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 (123)
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
21 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
19 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
263 Photos of 123 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
Fiona W.
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
776 Reviews of 123 Aptos Campgrounds
- K
Katherine J.
TravelerVeteran's Memorial Park Campground
Cash on arrival $53 for RV
This campground requires cash or cheque payment. It’s at the top of a hill so make sure you’re prepared before arrival. Also not suitable for RV’s over 20ft. No hook ups but decent bathrooms. Nice and quiet.
- LLisa F.
ScoutMoss Landing KOA Express
Beautiful beachside
Easy access, level paved spots. Restrooms spotless. Check-in friendly and cookies a plus! Walk to the beach, feel the breeze.
- AAthena J.Traveler
Sunset State Beach Campground
Nice campground
It was my first time beach camping so i didnt know what to expect. Was a bit breezier than im use to with the mountains. Not a lot of trees around. It is nice not dealing with a lot of bugs since youre by the beach and all. The bathrooms and showers were well maintained.
- HHelen F.
GuideSanta Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
Lovely RV site!
Really lovely RV site. Nice toilets & showers. Lovely shady spots and really close to Santa Cruz
jay B.TravelerSunset State Beach Campground
Not the Best Fit for RV Campers
We’ve camped all along the coast and had high hopes for this spot, but it didn’t quite meet expectations. The sites feel very close together and are a bit awkwardly arranged, making it a tight fit—especially for anything larger than a small camper. We're in a 22’ van/motorhome crossover and were fortunate to find a level spot, though most sites we saw were not level. The beach trails could use some maintenance as they’re currently in rough shape. This campground might be a better option for tent campers, but for RVs, it’s not ideal.
- NNikolaus S.Scout
Cotillion Gardens RV Park
Redwood
Very quiet and comfortable campground
- AAthena J.Traveler
Uvas 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. -
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 campgrounds near Aptos offer seasonal camping sites?
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?
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?
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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