Thousand Trails San Benito spans 300 acres of rural California terrain approximately 50 miles inland from the coast. The campground features varying terrain with sites distributed throughout the property, offering different levels of privacy and shade coverage. During winter months, the surrounding hills transform from their characteristic summer brown to vibrant green landscapes.
What to do
Wildlife observation: At Thousand Trails San Benito, campers regularly encounter diverse wildlife. "We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!! My favorite part of our California trip was staying here!" notes Samantha N.
Hiking at Pinnacles: The campground serves as a strategic base for exploring nearby natural areas. "Pinnacles NP has lots of great hikes, bird watching is a thing out here and home to the California Condors," reports Tyler V., highlighting one of the main attractions within 30 minutes of the campground.
Scenic drives: The region offers alternative routes for travelers moving north or south. "A little out of the way but a nice scenic backroad alternate from I5 or 99 if traveling north/south," mentions one camper, making it useful for those seeking less congested routes between major highways.
What campers like
Off-grid atmosphere: Salinas-Monterey KOA provides a secluded setting despite highway proximity. "The location is very secluded as bd far from stores but fairly close to the sea. Have visited a few time and enjoy the stay," reports JAVIER J., emphasizing the remote feel that many visitors appreciate.
Privacy options: Campers can find secluded sites, especially in certain areas. "We stayed towards the back site 353 I believe abs had no others around us," shares Alberto C., pointing to the potential for solitude within the large property.
Swimming facilities: Multiple campgrounds in the area maintain swimming pools for guest recreation. "They have nice facilities and a heated pool although a hot tub would be nice also," mentions Ben V., detailing one of the amenities that remains available year-round.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping brings different conditions. "I went in the winter and the place is very cold," reports Andre P., highlighting the temperature variation that occurs in this inland location compared to coastal areas.
Thorny vegetation: The natural landscape includes plants that require awareness. Visitors mention thorny plants throughout grassy areas requiring appropriate footwear.
Facilities maintenance: At Cabana Holiday RV Park-cabins, amenities receive regular attention. "This KOA has everything you need. The streets are wide and the pull-ins are easy to access," states CJ J., contrasting with some other area campgrounds where maintenance issues might exist.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational options: Family-friendly activities are available at several campgrounds. "They had a tv, games and arts for the kids in the clubhouse," shares Bonnie O., pointing to indoor entertainment options when weather limits outdoor activities.
Swimming considerations: Pools operate seasonally at most locations. "The pool was closed for the winter but I can't wait to visit again," notes a visitor, indicating the seasonal nature of some amenities.
Equestrian camping near Big Sur, California: While limited, horse-friendly camping options exist within driving distance of Big Sur. No dedicated equestrian campgrounds operate within the immediate area, but several sites within a 90-minute drive accommodate horses with advance arrangements.
Tips from RVers
Electrical considerations: RVers should check utility status before selecting sites. "The only issue was the squirrels had chewed through the electrical at some of the better sites," warns Bonnie O., highlighting a specific maintenance concern for those requiring hookups.
Site selection strategy: For RV campers seeking more space, certain areas offer advantages. "There is a lot of wildlife here to see. Deer wandered through camp at all times of the day. You can see wild boar passing along the hillsides," mentions Butch C., pointing to the natural experiences available from properly positioned RV sites.
Connectivity limitations: Internet access varies significantly across campgrounds. "The Wi-Fi here is good enough to check email but not for streaming or anything intensive. However you can get a good starlink connection and over 100 megabits per second," advises CJ J., providing practical information for remote workers or those requiring reliable connections.
