Best RV Parks near Santa Cruz, CA

Recent RV Reviews In Santa Cruz

595 Reviews of 78 Santa Cruz Campgrounds

• 

  Alana S.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 27, 2024

  Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

  Great for first time campers

  The staff was amazing. Tent site was spacious. Not too crowded. Clean bathroom and shower. Several trails to walk. Close to town in case we forgot something.

• 

  Amy M.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 26, 2024

  New Brighton State Beach

  Close to beach, but still in town

  Location is great. Easy access. Noise from the freeway. Heard sirens.

• 

  Günter S.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 25, 2024

  French Camp Recreational Vehicle Park

  Camp Site doesnt accsist!

  The coordinate given are Not valid. It is a residential area and not an RV nore an campsite! Reservation per phone with none refondable possibility. Be carefull! Dont book!

• 

  Jenner K.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 17, 2024

  Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat

  I think its good

  I hope you keep giving the community great material age of war

• U

  UT801

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 16, 2024

  Coyote Valley RV Resort

  Buttoned up, formal atmosphere RV resort

  High priced. Nice people at desk. Damon who helped us park was very friendly. Almost entirely high-priced big rigs, some of whom seem settled here but it's clean, 'orderly,' very quiet. Rigid rules keep the order; nice that no political flags/signs allowed. 2 dog parks and lots of grassy areas to take for a walk. Showers in locker-room/bldg, bathrooms nice and clean. Green grass. Also has laundry with 2.50 wash and.25 dry for 8 min. Skunk wandered by site in the night. Cool train sounds from nearby tracks at night. Was probably the most convenient to San Jose, otherwise we likely would've been in mtns. and too far away from town for our needs at the time. Would not be a regular choice for us.

• K

  Korey Y.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 8, 2024

  Salinas-Monterey KOA

  Parking lot with a pool

  Pretty basic place. Level, noisy highway. Very friendly staff clean. I enjoy more of the outdoors so not really my cup of tea. Very narrow spaces.

• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 30, 2024

  New Brighton State Beach

  Love it here

  There are a ton of reviews for this place already so I will try to keep it short and only add info that I didn't see mentioned in previous reviews.

  Showers are $0.25 per min ($0.50 min to start).  You don't get to adjust water temp, but it was pleasantly hot. Showers are non-gendered and individual.

  Dump station is no longer free; all California State Parks are charging $10 to dump now, even for campers.  You pay at the dump site with a credit card. There are 4 dump holes and a potable water fill as well.

  We love staying here as it's so convenient to Capitola. We were able to park our RV in Capitola and walk to the shops. We got last minute reservations (it's really hard to book a site here in the summer), but had to move sites in between days, and so we used that 2 hour block between noon checkout and 2pm checkin to drive the RV to Capitola. It seemed like it would have been too much of a hassle to try and get to move to the new spot before checkin, so this worked out fine.

  We love all the state parks along the beach in California, and I'm sure we'll be back at some point.

• 

  CJ S.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 8, 2024

  Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat

  Not great for the price

  The pictures here are very deceiving. Driving in, the first 4 campsites are occupied by broken down trailers, an overturned couch and broken BBQ pits. We stayed in site #6 which was probably one of the best sites. Great shade and car was able to be parked nearby (you walk down non-maintained "stairs" with rotted tree branches as the steps).  

  Overall, I had high hopes based on the description here especially reading: "Our onsite staff will go around and enforce the rules." but this is clearly a non-maintained campground that was probably very nice 45 years ago. No hiking trails are maintained, the bathrooms are "rustic" which is fine--nice to have running water when you've got little ones to clean. But the floors were rotted and I was afraid we'd step through the floorboards. 

  If you are a true car camper who can lock your doors at night, this is probably the spot for you. Running water, showers and washing machine. If you are a tent camper with small kids like me, this is not where you want to stay. I'm disappointed I paid the price I did to stay here, I'd pay $25/night because this is essentially a parking space in a poorly maintained campground.

• 

  Jason M.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 25, 2024

  Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

  Great Layover

  We had a quick three-day trip here to visit family. The pool is small, yet well-kept and we had it to ourselves every time we went each day. The park was perfect for the kids biking around through the short- and long-term areas.

• K

  Korey Y.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 23, 2024

  Laguna Seca Recreation Area

  Hidden jewel

  No crowds late August. Great staff and price. Views, trees and TRACK. Some air traffic. Quiet.

• 

  Elisha E.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 9, 2024

  Seacliff Center Trailer Park

  Amazing people, amazing location

  After weeks on the road, we were so grateful to find a last minute spot a short, beautiful, and whimsical walk away from the beach!!! The campground itself is simple but full of good vibes with FREE showers and ice cream two minute stroll away!

