Best Campgrounds near Marina, CA
Looking for the best campgrounds near Marina, CA? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Marina. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Camping Sites Near Marina, California (124)
1. Veteran's Memorial Park Campground
38 ReviewsPacific Grove, CA9 milesWebsite+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."
2. Laguna Seca Recreation Area
25 ReviewsSeaside, CA8 milesWebsite+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. Moss Landing KOA Express
18 ReviewsMoss Landing, CA8 milesWebsite+1 (831) 633-6800$69 - $80 / night
"Situated off highway 1 and surrounded by the marina is very appealing for us. Reservations were made over the phone with Liz. She did a nice job of getting us in for the following day."
"Small space to walk dogs.
Campground is directly adjacent to the parking lot and marina from which multiple boats sail for whale watching trips."
4. Saddle Mountain Ranch
24 ReviewsCarmel-by-the-Sea, CA12 milesWebsite+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."
"Didn't bring the RV here but did tent camp, You need to carry your items in to the spots but that lets you spread out (get away) from other peeps if too noisy."
5. Sunset State Beach
27 ReviewsWatsonville, CA15 milesWebsite+1 (831) 763-7063"Dogs can be allowed on beach if you go to the right of the main entrance. No dogs to the left. Camp sites vary but the best loop is South Loop. Some with ocean views but those are hard to reserve. "
"Strawberry fields surround the campground and are next to the Hike and Bike area. The walk is not too difficult down to the beach."
6. Marina Dunes RV Park
10 ReviewsMarina, CA1 mileWebsite+1 (831) 384-6914"We love Marina Dunes RV Resort! This was our first stay here and we thoroughly enjoyed it! We love the proximity to the beach and the beautiful dunes. The park was very clean and well-maintained."
"There is a Best Western right next to this place were we ended up getting a room instead as that was less expensive. We did arrive there with no reservation and after hours."
7. New Brighton State Beach Campground
44 ReviewsCapitola, CA22 milesWebsite+1 (831) 464-6330$35 - $185 / night
"Camped with electricity and water, situated on a bluff near the ocean. Easy walking distance to the water, nice roomy campsites with fire rings and tables. Not too close to other campers."
"New Brighton is a jewel on the California coast. Camping is on a bluff above beach and you must walk down stairs to get to the beach. Camping in the woods with the beach below is perfect."
8. Carmel by the River RV Park
11 ReviewsCarmel-by-the-Sea, CA12 milesWebsite+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."
9. Monterey Pines RV Park - Military
9 ReviewsMonterey, CA8 milesWebsite+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."
10. Monterey County Fairgrounds
9 ReviewsMonterey, CA8 milesWebsite+1 (831) 717-7167$70 / night
"The fairgrounds RV park is located as the name suggests on the Monterey Fairgrounds."
"We stopped by here to stay only a night or two but ended up staying for 3 nights since it was close to the bay and downtown. It was basically a large parking lot with hookups."
Recent Camping Photos near Marina, CA
387 Photos of 124 Marina Campgrounds
Minerva R.
Laguna Seca Recreation Area
D.j. P.
Monterey Pines RV Park - Military
Cha C.
Veteran's Memorial Park Campground
Laura Q.
Saddle Mountain Ranch
Elizabeth S.
Sunset State Beach Campground
Kate L.
Sunset State Beach
The Dyrt
Creekside Paradise
Fiona W.
Manresa State Beach Campground
Brittney L.
Valley View Campground — Fremont Peak State Park
Renee W.
Oak Point Campground — Fremont Peak State Park
Carina B.
Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Integrity Canvas Tent
Recent Reviews near Marina, CA
981 Reviews of 124 Marina Campgrounds
- g
gisselle
TravelerCoe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park
Manzanita Heaven
We hiked into the campsite with a scenic 3 mile journey. Very shady, very simple site. Pit toilets, fire pits, and some tables… what more could you need? Loved hiking down to the river and taking a swim on a hot day.
- PPatrick M.
GuidePfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
Deservedly Well-Loved
Camping in the trees, with some sites right on the river. Shoulder season is great, with more availablility than you might expect.. We arrived in early March without a reservation, and found many open sites, some (like the one we snagged) right on the river. A magical place for classic, beautiful state-park camping. No hook-ups, just a peaceful time in a gorgeous setting.
Kandi R.GuideMarina Dunes RV Park
Great location, high price!
Nice rv park by the beach. Bathrooms and showers are great. Downside is the store is closed on Sundays. Also, $190 a night plus $20 to choose your spot is wild. The location of the electrical/water is awkward.
