Best Tent Camping near Aptos, CA

Recent Tent Reviews near Aptos, California

615 Reviews of 20 Aptos Campgrounds

• 

  Mike N.

  Scout

  

  Dec. 28, 2021

  Mount Madonna County Park

  Mount Madonna camping hideaway under redwoods

  Enjoyed tent camping at mount Madonna. I was able to reserve a drive in tent campground one month out . Many miles of trails and excellent facilities.

• 

  Laura Q.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 22, 2019

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  .

  I have come here since I was a kid with my Dad. This was the cheapest way to stay with a family in Monterey/Carmel. You will drive through a country residential area that does not look like there would be a campground then all of a sudden you take a turn and you’re in a nice wooded, shady place on a hill. The best of both worlds in the hills outside of Carmel but still close to town and beaches. They have glamping tents, cabins, and small tent camping spots. There is not room for more than two small and medium tents. Camp sites are not very private but they are clean. Kids love the pool and game areas and begged to stay longer and come back. Bathrooms are very nice and clean with hot water. I recommend if you want to take a family trip to Monterey or Carmel to check this place out. Only downside was I missed seeing and hearing the peacocks that I remember as a kid.

• 

  Katherine T.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 1, 2018

  Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

  Large open campsites

  This campground has large open sites for tent camping. It was covered in trees and had some options for better more private spots, but sadly the campground was almost to capacity when we went. The options for tent camping was limited. I know for our next visit to reserve ahead of time, and to request cliff side tent camps. Cliff side tent camps are separate and have full vista views.

• 

  Alicia F.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 25, 2018

  Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

  Great views

  Often booked so you’ll want to get a reservation. $35/night for tent camping plus 7.99 reservation fee. No electric for tent camping but there is water. Safeway is just a mile away. Super cute town close by with fun shops and restaurants. The wind in the afternoon can be annoying but the views are worth it. I love staying here after working in Burlingame which is only 30 minutes away. Super easy to get to Mavericks, San Francisco etc.

• 

  Alana S.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 27, 2024

  Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

  Great for first time campers

  The staff was amazing. Tent site was spacious. Not too crowded. Clean bathroom and shower. Several trails to walk. Close to town in case we forgot something.

• y

  yvette H.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 10, 2021

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  Nice and clean!

  This place is great! Well kept and clean! Pool area was awesome! Tent site was perfect too! Bathroom/showers were clean as well! Wish we had time to do the trail but will come back again and do it.

• L

  Lisa

  Guide

  

  Nov. 1, 2020

  McAlpine Lake and Park

  More like a mobile home park

  First I would give no stars really. We did not stay here (but did drive thru the property Oct 2020) We would have preferred a rest stop on the hwy (although we did find a better campground another hour down the road). 90% of the sites were full with what appeared to be full time residents. The RV spots were extremely packed together. And there were a ton of cars parked in any available area. There were a few actual tent sites - without parking, but other “tent sites” were really just a strip of grass. I found the website photo misleading as the lake was fenced off, and it really just felt like a parking lot next to the highway. There was a little market with food and fishing supplies but it looked like you also had to pay to fish. Friendly staff.

• 

  Jonathan F.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 22, 2021

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  Convient and great location

  Great for kids and very clean. Sites are close together but the terrace makes for a little space from each tent site. Very close to Carmel makes a morning walk on the beach and back in the pool by lunch very manageable.

• 

  Alma L.

  Ranger

  

  Mar. 23, 2021

  New Brighton State Beach Campground

  Local Favorite

  We tent camped here but most people had a trailer. Translation: the bathroom was empty. Quiet with quick access to the beach via a steep paved path. The premium spots seem super worth it with panoramic views of the Pacific. Warning: the line for the dump station wound through nearly the entire park.

  There is a BMX park a short drive away.

• B

  Barb K.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 27, 2018

  Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

  Quiet, friendly, clean!

  Security guy was awesome, kind, friendly, helpful! We arrived at 11:30 pm - exhausted, with no reservation, asking for a tent site. No problem! He quickly got us registered and put us in a site with empty sites on each side of ours. In no time we had our tent set up, and we were comfortable and fast asleep. Felt VERY safe!

• 

  Mauriel O.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 29, 2018

  Santa Cruz Ranch Campground

  Bring a camper, not a tent

  Came here last minute on a surf trip to Santa cruz so its partially our fault, but 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 which to me is a major part of the allure for camping. Otherwise the place was nice and looked great for rvs

• 

  Anna R.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 16, 2018

  Andrew Molera State Park Campground

  Fills up quick

  This is a great stop along highway 1 with trails to the ocean. The tent sites are in a nice open field so you see the other campers but most are quiet and respectful. it is possible to share a campsite with others if it's full and you are willing to make friends.

• 

  Esther A.

  Scout

  

  May. 10, 2019

  Mount Madonna County Park

  Beautiful Redwood Camp

  This campground is tucked away between Watsonville, CA and Gilroy, CA in a small stand of second growth redwwoods. They have one loop of rv sites and three other loops of gorgeous tent sites. They have redwood trees, showers, restrooms, archery, hiking trails, Henry Miller's vacation home ruins, camp fire programs and a pen of exotic white deer.

