Best Campgrounds near King City, CA

The King City area in California's central coast region provides multiple camping options ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. San Lorenzo Park offers tent and RV camping with water and electric hookups just off Highway 101, while Yanks RV Resort in nearby Greenfield features full hookups with amenities including a swimming pool and hot tub. Pinnacles National Park Campground, located approximately 30 miles northeast, provides a more natural setting with both tent and RV sites plus cabin accommodations. Williams Hill Recreation Area offers dispersed camping on public land about 25 miles southwest of King City.

Camping facilities throughout the region vary considerably in terms of amenities and regulations. San Lorenzo Park provides partial and full hookup sites with clean restrooms and showers, making it suitable for RVs requiring services. Primitive camping options exist at Williams Hill Recreation Area, where sites are free but offer minimal facilities beyond vault toilets. Most campgrounds near King City remain open year-round, though summer temperatures can reach uncomfortable highs. Winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional rain. Several campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak seasons. One visitor noted, "San Lorenzo Park has nice green spaces with lots of partial and full hookup sites, clean bathrooms and showers, though highway noise is audible but not disruptive."

Campers consistently mention the strategic location of King City accommodations for visiting nearby attractions. San Lorenzo Park serves as a convenient base for exploring Pinnacles National Park, approximately 30 minutes away. Many reviewers highlight the agricultural setting surrounding these campgrounds, with one noting the "amazing farm machinery museum display" at San Lorenzo Park. Yanks RV Resort receives praise for its cleanliness and amenities, with visitors describing it as "an oasis in the middle of nowhere" and mentioning its proximity to Pinnacles National Park. Raccoon activity at Pinnacles Campground appears in multiple reviews, with visitors warning others to secure food properly. The combination of convenient highway access and proximity to natural attractions makes King City a practical stopover for travelers on Highway 101.

Best Camping Sites Near King City, California (84)

    1. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    91 Reviews
    Pinnacles, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 200-1722

    $44 - $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."

    2. Williams Hill Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Jolon, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 582-2200

    "Lots of area to explore, but this is mainly an off road vehicle area."

    "covered structure, picnic table and fire pit A few additional overflow areas to park and camp •Pit toilet - BYO toilet paper •No trash receptacles •Great Verizon reception / Decent Sprint reception •Drive"

    3. Yanks RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Soledad, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (855) 926-5778

    "There is nothing near buy, except a Shell station with the lowest diesel prices I’ve seen in California."

    "Planted fields surround the RV park, Located right off highway 101, it is easy on easy off. This would be a good location for passing through or going to the Pinnacles. You get what you pay for here."

    4. San Lorenzo Park

    7 Reviews
    King City, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (831) 755-4899

    $50 / night

    "A nice walking path, circles the campground and is well used in the mornings and evenings by locals running or walking dogs and babies."

    "Bike/walking trail. Nice trees. Level spots with water and electric. Just off 101 but no highway noise."

    5. Kirk Creek Campground

    44 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $45 - $49 / night

    "While we used to just head up & find a site- its become nearly impossible to "walk-in" during high season."

    "We happened to drive in at the right time, had one walk- in site available. Campsites, large, away from other campers and clean."

    6. Limekiln State Park Campground — TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    40 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $35 / night

    "Lower sites are more exposed, but get the benefit of the ocean sounds and rocky beach proximity. Upper sites are tucked back into redwoods, with a little stream nearby. Hike to the kilns!"

    "The entire campground isn't like this, but our site was directly beneath the highway and next to the beach. There are fun hikes that leave right from camp that go to a waterfall."

    7. Arroyo Seco

    14 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $35 - $154 / night

    "Campground was nice and views were pretty good, very hilly part of California."

    "recid=10906 is located about 60 minutes south of Salinas in the Los Padres National Forest."

    8. Laguna Mountain Campground

    14 Reviews
    Pinnacles National Park, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 630-5000

    "It is difficult to find BLM camping in California and this is a gem! The road is in prone to mudslides and looked like is was recently cleared of mud in multiple spots."

