Salinas, California RV parks feature diverse options within a region known for its agricultural valley. Situated at approximately 52 feet above sea level, the area experiences moderate temperatures with average summer highs around 75°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 40°F. The peak camping season runs April through October when coastal fog patterns create natural air conditioning for campers seeking relief from Central Valley heat.
What to do
Hike Pinnacles National Park: Located about 30 miles from Greenfield, this park offers remarkable hiking opportunities. "Great location near Monterey. Full hookup and fully paved. Restrooms were fairly clean. Great for a stopover or if you're visiting Pinnacles," notes a visitor at Monterey Pines RV Park.
Beach exploration: Access nearby beaches from Marina where uncrowded shorelines provide excellent relaxation. "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," shares a camper from Marina Dunes RV Park.
Golfing: Several campgrounds near Salinas offer access to golf courses. "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," reports a visitor to Monterey Pines RV Park.
What campers like
Natural wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds near Salinas provide opportunities to observe local fauna. "We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. It's amazing!" exclaims a camper at Thousand Trails San Benito.
Redwood surroundings: The forested areas provide cooling shade and natural beauty. "This campground is covered entirely by redwoods with plenty of shade for a cool vacation. Spots were leveled with dirt," notes a visitor to Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Clean facilities: Many RV parks maintain high standards for their bathrooms and common areas. "The bathrooms and showers were centrally located and well-kept. Laundry was reliable and reasonably priced," writes a reviewer about Monterey Pines RV Park.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Many parks feature tight arrangements between RVs. "Small spots. This place is okay it's just small and loud. It's hard to get bigger RVs into spots also. We have a 35' 5th wheel and there are only some spots that will fit it," advises a camper at Marina Dunes RV Park.
Road access challenges: Several parks have difficult entry roads. "The road in is basically a one lane road. Pray you don't encounter oncoming traffic," cautions a visitor to Carmel by the River RV Park.
Price considerations: Costs vary widely with coastal locations commanding premium rates. "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," reports a Marina Dunes RV Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: Look for parks with multiple activity options. "In mid October the campground is still running kids activities daily and they're good! Great culture here - friendly, lots of things to do (pool, basketball, volleyball, horse shoes, playground, billiards, karaoke, tennis)," shares a visitor at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill.
Beach access: Some locations provide walking routes to beaches. "The beach was like a 5 minute walk. That was nice. Has laundry place. Dogs allowed on the beach near by," notes a Marina Dunes RV Park camper.
Pet-friendly activities: Many parks accommodate four-legged family members. "This resort has two beautiful dog parks and a dog washing station! Not to mention, the beautiful and clean bathrooms for the humans!" exclaims a visitor at Yanks RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Prepare for potentially uneven sites at some parks. "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. Good luck, I saw some raised up 2-3 feet," mentions a Monterey Pines RV Park camper.
Power considerations: Different parks offer varying electrical options. "Hookups at every campsite. Water, Shore power, Cable," notes a Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort visitor.
Sewer access location: Some parks have unusual hookup placements. "Full hook-ups, although for some strange reason they are at the front of site," mentions a camper about Monterey Pines RV Park.
