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Campgrounds along the central California coast near Aptos offer a mix of beachfront sites and redwood forest settings, ranging from bluff-top tent camping to full-hookup RV parks. State parks dominate the area, with New Brighton State Beach providing bluff-top camping within walking distance of the shoreline, while Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers sites among ancient redwood groves. The region includes multiple campgrounds accommodating both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday and Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort providing full hookup options for recreational vehicles. Most sites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms and showers.
Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for premium waterfront sites which typically book months in advance. "Not sure why the reserve california site says every SP or SB on the coast has 0 sites for the foreseeable future, but we decided to take our chances. Yes! arrived at like 3 pm and they still had 10 open sites," noted one visitor to New Brighton State Beach. The coastal area experiences mild temperatures year-round with foggy mornings common during summer months. Many campgrounds remain open all year, though winter can bring significant rainfall. Sites at New Brighton and Seacliff State Beaches occasionally close due to coastal erosion following winter storms. Most state park campgrounds charge between $35-50 per night depending on location and hookups.
Campers consistently rate the proximity to beaches and coastal access as major highlights of the Aptos area campgrounds. Several visitors mentioned the peaceful atmosphere despite being relatively close to urban areas. At New Brighton State Beach, sites on the bluff offer ocean views, while interior sites provide more shade and privacy. A camper described New Brighton as "camping in the woods with the beach below is perfect." The campgrounds near Aptos balance natural settings with convenient access to amenities in nearby towns. While highway noise affects some locations, particularly those closer to Highway 1, many campers report the sound of ocean waves drowning out traffic noise. Sites in the redwood forests typically offer more seclusion and cooler temperatures than the beachfront locations.
"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."
from $35 - $185 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $7 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Great spot if you're looking for a quick escape from the Bay Area with that classic California redwood experience."
"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."
"They are a bit narrow, so much of the camp side you will have a close look at your neighbors utilities. When the park is full, it is close. Go on weekdays, not as busy and more room is likely."
"Sites surrounded by redwoods, friendly helpful staff, close to attractions."
"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!"
"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."
from $60 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $69 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $34 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 / night
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ScoutThis rv park is extremely clean and has a lot of wonderful amenities. The river is down a little path and has a lot of sweet little beaches. All of the campers were very respectful, polite and pleasant.
GuideThis rv park is also a public park for certain hours of the day. But you can pay to hook up to septic, water, and electric for decent price for a night.
The con goose poo is everywhere! And there are no showers or laundry facilities. But there is bathrooms with toilet stalls and sink.
Our spot was butted up against a tree. For our camper that was not an issue. But there is a camper next door that said he was put there first with a long camper and had to request to move. Also there are a couple spots where the camper trailers look like they came in and never left nor do they get taken care of properly.
ScoutThis is a peaceful serene place to get away to rejuvenate
ScoutI lived at this trailer park from October 2021 until June 2026. I loved living here and the lifestyle. I've always been on good terms with property management and owners. Wayne and I would talk often, I even bought him and his wife dinner because i noticed we're eating at the same place. I've recently been going through a divorce and spoke with Wayne about personal issues, I generally keep to myself but I thought Wayne was a man of integrity. Come to find out he's spreading my personal business throughout the trailer park. Around June 25th i asked wayne, if I could speak to him privately in his office, he said, no, my boss is in there. I then asked him about the moving out process, and if I could possibly rent another spot in the park and leave my ex wife in that spot. This is what He deemed an appropriate response in the middle of the street in front of neighbors, The property owner and staff. "Your wife has a bad reputation". What do you mean complaints? "Not only that several of your neighbors have told me that they're sleeping with your wife". I was humiliated, embarrassed would be an understatement. I then told him that i'm gonna be out of there as soon as possible. He then said "I have 6 people fighting for that spot. If you can be out by the end of the month, I'll get them in right away". Come the 1st of the month. Wayne gives me a call saying they are keeping my deposit, and I owe an additional $310 i was perplexed. After trying to talk to him about this, he became aggressive, yelling, using profanities. After realizing how this was going, I asked for an Itemize statement and a copy of my lease agreement. I also asked if I still need to pay for the next several days, can I have use to the facilities still? Pool, weight room, laundry room ect. There was a long, awkward pause, he eventually said, I would prefer if you don't. This just seemed really off to me that you are forcing me to pay, but I can't use what i'm paying for. He then said "I got shit to do bro". And hung up the phone. I've spoke to him 3 times train to get an explanation or some clarity on my end but each time I am met with aggression and being hung up on with no resolution. Today when I spoke with him, she told me, " i don't care if you pay or not. Ill send you to collections, you turned in your mail key and moved your trailer". "You don't have a leg to stand on, i suggest you sue us". I then said, wayne, this is exactly the problem.You're the property manager, you should care if your current or former tenants, our paying their bills. I'm just trying to come to a resolution. He then hung up the phone and ignored my return calls. Again the facility is great, clean, we'll maintained i really anticipated on leaving a 5 star review but the way Wayne mishandled this is disappointing to say the least. I hope the owner will please call me, Anthony Vyeda #52
Sorry to the owners of trailer tel rv park for leaving this honest review.
