Best Campgrounds near Aptos, CA
Looking for the best campgrounds near Aptos, CA? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Aptos. Find the best campgrounds near Aptos, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
Best Camping Sites Near Aptos, California (124)
1. New Brighton State Beach Campground
44 ReviewsCapitola, CA2 milesWebsite+1 (831) 464-6330$35 - $185 / night
"This beautiful campground is right on the beach and very close to the touristy areas of Capitola and Aptos. "
"Camped with electricity and water, situated on a bluff near the ocean. Easy walking distance to the water, nice roomy campsites with fire rings and tables. Not too close to other campers."
2. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
42 ReviewsMount Hermon, CA8 milesWebsite+1 (831) 438-2396$7 - $35 / night
"This is a nice campground in a great part of California with lots of hiking and beaches nearby. The bathrooms were clean and well kept."
"There were bigger sites that would've suited us better but it was a nice little tucked in site. The poison oak is prolific. Our site was literally surrounded by it."
3. Sunset State Beach
27 ReviewsWatsonville, CA8 milesWebsite+1 (831) 763-7063"Dogs can be allowed on beach if you go to the right of the main entrance. No dogs to the left. Camp sites vary but the best loop is South Loop. Some with ocean views but those are hard to reserve. "
"Strawberry fields surround the campground and are next to the Hike and Bike area. The walk is not too difficult down to the beach."
4. Mount Madonna County Park
31 ReviewsGilroy, CA11 milesWebsite+1 (408) 842-2341"We were happy to have the electric hook up since the redwood and oak tress surrounding all the sites are huge and block out the sun."
"It has some privacy, we liked that it was in between two yurts away from others. The trail does go right behind the site but it wasn’t super busy."
5. Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
16 ReviewsFreedom, CA6 milesWebsite+1 (831) 722-0551"I would recommend booking away from the jump pillow or playground, unless easy playground access is important, because the spots are pretty noisy."
"There is also relatively quick access to Santa Cruz to the north and Monterey to the south.
My only criticism is that it is not that woodsy. But hey, this is a KOA!"
6. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
19 ReviewsFelton, CA10 milesWebsite+1 (831) 335-8312"Do not take highway 9 from Santa Cruz as the RV park will tell you. Our car navigation changed our route even after we were approaching 17 north. Keep your eyes out for the highway signs."
"Sites surrounded by redwoods, friendly helpful staff, close to attractions."
7. Cotillion Gardens RV Park
13 ReviewsFelton, CA9 milesWebsite+1 (831) 335-7669"Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once your at your site you can relax. Bathrooms are a little dated, no cell service but good WiFi if your close to the office."
"The place is old, but it has a great location. There are great hiking trails assessable from the campground."
8. Uvas Canyon County Park
9 ReviewsNew Almaden, CA9 milesWebsite+1 (408) 779-9232$34 / night
"Uvas Canyon County Park https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/pages/uvascanyon.aspx is located about 15 miles west of Gilroy, on the east side of the Santa Cruz Mountains."
"This is a great spot for people looking to get away and camp but not trying to drive for 3-4 hours to do so."
9. Moss Landing KOA Express
18 ReviewsMoss Landing, CA15 milesWebsite+1 (831) 633-6800$69 - $80 / night
"Park is well maintained easy access to sites several cool places to eat close by"
"Situated off highway 1 and surrounded by the marina is very appealing for us. Reservations were made over the phone with Liz. She did a nice job of getting us in for the following day."
10. Manresa State Beach Campground
8 ReviewsFreedom, CA6 milesWebsite+1 (831) 761-1795$35 / night
"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."
"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."
Recent Camping Photos near Aptos, CA
253 Photos of 124 Aptos Campgrounds
Michael M.
New Brighton State Beach Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Redwood Grove A
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Avocado Grove C
Aaron L.
Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
Fiona W.
Manresa State Beach Campground
Mauriel O.
Santa Cruz Ranch Campground
Alma L.
Sunset State Beach
Aidan P.
Van Life Campgrounds @ Enchanted Forest
Sarah J.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
kaela L.
Uvas Canyon County Park
Elizabeth S.
Sunset State Beach Campground
susan R.
Smithwoods RV Park
Recent Reviews near Aptos, CA
751 Reviews of 124 Aptos Campgrounds
- N
Nathan S.
GuideMonterey County Fairgrounds
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.
- kkat B.
ScoutValley View Campground — Fremont Peak State Park
Trailers iffy, definitely not all sites work for more than a tent!
There might be one or two sites that work for trailers but we gave up when trying to level 8 inches. Road up is nominally two lanes- (more like 1-1.5) combined with the limited sight distance it means you should drive slower than the speed limit.
If you are car camping or on a small RV this is a great place, once you make it up the last 11 miles!
Hattie R.GuideNew Brighton State Beach Campground
Beautiful wooded campground!
