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Best Campgrounds near Pacific Grove, CA

1,003 Reviews

Camping around Pacific Grove gives you good options within a short drive of the California coast. Pinnacles Campground in Pinnacles National Park has electric hookups for RVs and convenient water stations throughout the grounds. RV campers appreciate the on-site dump station when wrapping up their stay. Veteran's Memorial Park Campground tends to have bigger campsites and stays pretty quiet most nights. The bathrooms are well-maintained, and people often mention how helpful the staff is when you need something. Families should look for campgrounds with play areas - several parks in the area have spots where kids can burn off energy after being in the car. You'll definitely want to book ahead, particularly if you're coming between May and September when sites fill fast. Don't forget to check fire rules before your trip since most places require permits before you can have a campfire. Some campsites sit closer together while others give you more space from neighbors. Trees provide decent shade at most campgrounds, but bringing a canopy helps during hot days. Reservation windows open months ahead and good spots go quickly. Spring and fall bring the nicest weather to this part of California. The summer crowds make early booking essential. Both tent and RV campers find spots that work well near Pacific Grove.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pacific Grove, California (112)

    1. Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Pacific Grove, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +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. Saddle Mountain Ranch

    27 Reviews
    Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. Laguna Seca Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Seaside, CA
    9 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."

    "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."

    4. Carmel by the River RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +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."

    5. Moss Landing KOA Express

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

    $69 - $80 / night

    "Park is well maintained easy access to sites several cool places to eat close by"

    "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."

    6. Monterey Pines RV Park - Military

    9 Reviews
    Monterey, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Marina Dunes RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Marina, CA
    9 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!"

    8. Monterey County Fairgrounds

    9 Reviews
    Monterey, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +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."

    9. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $50 - $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."

    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 Camping Photos near Pacific Grove, CA

394 Photos of 112 Pacific Grove Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pacific Grove, CA

1003 Reviews of 112 Pacific Grove Campgrounds

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    Cash on arrival $53 for RV

    This campground requires cash or cheque payment. It’s at the top of a hill so make sure you’re prepared before arrival. Also not suitable for RV’s over 20ft. No hook ups but decent bathrooms. Nice and quiet.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Moss Landing KOA Express

    Beautiful beachside

    Easy access, level paved spots. Restrooms spotless. Check-in friendly and cookies a plus! Walk to the beach, feel the breeze.

  • A
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Sunset State Beach Campground

    Nice campground

    It was my first time beach camping so i didnt know what to expect. Was a bit breezier than im use to with the mountains. Not a lot of trees around. It is nice not dealing with a lot of bugs since youre by the beach and all. The bathrooms and showers were well maintained.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    Great state park site

    Nice state park camping! Tried a few rv sites on this road and most were $140-$170 per night!! This site was $50 and even more lovely! The showers are extra but seemed clean.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Lovely RV site!

    Really lovely RV site. Nice toilets & showers. Lovely shady spots and really close to Santa Cruz

  • jay B.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Sunset State Beach Campground

    Not the Best Fit for RV Campers

    We’ve camped all along the coast and had high hopes for this spot, but it didn’t quite meet expectations. The sites feel very close together and are a bit awkwardly arranged, making it a tight fit—especially for anything larger than a small camper. We're in a 22’ van/motorhome crossover and were fortunate to find a level spot, though most sites we saw were not level. The beach trails could use some maintenance as they’re currently in rough shape. This campground might be a better option for tent campers, but for RVs, it’s not ideal.

  • Emily W.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    Wildlife Wonders

    I had a great time at the Pinnacles Campground. I saw a bunny (pictured) and hordes of quail. The tent-only sections of the campground were very pretty too. The only downside of our site (130–134) is that there was not a lot of privacy — it would have done better as a group camp. Fortunately, our neighbors were awesome so the forced company was not a downside! But if I go again, I am going to try to get spot 129, which seemed really secluded. The other nice thing about the little area we were in is that it is right at the trailhead for the Bench Trail. Raccoons were REALLY bold — they stole our neighbors' food while they were at their campsite! So keep the area crumb clean for sure.

  • A
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Uvas Canyon County Park

    A ton of wasps near 25

    Second time at the campground. Love this campground still but im pretty sure there is a wasp next near 25. We were here about 2 weeks ago at a different site and didnt have any wasp issues. It probably didnt help that it looked like previous people left trash and food on the floor. We will be coming back soon to a different site. Campground is gorgeous. Bathrooms are super clean.

Guide to Pacific Grove

Camping near Pacific Grove, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a cozy tent site or a comfortable RV spot, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are amazing trails nearby. At Pinnacles Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "By day, of course, the trails are wild, like a moonscape." The unique rock formations and wildflower displays in spring make for a memorable hike.
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campers have spotted wildlife. One camper at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded."
  • Star Gazing: The dark skies in the area are perfect for star gazing. A visitor at Pinnacles Campground shared, "Great for star gazing."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One review for Kirk Creek Campground said, "small hilltop campground with amazing sunrise and sunset view."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "Clean bathrooms, took my fiancé camping here for our first time."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like New Brighton State Beach Campground are great for families. One reviewer said, "Lots of families and lots of kids."

What you should know:

  • Heat in Summer: If you're camping in summer, be prepared for high temperatures. A camper at Pinnacles Campground warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor at Kirk Creek Campground noted, "There are pit toilets and trash cans, but basically no other amenities."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground mentioned, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Mount Madonna County Park said, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Many areas have spotty reception. A visitor at Kirk Creek Campground advised, "Can get very windy at night, so secure down your tent tightly."
  • Arrive Early for Best Spots: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly. A camper at Big Sur Campground & Cabins shared, "Check in is super easy, and the staff were all very friendly and helpful."

Camping near Pacific Grove, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're hiking, star gazing, or just relaxing by the campfire, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Pacific Grove?

While Pacific Grove itself has limited camping directly in town, the surrounding Monterey Peninsula offers excellent options. Sunset State Beach provides a beautiful coastal camping experience with beach access nearby. For those who enjoy redwoods, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground offers sites nestled among impressive trees, though sites are somewhat close together. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during summer and weekends. Each location offers varying amenities from basic tent sites to those with picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities.

Where can I find camping spots in Pacific Grove?

While Pacific Grove itself has limited camping options, the best nearby camping spot is Veteran's Memorial Park Campground, located just minutes from Pacific Grove in Monterey. For coastal camping with ocean views, New Brighton State Beach Campground is worth the short drive, offering sites on a bluff near the water with easy beach access. Both locations provide facilities like fire rings, picnic tables, and bathrooms. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months, as these popular coastal destinations fill quickly.

Are there RV parks in Pacific Grove with full hookups?

While Pacific Grove itself has limited RV options with full hookups, nearby Marina Dunes RV Park offers full-service sites just a short drive away. Another excellent option is Thousand Trails San Benito, which provides RV camping with hookups and is a good base for exploring the region, including Pinnacles National Park. For military personnel, Monterey Pines RV Park offers additional options. Most RV parks in the area are reservation-based and tend to fill quickly during peak seasons, so booking ahead is highly recommended.

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