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
44 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
32 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
20 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
14 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
11 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. Manresa State Beach Campground
9 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."
10. 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."
Recent Camping Photos near Aptos, CA
269 Photos of 124 Aptos Campgrounds
Michael M.
New Brighton State Beach Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Avocado Grove C
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Redwood Grove A
Carina B.
Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
Laura D.
Manresa State Beach Campground
Mauriel O.
Santa Cruz Ranch Campground
Kelly S.
Sunset State Beach
Aidan P.
Van Life Campgrounds @ Enchanted Forest
Sarah J.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
Darin D.
Uvas Canyon County Park
Elizabeth S.
Sunset State Beach Campground
susan R.
Smithwoods RV Park
Recent Reviews near Aptos, CA
773 Reviews of 124 Aptos Campgrounds
- N
Nikolaus S.
ScoutCotillion Gardens RV Park
Redwood
Very quiet and comfortable campground
- AAthena J.
TravelerUvas Canyon County Park
A ton of wasps near 25
Second time at the campground. Love this campground still but im pretty sure there is a wasp next near 25. We were here about 2 weeks ago at a different site and didnt have any wasp issues. It probably didnt help that it looked like previous people left trash and food on the floor. We will be coming back soon to a different site. Campground is gorgeous. Bathrooms are super clean.
Brittany F.
GuideSanta Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
Redwoods galore
The camp host went above and beyond! Happily told us things to do with our kids and how close places were. Santa Cruz is only 10 miles away. The campground is all natural! Trees and nature all around. Viewing areas that allow all to enjoy the stream, at the back of the resort, and paths to take a closer look. A safe and quiet location. I felt safe, with my young kids, that everyone was driving slowly and respecting the rules.
Lorena S.TravelerHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
Aug 2025 campground is closed
Read up on the Ca State park website. Campground was scheduled to reopen 8/1/25 not yet. -
Chip C.ScoutSeacliff State Beach
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
- AAthena J.Traveler
Mount Madonna County Park
Super nice and clean
Very nice and clean. Only complaint is the lay out of the campsite area i was in. They were very close together. And the water spout was difficult to get on. Other than that it was beautiful.
Erika V.GuideMedeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
Down by the river
Last minute overnighter on a Friday night in July. First come first serve camping. We stayed right next to the river, which was nice. Open area with nice spots with a table, shade and a fire ring. Very windy, but tolerable. Overall a chill place though cars kept driving through into the evening, though it settled down around 11pm. Slept well! Great spot if passing through.
- AAthena J.Traveler
Uvas Canyon County Park
Uvas
Super clean and maintained. Especially the bathrooms and showers. The sites are spaced out nicely and there is a water faucet and trash bins plus recycle every couple of sites. On the trails theres quite a bit of poison oak so keep dogs close. Not every site is able to car camp due to rocks blocking off the parking area but every campsite is pretty nice.
Stephanie B.TravelerManresa State Beach Campground
Beautiful!
I stayed in site 5 and the walk from my car was not far. I enjoyed this campground!
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.
Keep Exploring