Top Tent Camping near Castroville, CA

Searching for a tent campsite near Castroville? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Castroville, CA (18)

    Camper-submitted photo from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    1.

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    182 Photos
    1148 Saves
    Big Sur, California

    Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground features 189 RV and tent sites are situated on or near the Big Sur River. There is a Campfire Center that offers evening programs on the weekends during peak season.

    Each campsite includes a parking area for at least one car, a fire pit with half-grill and picnic table. No hookups are provided at any site. Fresh water, hot showers and toilets are a short walk.

    All incoming campers must check in at the entrance kiosk. Camper vehicles must display vehicle tag (proof of reservation) in the windshield. Vehicle tags are also valid for day use entrance into other area state parks.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $50 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach Campground

    2.

    Manresa State Beach Campground

    7 Reviews
    24 Photos
    280 Saves
    Freedom, California

    Manresa State Beach Camping is tents only, no RVs, mid-May through September. Parking for over 60 walk-in tent sites at Manresa Uplands is in a separate lot near the campground. Pets must not be left unattended in campsites. One vehicle is included in camping fees.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park

    3.

    Uvas Canyon County Park

    9 Reviews
    53 Photos
    294 Saves
    New Almaden, California

    Welcom​e to Uvas Canyon County Park. This lushly wooded park of 1,147 acres, is nestled in upper Uvas Canyon on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz

    Mountains. This mountain park offers hiking, camping and picnicking opportunities throughout most of the year. Enjoy your visit today and return often to experience the many features of Uvas Canyon County Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $34 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Ventana Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventana Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventana Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventana Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventana Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventana Campground

    4.

    Ventana Campground

    23 Reviews
    93 Photos
    552 Saves
    Big Sur, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $85 - $105 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Seacliff State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Seacliff State Beach

    5.

    Seacliff State Beach

    6 Reviews
    2 Photos
    328 Saves
    Aptos, California
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park

    6.

    Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park

    18 Reviews
    46 Photos
    59 Saves
    Pescadero, California

    BEN REIS CAMPINPGROUND is CLOSED as a result of fire-related damage to the park's water system.

    Updated Nov 2022: This park unit is partially open. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=536

    Due to the CZU Fire, areas of Butano State Park will remain closed. The fire has left many trees compromised and other trail hazards exist. Crews are continuing to work on repairs. For your safety, please stay out of closed areas.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Campground

    7.

    Andrew Molera State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    13 Photos
    86 Saves
    Big Sur, California

    There is no access to the campgrounds, beach trail, or any trails on the South side of the Big Sur River due to storm and flood damage.

    Andrew Molera Trail Camp is a hike-in campground. Campers park in the day use parking lot and hike about 1/4 mile to the campground. Trail Camp contains 22 standard tent sites and two (2) hike-and-bike campsites. The campground is situated in a meadow near the Big Sur River. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table and food storage container. Trail Camp offers potable water and restrooms with flush toilets. There are no showers.

    Standard campsites are available for reservation. Reservations fill up six months in advance.

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Firewood Available

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    8.

    Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    8 Reviews
    18 Photos
    251 Saves
    Saratoga, California

    Castle Rock State Park is a land of sculpted sandstone, lush forests, and sweeping vistas. From one of the highest ridges in the Santa Cruz Mountains, park visitors enjoy hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. Rock climbers explore the park's caverns and rocks, including the namesake Castle Rock. Plant-lovers come for California black oaks, knobcone pines, and high-elevation coast redwoods. The park’s 34 miles of rugged trails conveniently connect to an extensive trail system that links the Santa Clara and San Lorenzo valleys to nearby Big Basin Redwoods State Park and open space preserves on the Skyline to the Sea Trail.

    The Castle Rock Trail Camp is open year round on a first-come, first-serve basis. The campground is a 2.5 mile (4 kilometer) hike from the parking area and you will have to carry all of your equipment into the camp. Castle Rock Trail Camp has trash receptacles, bathrooms, and 20 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Wood is available for sale during the wet season. Fires are not allowed during fire season.

    Camping is permitted only in designated camps. Campers are required to be in their campsites from sunset to 6 a.m.

