Monterey County contains a mix of established campgrounds serving both tent campers and RV travelers near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Veterans Memorial Park Campground offers first-come, first-serve sites within walking distance of downtown Monterey, while Saddle Mountain Ranch provides developed sites with electric hookups and tent, cabin, and yurt accommodations. RV travelers can access full-hookup sites at Carmel by the River RV Park and Marina Dunes RV Park. Most established campgrounds in the area maintain picnic tables, drinking water, and designated fire rings, with several properties featuring showers, flush toilets, and dump stations.
Camping fees typically range from $35-$60 per night depending on amenities and location, with rates increasing during summer and holiday periods. Overnight RV parking is available at the local Safeway for self-contained vehicles, as confirmed by multiple camper reports. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays at developed campgrounds, particularly during summer months when coastal fog provides natural cooling. Campgrounds near Big Sur tend to fill quickly during peak season. Some campgrounds enforce maximum RV lengths due to tight turning radiuses and steep grades. "This is a great campground near Monterey. Only about 10-15 minutes from downtown. Though you still hear the sounds of the city in the early evening, the sounds taper off deeper into the night," noted one camper about Veterans Memorial Park.
The proximity to town distinguishes camping options in the Carmel area, with several reviewers mentioning the convenience of nearby services while still experiencing wildlife and natural settings. Many campers at Veterans Memorial Park report deer sightings in the evenings, despite the urban-adjacent location. Several visitors highlighted the 24-hour access to facilities at the Safeway overnight parking area, with one camper noting, "24 hr Safeway open so you can use the toilets and there will be other RVs in the park too." Monterey Pines RV Park offers military personnel dedicated camping facilities, while Big Sur Campground & Cabins provides more remote experiences with cabin rentals and traditional tent sites approximately 30 minutes south of Carmel along Highway 1.
$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."
$70 - $525 / night
"Big Sur is just a short drive south and Monterey is just a short drive north. You can spend the day driving the 17 mile drive and seeing Pismo Beach or shop the quaint shops in Carmel by the sea."
"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."
"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."
$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."
$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."
$70 / night
"Not much to this campground; however, the location is great as a base for exploring Monterey, Moss Landing, Carmel by the Sea and even Pebble Beach. It’s nice & quiet and clean."
"The fairgrounds RV park is located as the name suggests on the Monterey Fairgrounds."
"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."
"Nice super clean close to the PCH walking distance from a amazing beach. Nice facility as well. No views but I would stay again. Super safe feeling as well."
"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."
$80 - $699 / night
"Made it just before dusk and we were able to get a tent camping spot for about 70 a night which was not a problem, cuz a roadside parking ticket was waaay higher."
"We were looking for a place to camp and it would seem the California state parks are all full in perpetuity - found this place on the Dyrt app and made a reservation- it’s right up the road from the Henry"
$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."
TravelerNot many races here any more due to strict sound laws. Beautiful old coastal oak trees, clean fascility, A little bit of pinging from the rifle range below.
GuideSpent a weekend at Mt Madonna and really enjoyed it. Great spot if you're looking for a quick escape from the Bay Area with that classic California redwood experience.
Location & Safety: Conveniently located between San Jose and Monterey - easy access off Highway 152. Felt completely safe throughout the stay. Ranger was friendly and helpful during check-in.
Site Selection Tips: Pay attention to which loop you're in. Some sites are more isolated than others - the ones on the outside of the loops give you more privacy, while sites on the inside of loops are back-to-back, meaning you'll have neighbors directly behind you. I had a spot nestled among the redwoods which was perfect.
Amenities: Clean restrooms and showers available. Each site had a picnic table and fire ring.
Cell Service: Very limited AT&T service - text messages would come through occasionally but that's about it. I had to rely on satellite service for reliable communication. Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
Activities: Didn't get a chance to hike the trails but the park has plenty of them. Looked like great options for a morning hike if that's your thing.
Setup: Vehicle camped in my Jeep Wrangler - worked perfectly.
Overall: Solid weekend getaway spot with beautiful redwoods. Pick your site based on how much privacy you want. Would definitely return.