  I've been camping here my entire life in every season and I never get tired of it.

• 

  Michael O.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 2, 2024

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  In between camping and glamping, but somehow neither

  So, if you’re looking to be in nature and have a proper camping experience, this ain’t it. If you want a resort style vacation, this isn’t it either… yet somehow it’s a little of both. I wouldn’t recommend tent camping because you’re literally right next to your neighbor camping and isn’t really in the “woods”. Suggest you get a delux tent which includes a bed, fire pit and bbq. That’s why I’ve rated it high because it’s what I needed for one night. Plus the pull and games (corn hill, ping pong) are nice additions. Just know what you’re in for.

• C

  Carina B.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 29, 2020

  Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

  Huge Kid Friendly Campground close to everything

  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. Sites range from tent sites, RV sites, to full size cabins. They even rent out Airstream trailers. The staff is wonderful. Fun place. A little expensive but what you would expect for all the amenities offered. Beautiful pool but the kids kind of take it over. All the rest of the stuff KOA offers plus super clean bathrooms and sites.

• 

  Jill F.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 1, 2018

  Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

  Chill and scenic

  Short walk to the beach. You can walk for miles on the beach or on the bluff trails. Everyone is laidback which makes for a peaceful experience. Great sunsets!!

  Tenting camping and RVs. Limited electrical hookups.

• D

  Daniel D.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 23, 2020

  Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

  Great Family “Camping” Experience

  This KOA is great for a family getaway. 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. There are also Plenty of options on how to stay- RV sites, cabins, tent sites, you can even book one of the campgrounds Airstreams! 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! If you want to camp in the woods, go to a national park!

• 

  MarinMaverick

  Legend

  

  Aug. 12, 2020

  Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

  Redwoods on the Coast

  This is a hidden gem. A little bowl full of redwoods, a creek and great hiking. Lots of great tent sites but pick your site wisely so you are not too close to your neighbors.  Also have some good back country hike in sites.

  There is a nature trail along the creek.

  If you hike up to the ridge on a clear day you can see the ocean.  There is also an old landing strip on the hill you can hike to as well. Great hike along the ridge where you can bakcpack into a trail camp.  Little streams along the way to get access to water.

• D

  Daniel D.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 22, 2020

  Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA

  Fantastic (but pricey) KOA Experience

  Yes, this is a KOA, so if you are into tent camping or an immersive forest setting, you might want to look elsewhere. But for a quick weekend jaunt for RV campers, this location slightly more than an hour from the Bay Area is hard to beat. Full hook-ups are available, there is an on site restaurant and outdoor bar, and there is close proximity to multiple beaches and tide pools. The resort also has great activities for kids that they occasionally bring on site, such as a climbing wall and nature talks with live animals. The sites at the bottom of the first loop with awesome sunset views are my favorite. Very grassy and “outdoorsy” for a KOA.

• 

  Andrea R.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 26, 2019

  Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

  The redwoods! Need I say more?

  This is one of the most enchanting places I have ever been to. Just wow! There is only 4 tent sites, but they are huge! Plenty of RV spots as well. ADA accessible site are limited but they are #17, 23, 24, 109, 112. This is near a 40 acre redwood grove with so much old growth. The trees are towering above you! It is kind of pricey but well worth it. you can see an amazing view of the night sky and hear the sounds of the waves from the nearby ocean.

  You do have to be bear aware here, there are food lockers though.Also, watch out for the poison oak... so much. Each site also has a fire ring and picnic table. They have clean bathrooms with flush toilets and showers that are $0.25 per 2 minutes.

  I love this campground and miss it, as I have moved out of California.

• 

  MarinMaverick

  Legend

  

  Aug. 17, 2020

  Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

  Skyline to the Sea Trail or Rock Climbing

  This is sweet hike in trail camp.  We have used it for two purposes.  First when were were climbing in Castle Rock State Park and this was our hub and second when we were doing the Skyline to the Sea Trail and wanted a easy first day.  This is primitive. There is a shelter with tables in the event there is rain.  Then there are scattered sites, some with tables for you to find a tent site.  If busy - you will be sharing.

  Shaded, though hike down can be in the open. Primitive restrooms. Water available. Picnic Tables.

  Great home base for climbing - good trail camp for the march to the sea.

• C

  Chris &.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 15, 2022

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  Nice Pet-Friendly Private Campground

  We’ve tent camped here several times, each time in a different spot. Some sites are much more private than others & many share a driveway with neighbors; some have spectacular views of Carmel Valley (like site 35). The bathrooms & showers are nice & well maintained. They offer free Wi-Fi.
  As other reviewers have mentioned it is a VERY steep, narrow drive up to and inside the campground. The campsites are cut into the side of the hill - many have privacy walls so you aren’t looking at your neighbors campsite. TIPS: Definitely take the steep hike out of the campground for a cardio workout that will reward you with stunning views. For other, milder hikes check out nearby Garland Park ,a lovely regional park that has hiking, biking & equestrian trails along the Carmel River.

