Camping near Aptos sits within the redwood-dotted coastal mountains where summer temperatures average 70-75°F by day and drop to 50-55°F at night. The region straddles the Santa Cruz Mountains and Monterey Bay, creating microclimates that can vary dramatically within short distances. Heavy morning fog often blankets campgrounds during summer months, particularly at higher elevations where moisture collects in the redwood canopy.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Mount Madonna County Park provides access to multiple hiking trails through redwood forests. A visitor notes, "Beautiful county park in the redwood forest of the coastal range. Varied sites and multiple campgrounds make for a choice option for everyone."
Beach exploration: Sunset State Beach offers miles of uncrowded coastline for walking and beachcombing. One reviewer shared, "We stayed here for three nights and it was beautiful! You can walk down to the beach, take a trip to the henry cowel redwoods, go ride bikes in santa cruz."
Mountain biking: Uvas Canyon County Park has trails suitable for various skill levels. "The campsites are nice with lots of shade. There's little separation between adjacent campsites- it's nice if you are in a group," explains one camper who appreciated the trail access.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Sanborn County Park provides opportunities to observe local fauna. "This is a county park that allows dogs on ALL the trails. It's hard to find that sometimes so we greatly appreciated how dog friendly it was," mentions one visitor.
Year-round camping availability: Marina Dunes RV Park stays open regardless of season. A camper explains, "About a 5 min trek through sand and dunes and you'll find yourself at a beach not many people frequent. On Friday we were the only ones for as far as I could see."
Shade coverage: Most campgrounds in the area offer substantial tree cover. At Mount Madonna County Park, "Almost all the sites were fully shaded by the big redwoods. Site 211 was listed as 30' trailer but that was definitely not the case as it was a weird triangle parking area."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for summer weekends. "Wanna see an epic sunset? Bring your family, and camp here. Hike to the top of the dune. Don't forget your layers, the windy is chilly!" notes a visitor to Sunset State Beach.
Temperature fluctuations: Pack for both warm days and cool nights. At Mount Madonna County Park, a camper warns, "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!"
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty reception. "We had good Verizon coverage and there is wifi at the bathrooms," mentions one Uvas Canyon visitor, but this varies significantly by location and provider.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: When glamping close to Aptos, California, look for campgrounds with built-in activities. At Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday, "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."
Proximity to medical facilities: Stay within 30 minutes of urgent care centers. "We stay at this KOA 3-4 times a year. We especially enjoy the Halloween and other theme weekends they have. They have made tons of improvements over the last 10 years we have been going."
Family-friendly sites: Some campgrounds offer special accommodations for kids. "This campground has great bathroom facilities and has a creek that runs through it that the kids loved playing in all day. The slugs were hanging out in trees all around us and it was so much fun looking for them."
Tips from RVers
RV size limitations: Many campgrounds have tight turns and small sites. At Thousand Trails Morgan Hill, a reviewer notes, "We got a nice spot close to the dump station near front. Their pool is huge and very very well kept. The spot was 30amp and back in however they have 50amp/pull through also."
Hook-up availability: Call ahead to confirm electrical amperage and water connections. "New showers, nice drive thru spots, friendly people. Lots to do in the camp ground and around Morgan hill/ Gilroy area. This is my go to spot when working in the area."
Road conditions: Many access roads are narrow and winding. "Very close to the beach, quiet, excellent friendly staff always happy to help. Had some helpful neighbors for my first time in the travel trailer. They have activities daily and things to do which are sent out daily in a text."
