7 campgrounds with availability this weekend
RV camping near Marina, CA ranges from full-hookup coastal parks to military-designated sites, with options for large rigs across multiple price points. Marina Dunes RV Park provides full hookups for travelers, featuring concrete pads and 50-amp electrical service. Sites accommodate large rigs with some offering ocean proximity about a half mile from the beach. "More HWY 101 than beach... nice clean park with full hookups, it was just a little too far from ocean activities," noted one visitor on The Dyrt. Monterey Pines RV Park serves military personnel and veterans with recently upgraded cement pads, while Carmel by the River RV Park offers 35 sites with water, sewer and electrical connections. Spacing between sites varies across parks, with Marina Dunes having tighter arrangements for larger motorhomes compared to Carmel's more separated sites divided by hedges.
Most RV parks in the Marina area remain open year-round with peak season pricing during summer months. Travelers should note the steep and narrow access road into Carmel by the River, which can challenge larger rigs when meeting oncoming traffic. Sanitary dump stations are available at Marina Dunes and Monterey Pines, while some parks like Garlic Farm RV Park in nearby Gilroy do not allow advanced reservations. Dog-friendly policies exist at most locations, though beach access for pets varies by location. Cell service remains consistent throughout the area, with WiFi quality fluctuating between properties. Prices range considerably, from around $95-105 per night at Carmel to higher rates exceeding $160 at Marina Dunes, with potential additional fees for premium site selection.
"Monthly rates are the most expensive in the country, for a military camp, but still about 2/3 of what it is off base. Watch out for golf balls, stay in spots 7-10."
"Some sites have partial hookups and some have full hookups. This is at the edge of the Monterey Pines Golf Course. In fact you check in at the golf course office."
"Nice super clean close to the PCH walking distance from a amazing beach. Nice facility as well. No views but I would stay again. Super safe feeling as well."
"I have a camper van and I didn’t need all the hook up. There is a Best Western right next to this place were we ended up getting a room instead as that was less expensive."
"Great camp hosts and relaxing quiet site"
"Not quiet though, lots of kids."
"Just small enough to not feel like a city and big enough for Class A motor homes. The road in can be tricky if you meet head on with another RV, but don't let that happen stop you. We will be back!"
"The campground was very clean, and quiet! Every camper I met was very pleasant. I would absolutely go again!! Yes they have 30 amp service."
from $110 - $235 / night
"Family friendly and tight community with an awesome river down a few steps! 15 mins down to the boardwalk! Ocean during the day and camping a night. We loved our experience. Highly recommend!"
"Cozy tight quarters but just enough room for a picnic bench, fire pit and hanging out area. This campground is covered entirely by redwoods with plenty of shade for a cool vacation."
"Plenty of sites if you have 30 amp. Plenty of full hook up sites. The 50 amp sites were all in one section. If you don’t need to run your A/C you can get by with 30 amp hook up."
"This location is a fairly convenient distance to Pinnacles National Park if you prefer not to stay at the national park campground."
"We got a nice spot close to the dump station near front. Their pool is huge and very very well kept. The spot was 30amp and back in however they have 50amp/pull through also."
"Got propane filled, nice staff. No full hookups but dump station was convenient. Lots of nice activities going on."
"Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once your at your site you can relax. Bathrooms are a little dated, no cell service but good WiFi if your close to the office."
"Marginal cell coverage. Camp WiFi is acceptable. Need to use WiFi to supplement cell service."
from $60 - $100 / night
"Just an FYI, if they have open spots after the office closes they put out packets for up to 2 pull thru and 2 back in spots for late arrivals without a reservation. Pros
- Great central location!"
"Several shade trees. Lots of little kids. Wi-Fi was great. Could work and stream TV. Facilities (bathrooms and showers) were nice. Pool was wonderful. Staff were super friendly. Gave my dog a treat!"
"It’s a simple gravel parking lot set up - clean bathrooms / showers, full hookups. Not what I would call camping but a great place to stay with proximity to the things that matter."
"You are close enough to walk to the beach and several restaurants. The sites are very close together. We were pleased on how clean and neat the area is kept. The temperatures were amazing for July."
Available this weekend
from $95 - $180 / night
Guidepro: close to the city, very quiet and dumping is possible. con: 60$ for dry camping is even for California brazen! The sites are very short and super close. RV’s are only allowed under 21 feet! But there are 3 sites behind the playground that are at least 30 feet!
Ranger3 day limit. $50 per site basic RR. Close to town.
RangerConvenient location - on 152, just west of I-5. The majority of the 115 sites are residential RVers, but there are a few sites available for short term. Clean and heated bathrooms, although dated; covered area with ping ping, pool, and tables and chairs. Pool, laundry, dog run area, and playground (closed for maintenance while we were here). No stray or feral animals; saw several people with dogs - all in a leash and behaved. The RV Park itself is very quiet - as essentially a residential area. The highway noise is fairly loud, thus the 4.