    "Laguna mountain road trail is very strenuous The last leg of the trail(primitive trail) is not easy to follow. Someone has marked the trail with stacked rocks."

    9. Salinas Valley Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    King City, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (831) 385-3243

    10. Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground

    9 Reviews
    San Lucas, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 630-5000

    "Fresh Air (despite being surrounded by bad air on all sides) + Nature (deer, quails, turkeys, coyotes in one night) + Dark New Moon Skies means Bright Stars with Clear View of the Milky Way + Safe (Popular"

    "It's a somewhat long drive, but you're rewarded with decent solitude. There are only a few sites, so we got lucky. I was surprised how nice the campground was, especially since it was free."

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Recent Reviews near King City, CA

774 Reviews of 84 King City Campgrounds


  • Sophia L.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

    Raccoon Attack

    the overall site was nice and everything went smoothly during the day. There are no bear boxes (big metal boxes at most campsites to store food so animals can’t get to it) so we put all our food in a big cooler that we thought nothing could get into. Wake up after 30 mins of sleeping to noises outside, a whole family of raccoons are eating our food. they destroyed a good amount of our food and our camping materials and the problem was they wouldn’t leave us alone. they were aggressive and would not leave, climbing the trees above us and popping left and right out of the bushes. we have no where to put our food (since raccoons can get into your car through the engine and cause major damage). They were surrounding us, we were yelling and jumping to try and scare them away but they were persistent. We thought they might even attack us as they did not seem very scared and were very aggressive. We had no choice but to quickly pack up all our stuff while someone was on raccoon guard and leave in the middle of the night. I was very disappointed.

  • K
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Williams Hill Recreation Area

    Camping spot

    Great spot with fire pits & gazebos it’s first come first serve also has a bathroom, no water or electricity, park ranger comes up nd does routine check but it’s great camping spot over all very quiet came up here an their was others but everyone minds their own really great place to camp, I’ll definitely becoming back again

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    Spaced out sites. Friendly people

    Fairly large campground. Store, showers, toilets, purified water is all inclusive . Being bug spray and be prepared to see wildlife at night. Skunks, raccoons, and other animals will come and take food.

  • Bobbii J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Vinyl Vineyards

    GORGEOUS !

    I had such an unforgettable stay at Vinyl Vineyards! I stayed at the David Bowie trailer, and it was pure nostalgia full of vintage charm, character, and cozy vibes. Everywhere I looked felt like stepping into a different era in the best way possible. The property itself is expansive and breathtaking. I got a private UTV tour across their 120 acres of vineyards, and it was absolutely unbeatable, wide open views, rolling vines, and that peaceful Paso Robles magic. The vibe on the property was incredible, and the outdoor shower was such a unique, refreshing touch that made the stay even more memorable. And the wine? Unforgettable. Their rosé is absolutely on point, hands down my favorite. Do the tasting, you won’t be disappointed! I felt completely at home here, and I can’t wait to come back, next time with my pets and my daughter in tow. Vinyl Vineyards is such a gem, and I’m already counting the days until I return.

  • Michael R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

    San Simeon Camping

    Great campground with plenty of space between sites! Sites have plenty of shade and facilities are clean and well kept! No more than two vehicles are allowed in a site, but there’s free parking on the road that runs next to the campground and it’s easy to walk up the embankment and get to your site from the road.

  • Steffanie & Joshua The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Williams Hill Recreation Area

    Quiet, easy to locate spot

    Slightly bumpy dirt road to get to the campsites, but easy enough to follow. We camped here with a rooftop tent and had no difficulty parking. There were only two other campers there - 1 tent and 1 RV. Beautiful sunrise off the hill in the morning and plenty of birds hanging out to watch while making our camp breakfast.

  • Zenaida O.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Vines RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort

    Found my place in life here at the Vines!