• J

  Jessica R.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 22, 2018

  Cotillion Gardens RV Park

  Fun for the kids

  This R.V. Park is rustic, but has a lot of amenities and is very close to Santa Cruz. We visit family and friends in the area often, but this was the first time we camped in the area. It is $50 base price per night, which I think is very exorbitant for a tent site. There is an additional $3 charge per night for any more than two campers per tent or R.V. site. Because there was me and my two daughters it was $53 per night. I gave it 4 stars because the price is so high.

  There are just four tent sites here. We were in T2 which was just over a small footbridge over a creek from our parking spot. The spot was small, but had a picnic table, fire pit, and elevated wooden deck. I’m not sure if the deck is for setting up your ten on or lounging on, but we opted to set up our tent on the ground.

  We spent most of our time with relatives, so we didn’t have a lot of time to use the amenities, but there were lots of kids around using the playground, bicycling, playing basketball, and swimming in the pool. There was also a large clubhouse with foosball, ping pong and arcade games which is open from 9am - 9pm. My daughters used the clubhouse while I set up camp and after waking up while I stayed in bed for a little while.

  There was no AT&T sevice for me, but free WiFi was available so it was fine. The check in process was slow, but okay. Our campsite neighbors seemed very squeamish about camping and left out food that a raccoon family got into in the early morning waking them and us up. I think they were just inexperienced campers.

  Overall I’d stay here again, but I might hesitate at the price. I think this would be a nice place for a family to hang out at. There are lots of things for the kids to do and lots of friends to play with.

• 

  Ed E.

  Legend

  

  May. 21, 2018

  Del Valle Regional Park

  Camping within an hour from the town of Livermore, CA

  We've been camping here a few times now, since it is about a half hour from where we live. We camp with a 27' Travel Trailer and the campgrounds can accommodate it. There is also several tent campsites as well. The marina to Lake Del Valle is a few miles away. They rent recreational boats as well as aluminum fishing boats. They have a swimming beach area and they rent kayaks as well. There is some decent hiking trails from the campgrounds. There were no hookups where we camped for the travel trailer. Lots of turkey and deer in the area. The fee for us was $27/per night. They is a per fee as well.

• A

  Ann I.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 26, 2022

  Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

  Nice new campground

  We've camped here twice and it's been nice with a couple of exceptions. Since it's a new campground, the trees are young and don't supply much shade, but since it's close to the SF Bay, the bay breeze helps. It is right off 84 near the Dumbarton bridge so there can be a lot of traffic noise. There are some nice trails that will take you to the Bay and also to Coyote Hills Regional Park. It's also near Ardenwood Farm so if you have little kids it's a good spot to visit. 
  They have RV and tent sites and it looks like they will have a little store and laundry facilities in the future. There are lots of shopping and restaurant options very nearby if needed. 

  We had an issue with a camper that was next to us playing very loud music and when we asked them to turn it down they refused so we asked at the office if there was a space available somewhere else and they accommodated us without question. 

  We appreciate how convenient it is for people who live in the Bay Area and if you want to visit the area from out of state or out of the Bay Area, it would be a great place to park your camper and explore.

• 

  SmallRVLifestyle V.

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 25, 2020

  Casa de Fruta

  Great For Families, Lots of Fun And Yummy Things To Buy

  I chose Casa De Fruta because of their Passport America discount. I had to be in the area for a day, so I’ve decided to try this one. It was half price for three nights. It is an older park, it has seen better days but the RV sites are full-hookup and concrete.

  I saw lower sites that looked like tent sites, it is perfect if you want less highway noise. There are some“permanent resident” sites in the back of the park. Bathrooms are kept clean. They have a pool, but it is not heated, so I couldn’t use it in October. It was in the ’70s during the day and pretty cold during the night. 

  I had to use my small heater to keep myself warm. It’s a great weekend place for families with cute fruit and candy stores, carousels for the kids, little train, and animals. The weekend I came there was a Rennesaince Faire in the back and I’ve heard there are other fun festivities going on in the area, like the Garlic Festival, Strawberry Festival etc. One funny thing happened, I locked my bike to the bench but I lost the key. The office was kind enough to have maintenance to come out and help me. They cut my lock and finally, I was able to get my bicycle back. Typical me!🙂 Overall, I had a good time at the park, not much to do after you visit the little stores, but it is perfect for a night or two stays.

• 

  haelie A.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 1, 2022

  Laguna Seca Recreation Area

  racetrack!

  we stayed here for two days while camping in california- it was sweet! we had the whole tent/dry camping campground to ourselves this time of year.

  i couldn't find anything about rates online, so if you are trying to figure that out--- it's not the cheapest. dry camping ranges from 40-50$ and full hookup from 50$-60$, though i do think they have discounts for off season (november-....march? not sure.) waking up and watching the open track was super fun. lots of cool trails and viewpoints.

  > good thing to mention, we showered on the third morning. my (male) partners shower was hot, and my (female) shower was so freezing. so maybe showers in the male bathroom, although way grosser, are the move!