Best Campgrounds near Carmel Valley Village, CA

Several campgrounds near Carmel Valley Village give you access to California's diverse landscapes. Pinnacles Campground puts you close to the Bear Gulch Loop where you might spot California Condors flying overhead. The campground has electric hookups for RVs, water stations, and a dump station for longer stays. If you head to the Big Sur coast, Kirk Creek Campground sits right along the ocean with great views and hiking trails nearby. Remember to bring your own water since the sites are primitive. Many families choose Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground, where huge redwoods provide shade and the campground has flush toilets and showers. Wildlife is common throughout the area - you'll likely see raccoons and quail, and maybe even bobcats if you're lucky. Keep your food locked up to prevent unwanted visitors to your campsite. Spring and fall have the best camping weather with mild temperatures. The coast gets foggy in summer, and winter brings some rain. When you need a break from camping, the Big Sur coastline has amazing photo spots, and Carmel Valley Village has small shops and places to eat within a short drive of most campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Carmel Valley Village, California (107)

    1. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    17 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."

    2. Laguna Seca Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Seaside, CA
    7 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."

    3. Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Pacific Grove, CA
    14 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."

    4. Saddle Mountain Ranch

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

    "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."

    "Great location with nice views of the valley. Easy drive in with parking spots next to most sites.

    Camp sites and cabins are a little close together but nice, clean grounds make it comfortable."

    5. Big Sur Campground & Cabins

    28 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    16 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."

    6. Carmel by the River RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    8 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."

    7. Ventana Campground

    23 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2331

    $85 - $105 / night

    "Great location for easy access to the state parks. Pricey but we fortunately didn’t have any neighbors (site 29)."

    "Luckily I was there with my son the first night and was able to pick a great site at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. the big downside is slit of the sites are walk in, you park your car and have to bring your"

    8. Fernwood Campground & Resort

    16 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2422

    $60 - $100 / night

    "Close to the bathrooms but not too close that it was loud. The bathrooms were big and had free showers. There was a laundry room and also an area to dishes near the restrooms."

    "It’s situated on the river in Big Sur, and is surrounded by the majestic Redwood trees. If you don’t feel like cooking head up to the restaurant for a delicious meal."

    9. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    88 Reviews
    Pinnacles, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 200-1722

    $43 - $164 / night

    "Per my rating system, this is very close to being 5 stars, meaning it's worth planning a trip from out of state just to visit this park and surrounding national/state forest for 3 days or more  The only"

    "It’s a beautiful park and has the largest population of California Condors in the world.

    The campground is situated about 2.3 miles from the main trailheads. There's tent and RV campsites."

    10. Monterey Pines RV Park - Military

    8 Reviews
    Monterey, CA
    11 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 107 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Carmel Valley Village, CA

942 Reviews of 107 Carmel Valley Village Campgrounds



Guide to Carmel Valley Village

Camping near Carmel Valley Village, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a cozy tent spot or a full RV setup, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are amazing trails nearby. At Pinnacles Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "The trails are wild, like a moonscape." This is a great spot for those who love to hike and explore unique terrains.
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campers have spotted wildlife. One camper at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded." Keep your eyes peeled for local critters!
  • Star Gazing: The dark skies around these campgrounds make for excellent star gazing. A visitor at Kirk Creek Campground shared, "Great views. Very dark at night which is great for star gazing."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One happy camper at Limekiln State Park Campground said, "There aren't very many sites but you're right off the water."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A reviewer at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "Showers and toilets looked clean, showers are coin-operated."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like New Brighton State Beach Campground are popular with families. One visitor noted, "Lots of families and lots of kids. Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more."

What you should know:

  • Heat in Summer: If you're camping in summer, be prepared for heat. A camper at Pinnacles Campground warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kirk Creek Campground, have few amenities. One reviewer said, "Not even drinking water. Make sure you have what you need."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at California Veterans Memorial 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 the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground. One camper said, "The Big Sur community, chill and awesome without all the tourist pressure."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. A reviewer at Big Sur Campground & Cabins mentioned, "You can go down and walk by the river float the river with the complimentary tubes."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A visitor at New Brighton State Beach Campground noted, "Bathrooms are clean for camping standards. Good experience here!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Size Restrictions: Some campgrounds have size restrictions. A camper at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Book Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A visitor at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground said, "You will need to book a few months in advance."
  • Be Prepared for Wind: Some campgrounds can get windy at night. A reviewer at Kirk Creek Campground advised, "Can get very windy at night, so secure down your tent tightly."

Camping near Carmel Valley Village, 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 adventurers alike!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Carmel Valley Village, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Carmel Valley Village, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 107 campgrounds and RV parks near Carmel Valley Village, CA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Carmel Valley Village, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carmel Valley Village, CA is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 62 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carmel Valley Village, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Carmel Valley Village, CA.

What parks are near Carmel Valley Village, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Carmel Valley Village, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.