Best Campgrounds near Monterey, CA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Monterey, California (116)

    1. Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Pacific Grove, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 646-3865

    $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."

    2. Saddle Mountain Ranch

    27 Reviews
    Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 624-1617

    "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."

    3. Laguna Seca Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Seaside, CA
    7 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."

    "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."

    4. Carmel by the River RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 624-9329

    $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."

    5. Moss Landing KOA Express

    19 Reviews
    Moss Landing, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 633-6800

    $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."

    6. Marina Dunes RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Marina, CA
    7 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!"

    7. Monterey Pines RV Park - Military

    9 Reviews
    Monterey, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 656-7563

    "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."

    8. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    25 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."

    9. Monterey County Fairgrounds

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

    $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."

    10. Sunset State Beach

    27 Reviews
    Watsonville, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 763-7063

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Monterey, CA

1001 Reviews of 116 Monterey 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 Monterey

Camping near Monterey, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Kirk Creek Campground rave about the breathtaking views. One said, "Amazing sunrise and sunset view."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness at Big Sur Campground & Cabins. A visitor remarked, "The bathroom/showers were cleaned regularly and stocked with shampoo conditioner and shower gel."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground is noted for being safe and family-friendly. One camper said, "Really enjoyable space. Safe. Family friendly."

What you should know:

  • Weather Considerations: Summer can be extremely hot at Pinnacles Campground. A camper warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kirk Creek Campground, have minimal amenities. A visitor noted, "Not even drinking water. Make sure you have what you need."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites, such as at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground, operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. One camper advised, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "If you have little ones they’ll have fun on the playground."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. A camper at Big Basin Redwoods State Park noted, "There were numerous mosquitos."
  • Bring Extra Layers: Nights can get chilly, so pack warm clothes. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park warned, "It gets very cold at night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Dump Station Availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations, like Pinnacles Campground. One reviewer appreciated the "very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some sites can be noisy, so choose wisely. A visitor at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground noted, "A few sites further around the loop did have noise."

Camping in Monterey, CA, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure, making it a great destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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.