Clean place

Really like this place. It’s not run down like many RV parks these days. Flat lots, full hook ups, even warm welcome cookie!

SiteBig Sur
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2022

Gorgeous place well worth the money

Called late (5pm) and the owners were really kind over the phone and had a space for us so last minute. The games room was a lovely treat as well as the free coffee in the morning. The owners are clearly lovely people who helped us with all our hook ups as this was our first time in a campervan. Could not recommend enough :)

Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2021

Very quiet, fully equipped RV park

The place is very clean and well kept. Close enough to Carmel, Monterey, ocean and parks yet quiet and secluded. Very pleasant and helpful staff.

SiteSpyglass
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Carmel by the River RV Park by Ron T., September 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Carmel by the River RV Park by Ron T., September 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Carmel by the River RV Park by Ron T., September 29, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2021

Carmel by the RIver

Friendly reception. Clean showers and bathrooms. Dog and kid friendly. Beautiful gardens. Will definitely come again

Sitewild flower
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2021

Another great stay

This was a the second time here. The park is well maintained and the staff are so friendly. Just small enough to not feel like a city and big enough for Class A motor homes. The road in can be tricky if you meet head on with another RV, but don't let that happen stop you. We will be back!

SiteLover's Point
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Carmel by the River RV Park by Patrick J., September 26, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2021

A Little Pricey But Super Nice

The road in is a bit narrow but don’t give up! You will make it without any trouble. Very nice and well managed campground with many amenities, including a shuttle. Quiet.

It’s Monterey so I don’t think their prices are out of line. I called after they closed and the manager answered and was able to get me in a space, which I really appreciated.

SiteMaple (the spots are named)
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Carmel by the River RV Park by Steve , July 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Carmel by the River RV Park by Steve , July 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Carmel by the River RV Park by Steve , July 13, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 12, 2021

Very nice!

Perfect temperature! The hikes and vistas and views are absolutely stunning!

Sitepoint lobos
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Carmel by the River RV Park by Jeremiah H., June 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Carmel by the River RV Park by Jeremiah H., June 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Carmel by the River RV Park by Jeremiah H., June 12, 2021
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Sep. 14, 2020

Maiden Voyage

Pricey, but worth it. Staff was pleasant and helpful. The campground was very clean, and quiet! Every camper I met was very pleasant. I would absolutely go again!!

Yes they have 30 amp service.

Unless you’re driving a sports car, definitely DO NOT drive on Lorales Grade! It’s a narrow, windy, dark road with a 17% grade. It is well worth driving around, you can thank me later.

Reviewed Jul. 23, 2020

Ok park, but expensive

This park is nice and clean, but don’t let the name fool you into thinking you can take a nice hike along the river. You cannot access the river at all. You cannot really even see it.

There’s nothing within walking distance at all.

The pet area is also a play area for kids, so beware.

Definitely overpriced for what it offers.

Reviewed Oct. 26, 2019

Tight road in but nice

Nice for an RV Park. Had nice hedges between the sites. Steep price ($95-$105/night) but I suppose everything is expensive in Carmel. Note that the road in is basically a one lane road. Pray you don’t encounter oncoming traffic.

  • Review photo of Carmel by the River RV Park by Dave N., October 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Carmel by the River RV Park by Dave N., October 26, 2019
Showing results 1-13 of 13 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos available of Carmel by the River RV Park?

Yes, photos of Carmel by the River RV Park are available. The park features scenic garden areas, well-maintained RV sites with hedge dividers, and clean facilities. When planning your visit, check the official campground website or The Dyrt for recent photos that showcase the campground layout, site spacing, amenities like the game room, and the surrounding environment. Visual references can help you better understand the park's setting and prepare for the narrow access road mentioned by many visitors.

What do reviews say about Carmel by the River RV Park?

Carmel by the River RV Park is a well-maintained, clean, and quiet RV park with pleasant staff and helpful owners. The park features nice hedges between sites for privacy, beautiful gardens, and clean bathroom and shower facilities. It's located close enough to Carmel, Monterey, and the ocean while still feeling secluded. Visitors appreciate the game room and complimentary morning coffee. While the name suggests riverside location, river access or views are limited. The road leading to the campground is notably narrow, which can be challenging for larger RVs, but most find it manageable with caution.

What RV camping options are available near Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel by the River RV Park is the primary RV accommodation option in the immediate Carmel area, offering well-maintained sites with 30-amp service in a quiet, landscaped setting. The park can accommodate Class A motorhomes despite the narrow access road. For alternatives, consider campgrounds in nearby Monterey or Big Sur. The Monterey Peninsula offers several commercial RV parks with full hookups and amenities. State parks in the region typically have more limited services but beautiful natural settings. Some provide partial hookups, though many are better suited for smaller RVs or trailers due to size restrictions and winding coastal roads.

What are the rates at Carmel by the River RV Park?

Rates at Carmel by the River RV Park range from approximately $95-$105 per night. While this may seem steep compared to some other RV parks, the pricing reflects the desirable Carmel/Monterey location and the park's well-maintained facilities. The park offers 30-amp electrical service included in these rates. For current pricing, seasonal variations, or any special offers, contact the park directly as rates may change. Many visitors consider the higher rates worthwhile given the park's quality, amenities, and proximity to popular coastal attractions.

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