RV camping near Aptos, California provides coastal access with drive times varying between oceanside and inland locations. Sites around Aptos typically range from 20-60 miles from Monterey Bay, with summer temperatures averaging 70-75°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 40°F. Most campgrounds in the region maintain year-round operations but significantly adjust their amenities and services during off-peak months.
What to do
Beach access at Marina Dunes: Located approximately 20 minutes south of Aptos with a short trek to uncrowded shoreline. One camper noted, "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. No exaggeration."
Golf at Monterey Pines: Military-affiliated campers can combine RV stays with golfing at Monterey Pines RV Park - Military. "Sits next to a beautiful golf course, recently revamped parking spots, now cement vs. dirt. Staff is very polite and the camp host will go out of her way to make your stay a wonderful one," reported one visitor.
River access at Smithwoods: Campers can hike into Henry Cowell State Park directly from Smithwoods RV Park. "It backs into Henry Cowell State Park and you can walk into it. The river was visible from our spot over a small fence," one family noted after their October visit. The park also features a heated pool kept at 90 degrees according to visitors.
What campers like
Natural settings close to attractions: Many campers appreciate the balance between nature and convenience. "Redwoods everywhere, 9 miles from Santa Cruz, kids love this place," wrote one Smithwoods visitor. The proximity to major attractions while maintaining a woodland setting appears consistently in reviews.
Swimming pools at inland locations: Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park offers this amenity that travelers value during warmer months. A reviewer mentioned, "The pool is small, yet well-kept and we had it to ourselves every time we went each day. The park was perfect for the kids biking around."
Clubhouse facilities at multiple sites: Community spaces provide additional value for extended stays. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, campers appreciate the "Clubhouse 9 am - 9 pm (TV, couch, dining tables, fridge, microwave, board games) deck with public BBQ area and plenty of seating that oversees the San Lorenzo River."
What you should know
Tent camping limitations: Several RV parks have minimal or no tent camping available. One visitor to Santa Cruz Ranch Campground reported, "This place is not the best for tent camping in my opinion. They had a small plot to the side of the rest of the rv slots with a little grass to pitch a tent. Not secluded at all from the hustle and bustle."
Airport noise at some locations: The Monterey area campground sits beside an airport. A camper explained, "This park sits in the approach to the airport, but the last flights are around 9:00 pm and this is a small airport not JFK."
WiFi variability: Connection strength differs significantly between campgrounds. At Morgan Hill RV Resort, "We lost power twice here which was unfortunate but lasted 90 minutes once and 4-5 hours the other time," while another park reported consistent streaming capabilities.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options for children: Some campgrounds offer dedicated activities. At Morgan Hill, "In mid October the campground is still running kids activities daily and they're good! Great culture here - friendly, lots of things to do (pool, basketball, volleyball, horse shoes, playground, billiards, karaoke, tennis)."
Pool temperature considerations: Seasonal variations affect amenities. At Smithwoods RV Park the pool is "heated (90 degrees)" according to a reviewer, while others mentioned pools being too cold during spring and fall months.
Safety assessment: Traffic patterns within campgrounds matter for families with young children. One camper at Santa Cruz Redwoods appreciated "a safe and quiet location. I felt safe, with my young kids, that everyone was driving slowly and respecting the rules."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require additional equipment. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, campers report: "Our site was nice, partially under a redwood. I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot."
Late arrival options: Some parks accommodate after-hours check-ins. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, "Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once your at your site you can relax," while Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park notes, "If they have open spots after the office closes they put out packets for up to 2 pull thru and 2 back in spots for late arrivals without a reservation."
Site spacing differences: RV parks vary significantly in how close units are placed. One visitor to Cotillion Gardens noted, "Sites can get a bit tight, but there are definitely some gems hidden in the redwoods," which contrasts with other parks where reviewers complained about having slides nearly touching neighboring units.
