Map showing campground location near Monterey, California

Camper submitted image from Monterey County Fairgrounds

Monterey County Fairgrounds

The Monterey County Fairgrounds operates this county-managed campground on active fairgrounds property, functioning primarily as a large parking area with electrical hookups. Sites consist of both paved asphalt spaces in the upper section and gravel areas in the lower lot, with two RV sites typically sharing one electrical box. The facility sits adjacent to a private airport, generating regular aircraft noise during morning and evening hours.

Campers stay in close proximity to neighbors due to tight spacing between sites. The upper area offers paved, gently sloped sites for drainage, while the lower section remains mostly unpaved and occasionally serves as event parking during fairground activities. Leonard H. notes the "upper rest-room bldg has one shower with good pressure and hot water," along with an outdoor washer and dryer unit.

The location provides convenient access to downtown Monterey, the wharf, and Highway 1 for Big Sur exploration. Bus routes and a local bike path connect campers to town without driving. Several restaurants including Denny's, sushi, and Italian options sit within walking distance. However, WiFi coverage remains spotty across much of the parking area, and some sites back up to livestock areas of the fairgrounds.

For campers seeking a more traditional campground experience, Veteran's Memorial Park Campground offers an alternative setting.

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Location

Public Campground

Monterey County Fairgrounds is located in California

Directions

From jct Hwy 1 & Casa Verde exit: Go 1 mi SE.

Address

2004 Fairground Rd
Monterey, CA 93940

Coordinates

36.59440519 N
121.86150628 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 15 users
Last on 3/12/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 31 users
Last on 3/12/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 18 users
Last on 3/12/26

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 15 users
Last on 3/12/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 31 users
Last on 3/12/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 18 users
Last on 3/12/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

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

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

21 min from Salinas, CA
36 min from Santa Cruz, CA
55 min from San Jose, CA
1 hr 57 min from Modesto, CA

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the convenient location near Monterey attractions with friendly staff. Guests commonly noted basic parking lot-style camping with airplane noise and tight spacing, though most found it adequate for short stays.

Nathan S.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 16, 2025

Slept by the pigs

Where they put me had no WiFi there was a bright halogen light right outside my window and on the other side were squealing pigs. But the shower ( one only) has hot water.

Leonard H.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 1, 2025

Basic Hook-up Sites 2.5 Miles from Pier

Upper sites asphalt paved gently sloped for runoff. Two sites share one electrical box... bring 50A / 30A adapters just in case. Upper rest-room bldg has one shower with good pressure and hot water. Also has one outside washer/dryer. Be sure to note arrival and paperwork deadlines. Lower mostly unpaved level parking lot was only partially available due to food Faire w/ music taking place. Music stopped around 10pm. Fairly quiet after that but airplane liftoffs began 6am. I found commercial and private jet noise tolerable. You might want foam earplugs. You are paying for basic parking space with hook-ups that is close to Monterey. Limited options in this area.

Site11

Month of VisitJune

Mike E.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 9, 2023

overpriced for what it is, by comparison to the world

Well, you are in California, so everything is overpriced. This is county run. This place is OK for a night-over quick stop. It is convenient to town and beaches. The facility is mostly a down and dirty gravel parking lot near a busy street although some of the spaces are paved in the upper area. They share the gravel parking lot as an event parking lot too, so you have to tangle with the gen pop parking and blocking you in possibly when there is a large event like the artichoke festival. Not ideal by a long shot, and not competitively priced for $70 per night. Oh by the way, the WIFI doesn't work for most of the giant parking lot (like oh so many other WIFIs in oh so many RV parks). No trees in the main parking area. The public airport shoots out a few jets and prop planes per hour. Noise is tolerable. Staff was very friendly. The water spigot they provided for us was spraying water all around and I had to dig down into the ground to access it and connect. Our spot number 51 backed up to some manure dumpster for the livestock area of the fairgrounds.

Site51

Month of VisitJune

(5) View All

lulu G.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2022

Great location poorly managed

This place could be better is management/booking would be better. All other staff is super friendly and bathrooms/laundry super clean.

Site21

Month of VisitJuly

Robyn W.

