Best Campgrounds near Capitola, CA

Alaska offers a diverse range of camping experiences across its vast wilderness areas, with established campgrounds like Homer Spit Campground and Eklutna Lake Campground in Chugach State Park providing amenities for tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin accommodations. The region includes both developed sites with hookups and more remote locations where visitors can experience Alaska's natural beauty. Many campgrounds are situated near lakes, rivers, or glaciers, providing spectacular views and recreational opportunities like fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in Alaska, with most developed campgrounds operating from May through September. Winter camping is available at select locations like Riley Creek Campground in Denali National Park, which remains open year-round. Road conditions vary significantly, with some campgrounds requiring travel on gravel or unpaved roads. Weather patterns can change rapidly, especially in mountainous areas, requiring proper preparation. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many campgrounds, particularly those in more remote locations. A visitor noted, "This is a great, smaller campground to choose when the popular nearby spots fill up with anglers. For some reason, this spot is not as in demand as the Russian River campground, despite having many of the same amenities."

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with many campgrounds situated along lakes, rivers, or ocean shorelines. Campers frequently mention the stunning mountain and glacier views as highlights of their Alaska camping experience. Wildlife encounters, including bears, moose, and various bird species, are common at many campgrounds. According to one review, "The campsites are large enough for multiple tents, have fire rings, and most have picnic tables. The bathrooms are also well maintained and the spots spaced out enough so you're not right on top of your neighbors." Mosquitoes can be a significant nuisance during summer months, particularly near water sources, with several reviews mentioning the importance of bug protection. Many campgrounds offer amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, while some developed sites provide additional facilities such as showers, electric hookups, and potable water.

Best Camping Sites Near Capitola, California (121)

    1. New Brighton State Beach Campground

    44 Reviews
    Capitola, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (831) 464-6330

    $35 - $185 / night

    "Dump station is no longer free; all California State Parks are charging $10 to dump now, even for campers.  You pay at the dump site with a credit card."

    "Sweet lil spot right outside Capitola came in on a Monday night and all the premium sites were booked. Direct access to the beach. Showers kinda meh but the rest made up for it!"

    2. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Mount Hermon, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Watsonville, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +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

    32 Reviews
    Gilroy, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +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 Redwoods RV Resort

    20 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +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."

    6. Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

    16 Reviews
    Freedom, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +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!"

    7. Cotillion Gardens RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +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. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 338-8860

    $35 / night

    "Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site."

    "So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco."

    9. Manresa State Beach Campground

    9 Reviews
    Freedom, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +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."

    10. Moss Landing KOA Express

    18 Reviews
    Moss Landing, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 121 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Capitola, CA

782 Reviews of 121 Capitola Campgrounds



Guide to Capitola

Camping near Capitola, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are amazing trails nearby. At Pinnacles Campground, one camper mentioned, "The trails are wild, like a moonscape," making it a great spot for adventurous hikers.
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campers have spotted wildlife. One reviewer at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded."
  • Star Gazing: The dark skies around Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground make it perfect for star gazing. A visitor shared, "Very dark at night which is great for star gazing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Mount Madonna County Park said, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. One camper at New Brighton State Beach Campground mentioned, "Spot 64 was humongous and extremely private."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Big Sur Campground & Cabins are great for families. A visitor noted, "The playground was well maintained and modern."

What you should know:

  • Heat in Summer: If you're camping in summer, be prepared for high temperatures. A camper at Pinnacles Campground warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A reviewer at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground mentioned, "No reservations can be made."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be cautious of wildlife, especially yellow jackets. One camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park shared, "We had two new types of visitors... aggressive yellow jackets."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. At Big Sur Campground & Cabins, a camper said, "If you have little ones they’ll have fun on the playground."
  • Plan for Heat: Bring plenty of water and shade options. A visitor at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground noted, "Flies and other flying insects were a bit annoying during daytime."
  • Pack Entertainment: Bring games or activities for downtime. One camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites felt pretty spaced out, and didn't feel noisy at all."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Mount Madonna County Park said, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Dump Station Availability: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Anthony Chabot Regional Park mentioned, "The dump station was in good working order."
  • Book Early: Many campgrounds fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. A camper at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground advised, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."

Camping near Capitola, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Capitola, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Capitola, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 121 campgrounds and RV parks near Capitola, CA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Capitola, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Capitola, CA is New Brighton State Beach Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 44 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Capitola, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Capitola, CA.