Best Campgrounds near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Monterey County contains a mix of established campgrounds serving both tent campers and RV travelers near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Veterans Memorial Park Campground offers first-come, first-serve sites within walking distance of downtown Monterey, while Saddle Mountain Ranch provides developed sites with electric hookups and tent, cabin, and yurt accommodations. RV travelers can access full-hookup sites at Carmel by the River RV Park and Marina Dunes RV Park. Most established campgrounds in the area maintain picnic tables, drinking water, and designated fire rings, with several properties featuring showers, flush toilets, and dump stations.
Camping fees typically range from $35-$60 per night depending on amenities and location, with rates increasing during summer and holiday periods. Overnight RV parking is available at the local Safeway for self-contained vehicles, as confirmed by multiple camper reports. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays at developed campgrounds, particularly during summer months when coastal fog provides natural cooling. Campgrounds near Big Sur tend to fill quickly during peak season. Some campgrounds enforce maximum RV lengths due to tight turning radiuses and steep grades. "This is a great campground near Monterey. Only about 10-15 minutes from downtown. Though you still hear the sounds of the city in the early evening, the sounds taper off deeper into the night," noted one camper about Veterans Memorial Park.
The proximity to town distinguishes camping options in the Carmel area, with several reviewers mentioning the convenience of nearby services while still experiencing wildlife and natural settings. Many campers at Veterans Memorial Park report deer sightings in the evenings, despite the urban-adjacent location. Several visitors highlighted the 24-hour access to facilities at the Safeway overnight parking area, with one camper noting, "24 hr Safeway open so you can use the toilets and there will be other RVs in the park too." Monterey Pines RV Park offers military personnel dedicated camping facilities, while Big Sur Campground & Cabins provides more remote experiences with cabin rentals and traditional tent sites approximately 30 minutes south of Carmel along Highway 1.