We loved how wooded this campground is and is close to nearby towns! We went to Sea Harvest in Moss Landing for dinner and would definitely recommend!Long walk to the beach, so we ended up just parking at the day use parking lot. Beach had plenty of litter and even a decaying seal which was a little unpleasant. Our paved site was decently unlevel. Bathrooms had private showers- 50 cents for 2 minutes. One shower ate my 2 quarters and didn’t work, but the next one worked fine and had hot water! Most people seem to not follow leash rules with their dogs.
Kim G.
LegendDumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Reliably consistent
This is our 3rd or 4th stay here. We visit people in the Bay Area and this place is convenient to Palo Alto and the Peninsula. It is usually not crowded, but this trip has more rigs the bathrooms are modern and clean, if spartan. The showers are roomy with ok water pressure (for California) and warm water. The laundry is super convenient. They even have summer ranger programs but we didn’t see many kids here. We are in a Class B van, but many sites are large enough for Class A rigs. Every time we have stayed here it has been windy. Sites, though asphalt, require some leveling.
- MMelissa R.
TravelerSan Luis Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
Beautiful Surprise
From afar it looked pretty basic. But the wildlife and lake make this place. I saw the sunrise over the lake, but didn’t snap a picture because I was too comfy!
- LLeonard H.Guide
Monterey County Fairgrounds
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.
- LLeonard H.Guide
Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park
Back-in Paved Parking Slots
Almost level ajoining asphalt parking slots face boats in harbor. Water / electric / sewer connection at back of parking slot. Picnic tablet in parking slot. Garbage and recycle bins at end of RV parking row. NO bathrooms or showers available as part of RV parking fee. No public facilities close by. Nice walk alone south side of harbor to three restaurants and small market by mouth of harbor / beach that also sells food and soft serve ice cream ($4/cone). Benches along the way. Commerants nesting in trees. Longer walk along north side of harbor to town/other areas. Camp ground host provided map when arrived. Good location to rest after and/or before a long drive. Quiet no-frills.
- llauren C.Guide
Veteran's Memorial Park Campground
First come first serve
We arrived the Friday afternoon before Memorial Day, all campsites were full but the host was kind enough to allow us to use the overflow spot. It has the basics. Showers, dump station, a little over priced but it worked for what we needed.
- IIgnasi M.Guide
Pinto Lake City Park
Right next to the lake, ducks everywhere
We arrived after the front office was closed. We were still able to check-in and get a spot right next to the lake. There are about 25 spots for rigs of all sizes, on a leveled surface. There are restrooms available, and some areas for grilling and walking. In the morning there was some people fishing or in their fishing boats. There are plenty of sicks flying and swimming in the lake, with their poop all over the deck
Guide to Aptos
Camping near Aptos, California, offers a fantastic mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Great location to base out of when exploring the central coast," highlighting the park's accessibility to various hiking routes.
- Wildlife Watching: At Pinnacles Campground, you can spot diverse wildlife. A camper noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
- Star Gazing: The dark skies at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground are perfect for star gazing. One visitor shared, "We saw a lot of wildlife and shooting stars on the clear nights."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Big Sur Campground & Cabins. A review stated, "The bathroom/showers were cleaned regularly and stocked with shampoo conditioner and shower gel."
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the amenities at New Brighton State Beach Campground. One camper mentioned, "Rangers were helpful and accommodating. Great views and easy access to the beach."
- Privacy: Campers at Mount Madonna County Park appreciate the privacy of the sites. A review noted, "While the sites are a little close to each other, those on the outside of the loop had a great deal of privacy."
What you should know:
- Heat in Summer: If you're camping at Pinnacles Campground, be prepared for high temperatures. One reviewer warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
- Limited Amenities: At Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground, there are no electric hookups. A camper noted, "It does get a little crowded and you will need to book a few months in advance."
- Wildlife Caution: Campers at Anthony Chabot Regional Park have encountered yellow jackets. One visitor shared, "We reported the experience to the attendant at the gate when leaving."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like New Brighton State Beach Campground, where kids can enjoy the beach. A reviewer said, "Lots of families and lots of kids."
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. One camper at Big Sur Campground & Cabins mentioned, "You can go down and walk by the river float the river with the complimentary tubes."
- Check for Amenities: Ensure the campground has the necessary facilities. A visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground appreciated the clean restrooms, saying, "Restroom is very clean."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Size: When booking at Mount Madonna County Park, make sure your RV fits the site. One reviewer noted, "Site 211 was listed as 30' trailer but that was definitely not the case."
- Dump Station Availability: RVers should be aware of dump station locations. A camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park mentioned, "The dump station was in good working order."
- Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: At Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground, there are no electric hookups. A visitor advised, "If you rely on solar power, you may need to get creative."
Camping near Aptos, California, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, enjoying family time, or relaxing in nature, there's something for every camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Aptos, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Aptos, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 124 campgrounds and RV parks near Aptos, CA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Aptos, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Aptos, CA is New Brighton State Beach Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 44 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Aptos, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Aptos, CA.
What parks are near Aptos, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Aptos, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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