Best Campgrounds near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Several good camping spots can be found within driving distance of Carmel By The Sea along California's coast. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground sits 22 miles away with redwoods, hiking trails, and a river for campers to enjoy. Veteran's Memorial Park Campground costs less and is much closer at just 3 miles from town, with clean bathrooms and room to spread out. Families often choose Laguna Seca Recreation Area, 9 miles out, for its playgrounds and picnic spots. Saddle Mountain Ranch, only 5 miles from Carmel, has both basic sites and extras like a swimming pool and trails. Big Sur Campground & Cabins is 21 miles away with both tent sites and cabins for those who don't want to rough it. New Brighton State Beach Campground sits 30 miles from town with ocean views and beach access right there. Weather stays mild year-round, though summer mornings can be foggy with cool nights. Spring and fall bring better weather and smaller crowds. Most places have toilets and drinking water, but it's smart to check what each place has before you book. Carmel itself has shops and places to eat when you need a break from camping. The area works well for hiking, beach walks, or just taking it easy. Remember to follow the rules and take your trash with you when you leave. Carmel By The Sea has camping that works for different styles and preferences.

Best Camping Sites Near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California (112)

    1. Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Pacific Grove, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 646-3865

    $10 - $47 / night

    "It’s adjacent to a day use area with a big playground and some little hiking trails. You can walk to downtown Monterey’s restaurants and shops from here, about 1-2 miles away."

    "Pros: Secluded yet within walking distance of popular tourist areas. Can hear taps played at nearby Fort Ord at 10 pm. It’s magical! Pretty nice sites. Showers available."

    2. Saddle Mountain Ranch

    23 Reviews
    Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 624-1617

    "Big Sur is just a short drive south and Monterey is just a short drive north. You can spend the day driving the 17 mile drive and seeing Pismo Beach or shop the quaint shops in Carmel by the sea."

    "We booked a luxury gazebo situation which came with a queen bed (heated mattress) a fire pit and your own propane grill. There are areas for tents and RV’s as well and priced accordingly."

    3. Laguna Seca Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Seaside, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 588-2267

    "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."

    "Which had beautiful views, and got our Camper situated. The spots could be a bit updated in my opinion. The gravel was coming apart and the table and fir ring could use a bit of cleaning."

    4. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    63 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $75 / night

    "No other sites behind us. It felt secluded and private. Close to the bathrooms. And the bathrooms were clean. We didn’t have a river site but the river was right across from us."

    "I think it's a California State Park and Covid thing right now. There is some construction going on but it didn't effect our stay at all. We had a river site."

    5. Carmel by the River RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 624-9329

    $110 - $235 / night

    "Unless you’re driving a sports car, definitely DO NOT drive on Lorales Grade! It’s a narrow, windy, dark road with a 17% grade. It is well worth driving around, you can thank me later."

    6. Monterey Pines RV Park - Military

    8 Reviews
    Monterey, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 656-7563

    "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."

    "Pretty quiet with the exception of the Monterey Regional Airport next to it and even then it wasn’t very noticeable."

    7. Monterey County Fairgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Monterey, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 717-7167

    $70 / night

    "Not much to this campground; however, the location is great as a base for exploring Monterey, Moss Landing, Carmel by the Sea and even Pebble Beach. It’s nice & quiet and clean."

    "The fairgrounds RV park is located as the name suggests on the Monterey Fairgrounds."

    8. Big Sur Campground & Cabins

    28 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2322

    $80 - $699 / night

    "Made it just before dusk and we were able to get a tent camping spot for about 70 a night which was not a problem, cuz a roadside parking ticket was waaay higher."

    "Set amidst some amazing redwoods adjacent to a bubbling creek. Clean and well maintained facilities. Has cabins, rv sites, and tent sites. Many trails nearby along with some great restaurants."

    9. Marina Dunes RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Marina, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 384-6914

    "There is a Best Western right next to this place were we ended up getting a room instead as that was less expensive. We did arrive there with no reservation and after hours."

    "We love the proximity to the beach and the beautiful dunes. The park was very clean and well-maintained. The staff was great and very welcoming. Thank you to Christy who made our stay extra fun!"

    10. Moss Landing KOA Express

    18 Reviews
    Moss Landing, CA
    19 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 112 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

953 Reviews of 112 Carmel-by-the-Sea Campgrounds



Guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea

Camping near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a cozy tent site or a spacious RV spot, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in the area. Many campers rave about the stunning views and diverse landscapes. One visitor at Pinnacles Campground said, "The trails are wild, like a moonscape. In spring, it’s a wildflower fantasia."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded. Great for star gazing."
  • River Activities: Enjoy floating or relaxing by the river at Big Sur Campground & Cabins. One camper shared, "You can go down and walk by the river, float the river with the complimentary tubes and relax by a fire right next to the massive trees."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. A review from Kirk Creek Campground highlights, "Amazing sunrise and sunset view. There is a small trail to go down to the beach right next to camp site #22."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms looked clean, showers are coin-operated, $0.50 for 2 min."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like New Brighton State Beach Campground are great for families. One camper said, "Lots of families and lots of kids. Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more."

What you should know:

  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for varying temperatures. A camper at Limekiln State Park Campground warned, "It gets super windy so be prepared."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A review from California Veterans Memorial Park Campground noted, "Showers, restrooms, tables, and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground advised, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with playgrounds and activities. A camper at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground mentioned, "If you have little ones, they’ll have fun on the playground."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of snacks. A review from Pinnacles Campground highlighted, "Really enjoyed cooking in the evenings outside and settling in."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Big Sur Campground & Cabins said, "The playground was well maintained and modern."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Mount Madonna County Park noted, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Arrive Early: Get there early to secure a good spot. A review from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground suggested, "Show up a day or two early."
  • Use Dump Stations: Take advantage of dump stations for convenience. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, "There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park."

Camping near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families and nature lovers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 112 campgrounds and RV parks near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA is Veteran's Memorial Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 37 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.

What parks are near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.