Best Campgrounds near Monterey, CA

Camping near Monterey, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, 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 spot for nature lovers.
• Wildlife Watching: At Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground, you can see a variety of wildlife. A camper shared, "We saw a lot of wildlife and shooting stars on the clear nights."
• Beach Access: New Brighton State Beach Campground is perfect for beach lovers. One reviewer mentioned, "Great views and easy access to the beach."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers at Kirk Creek Campground rave about the breathtaking views. One said, "Amazing sunrise and sunset view."
• Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness at Big Sur Campground & Cabins. A visitor remarked, "The bathroom/showers were cleaned regularly and stocked with shampoo conditioner and shower gel."
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground is noted for being safe and family-friendly. One camper said, "Really enjoyable space. Safe. Family friendly."

What you should know:

• Weather Considerations: Summer can be extremely hot at Pinnacles Campground. A camper warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kirk Creek Campground, have minimal amenities. A visitor noted, "Not even drinking water. Make sure you have what you need."
• First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites, such as at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground, operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. One camper advised, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "If you have little ones they’ll have fun on the playground."
• Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. A camper at Big Basin Redwoods State Park noted, "There were numerous mosquitos."
• Bring Extra Layers: Nights can get chilly, so pack warm clothes. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park warned, "It gets very cold at night."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
• Dump Station Availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations, like Pinnacles Campground. One reviewer appreciated the "very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance."
• Be Mindful of Noise: Some sites can be noisy, so choose wisely. A visitor at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground noted, "A few sites further around the loop did have noise."

Camping in Monterey, CA, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure, making it a great destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.