Scout

Reviewed May. 12, 2022

No Frills, Convenient & Clean

Easy peasy! Not much to this campground; however, the location is great as a base for exploring Monterey, Moss Landing, Carmel by the Sea and even Pebble Beach. It’s nice & quiet and clean. Bathrooms are good. One washer & dryer on site. Overall a good experience.

Site6

Month of VisitMay

Philip D.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 5, 2022

Clean and convenient

We stopped by here to stay only a night or two but ended up staying for 3 nights since it was close to the bay and downtown. It was basically a large parking lot with hookups. The front desk staff was nice and helpful, evenings were quiet. The park is next to a private airport so be sure to be aware that planes to fly in and out of there, not so much in the middle of the night or anything but in the morning and evenings sometimes at most. The bathrooms didn't have much hot water and the laundry room is outdoors... the bath house as a whole could probably use a full remodel in general. Parking was a little strange too, everyone parked lawless in a dirt lot and it was difficult to get in and out at times die to people parking like idiots unfortunately but that's not really the parks fault. Overall, we would stay again but not for more than 3 days or so. Very close to the pacific coast highway and Big Sur, as well as close to the wharf and downtown. Near food and restaurants and some local shopping.

Site7

Month of VisitApril

Raymond B W.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 25, 2021

Fairgrounds in Ferndale, CA

Camping with elec. for RVs and also pavement parking for SUVs and cars

Siteparked in parking lot

Month of VisitOctober

Layton R.

Traveler

Reviewed Feb. 29, 2020

Good place to overnight in Monterey.

Not fancy but practical. Close to DT sites and large parking areas near wharf and other attractions. Quiet except for occasions airport traffic. 4 stars due to location.

Berton M.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 14, 2019

Camping and Horses

The fairgrounds RV park is located as the name suggests on the Monterey Fairgrounds. It's centrally located and allows for easy access to the town via Bus Route Jazz A or B or a local bike path down the street. The RV spacing is tight so you will get to know your neighbors. Beware the park is next to the airport. The staff has been really friendly. I gave it 4 stars because its an interesting place to stay.

There's a Dennys, Sushi and Italian restaurant within walking of the campground.

Site12

Month of VisitNovember

(8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Monterey County Fairgrounds RV Park?

Monterey County Fairgrounds RV Park offers electrical hookups for RVs, clean restrooms with hot water showers, and laundry facilities with one washer and dryer on-site. The upper restroom building has a shower with good pressure. Sites in the upper area are asphalt paved while lower areas are unpaved. Two RV sites typically share one electrical box, so bringing 50A/30A adapters is recommended. The park's central location provides easy access to downtown Monterey via public transportation (Bus Route Jazz A or B) and nearby bike paths.

How much does it cost to stay at Monterey County Fairgrounds RV Park?

While specific rates aren't detailed in the available information, visitors should note that the Monterey County Fairgrounds RV Park is described as relatively expensive compared to other options in the area, which is typical for California coastal locations. The pricing reflects the prime location and convenience to downtown attractions. For current and exact pricing information, contact the campground directly before planning your stay, as rates may vary by season and site type.

Are there camping options at Monterey County Fairgrounds beyond RV sites?

Yes, Monterey County Fairgrounds offers camping options beyond traditional RV sites. There is pavement parking available for SUVs and cars for those who prefer car camping. While primarily designed for RVs with electrical hookups, this alternative accommodates travelers without large rigs. The facility is more utilitarian than scenic, functioning essentially as a convenient base for exploring the Monterey area. For specific information about non-RV camping options and any associated restrictions, contact the fairgrounds directly before your visit.

What do reviews say about Monterey County Fairgrounds RV Park?

Monterey County Fairgrounds RV Park is praised primarily for its convenient location, offering easy access to downtown Monterey, beaches, and attractions like Carmel by the Sea and Pebble Beach. The facility itself is described as basic but practical—essentially a parking lot with hookups. Guests appreciate the clean bathrooms and quiet evenings. The staff receives mixed feedback, with front desk personnel generally described as helpful. Visitors should be aware of the nearby private airport noise and tight spacing between RVs. Most consider it a good base camp for exploring the area rather than a destination campground.

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