Best Campgrounds near Aptos, CA
Campgrounds along the central California coast near Aptos offer a mix of beachfront sites and redwood forest settings. 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 established 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.
