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.
$48 - $174 / 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."
"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"
"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."
$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."
"There is an interesting farm machinery graveyard here beside what looks like maybe an old and no longer used King City train station building (no actual train). Spots are easy to get in and out of."
$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."
$50 / 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."
$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."
"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."
"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."
TravelerI stayed here on a Monday. The campground is quiet, although most spots were filled. The restroom and shower amenities were fine, although hand soap is not available. Camp staff were very friendly and the squirrels loved greeting me while I cooked dinner!
GuideWe had the best experience here. It was warm, peaceful, and truly the best reset for our family. We took our tent trailer, teenager and 3 dogs. We stayed Thursday through Sunday. The perfect days in my opinion. Water was great for floating and fishing, as well as swimming and watching the boats on the water. We stayed in a campsite, not down by the water. Which was perfect for us. Our dogs loved playing in the water as much as we did. This is truly a great place.
LegendValado RV Park and State fairground offers 38 RV spaces 29 with full power (50 amp) water and sewer hookups for $48 a night. Weekly and monthly rates available. 30 minutes to Pinnacles National Park, and 5 minutes south of Hollister, California. Good T-Mobile coverage. Office closes at 4:00. Local rodeo in June.
TravelerReally nice location, with both Oceanside and Redwood surrounded sites. Some sites are somewhat tight, but still great.
LegendAlthough it is easy to miss the turn off onto Los Gatos, the drive is long but scenic. There are at least four developed sites, and several other potential pull-offs. The road may have been graded recently because it was not bad at all. There were some ruts and a moderately steep grade, once you turn off the paved Road into the campsite, but our Ford Transit van made it without difficulty. The vault toilets were in need of some attention but at least there was lots of toilet paper and no trash. Each developed site has a shelter, a gravel pad for vehicles, and a fire ring. There is no trash disposal or water. A popular site for off-road vehicles, there are also several hiking trails. Some T-Mobile service.
TravelerLocation has large dirt lots where the semi trucks don't park, and there's access to food, bathrooms, gas, and good cell service. Right next to the highway and can get windy but that's about it. Great for low-profile free overnight stops
TravelerThis is one of the best BLM campground views i have seen on the westcoast.
Incredible views, there are limited spots so getting there early is smart. Also the roads are rough but passable. I would not want to be caught in the rain here though.
Definitely a one of a kind spot.
GuideI loved this campground, but I highly recommend getting a spot with a tree near it for shade OR bring a canopy. Short walk to the ocean and nice distances from other spots!
GuideWe were traveling down the 1 and wanted to stop at Pfeiffer Beach to see the views and it did not disappoint. A few things to note if you want to walk the shores: the parking fee is $15 cash. If there is a wind advisory, heed it. We went in the beginning of April where it was literally raining sand but it was still gorgeous. Definitely come prepared by looking at the weather conditions ahead of time. To access the parking lot, you’ll exit off the 1 to Sycamore Canyon road but it can get busy so spots will fill up. Sycamore is a residential road and very narrow with spotty pavement but it is worth the slow pace to reach the beach.
San Lorenzo Park serves as the main established campground within King City, California, providing full hookups for RVs and water/electric sites for tent campers. The surrounding area includes a range of camping options from the highly-rated Yanks RV Resort in Greenfield to the more remote Williams Hill Recreation Area for dispersed camping. Pinnacles National Park, located approximately 30 miles east, offers the most developed camping experience with tent sites, RV spaces with 30-amp hookups, and cabin accommodations. Several campgrounds in the region support both tent and RV camping, while some specialized areas cater primarily to self-contained recreational vehicles or primitive camping experiences.
Campground access varies seasonally with most sites remaining open year-round due to the moderate climate of California's central coast. San Lorenzo Park provides convenient access directly off Highway 101 with paved roads and level sites suitable for most vehicles. Higher-elevation areas like Pinnacles National Park may experience more extreme temperature fluctuations, particularly during summer months when temperatures can climb significantly. Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons from spring through fall. "Very nice County Park. Not busy when we were here. Bike/walking trail. Nice trees. Level spots with water and electric. Just off 101 but no highway noise," noted one visitor about San Lorenzo Park.
The camping experience near King City balances accessibility with natural surroundings. San Lorenzo Park features agricultural history displays and walking paths frequented by locals, creating a community atmosphere. Campers at Pinnacles National Park gain direct access to hiking trails and potential wildlife viewing, including California condors. RV travelers particularly appreciate Yanks RV Resort for its modern amenities. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Clean everything, perfect level cement pad, large very nice dog park with room for the pups to run and play and a friendly helpful staff." Proximity to Pinnacles National Park serves as a major draw for many campers staying in the King City area, allowing visitors to explore the unique volcanic formations and cave systems while maintaining access to services in town.
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.
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