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Best Campgrounds near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

984 Reviews

Several good camping spots can be found within driving distance of Carmel By The Sea along California's coast. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground sits 22 miles away with redwoods, hiking trails, and a river for campers to enjoy. Veteran's Memorial Park Campground costs less and is much closer at just 3 miles from town, with clean bathrooms and room to spread out. Families often choose Laguna Seca Recreation Area, 9 miles out, for its playgrounds and picnic spots. Saddle Mountain Ranch, only 5 miles from Carmel, has both basic sites and extras like a swimming pool and trails. Big Sur Campground & Cabins is 21 miles away with both tent sites and cabins for those who don't want to rough it. New Brighton State Beach Campground sits 30 miles from town with ocean views and beach access right there. Weather stays mild year-round, though summer mornings can be foggy with cool nights. Spring and fall bring better weather and smaller crowds. Most places have toilets and drinking water, but it's smart to check what each place has before you book. Carmel itself has shops and places to eat when you need a break from camping. The area works well for hiking, beach walks, or just taking it easy. Remember to follow the rules and take your trash with you when you leave. Carmel By The Sea has camping that works for different styles and preferences.

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Best Camping Sites Near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California (113)

    1. Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Pacific Grove, CA
    3 miles
    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
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 624-1617

    "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."

    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. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    22 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."

    5. Carmel by the River RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    5 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."

    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. Monterey County Fairgrounds

    9 Reviews
    Monterey, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 717-7167

    $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."

    8. Big Sur Campground & Cabins

    28 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2322

    $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."

    "Set amidst some amazing redwoods adjacent to a bubbling creek. Clean and well maintained facilities. Has cabins, rv sites, and tent sites. Many trails nearby along with some great restaurants."

    9. Marina Dunes RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Marina, CA
    12 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!"

    10. Moss Landing KOA Express

    19 Reviews
    Moss Landing, CA
    19 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

390 Photos of 113 Carmel-by-the-Sea Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

984 Reviews of 113 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Camping near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a cozy tent site or a spacious RV spot, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in the area. Many campers rave about the stunning views and diverse landscapes. One visitor at Pinnacles Campground said, "The trails are wild, like a moonscape. In spring, it’s a wildflower fantasia."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded. Great for star gazing."
  • River Activities: Enjoy floating or relaxing by the river at Big Sur Campground & Cabins. One camper shared, "You can go down and walk by the river, float the river with the complimentary tubes and relax by a fire right next to the massive trees."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. A review from Kirk Creek Campground highlights, "Amazing sunrise and sunset view. There is a small trail to go down to the beach right next to camp site #22."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms looked clean, showers are coin-operated, $0.50 for 2 min."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like New Brighton State Beach Campground are great for families. One camper said, "Lots of families and lots of kids. Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more."

What you should know:

  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for varying temperatures. A camper at Limekiln State Park Campground warned, "It gets super windy so be prepared."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A review from California Veterans Memorial Park Campground noted, "Showers, restrooms, tables, and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground advised, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with playgrounds and activities. A camper at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground mentioned, "If you have little ones, they’ll have fun on the playground."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of snacks. A review from Pinnacles Campground highlighted, "Really enjoyed cooking in the evenings outside and settling in."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Big Sur Campground & Cabins said, "The playground was well maintained and modern."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Mount Madonna County Park noted, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Arrive Early: Get there early to secure a good spot. A review from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground suggested, "Show up a day or two early."
  • Use Dump Stations: Take advantage of dump stations for convenience. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, "There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park."

Camping near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families and nature lovers alike.

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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