TravelerI feel immense gratitude being able to spend the weekend in Big Sur! The campgrounds offer a variety of trails and amenities, you don’t need to leave if you are looking to be sat and relaxing in the woods. I particularly enjoyed where my campsite was in the back of the campground as it was the most secluded and immersed in the redwoods. All the sites on that road are like that
RangerWe spent 4 nights there under the redwood trees. Must be great to have the shade for warmer seasons. Unfortunately the storm system left list of puddles, rivulets and mud. Route 1 to the south was closed too.
GuideLove the beauty and serenity of the sequoias and other trees here.
It's hard to get reservations, but when you do, it's worth it!
We stayed here 3 days. We usually collect plenty of solar to not need hookups, but the canopy is so dense, we ended up breaking out the generator a few hours each day (we didn't want to disturb our neighbors).
It's a very peaceful experience with plenty of easy to medium hiking.
RangerNice place to camp clean bathrooms store of items and food and most importantly a great place to go hiking
ScoutI stayed for three days, and it felt like I'd been there for a year. There wasn't a single bad staff member, the toilets were super clean, everyone was nice, they greeted us, like other guests, just as we were. Even though it was like we were, I went in and it was very nice.
ScoutFree for veterans. There is an interesting farm machinery graveyard here beside what looks like maybe an old and no longer used King City train station building (no actual train). Spots are easy to get in and out of. It was so quiet, I didn't want to break the silence by starting my engine to leave!
ScoutHookups were easy access, level spot, beach is close by but it is a walk through the sand dunes which in itself was nice. We were on a shakedown run with our new to us van conversion and every went perfect! Staff is VERY helpful and the whole site is clean! Downside is as others stated- freeway traffic can be a bit noisy at times but definitely not a show stopper as the facilities will take your mind off of it!
Camping sites near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California span across the coastal mountain terrain with elevations ranging from sea level to 1,200 feet in the nearby Santa Lucia Mountains. The region receives approximately 20 inches of annual rainfall, creating a Mediterranean climate zone with mild temperatures rarely exceeding 75°F even during summer months. Most tent camping areas provide adequate shade from native oak and madrone trees, though coastal fog frequently rolls in during evening hours.
River recreation at Big Sur Campground & Cabins: Located 30 miles south of Carmel along Highway 1, campers can enjoy tubing on the Big Sur River that flows through the campground. "Right on the river with tubing available for rent and rope swings into the water! Really great spot and super friendly and helpful camp hosts," notes Dennis V. Camp hosts offer tube rentals during summer months for approximately $10 per day.
Wildlife viewing at Laguna Seca Recreation Area: Situated in the hills between Monterey and Salinas, this campground offers extensive hiking trails with panoramic views. Camper HandL C. shares, "It's drier and hotter than Monterey, but also more remote and quieter at night." The campground connects to miles of hiking trails where wildlife sightings include deer, bobcats, and numerous bird species.
Beach access at Marina Dunes RV Park: Located 10 miles north of Monterey, this campground offers access to less-visited beaches. "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," reports James. The beach access path starts at the western edge of the campground and crosses approximately 400 yards of dunes.
Natural privacy barriers: Saddle Mountain Ranch provides landscaped separation between campsites. "Our site on the hill was breathtaking views and extremely private," explains Care B. The campground designs sites with natural vegetation and terrain features to maximize privacy despite relatively close spacing.
Location convenience for day trips: Veteran's Memorial Park Campground provides an ideal base for exploring both town and nature. "You are only a mile from downtown but still tucked away in the woods," notes Miller C. The park sits at an elevation of approximately 500 feet, providing cooler temperatures than downtown Monterey.
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds feature regular wildlife sightings despite their proximity to developed areas. Luis N. shares about Veteran's Memorial Park: "Great campground. Payment is cash or check only. It has flushing toilets, potable water, and a bonus sink for washing your dishes." The campground's elevated location creates a natural corridor for deer and small mammals.
Reservation challenges: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground remains one of the most sought-after camping locations. Patrick M. advises, "Shoulder season is great, with more availability than you might expect. We arrived in early March without a reservation, and found many open sites, some right on the river." Sites typically open for reservation six months in advance and fill within hours for summer dates.