    To register and pay your fees, check in at the Entrance Station at the Castle Rock parking lot. If you arrive when the station is not staffed, you can use the self-registration envelopes. Make sure you bring exact change or a check to use in case you must use the self-registration. Place your receipt on the dashboard in a visible place as proof of payment. Rangers will verify payment. For more information about camping and fire closure dates, please call Castle Rock State Park at (408) 867-2952. For more information and reservations for Waterman Gap Trail Camp, please visit the Santa Cruz Mountain State Parks Backcountry Trail Camp Page.

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water

    $8 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park

    9.

    Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park

    5 Reviews
    19 Photos
    197 Saves
    Boulder Creek, California

    CAMPGROUNDS CLOSED TEMPORARILY

    This park unit is partially open. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Castroville

791 Reviews of 18 Castroville Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
    August 30, 2024

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    The Off Season Love Affair in Big Sur

    I know we all rant here about how, “if you can go outside school holidays, you’re in for a real treat!” The most popular places, like Pfeiffer, can be nuts in the high season, although socially, that can be fun, too. 

    However, I have had the nicest times in the Winter here, truly. Christmas, Thanksgiving, special moments. The winter sun and sunsets are extraordinary. The Big Sur community, chill and awesome without all the tourist pressure. 

    Another fun fact… sometimes, when I have come back from a backpacking trip in the area, I will book a day or night, even if I don’t SPEND the whole night, because the showers are SO GOOD. And you know what’s it like to want a decent shower after you’ve been in the muck a few days.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
    August 30, 2024

    Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    The Pinnacles are Other-Worldly - this is your launchpad

    I didn’t enjoy this campground for years — I’d always drive home, to my cooler coastal home. It is WICKED hot in the summer. But one time, I joined my daughter, who did have a summer reservation, and I changed my mind! They have a pool! The kids are thrilled! There are beautiful tucked away campsites in the shade, by a creek. Really enjoyed cooking in the evenings outside and settling in. By day, of course, the trails are wild, like a moonscape. In spring, it’s a wildflower fantasia. 

    I was selfishly a little sad when Pinnacles became a national monument, instead of a regional secret. But I’m so glad they got the money, they deserve it! Note: I discovered it because my kids were in rock climbing classes in town, and “this” was the field trip. So exciting to see their first climbing and bouldering outside.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Big Sur Campground & Cabins
    August 26, 2024

    Big Sur Campground & Cabins

    Staff are awful

    Long story short the staff were unhelpful and lied about there being multiple spots open. When we arrived the people in the spot next to us had completely blocked our spot with one of their cars and were using our table. Had to asked a second time to be moved spots and only found out there were available spots when someone without a reservation showed up to registration when I was up there complaining.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park
    August 25, 2024

    Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

    Great Layover

    We had a quick three-day trip here to visit family. The pool is small, yet well-kept and we had it to ourselves every time we went each day. The park was perfect for the kids biking around through the short- and long-term areas.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Saddle Mountain Ranch
    August 2, 2024

    Saddle Mountain Ranch

    In between camping and glamping, but somehow neither

    So, if you’re looking to be in nature and have a proper camping experience, this ain’t it. If you want a resort style vacation, this isn’t it either… yet somehow it’s a little of both. I wouldn’t recommend tent camping because you’re literally right next to your neighbor camping and isn’t really in the “woods”. Suggest you get a delux tent which includes a bed, fire pit and bbq. That’s why I’ve rated it high because it’s what I needed for one night. Plus the pull and games (corn hill, ping pong) are nice additions. Just know what you’re in for.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
    July 26, 2024

    Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    Gorgeous - and so much poison oak

    This is a gorgeous campground! It's big and it's busy, but the sites are mostly very private and lush and green. Each site has a different configuration, but this place books up fast, so you have to look at photos online and the dimensions of the site and hope it works out.

    We were a little worried when we arrived in our 26ft class c, we worried that we wouldn't make it through the narrow roads and overhanging trees, but we were ok. Not sure that this place would be good for giant rigs though. Getting into our spot was a bit tricky, and when coming out a ranger truck was blocking our road (he was cleaning the bathrooms, I believe), which made leaving very tricky as well.

    There are beautiful hiking trails all over this campground, but there is so much poison oak - everywhere. All over the camp sites, trails to the bathroom, hiking trails, etc, it was everywhere.

    Showers and toilets looked clean, showers are coin operated, $0.50 for 2 min.

    If you arrive before checkin they will have you wait at the day use area several miles away - heads up.