• 

  Michael O.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 2, 2024

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  In between camping and glamping, but somehow neither

  So, if you’re looking to be in nature and have a proper camping experience, this ain’t it. If you want a resort style vacation, this isn’t it either… yet somehow it’s a little of both. I wouldn’t recommend tent camping because you’re literally right next to your neighbor camping and isn’t really in the “woods”. Suggest you get a delux tent which includes a bed, fire pit and bbq. That’s why I’ve rated it high because it’s what I needed for one night. Plus the pull and games (corn hill, ping pong) are nice additions. Just know what you’re in for.

• 

  Sophia H.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 29, 2024

  Trailer Villa RV Park

  test

  test

• 

  Vincent B.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 23, 2024

  New Brighton State Beach

  Good spot with availability

  Despite the website showing every site booked, we drove in about 4 pm to a decent number of sites. Entry ranger was available pretty late. Site was $35 I believe, and has paid showers and restrooms. Site had a fire pit, paved parking for a larger vehicle, table and decent amount of shade. Lots of families and lots of kids. Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more.

• 

  Chris N.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 21, 2024

  Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

  Affordable Monterey/Carmel Access

  I have family in Monterey, but can't see paying the higher prices for a hotel or home rental when I visit. This location gives you complete access to the beautiful surrounding area at a price that doesn't hurt. Showers, restrooms, tables and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure. I dry camp a lot, and having the amenities is worth the fees they're asking. Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early, if you can, due to a first come first serve policy for sites. The early bird gets the worm. No reservations can be made.

• M

  Monica M.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 9, 2024

  Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat

  This was an excellent getaway

  Booked this as a last minute escape from the heat where I live and it didn’t disappoint. Towering Coastal Redwoods provide for tons of shade and really nice campsites. Definitely a dry time of year but there were still some beautiful wildflowers to be seen. There’s a lovely easy trail that takes you to a stream along a mostly shaded path. I imagine that during the spring you’ll get a greater runoff but it was still really nice. Saturday was pretty bust with campers but Sunday was almost all vacant so it felt like I had the whole place to myself and the wildlife showed up. The hosts were communicative and descriptions and directions were great. Zero cell service with Verizon but it was nice to just unplug. I would definitely recommend this one. Happy camping!

• L

  Leonard H.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 30, 2024

  Pinto Lake City Park

  Small City Park... Good Option for short and/or Longer Stays

  Small city park with RV Parking on grass between lake and baseball fields.  Sites almost level; however, might need to use a few blocks.  Park was busy with locals using pavilions for birthday and other parties when we visited on a Saturday in June.  Adjacent baseball field was busy on Sunday morning with little league game and parking lot was full.  Cars were being parked in unused RV spots.  Many people were fishing from the shoreline.  Many Candian geese (with poop) were in the dock area and alone the shoreline.  Some ducks made themselves at home in the shade under our RV.  Temperature was considerably cooler versus the very hot temps only a few miles further inland.  Nice that each site has electric / water / sewer hook-ups.  Two rest rooms (one by lake and one by baseball field) were a little dirty due to heavy use.  Unfortunate there are no showers and that you can only walk around perhaps 10% of the lake shoreline.  Quiet at night as they lock the park gate... they give you an access card ($25 deposit req'd) if you need to leave and return after gate is locked at night.  Called and requested my $25 credit after refund was not automatically received a few days later.  Credit was immediately made.  A good option especially if parks along the coast are booked and you want reasonably cool temperatures.  Would stay again.

• 

  Michelle W.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 17, 2024

  Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

  So many animals and birds

  I had a big spot and no neighbors my entire half of the campground on a Monday night in June. I was under 2 big oaks that were buzzing with bird activity.
  The bathrooms were clean and I had water on my site. I had some AT&T service.

• 

  Jose J.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 14, 2024

  Monterey Pines RV Park - Military

  Beautiful RV Park and golf course

  Campground is for active duty, retired military and DoD Civilians. Pretty quiet with the exception of the Monterey Regional Airport next to it and even then it wasn’t very noticeable. The golf course next to it is beautiful so bring your sticks or rent them from the clubhouse. One of the more affordable courses to play in the area. Our site was level left to right but we did have to jack the front of the trailer up higher than usual. Clean restrooms and bath house. FREE LAUNDRY FACILITIES TOO. Definitely want to go back but for a longer stay.

• 

  Tippy B.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 12, 2024

  Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

  Perfect access to Big Sur & Pebble Beach

  We were driving thru and needed a place to van camp. Found this location from the dyrt app. The camp site is located on park grounds. If you have little ones they’ll have fun on the playground. Parking was easy to pick for us. There’s also hot showers which is only open from 7AM to 9PM. Someone will turn the water access off outside of those time frames. They will also allow showers with no camping option which is $4. Overall for the stay being only $47, having the options of a hot shower, rest rooms and ability to have a fire pit and the convenience of the Big Sur, makes this site worth it.