    I came to the Vines in an old vintage beat up RV with quite the traumatic story trailing and I have been blessed beyond what I could imagine would be possible. Not only did the staff go out of their way to make accommodations for me, they have adjusted and readjusted and accommodated again and again just to make sure I felt like I was comfortable and my needs were met. They taught me all I know about RVing full time and have been the perfect community of people I have needed to carry me thru tough times. This may not be the best most perfect place and some may have things to complain about but as for me and my household we are filled with nothing but gratitude for the home I have found here.

    The bathrooms are always clean and the showers are hot, the pools are clean and always open, the gym has new equipment and the game room is stocked for a good time. The general store provides basic things that I've needed along the way as well as parts for the RV that I could not do without but didn't even know I needed. Teri is the manager there now and her heart for the people she serves is so evident that you can't help but to love her. All of the dogs are well behaved I don't hear all the barking that the other review complained about nor do I find that my privacy is that compromised considering how close we are I do feel like I have some sort of privacy still.

    The spaces are spacious enough to enjoy outside time with friends and family and it's a perfect place to come escape from all the noise of life and tune into what's going on inside our own minds and bodies which is why I'm here and away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

    If you're looking for a retreat, quiet and stable but embracing friendly and warm - this is the spot!!


Guide to King City

Camping near King City, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Kirk Creek Campground. "Amazing sunrise and sunset view," said one happy camper. Sites #7, 8, and 9 are particularly praised for their open space and ocean views.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities at Big Sur Campground & Cabins. One reviewer mentioned, "The bathroom/showers were cleaned regularly and stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Veteran's Memorial Park Campground is noted for its family-friendly vibe. A visitor said, "If you have little ones, they’ll have fun on the playground."

What you should know:

  • Heat in Summer: Campers at Pinnacles Campground warn about the heat. One reviewer said, "It is WICKED hot in the summer," so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kirk Creek Campground, have limited amenities. A camper noted, "There are pit toilets and trash cans, but basically no other amenities. Not even drinking water."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground can get crowded. A visitor mentioned, "You will need to book a few months in advance," especially during the summer.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campsite: Look for sites that offer privacy and space. One camper at San Simeon Creek Campground mentioned, "We got lucky and found a semi-private site in the lower campground."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. A reviewer at Big Sur Campground & Cabins said, "You can go down and walk by the river float the river with the complimentary tubes."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Campers at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground recommend bringing your own food, as some campgrounds have limited markets.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at San Simeon Creek Campground noted, "The camper pads are level, paved, and designated as either 25- or 35-foot campsites."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Kirk Creek Campground, do not offer electric hookups. One reviewer said, "No cell service or showers."
  • Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, arrive early. A visitor at Veteran's Memorial Park Campground mentioned, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."

Camping near King City, 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

What amenities are available at King City campgrounds?

Campgrounds around King City offer various amenities to suit different camping styles. Pinnacles Campground features well-maintained facilities and serves as an excellent base for exploring Pinnacles National Park with its California Condor population. Thousand Trails San Benito provides typical resort amenities and is conveniently located for exploring the region. Other area campgrounds may offer picnic tables, fire rings, potable water, bathrooms, showers, and dump stations. Amenities vary by location, with some sites providing full hookups while more primitive options offer minimal facilities but greater solitude.

Where can I find camping in King City?

Several camping options are available near King City. San Lorenzo Park offers mostly level, gravel and grass sites with pull-through options right in King City. For those seeking more remote experiences, Condon Peak Campground in the coast range provides a great wilderness escape. Other nearby options include Williams Hill Recreation Area near Bradley and Salinas Valley Fairgrounds. The King City area serves as a good base for exploring various campgrounds within a short drive, including those in Los Padres National Forest and BLM lands.

How much does camping cost in King City?

Camping costs around King City vary based on amenities and location. At Laguna Seca Recreation Area, dry camping ranges from $40-50 per night. San Simeon Creek Campground, though further away on the coast, represents typical state park pricing in the region. For budget-conscious campers, BLM sites like Laguna Mountain Campground offer free or low-cost options. County parks and fairgrounds typically fall in the mid-range price category. RV parks with full hookups command premium rates, while primitive camping areas provide more affordable alternatives. Prices may vary seasonally, with higher rates during peak summer months.