Monterey's camping areas include Pinnacles National Park, where both tent and RV sites come with electric hookups and water. This park has become a key habitat for California condors, which you might spot during your stay. The campground gets very hot in summer months, so many campers prefer spring or fall visits instead. If you're looking for ocean views, Kirk Creek Campground sits right on the coast but has basic facilities – just vault toilets and no drinking water on site. California Veterans Memorial Park Campground lies close to downtown Monterey and doesn't take reservations, which works well for last-minute trips. The sites are large with good bathroom facilities. Campers who like hiking head to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground to walk through redwoods and along the river. You should book ahead, particularly in summer when it fills up fast. Watch for wildlife like raccoons and deer, and store food safely. Pack layers for Monterey camping since mornings bring fog and evenings cool down quickly. The area has good camping variety, from coastal sites to forest settings further inland.
$10 - $47 / night
"VMCG was recommended by a friend as we were passing through Monterey."
"The best part of this campground was its proximity to everything in Monterey. While I had no real attraction to the campground, I also had no complaints."
"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."
"Only about 20 min outside of Monterey, this was a great spot we ended up staying at for almost a week. Full or partial hookups are available."
$70 - $525 / night
"Beautiful views of the hills of Carmel & Monterey. Close to wonderful restaurants & shopping to drive to, as well as touring Monterey and the beaches. Quiet, peaceful setting. Clean bathrooms."
"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."
$110 - $235 / night
"Close enough to Carmel, Monterey, ocean and parks yet quiet and secluded. Very pleasant and helpful staff."
"It’s Monterey so I don’t think their prices are out of line. I called after they closed and the manager answered and was able to get me in a space, which I really appreciated."
"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."
$69 - $80 / night
"Great location between Santa Cruz and Monterey. Very good facilities in small park. Walking distance to wonderful beaches and several restaurants. 30 min drive to SC north or south to Monterey."
"Moss Landing RV park is a small, tight park close to Salinas Beach. Lots of great food close by."
$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."
$70 / night
"The fairgrounds RV park is located as the name suggests on the Monterey Fairgrounds."
"Also has one outside washer/dryer. Be sure to note arrival and paperwork deadlines. Lower mostly unpaved level parking lot was only partially available due to food Faire w/ music taking place."
"Great location near Monterey. Full hookup and fully paved. Restrooms were fairly clean. Great for a stopover or if you’re visiting Monterey."
"Pretty quiet with the exception of the Monterey Regional Airport next to it and even then it wasn’t very noticeable."
"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."
ScoutThe campsites are either on the river or under the trees. The bathrooms are well maintained and the shop is well stocked with food and supplies. It is right near Pfeiffer state park and you will be staying in the redwoods. The campsites are a little close together and our neighbors were pretty loud and had their headlights on our campsite the whole night. I wish they did a little bit more to enforce quiet hours.
TravelerI don’t think it lives up to the expectations or the price. I generally find it dirty here. I also think the toilets are quite worn
ScoutThey falsely accused us of spilling sewage when we didn’t. The KOA personnel even agreed that we didn’t have a spill when a neighboring site falsely accused us, and when we were leaving the KOA personnel accused us of doing it another time(!) and charged us a$75 cleaning fee. The tiny bits of paper they claim were from us(we didn’t dump black water while we were there so impossible) were very old and dry and clearly there when we got there. They claimed a“gray water smell” which if it were true(I went back right after we were told they were going to charge us and smelled nothing and took pictures) wouldn’t have caused bits of paper. Cute campground- extremely tight spots- but we didn’t feel welcome, especially after being watched and accused of something we didn’t do within hours of arriving. The highway is right near the campground and there were very loud motorcycles going by for a couple of hours. No grocery stores close by- a few fruits stands- just be prepared, and barely anyplace to eat out. There’s a nice beach nearby.
ScoutThis campground is amazing in terms of the location, privacy, and comfort of having all the utilities at your disposal. You can go as minimal as you want or rely on the restaurant and grocery store nearby and the river is just gorgeous. What a gem!
TravelerNice campground over Monterey, a little pricey but there were spots available last minute. Showers and toilets available.
GuideGreat site, easy to access, plenty to do around the areas!
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
Monterey camping offers diverse terrain from coastal cliffsides to inland valleys. Many campgrounds monterey ca sites sit at elevations ranging from sea level at beach locations to 1,200 feet in the nearby hills. The temperature swing between morning fog and afternoon sun can reach 25-30°F, requiring campers to pack layers for comfort throughout their stay.
Beach hiking: 5-minute walk to shoreline at Sunset State Beach, where you can explore miles of uncrowded coastline. "You can walk to it from the campground... It's mass camping near the beach. Great for loading up your stuff for the day and spending the day at the beach then coming back to your site to eat and crash," notes Kelly S.
Whale watching: 1-mile walk to marina from Moss Landing KOA Express where tour boats depart regularly. "Campground is directly adjacent to the parking lot and marina from which multiple boats sail for whale watching trips. You can also rent kayaks nearby to kayak in the calm waters where you will almost certainly see sea otters," shares David C.
Racetrack viewing: trackside access from your campsite at Laguna Seca Recreation Area. "We weren't there during an event weekend so it was pretty quiet. The view from almost every site is like a dream, you have panoramic views of hills and mountains to one side and a huge racetrack with sexy cars on the other side," explains Minerva R.
