Best Campgrounds near Monterey, CA

Monterey's camping areas include Pinnacles National Park, where both tent and RV sites come with electric hookups and water. This park has become a key habitat for California condors, which you might spot during your stay. The campground gets very hot in summer months, so many campers prefer spring or fall visits instead. If you're looking for ocean views, Kirk Creek Campground sits right on the coast but has basic facilities – just vault toilets and no drinking water on site. California Veterans Memorial Park Campground lies close to downtown Monterey and doesn't take reservations, which works well for last-minute trips. The sites are large with good bathroom facilities. Campers who like hiking head to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground to walk through redwoods and along the river. You should book ahead, particularly in summer when it fills up fast. Watch for wildlife like raccoons and deer, and store food safely. Pack layers for Monterey camping since mornings bring fog and evenings cool down quickly. The area has good camping variety, from coastal sites to forest settings further inland.

Best Camping Sites Near Monterey, California (115)

    1. Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Pacific Grove, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 646-3865

    $10 - $47 / night

    "VMCG was recommended by a friend as we were passing through Monterey."

    "The best part of this campground was its proximity to everything in Monterey. While I had no real attraction to the campground, I also had no complaints."

    2. Laguna Seca Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Seaside, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +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."

    "Only about 20 min outside of Monterey, this was a great spot we ended up staying at for almost a week. Full or partial hookups are available."

    3. Saddle Mountain Ranch

    23 Reviews
    Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 624-1617

    "Beautiful views of the hills of Carmel & Monterey. Close to wonderful restaurants & shopping to drive to, as well as touring Monterey and the beaches. Quiet, peaceful setting. Clean bathrooms."

    "This was the cheapest way to stay with a family in Monterey/Carmel."

    4. Carmel by the River RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 624-9329

    $110 - $235 / night

    "Close enough to Carmel, Monterey, ocean and parks yet quiet and secluded. Very pleasant and helpful staff."

    "It’s Monterey so I don’t think their prices are out of line. I called after they closed and the manager answered and was able to get me in a space, which I really appreciated."

    5. Moss Landing KOA Express

    18 Reviews
    Moss Landing, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 633-6800

    $69 - $80 / night

    "Great location between Santa Cruz and Monterey. Very good facilities in small park. Walking distance to wonderful beaches and several restaurants. 30 min drive to SC north or south to Monterey."

    "Moss Landing RV park is a small, tight park close to Salinas Beach. Lots of great food close by."

    6. Monterey Pines RV Park - Military

    8 Reviews
    Monterey, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 656-7563

    "Great location near Monterey. Full hookup and fully paved. Restrooms were fairly clean. Great for a stopover or if you’re visiting Monterey."

    "Pretty quiet with the exception of the Monterey Regional Airport next to it and even then it wasn’t very noticeable."

    7. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    63 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $75 / night

    "No other sites behind us. It felt secluded and private. Close to the bathrooms. And the bathrooms were clean. We didn’t have a river site but the river was right across from us."

    "I think it's a California State Park and Covid thing right now. There is some construction going on but it didn't effect our stay at all. We had a river site."

    8. Marina Dunes RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Marina, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 384-6914

    "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."

    "We love the proximity to the beach and the beautiful dunes. The park was very clean and well-maintained. The staff was great and very welcoming. Thank you to Christy who made our stay extra fun!"

    9. Monterey County Fairgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Monterey, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (831) 717-7167

    $70 / night

    "The fairgrounds RV park is located as the name suggests on the Monterey Fairgrounds."

    "Also has one outside washer/dryer. Be sure to note arrival and paperwork deadlines. Lower mostly unpaved level parking lot was only partially available due to food Faire w/ music taking place."

    10. Sunset State Beach

    27 Reviews
    Watsonville, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +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."

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Recent Reviews near Monterey, CA

973 Reviews of 115 Monterey Campgrounds



Guide to Monterey

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:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Monterey, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Monterey, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 115 campgrounds and RV parks near Monterey, CA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Monterey, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Monterey, CA is Veteran's Memorial Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 37 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Monterey, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Monterey, CA.

What parks are near Monterey, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Monterey, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.