Carmel-by-the-Sea sits adjacent to the northern end of the Santa Lucia Mountains where coastal redwoods meet the Pacific. At approximately 400 feet above sea level, the area experiences moderate temperatures averaging 57-65°F throughout the year with frequent morning fog during summer months. The terrain around luxury glamping sites in Carmel-by-the-Sea varies from densely wooded hillsides to open meadows with some campgrounds requiring navigation of steep access roads.
What to do
Hiking at Pinnacles National Park: Located about 60 miles east of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pinnacles Campground offers access to distinctive volcanic rock formations and caves. "First off the road coming to the campground is very steep, could be challenging for some rigs," notes Mike M. after tent camping here. For a rewarding experience, "take the steep hike out of the campground for a cardio workout that will reward you with stunning views," suggests Chris & from their experience at Ventana Campground.
Beach exploration: Just 25 minutes north of Carmel, Marina Dunes RV Park provides beach access through a short trek. "About a 5 min trek through sand and dunes and you'll find yourself at a beach not many people frequent. On Friday we were the only ones for as far as I could see. No exaggeration," shares James from his camping experience. The beach stretches for miles with relatively few visitors compared to more popular coastal spots.
Archery practice: Mount Madonna County Park features a dedicated 28-target archery course through woodland terrain. "There is an archery trail with 28 targets on a trail through the woods. We were there 3 days in a row and did 20 of the 28. It's really pretty and a cool challenge," reports April N. after staying in the park's redwood forest campground.
What campers like
Redwood forest camping: Mount Madonna County Park provides extensive shade beneath towering redwoods. "Almost all the sites were fully shaded by the big redwoods," writes Weston W. The unique forest environment creates its own microclimate: "This is the only place I've seen the redwood trees harvest the fog and make their own rain, which is pretty cool. In the morning it's raining under the redwood trees but not under the madrone or tan oak trees, which is wild," observes April N.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities despite high usage. "Bathrooms are great," states Tanya B. about Mount Madonna, while at Fernwood Campground, "The bathrooms were big and had free showers. There was a laundry room and also an area to dishes near the restrooms," according to Christina L.
River access: Several campgrounds feature water features for cooling off. At Fernwood Campground, Tim J. enjoyed site #66 which "was large and had River access." The property includes "a river that runs though the site," notes Candice M., providing natural white noise for sleeping and opportunities for wading during warmer months.
What you should know
Temperature variations: Coastal campgrounds experience significant climate differences compared to inland areas. At Mount Madonna, "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose," warns April N. Similarly, the Carmel Valley area can experience fog and wind: "sometimes the fog whistles through on a stiff breeze so not only is it cold but also clammy wet."
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds report active wildlife. At Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday, Michael P. cautions: "There are however some large raccoons so use caution with your trash." Pinnacles Campground also has significant nocturnal activity: "raccoons….everywhere…. seriously leave your car locked, these little buggers were not afraid of humans," warns Theresa N.
Site privacy concerns: Many campgrounds feature closely spaced sites. At Ventana Campground, Andre V. notes: "The sites are also pretty close together." Similarly, Nathan S. at Fernwood describes: "The sites are very close to each other. It's like a hotel room without walls." Some areas offer more spacious options, but generally expect relatively close quarters at most established campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Consider amenities: Sunset State Beach provides extensive family-friendly features. "Nice place to take a stroll and relax. Not far from Santa Cruz, maybe 25-30 minutes depending on traffic," writes Mauriel O. At Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA, facilities include "huge bouncy pad, a climbing wall, ping pong tables, a swimming pool, pedal go karts, the list goes on and on," according to Daniel D., making it ideal for entertaining children.
Choose shaded sites: For summer camping with children, select campgrounds with natural shade coverage. At Mount Madonna, "This is a great campground for hot weather (if you can get a site). Almost all the sites were fully shaded by the big redwoods," recommends Weston W. The park also offers "Nice hikes right from the site or you can drive up to where the old homestead was and see some ruins. Great campground for the kids to bike at but there are a few big hills so make sure they know how to use their brakes."
Book well ahead: Popular family-friendly campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer and holidays. Kate L. advises about Sunset State Beach: "If you can get a reservation here (which is VERY difficult) you will have the best time." Many campgrounds open reservations 6 months in advance, with prime summer weekends often booking within minutes of availability.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Saddle Mountain Ranch, Tim F. appreciated the cabin option after extended travel: "Cabin was super nice to stay in after a week of car camping! Kitchenette, bathroom, hot water. Perfect." For those with larger RVs at Marina Dunes RV Park, Tonya C. cautions: "This place is okay it's just small and loud. It's hard to get bigger Rv's into spots also. We have a 35' 5th wheel and there are only some spots that will fit it."
Weather preparation: RVers should prepare for significant temperature variations. At Mount Madonna, April N. emphasizes: "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!" Bring appropriate clothing for both day and night conditions, as coastal areas can experience temperature swings of 30+ degrees within 24 hours.