ScoutAs mentioned in other reviews - beautiful views but beware that some of the RV sites are on a slope. We booked #3 unaware that it was on quite an incline - we ended up driving onto the camping space as we wouldn’t have been able to sleep on the designated RV space. Otherwise nice, but basic campsite and not busy at all in October
TravelerThis is a great camp ground. Plenty of activities. Showers are clean, laundry room takes tap pay.
TravelerOur favorite place. We have stayed here 14 times. Always clean.
TravelerIt’s absolutely beautiful. There are no hook ups, but I have a solar generator. I’m working with or learning to use.
GuideNice big campsites, creek running but unsure if clean enough to go in. There’s a dog park with lights which is really awesome for our old dogs. There are definitely some long term campers here but it still has a nice feel. Only reason it’s not 5 star is we are close to the road so it’s loud.
TravelerAround this time of year, park is practically empty during weekdays. Nice and quiet and peaceful place where you can slow things down
RV camping near Marina, California offers coastal access and redwood retreats within a 25-mile radius. The region sits at the edge of Monterey Bay with summer temperatures averaging 65-70°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 45°F. Full-service RV sites and tent camping options require early booking during peak season from June through September.
Beach exploration: 0.5 miles from Marina Dunes RV Park with access to less-crowded beaches. "About a 5 min trek through sand and dunes and you'll find yourself at a beach not many people frequent. On Friday we were the only ones for as far as I could see. No exaggeration," notes one camper.
Golfing: 4 miles from downtown Monterey at Monterey Pines RV Park. "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," according to a military visitor.
Hiking in redwoods: 20 minutes from Santa Cruz at Cotillion Gardens RV Park. "Plenty of trees for shade, there's a pool, hiking trails, a little river. So beautiful and peaceful here," reports a visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
Privacy between sites: Carmel by the River RV Park uses hedges to create separation. "Nice for an RV Park. Had nice hedges between the sites. Steep price ($95-$105/night) but I suppose everything is expensive in Carmel," observed one guest.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple locations offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, a short trail leads to natural areas. "A short distance drive to Santa Cruz wharf and boardwalk," notes one visitor, making it convenient for coastal exploration.
Clean facilities: Most parks maintain quality amenities. "Clean, quiet campground nestled in the big trees. Friendly staff and a quick drive into the Santa Cruz beach communities," shared a visitor to Cotillion Gardens RV Park.
Road access challenges: Several RV parks have narrow entrance roads. "Note that the road in is basically a one lane road. Pray you don't encounter oncoming traffic," warns a visitor about Carmel by the River RV Park.
Site selection matters: Parks vary in spacing and orientation. "Sites need renovation and they claim it is coming. Their answer to uneven sites is to give you pieces of wood to try and level. Good luck, I saw some raised up 2-3 feet," explains a visitor to Monterey Pines.
WiFi quality varies: From excellent to non-existent depending on location. "The WiFi was outstanding!" reports a visitor to Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park, while other parks have limited connectivity.
Airport noise: Some locations experience periodic air traffic. "This park sits in the approach to the airport, but the last flights are around 9:00 pm and this is a small airport not JFK," notes a Monterey Pines visitor.
Recreation options: Multiple parks offer family-focused amenities. "In mid October the campground is still running kids activities daily and they're good! Great culture here - friendly, lots of things to do (pool, basketball, volleyball, horse shoes, playground, billiards, karaoke, tennis)," shares a visitor to Thousand Trails Morgan Hill.
Pool availability: Check seasonal operations as not all pools remain open year-round. "The pool was closed for the winter but I can't wait to visit again," notes a visitor to San Benito RV Resort.
Beach access with kids: Consider distance and terrain. "It's a good half mile to the water. Staff was fantastic, the RV slots were level and with full hookups, it was just a little too far from ocean activities," reports a Marina Dunes RV Park visitor.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require additional equipment. "Site 1 on the very eastern end - it was narrow and not very level (tail up). Site 14 was the handicap accessible site, and accordingly was wide and level," explains a Monterey Pines visitor.
Hookup locations: Be prepared for unusual placements. "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," notes a Marina Dunes visitor.
Site size limitations: "This place is okay it's just small and loud. It's hard to get bigger Rv's into spots also. We have a 35' 5th wheel and there are only some spots that will fit it," shares another Marina Dunes camper, highlighting the importance of checking size restrictions before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Marina, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Marina, CA is Monterey Pines RV Park - Military with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Marina, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 95 RV camping locations near Marina, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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