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds feature significant variation between individual sites. "There are definitely sites that are better than others. If you don't know, ask the host on the phone for a recommendation," suggests Erin S. about Laguna Seca Recreation Area. Corner sites typically offer more space but may be located farther from restroom facilities.
Water limitations: Some campgrounds restrict water usage or have non-potable systems. "No potable water. They mention this several times on their website but still people miss it. Bring your own water," warns Erin S. about Laguna Seca Recreation Area. Most sites recommend bringing 1-2 gallons per person per day.
Playground access: Saddle Mountain Ranch offers dedicated recreational facilities for children. "Great location with nice views of the valley. Easy drive in with parking spots next to most sites. Good playground for kids. Foosball, ping pong, corn hole, horseshoes, and other games available," recommends Craig N. The playground area includes equipment suitable for children ages 5-12.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature pools or natural swimming areas. Care B. notes about Saddle Mountain Ranch: "This is a fun little hideaway with a heated pool, but it still feels like camping. Bathrooms with showers, a sauna by the pool, some food all and communal fire pits/couches to lounge on." The heated pool maintains temperatures between 78-82°F from May through October.
Kid-friendly activities: Tim F. shares about Saddle Mountain Ranch: "Lots of activities for younger kids. Convenient location, lots of amenities. Cabin was super nice to stay in after a week of car camping! Kitchenette, bathroom, hot water. Perfect." Cabin rentals start at approximately $150 per night and include basic kitchen supplies.
Road access considerations: Carmel by the River RV Park requires careful navigation on narrow access roads. Laura S. warns, "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." The preferred access route uses Schulte Road from Highway 1, avoiding steep grades.
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain require significant leveling. Rick G. comments about Monterey Pines RV Park: "Sites need renovation and they claim it is coming. Their answer to uneven sites is to give you pieces of wood to try and level. Good luck, I saw some raised up 2-3 feet." RVs longer than 35 feet often have difficulty finding suitable sites.
Hookup placement: Utility connections may require extended hoses or cables. Kandi R. notes about Marina Dunes RV Park: "The location of the electrical/water is awkward." Standard 25-foot water and electrical connections may not reach some hookup placements, so campers should carry extension cords and additional water hoses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Saddle Mountain Ranch offers a beautiful camping experience nestled in the Carmel Valley hills, with fog rolling in during evenings. This relaxed campground features a large pool with twinkle lights, clean restrooms, and friendly staff. It's conveniently located just a short drive from Big Sur. Another excellent option is Monterey County Fairgrounds, which serves as a perfect base for exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, and Pebble Beach. While basic, it offers clean facilities, quiet surroundings, and good bathrooms with laundry facilities on site.
Is beach camping allowed in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Beach camping is not allowed directly on Carmel-by-the-Sea beaches. The town has strict regulations protecting its pristine shoreline. For beach camping experiences near Carmel, your best options are nearby state beaches. New Brighton State Beach Campground offers camping on a bluff with easy walking distance to the water, spacious sites with fire rings and tables. Another option is Veteran's Memorial Park Campground in nearby Monterey, which isn't directly on the beach but provides convenient access to coastal areas while offering water and toilet facilities.
How much does camping cost near Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Camping costs near Carmel-by-the-Sea vary by facility type and amenities. At Laguna Seca Recreation Area, dry camping (no hookups) ranges from $40-50 per night, with hookup sites costing more. State parks like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park typically charge $35-45 per night for standard sites. Private campgrounds offer more amenities at higher prices - expect to pay $50-80 for basic sites and $75-120 for premium RV sites with full hookups. Prices generally increase during peak summer months and on weekends, so booking in advance is recommended for the best rates.
What are the RV camping options in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Carmel by the River RV Park offers RV-friendly accommodations with full hookups in a convenient location. It's ideal for exploring Carmel without the challenges of navigating an RV through the narrow streets of downtown. For those willing to stay a bit further out, Laguna Seca Recreation Area provides RV camping options with varying levels of hookups. The recreation area offers both dry camping ranging from $40-50 and sites with hookups. Both locations serve as excellent bases for exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea and the surrounding Monterey Peninsula.
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