ScoutWe love doing road trips and we don't have a destination so this time it was hard to find a spot to camp, everything was full but we fund this nice spot that we could stay for the night. We love the this 😍 camping spot it's not in the forest but is near the beach at walking distance and they have showers!. Can't wait to come back again. Thank you!
RangerGreat spots, awesome views, but even if there’s no “event” there may be cars on track 8am-5pm, and it ain’t quiet. Check the community calendar as well. Oh, the water has too much arsenic to drink, so be prepared on that front.
ScoutThey clean the bathrooms daily, there's trash cans everywhere, a couple water spouts, 2 play grounds, trails, beautiful trees, and more! Fires are not allowed during fire season and you cannot stay for more than 3 days but it's still a very fancy campground in my opinion. Reasonably priced too!
ScoutGreat camp hosts and relaxing quiet site
ScoutEasy freeway access. Sites are wide open with no real privacy.
Camping options near Aptos, California range from redwood forest retreats to coastal sites within 30 minutes of downtown. The area maintains moderate temperatures year-round with average highs of 70-75°F during summer months and 55-65°F in winter. Winter camping requires preparation for significant rainfall, with the region receiving 30-40 inches annually between November and March.
Hiking to waterfalls: Uvas Canyon County Park offers multiple waterfall trails within walking distance of the campsites. "We stayed here for a night and thought that it was a clean campground. Our site was on the smaller side, but it accommodated us all. There were a few trails that started from the campground, which was nice," notes one visitor to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Mountain biking: Mount Madonna County Park has extensive trail networks suitable for mountain biking of various skill levels. "Great campground for the kids to bike at but there are a few big hills so make sure they know how to use their brakes," reports a camper at Mount Madonna County Park.
Kayaking with wildlife: The waters near Moss Landing provide excellent opportunities for kayaking among sea otters. "Moss Landing is a must not miss area. Lots to do. Don't miss exploring the Elkhorn Slew. Kayaking or take a guided tour by experienced guide. See Sea Otters and tons of birds," shares a visitor to the area.
Beach exploration: Multiple state beaches provide opportunities for long walks on less-crowded shores. "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," describes a visitor to Manresa State Beach Campground.
Private campsites in redwoods: Many campers appreciate the secluded spots under canopies of ancient trees. "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!" says a camper at New Brighton State Beach.
Ocean views and beach access: Quick beach access is a significant draw. "The sites on the bluff overlooking the Pacific looked spectacular!" notes a camper at New Brighton State Beach Campground. Another camper adds, "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."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high among visitor priorities. "Absolutely soo clean and a great place to camp without having to travel so far. Bathrooms are constantly cleaned and showers are free and clean," reports a camper at Mount Madonna County Park.