  • Camper-submitted photo from New Brighton State Beach Campground
    July 23, 2024

    New Brighton State Beach Campground

    Good spot with availability

    Despite the website showing every site booked, we drove in about 4 pm to a decent number of sites. Entry ranger was available pretty late. Site was $35 I believe, and has paid showers and restrooms. Site had a fire pit, paved parking for a larger vehicle, table and decent amount of shade. Lots of families and lots of kids. Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Veteran's Memorial Park Campground
    July 21, 2024

    Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    Affordable Monterey/Carmel Access

    I have family in Monterey, but can't see paying the higher prices for a hotel or home rental when I visit. This location gives you complete access to the beautiful surrounding area at a price that doesn't hurt. Showers, restrooms, tables and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure. I dry camp a lot, and having the amenities is worth the fees they're asking. Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early, if you can, due to a first come first serve policy for sites. The early bird gets the worm. No reservations can be made.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach Campground
    July 6, 2024

    Manresa State Beach Campground

    Right on beach!

    First time visiting, We stayed at site 63 for two nights June 30 and July 1st. Sites are very private and seperated by bushes and trees. The loading zone was a short walk to our site. It was an easy 5-7 minute walk down to the beach. Beach was clean and not crowded. Beautiful sunset views. Only complaints are that the bathrooms were filthy. One of the showers wasn’t working and robbed us of $2. They need to put a quarter change machine for coins for the showers. We had to drive to KOA to get change to shower. We will definitely come back !

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pinto Lake City Park
    June 30, 2024

    Pinto Lake City Park

    Small City Park... Good Option for short and/or Longer Stays

    Small city park with RV Parking on grass between lake and baseball fields.  Sites almost level; however, might need to use a few blocks.  Park was busy with locals using pavilions for birthday and other parties when we visited on a Saturday in June.  Adjacent baseball field was busy on Sunday morning with little league game and parking lot was full.  Cars were being parked in unused RV spots.  Many people were fishing from the shoreline.  Many Candian geese (with poop) were in the dock area and alone the shoreline.  Some ducks made themselves at home in the shade under our RV.  Temperature was considerably cooler versus the very hot temps only a few miles further inland.  Nice that each site has electric / water / sewer hook-ups.  Two rest rooms (one by lake and one by baseball field) were a little dirty due to heavy use.  Unfortunate there are no showers and that you can only walk around perhaps 10% of the lake shoreline.  Quiet at night as they lock the park gate... they give you an access card ($25 deposit req'd) if you need to leave and return after gate is locked at night.  Called and requested my $25 credit after refund was not automatically received a few days later.  Credit was immediately made.  A good option especially if parks along the coast are booked and you want reasonably cool temperatures.  Would stay again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mercey Hot Springs
    June 19, 2024

    Mercey Hot Springs

    Amazing Place

    I Van Camped at Mercey Hot Springs for 5 days. When I arrived the nights were hot so I decided to take an AC Cabin #10 where I could park right next to the cabin and slept comfortably. I moved to a RV camp site #5 when the temps at night were a more comfortable mid 60s. I love that the hot tubs are available all night long. It allows for long soaks while star gazing. The therapeutic water is magical some of the best I have found. As soon as you enter the pool or hot tubs you feel the smooth water on your skin. The hot tubs are all oversized privet bath tubs that you fill with mineral water of your desired temperature. This is a completely off the grid resorts that has good energy and tranquil atmosphere. It is very clean with clean bath rooms and showers. When I was there in June 2024 they did not have the restaurant open yet but one looks like it is in the near future. They do have snacks, cold drinks, coffee, ice cream and Ice in the front office for purchase. I took the short hike up the hill to see the solar array, while up there I discovered a most amazing triple Labyrinth circle walk that was very mindful experience. I have never seen such a neat labyrinth as this. Truly an amazing stay, I will be back.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
    June 17, 2024

    Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

    So many animals and birds

    I had a big spot and no neighbors my entire half of the campground on a Monday night in June. I was under 2 big oaks that were buzzing with bird activity.
    The bathrooms were clean and I had water on my site. I had some AT&T service.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Monterey Pines RV Park - Military
    June 14, 2024

    Monterey Pines RV Park - Military

    Beautiful RV Park and golf course

    Campground is for active duty, retired military and DoD Civilians. Pretty quiet with the exception of the Monterey Regional Airport next to it and even then it wasn’t very noticeable. The golf course next to it is beautiful so bring your sticks or rent them from the clubhouse. One of the more affordable courses to play in the area. Our site was level left to right but we did have to jack the front of the trailer up higher than usual. Clean restrooms and bath house. FREE LAUNDRY FACILITIES TOO. Definitely want to go back but for a longer stay.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Veteran's Memorial Park Campground
    June 12, 2024

    Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    Perfect access to Big Sur & Pebble Beach

    We were driving thru and needed a place to van camp. Found this location from the dyrt app. The camp site is located on park grounds. If you have little ones they’ll have fun on the playground. Parking was easy to pick for us. There’s also hot showers which is only open from 7AM to 9PM. Someone will turn the water access off outside of those time frames. They will also allow showers with no camping option which is $4. Overall for the stay being only $47, having the options of a hot shower, rest rooms and ability to have a fire pit and the convenience of the Big Sur, makes this site worth it.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Saddle Mountain Ranch
    June 9, 2024

    Saddle Mountain Ranch

    Nice but crowded

    First of all this place is beautiful. It is a very well maintained campground. Its set up is very much like a KOA. The sites are very close to each other. There is room enough for your rig but parking is elsewhere and limited. The bathrooms are clean but small. On the men’s side there is one stall and one separate shower. There is another site but I didn’t see it. Overall I suppose if RV camping is your thing it’s ok. I just don’t like being this close to people when I am on vacation. It’s like a hotel room without walls. It was convenient, clean, and close to where I needed to go.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach
    May 31, 2024

    Sunset State Beach

    Clean and quite

    This is a beautiful place, camp site behind woods, this, waving sound won’t bother at night.

    Very clean and friendly staffs

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mount Madonna County Park
    May 28, 2024

    Mount Madonna County Park

    Great Campground

    Loved everything about this campground! Registration online was really easy as was the check-in process. We stayed in Valley View 1, site 106. There was really no road noise at our site, though a few sites further around the loop did have noise. This particular site has a trail leading directly to the vast network of hiking trails. Huge bonus for us and we were pleasantly surprised that not one person used our site as a cut through. On the subject of hiking, this is a county park that allows dogs on ALL the trails. It’s hard to find that sometimes so we greatly appreciated how dog friendly it was. We didn’t actually encounter anyone else as we hiked, so I can’t attest to whether folks follow the rule that dogs must be on a 6 ft lead on the trails, but they certainly did in the campground. There are quite a few trails that are currently closed due to storm damage, but crews were actively working on them.

    While the sites are a little close to each other, those on the outside of the loop had a great deal of privacy. Inner loop sites have none, but would be great if you were camping with friends. We didn’t use the restrooms or showers, but peeked in them anyway. Like everything else in this campground, they were clean and well maintained.

    The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great! There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park that we used as we departed.

    Our friends stayed in one of the yurts and it was great, albeit a little cold for them at night. I believe there are 2 dog friendly yurts. 106RV

    What a gem of a campground! We’ll definitely come back!

    Important to note that you can actually get a cell signal if you walk to the dump station!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area — Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
    May 19, 2024

    Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area — Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

    Molina Ghost Run 2024

    This year MG run was held in Hollister Hills due to Clear Creek being closed. My registration came with free camp spot in the Upper Ranch. For an organized trail run I would give it a 5 star as it was very respectful and actually not loud at all including day light hours.

    From a dispersed camp/ camp experience I am giving this a 4 star thats because I knew I was not camping here for a camp experience but an off-road experience with many other off-road enthusiast.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Morgan Hill
    April 26, 2024

    Thousand Trails Morgan Hill

    Good location

    We liked the surrounding area and gorgeous rolling hills and while we were able to get a good spot it was not a campground that stood out too much to us. The pool is great though it was too cold to use it while we were there. No sewer hook up but dump station was close from our side. Overall happy with the stay



Guide to Castroville

Camping near Castroville, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park. One visitor noted, "The trails are wild, like a moonscape," making it a great place for adventure seekers.
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campers have spotted wildlife while staying at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded."
  • Star Gazing: The dark skies at Kirk Creek Campground make it perfect for star gazing. A camper shared, "Great views. Very dark at night which is great for star gazing."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Heat in Summer: If you're camping at Pinnacles Campground, be prepared for the heat. One reviewer warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kirk Creek Campground, have limited amenities. A camper mentioned, "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, like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground. A visitor advised, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Castroville, California, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Castroville, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Castroville, CA is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 60 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Castroville, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Castroville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.