Camping near Monterey offers diverse terrain from coastal dunes to redwood forests at elevations ranging from sea level to over 2,000 feet. The climate varies significantly between locations, with coastal sites experiencing fog and temperatures 10-15°F cooler than inland campgrounds. Winter camping often provides more solitude with temperatures averaging 45-55°F at night.
What to Do
Explore hidden hiking trails: At Mount Madonna County Park, trails wind through redwood forests with unique natural phenomena. "This is the only place I've seen the redwood trees harvest the fog and make their own rain, which is pretty cool. In the morning it's raining under the redwood trees but not under the madrone or tan oak trees, which is wild," notes one visitor.
Visit historic structures: Tour the ruins at Mount Madonna where remnants of an old homestead can be found. "Great hikes right from the site or you can drive up to where the old homestead was and see some ruins," explains a camper.
Observe wildlife sanctuaries: Mount Madonna features pens with white fallow deer near the ranger station. "The park has some unique features. Near the ranger station there are pens with white fallow deer. They are descendants of the exotic zoo at William Randolph Hearst's mansion down the coast," shares a visitor.
Test your archery skills: The park maintains a dedicated archery course through the woods. "There is an archery trail with 28 targets on a trail through the woods. We were there 3 days in a row and did 20 of the 28. It's really pretty and a cool challenge."
What Campers Like
Access to uncrowded beaches: From Marina Dunes RV Park, a short walk leads to secluded shorelines. "But the real reason to camp here is the beach. 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," reports one camper.
Coastal sunset viewing: At Sunset State Beach, visitors gather at dusk for spectacular ocean views. "They Call it Sunset for a Reason...Wanna see an epic sunset? Bring your family, and camp here. Hike to the top of the dune. Don't forget your layers, the windy is chilly!" advises a regular visitor.
Kid-friendly features: The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday offers extensive children's activities. "Very close to the beach, quiet, excellent friendly staff always happy to help. They have activities daily and things to do which are sent out in a text," notes one visitor. Another mentions, "TONS of activities on site- huge bouncy pad, a climbing wall, ping pong tables, a swimming pool, pedal go karts, the list goes on and on."
What You Should Know
Weather variations: Coastal versus inland sites experience dramatically different conditions. "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!" warns a Mount Madonna County Park visitor.
Wildlife awareness: Many sites have active animal populations. At Pinnacles Campground, "raccoons...everywhere.... seriously leave your car locked, these little buggers were not afraid of humans," warns one camper. Another notes, "My campsite was right next to a common raccoon path and a few walked by within a few feet of me and my campfire."
Reservation complexity: Some campgrounds use automated site assignments. "When you go to reserve on the campground's website, you find you cannot reserve a particular campsite. She informed us that the night before your arrival a computer assigns campsites," explains a frustrated visitor.
Cost considerations: Expect premium pricing, especially for luxury glamping in Monterey. "The campsites had a fire pit with a grill but unfortunately fires were prohibited with the fire risks. Water spigots were convenient as were toilets and showers (pay showers)," notes a visitor describing the amenities that come with the higher costs.
Tips for Camping with Families
Shade selection: Choose redwood sites for natural temperature control. "This is a great campground for hot weather (if you can get a site). Almost all the sites were fully shaded by the big redwoods," advises a Mount Madonna visitor.
Terrain assessment: Some sites have challenging access. "Some sites are hike in only and should you choose those you had better pack extremely light as the climbs up were incredibly steep and the task of getting down without falling was a challenge for us being hands free and nimble let alone being older, or carrying a cooler, child, or larger tent," warns a Ventana Campground visitor.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer pools for kids. "We usually do a early morning hike and then spend the afternoon cooling off at the pool," shares a Pinnacles visitor. The Santa Cruz KOA visitor notes, "Beautiful pool but the kids kind of take it over."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Marina Dunes RV Park, "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. It looks like motorhomes fit in a lot of these spots okay."
Electrical access placement: Note the utility layout before setting up. "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," shares an RVer.
Highway noise considerations: Consider site location relative to roads. "It is very hilly and steps are around to get between levels. After being here for 4 days, I would consider coming back again," notes a visitor at Salinas-Monterey KOA who adds, "All day/night highway noise but it starts to become white noise after a while."