• N

  Nathan S.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 10, 2024

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  Review Update

  I have spent the last 7 hours listening to a child cry in the space that is 20 feet away from me b

• N

  Nathan S.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 9, 2024

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  Nice but crowded

  First of all this place is beautiful. It is a very well maintained campground. Its set up is very much like a KOA. The sites are very close to each other. There is room enough for your rig but parking is elsewhere and limited. The bathrooms are clean but small. On the men’s side there is one stall and one separate shower. There is another site but I didn’t see it. Overall I suppose if RV camping is your thing it’s ok. I just don’t like being this close to people when I am on vacation. It’s like a hotel room without walls. It was convenient, clean, and close to where I needed to go.

• 

  Sonya S.

  Traveler

  

  May. 31, 2024

  Sunset State Beach

  Clean and quite

  This is a beautiful place, camp site behind woods, this, waving sound won’t bother at night.

  Very clean and friendly staffs

• 

  Lori T.

  Ranger

  

  May. 28, 2024

  Mount Madonna

  Great Campground

  Loved everything about this campground! Registration online was really easy as was the check-in process. We stayed in Valley View 1, site 106. There was really no road noise at our site, though a few sites further around the loop did have noise. This particular site has a trail leading directly to the vast network of hiking trails. Huge bonus for us and we were pleasantly surprised that not one person used our site as a cut through. On the subject of hiking, this is a county park that allows dogs on ALL the trails. It’s hard to find that sometimes so we greatly appreciated how dog friendly it was. We didn’t actually encounter anyone else as we hiked, so I can’t attest to whether folks follow the rule that dogs must be on a 6 ft lead on the trails, but they certainly did in the campground. There are quite a few trails that are currently closed due to storm damage, but crews were actively working on them.

  While the sites are a little close to each other, those on the outside of the loop had a great deal of privacy. Inner loop sites have none, but would be great if you were camping with friends. We didn’t use the restrooms or showers, but peeked in them anyway. Like everything else in this campground, they were clean and well maintained.

  The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great! There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park that we used as we departed.

  Our friends stayed in one of the yurts and it was great, albeit a little cold for them at night. I believe there are 2 dog friendly yurts. 106RV

  What a gem of a campground! We’ll definitely come back!

  Important to note that you can actually get a cell signal if you walk to the dump station!

• 

  Alma L.

  Ranger

  

  May. 28, 2024

  Del Valle Regional Park

  Distance from home was the highlight

  I had a very different take on this place than the others. The RV spot was a fair distance from the neighboring spots, it was low-density, quite, all good qualities, but there was very little see or do near the loop. There were no hikes suitable for young kids as far as I could tell. There was a little store for ice cream and camping supplies and dump station on the loop.  HOWEVER, WARNING: the road around the campground looks wide but there are boulders every 10 feet or so making it insanely hard to back into our spot - and we had only a 22ft trailer! I can't see myself coming back here. The maps do accurately depict the relatively narrow space you have for back in spots. Once we were in, it was fine.  The pedestal and sewer set-up was just fine. No issues there. It's just not worth the hassle. 

  As for the park/water part of the park, well, it was covered in garbage from the day-trippers. It was packed and only accessible by driving to it. Truly not a place I wanted to BBQ or picnic at.  Cars, people, dogs, loud music, and garbage. A gross diaper on the shore.     We took a very nice hike starting at the dog run. That was beautiful, but not worth the trip.

  I didn't bother to photograph our site. There were all adequate, just avoid back in site here. There are so many better places to visit.  I checked this off the list, no reason to return. I don't believe there was reception either from the campsite.

  Last thing, we peaked in on the cabins in our loop. They looks very nice and maintained.

• 

  Jaime G.

  Guide

  

  May. 19, 2024

  Hollister Hills SVRA

  Molina Ghost Run 2024

  This year MG run was held in Hollister Hills due to Clear Creek being closed. My registration came with free camp spot in the Upper Ranch. For an organized trail run I would give it a 5 star as it was very respectful and actually not loud at all including day light hours.

  From a dispersed camp/ camp experience I am giving this a 4 star thats because I knew I was not camping here for a camp experience but an off-road experience with many other off-road enthusiast.

• L

  Lorraine G.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 29, 2024

  Betabel RV Park

  Mrs

  Great RV park. Really clean, showers hot and a little food market. Reception really friendly and helpful with good local knowledge. Well kept site.