Proximity to attractions: Campers value the central location between major destinations. "Santa Cruz is only 10 miles away. The campground is all natural! Trees and nature all around," explains a visitor to Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Reservation challenges: Many campgrounds fill months in advance, especially during summer. "Hard to find a spot here these days but a great camping spot above the beach," notes a camper about New Brighton State Beach.
Site privacy varies significantly: Research specific site numbers before booking. "While the sites are a little close to each other, those on the outside of the loop had a great deal of privacy. Inner loop sites have none, but would be great if you were camping with friends," explains a visitor to Mount Madonna County Park.
Winter camping considerations: The rainy season brings challenges but also opportunities. "We stayed here in the winter and had no reservations, but got a good spot anyway. Winter can be a very nice weekend!" shares a camper at Sunset State Beach.
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report regular wildlife activity. "The park has a bit of a yellow jacket problem that they dont really seem too concerned about addressing. Yellowjackets on trails, in campsites and near bathrooms. 5 in our group got stung and there was a massive nest in site 41," warns a camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated recreational facilities. "This KOA is great for a family getaway. TONS of activities on site- huge bouncy pad, a climbing wall, ping pong tables, a swimming pool, pedal go karts, the list goes on and on," recommends a visitor to Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday.
Plan for temperature fluctuations: The redwood areas can be significantly cooler than surrounding areas. "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!" cautions a Mount Madonna camper.
Choose appropriate hiking trails: Several parks offer easy trails suitable for children. "The trails are narrow and steep at some places but mostly shaded. Small waterfalls are the highlights of the trail, but kids will enjoy playing in the water on hot days," shares a visitor to Uvas Canyon County Park.
Consider noise levels: Campground layout affects noise exposure. "Campsite 325 was right next to the bathroom, which was convenient but made things noisy around bed time and in the morning. Wouldn't recommend this site if you like to sleep in while camping," advises a camper at Cotillion Gardens RV Park.
Site dimensions and leveling: Many RV sites require careful positioning. "Site 211 was listed as 30' trailer but that was definitely not the case as it was a weird triangle parking area. We made it work and enjoyed the park," shares an RVer at Mount Madonna County Park.
Hookup locations: Some campgrounds have inconveniently placed utilities. "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot," notes a camper at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Dump station timing: Plan ahead for end-of-stay procedures. "Warning: the line for the dump station wound through nearly the entire park," cautions a visitor to New Brighton State Beach.
Consider site spacing: RV parks vary widely in site separation. "Overall this place was nice, very clean and friendly staff. However the spots are Small! Our 40' double expando barely fit and you had to go into the neighboring sites just to access your hook ups etc. Waste hook up is inches from our picnic table," explains a visitor to Moss Landing KOA Express.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds near Aptos offer seasonal camping sites?
Several campgrounds near Aptos offer camping across different seasons. Laguna Seca Recreation Area provides tent and dry camping options year-round, with rates ranging from $40-50 for dry camping. During off-peak seasons like late fall, you might even have the tent camping area to yourself. For RV enthusiasts seeking longer stays, Thousand Trails San Benito offers extended seasonal options and serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions like Pinnacles National Park.
Is there a KOA campground in Aptos, and what facilities does it offer?
While there isn't a KOA directly in Aptos, the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday is located nearby in Watsonville, just a short drive from Aptos. This KOA offers full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and cabin rentals. Facilities include clean restrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, a swimming pool (seasonal), playground, dog park, and a camp store. The campground provides Wi-Fi access and planned activities during peak season. For those seeking an alternative with similar amenities, Half Moon Bay RV Park offers helpful staff, pull-through sites, and is conveniently located for exploring the coastal region.
Where are the best camping locations in Aptos, CA?
The best camping location in Aptos is New Brighton State Beach Campground, which sits right on the beach with spectacular ocean views. The campground features electricity and water hookups, spacious sites with fire rings and tables, and easy beach access. Its prime location allows you to walk along the beach to Aptos and Sea Cliff for dining options, or bike to nearby Capitola. For those seeking a redwood experience near Aptos, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground offers clean facilities and proximity to both hiking trails and beaches, though sites can be close together.
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