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
43 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 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
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
744 Reviews of 123 Aptos Campgrounds
- l
lauren C.
ScoutVeteran'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.
GuidePinto 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
- BBrittney L.
TravelerValley View Campground — Fremont Peak State Park
Camping in the clouds
Pretty & windy drive. No visitor center but rangers drove by once. We were the only ones at the site that night. It lightly rained but mostly the air was misty, & the fog got more dense as the night went on. The table benches got wet so come prepared. By the morning the thick fog cleared, revealing a great view. (Site 8 seemed like it had an awesome view!)
Our site was right next to a trail but again we were alone so no issues. Didn’t get to try a trail this time but the campground is still just a pretty place to hang out. Picnic table, fire pit, & nearby water, trash can, & bathroom. Saw quails, a mouse, & a bobcat? Had a great time!
John C.ScoutVeteran's Memorial Park Campground
very amazing
I recently spent a weekend at Veteran's Memorial Park Campground and had a fantastic experience. The grounds are well-maintained, the campsites are spacious, and the park offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature. Whether you're hiking, grilling, or just enjoying the fresh air, it's the perfect spot to unwind. One thing I really appreciated was the clean restroom facilities and how friendly the staff were. They genuinely care about making your stay comfortable. I brought along my laptop for some offline fun, and playing Minecraft with the Optifine mod made the serene forest setting even more immersive at night. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway with all the essentials covered, I highly recommend checking out Veteran's Memorial Park Campground.
- John C.Scout
Veteran's Memorial Park Campground
Very amazing and intresting place
I recently spent a weekend at Veteran's Memorial Park Campground and had a fantastic experience. The grounds are well-maintained, the campsites are spacious, and the park offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature. Whether you're hiking, grilling, or just enjoying the fresh air, it's the perfect spot to unwind. One thing I really appreciated was the clean restroom facilities and how friendly the staff were. They genuinely care about making your stay comfortable. I brought along my laptop for some offline fun, and playing Minecraft with Optifine mod made the serene forest setting even more immersive at night. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway with all the essentials covered, I highly recommend checking out Veteran's Memorial Park Campground.
- mmartins A.Traveler
New Brighton State Beach Campground
Top
Endroit très sympathique. Malheureusement nous n’avions pas réservé donc nous avons eu une place simple sans branchement… la vue est belle sur la mer.
- ccarolina M.Traveler
Mount Madonna County Park
Beautiful
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. Parking is free with paid camping . People seem to be very aware and pick up after themselves which i love. Will definantly bring family more often
Laura M.
LegendSunset State Beach Campground
Nice
This is a nice enough campground if you need a place to stay, but it's not our first choice for when we need something in this area. The sites are sort of awkwardly spaced and placed, and it's hit or miss if you get something level or private. I think for tents this is a better campground, but for us in an RV it wasn't the greatest. But overall, still very nice, and it's a nice walk to the beach. Dogs are allowed on the beach.
We didn't have good cell reception (we did have some) in the campground, but on the beach the reception was great. Showers were $0.25/min and they take quarters. No dump station on site, and no hookups.
We took the "trail" to the beach one time, overgrown and grassy, and were all covered in ticks afterwards. Stick to the paved roads if you're walking to the beach, unless they mow or clean up the trail. There's also a group camping area here.
Fiona W.GuideManresa State Beach Campground
Large campsites with beach access
This campsite was lovely. The sites were quite large and had the needed amenities. The shower had hot water and the restrooms were cleaned each morning. I loved that the beach was easily accessible for my morning walk. The many flowers were also lovely to wake up to.
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 123 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 43 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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