- LLinda S.Guide
Thousand Trails Morgan Hill
Good campground
Beautiful mature trees all over campground. The bathrooms need to be cleaned more often. Sites are not level.
Stan H.TravelerPfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
Great camp experience
I have been trying to camp here for some time. I was finally able to get site 100 in mid June 2025. Spent 4 nights here, reserved through reservecalifornia.
Site 100 is located on the last/ end loop of the campground in Weyland Camp. It is on the outer edge farthest from the river. This site in particular had tree at the back of the site and therefore was mostly in full sun from midday to evening (~5PM). There is a shaded spot for a tent if desired. The site was very large and could accommodate multiple tents. There were 2 different bathroom/ shower options, both a short walk from this site. Standard picnic table, sturdy fire ring, and BBQ stand were also in the sites. Note: You are not allowed to hang hammocks or clotheslines.
The campground was pretty packed every night but was quiet after 10PM. The bathroom were stocked with toilet paper and soap. The showers were hot and 5 minute token was plenty if you do your business.
The river is close and available for lounging and exploring. Please refrain from loud music and littering. There were a bunch of day use people leaving trash all around.
I would definitely come back to this campground.
Tip: Get all your token early since they were gone early 2 out of 3 nights.
Tip; Wifi available at Big Sur Lodge on guest Wifi
Mike M.
LegendLaguna Seca Recreation Area
Camping at the racetrack
So really only stay here during the Sea Otter Classic and always stayed with all the downhill racers which if you haven't can be chaos (and quite entertaining). There are established sites for larger rigs but we stayed in the fields that get opened up for the large bike event so you really need to pick your spot well if you have a camper as it is not all level.
- Mike M.Legend
Saddle Mountain Ranch
Nice camground with options and lots of shade
First off the road coming to the campground is very steep, could be challenging for some rigs. Didn't bring the RV here but did tent camp, You need to carry your items in to the spots but that lets you spread out (get away) from other peeps if too noisy. I really liked the amount of shade, price is up there but being in Carmel Valley and close to Monterey really not too bad.
- NNathan S.Guide
Monterey County Fairgrounds
Slept by the pigs
Where they put me had no WiFi there was a bright halogen light right outside my window and on the other side were squealing pigs. But the shower ( one only) has hot water.
- kkat B.
ScoutValley View Campground — Fremont Peak State Park
Trailers iffy, definitely not all sites work for more than a tent!
There might be one or two sites that work for trailers but we gave up when trying to level 8 inches. Road up is nominally two lanes- (more like 1-1.5) combined with the limited sight distance it means you should drive slower than the speed limit.
If you are car camping or on a small RV this is a great place, once you make it up the last 11 miles!
Guide to Marina
Camping near Marina, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different preferences.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park. One visitor noted, "The trails are wild, like a moonscape," making it a great spot for adventure seekers.
- Wildlife Watching: Many campers have spotted diverse wildlife. One reviewer at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground 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:
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views at Limekiln State Park Campground. One visitor said, "There aren't very many sites but you're right off the water."
- Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground remarked, "Showers and toilets looked clean, showers are coin-operated."
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like New Brighton State Beach Campground are great for families. One camper noted, "Lots of families and lots of kids."
What you should know:
- Heat in Summer: If you're camping at Pinnacles Campground, be prepared for extreme heat. One reviewer warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kirk Creek Campground, have minimal amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Not even drinking water. Make sure you have what you need."
- First-Come, First-Serve: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Veteran's 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 Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Big Sur Campground & Cabins that offer fun activities. One family shared, "You can go down and walk by the river float the river with the complimentary tubes."
- Plan for Bugs: Be ready for insects, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "There were numerous mosquitoes."
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand is essential, especially in campgrounds with limited markets. A camper at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground noted, "Bring groceries and firewood as it cost us $13 for a bundle at the market."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Road Conditions: Before heading to Mount Madonna County Park, ensure your RV can navigate the roads. One reviewer mentioned, "Not sure that this place would be good for giant rigs."
- Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Big Sur Campground & Cabins offer electric hookups, which can be a big plus. A visitor shared, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
- Arrive Early for Best Spots: Many RVers recommend arriving early to snag the best spots. A camper at Veteran's Memorial Park Campground noted, "We arrived around 11 and had no problem finding a camp spot."
Camping around Marina, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Marina, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Marina, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 124 campgrounds and RV parks near Marina, CA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Marina, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Marina, CA is Veteran's Memorial Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 38 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Marina, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Marina, CA.
What parks are near Marina, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Marina, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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