Hot showers year-round: California Veterans Memorial Park Campground provides convenient facilities for overnight stays. "Great campground. Payment is cash or check only. It has flushing toilets, potable water, and a bonus sink for washing your dishes. Showers are available but you have to pay," reports Luis N.
Private campsite separations: Saddle Mountain Ranch offers unique site layouts. "The campsites are cut into the side of the hill - many have privacy walls so you aren't looking at your neighbors campsite," notes Chris &. in their review, highlighting a rare feature in Monterey campgrounds.
Shelter from coastal winds: Sunset State Beach provides natural windbreaks. "Nice lots on a cliff above the beach protected from the wind by some doug firs and eucalyptus. Beach is long and expansive with very few people on an average day," writes Mauriel O.
Cash-only payment: Several campgrounds require physical payment. At Veterans Memorial Park, "Payment is cash or check only. It's at the top of a hill so make sure you're prepared before arrival," Katherine J. warns in her review.
Limited potable water: Laguna Seca Recreation Area has unusual water restrictions. "No potable water. They mention this several times on their website but still people miss it. Bring your own water," cautions Erin S.
Beach access challenges: Marina Dunes RV Park requires effort to reach the ocean. "Beach requires a brutal walk through soft sand. It'll work as a landing point for a couple nights, but don't plan on this being a nice campground to enjoy your vacation at," advises courtney A.
Kid-friendly amenities: Saddle Mountain Ranch Campground offers numerous activities. "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," shares Tim F.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Watch for marine mammals from Moss Landing. "You are minutes from launch points for both power or paddle sports. If you want a site seeing tour, they take off from the parking lot next to the KOA," explains stephanie.
Protected play areas: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation spaces. "The Park was nice to walk around, we took our dogs for a walk around the track as well. Overall, it was a very pleasant place to stay," Philip D. notes about Monterey County Fairgrounds.
Narrow access roads: Carmel by the River RV Park has challenging entry. "The road in is basically a one lane road. Pray you don't encounter oncoming traffic," cautions Dave N., highlighting a common issue in the area's smaller campgrounds.
Electrical hookup locations: Marina Dunes has awkward utility placement. "Nice rv park by the beach. Bathrooms and showers are great. Downside is the store is closed on Sundays. Also, $190 a night plus $20 to choose your spot is wild. The location of the electrical/water is awkward," mentions Kandi R.
Grade challenges for larger rigs: Be aware of steep approaches at several campgrounds. "16% grade on the way up. Trailers and RVs, its doable but be aware!" warns Erin S. about Laguna Seca's access road, representing a common challenge in the hilly terrain of Monterey camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What RV camping options are available in Monterey, California?
Monterey County offers diverse RV camping options to accommodate various preferences. Monterey County Fairgrounds provides centrally located RV sites with easy access to town via bus routes and nearby bike paths, though spaces are somewhat tight. Moss Landing KOA Express offers quality facilities in a smaller park setting between Santa Cruz and Monterey, with beaches and restaurants within walking distance. Military members and veterans can enjoy Monterey Pines RV Park with full hookups and paved sites. Other options include Marina Dunes RV Park near the coast and Carmel by the River RV Park for those who prefer staying closer to Carmel. Most parks offer water and electrical hookups, with many providing full-service sites for larger rigs.
Where are the best campgrounds near Monterey, CA?
Monterey offers excellent camping options for various preferences. Veteran's Memorial Park Campground stands out for its prime location, allowing you to walk to downtown Monterey's restaurants and shops. The park features clean facilities, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, Saddle Mountain Ranch provides beautiful views of the Carmel and Monterey hills, a heated pool, and easy access to local attractions. Other notable options include Pinnacles Campground for national park enthusiasts and Laguna Seca Recreation Area for a quieter experience. The region's campgrounds typically offer amenities like clean bathrooms, showers, and varying levels of hookups, making them suitable for different camping styles.
How much does camping cost in Monterey County?
Camping costs in Monterey County vary significantly based on amenities and location. Laguna Seca Recreation Area charges $40-50 for dry camping sites without hookups. RV sites with utilities typically command higher prices across the region. Monterey Pines RV Park - Military offers competitive rates for qualified military personnel and veterans. Public campgrounds like Veteran's Memorial Park tend to be more affordable than private RV resorts. County fairground camping provides decent value for central locations. For budget options, consider camping slightly inland or at state parks during off-peak seasons. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months and weekends, with prices typically higher during peak tourist season (May-September).
Is beach camping available in Monterey?
Direct beach camping within Monterey city limits is limited, but several nearby options provide coastal access. Salinas-Monterey KOA offers camping with easy access to Monterey's beaches and coastal attractions. For those willing to venture slightly outside Monterey, Sunset State Beach near Watsonville provides drive-in camping with direct beach access. Most beach-oriented camping in the region requires you to camp in designated campgrounds rather than directly on the sand. The Monterey Peninsula offers spectacular coastal views and beach access from established campgrounds, though you'll need to follow specific regulations regarding beach use after dark. For day use, Monterey State Beach offers beautiful shoreline without overnight options. Beach weather is most reliable from late summer through early fall.
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