RV camping near Pacific Grove, California includes options from large resort-style parks to more rustic locations nestled in redwoods. The coastal region experiences mild temperatures year-round, with summer highs rarely exceeding 70°F and winter lows seldom dropping below 45°F. Cell service deteriorates significantly in inland forested campgrounds, with several parks offering WiFi only near main buildings.
What to do
Redwood hiking trails: Several campgrounds provide direct access to hiking through redwood forests. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, campers can find "a little trail that goes down to the River where you can find a neat little beach. It's a goofy little descent/climb to get there and out but worth it."
Pinnacles National Park exploration: Located about 30 minutes from Yanks RV Resort, this national park offers outstanding hiking opportunities. "This would be a good location for passing through or going to the Pinnacles," notes one visitor who appreciated the convenient access.
Beach access: Some RV parks offer walking paths to less crowded beaches. The beach near Marina Dunes RV Park is described as "a beach not many people frequent. On Friday we were the only ones for as far as I could see. No exaggeration. Saturday there were maybe 30 people."
What campers like
Natural wildlife viewing: Several parks offer opportunities to see local wildlife. At Thousand Trails San Benito, visitors report: "We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!! My favorite part of our California trip was staying here!"
Family recreation amenities: Many campgrounds provide extensive on-site activities. "The kids liked the pool and clubhouse. Look forward to our next visit," mentioned a family staying at Cotillion Gardens RV Park with young children.
Historical attractions: The steam train at Roaring Camp is a popular attraction near several campgrounds. "It was a short nice hike to the state park and the train through the red woods. Fun experience on a real steam locomotive," shared one camper who stayed at Smithwoods RV Park.
What you should know
Narrow access roads: Many campgrounds in the region have challenging entry roads. For Carmel by the River RV Park, a visitor warns: "the road in is basically a one lane road. Pray you don't encounter oncoming traffic."
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling equipment. One camper at Monterey Pines noted: "Sites need renovation and they claim it is coming. Of course they have said that for the last 3 years. Their answer to uneven sites is to give you pieces of wood to try and level."
Seasonal pricing fluctuations: Rates vary dramatically by season with some parks charging premium prices. A visitor to Marina Dunes RV Park reported: "It is $160 to stay there. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Pool temperature considerations: Some parks maintain heated pools for family enjoyment year-round. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, visitors appreciate that "Kids liked the pool and clubhouse" while Smithwoods RV Park reported a "heated pool (90 degrees)" even in October.
Recreation facilities: Look for parks with dedicated family areas. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort offers a "clubhouse 9 am - 9 pm (Tv, couch, dinning tables, fridge, microwave, board games) deck with public BBQ area and plenty of seating that oversees the San Lorenzo River."
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds significantly. At Marina Dunes RV Park, campers note there is "More HWY 101 than beach" with one visitor reporting: "Nice clean park, with a lot of ways to stay, but 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 and too close to HWY 101."
Tips from RVers
Electrical service location: Some parks have utilities placed in challenging spots. At Marina Dunes RV Park, visitors note: "The location of the electrical/water is awkward."
Site selection strategies: Premium sites offer more space at most parks. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, one RVer recommends: "We stayed in two sites while we were here. 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."
Internet connectivity solutions: WiFi quality varies dramatically between parks. At Smithwoods RV Park, campers share: "Be ready for no cell or WiFi. We occasionally got 1 bar of cell service in our site if we stood in a certain spot. (AT&T)There was WiFi up at the office but it was inconsistent. Our son did his online school and he kept dropping off. But we worked through it."
