The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Seaside, CA

1,016 Reviews

Camping options near Seaside, California span from developed campgrounds to RV parks, offering varied experiences along the Monterey Peninsula. Veterans Memorial Park Campground in Monterey provides tent and RV sites with amenities like water hookups and showers in a wooded setting. The Monterey County Fairgrounds offers a convenient base for exploring the coastline with full hookups for RVs. Several private campgrounds, including Marina Dunes RV Park and Saddle Mountain Ranch, provide additional options for travelers seeking cabin accommodations or glamping experiences.

The camping season generally runs year-round in this coastal region, though advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when visitation peaks. Many campgrounds have specific rules regarding fires, pets, and alcohol consumption that visitors should confirm before arrival. "This place could be better if management/booking would be better. All other staff is super friendly and bathrooms/laundry super clean," noted one visitor about the Monterey County Fairgrounds. Access to most campgrounds is straightforward via paved roads, making them suitable for both standard vehicles and larger RVs. Coastal weather patterns create mild temperatures throughout the year, though morning fog is common during summer months.

Campers frequently mention the convenient location of Monterey Peninsula campgrounds for accessing local attractions. The proximity to beaches, Monterey Bay, and outdoor recreation areas makes these sites popular despite their primarily developed nature. Several reviews highlight the urban-adjacent camping experience, with one camper noting, "Upper sites asphalt paved gently sloped for runoff. You are paying for basic parking space with hook-ups that is close to Monterey." Facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering full hookups, showers, and laundry while others provide more basic amenities. Military personnel have additional options through the Monterey Pines RV Park, which receives positive reviews for its location adjacent to a golf course despite being near the regional airport. For those seeking more natural settings, state parks like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Sunset State Beach provide camping within reach of the Seaside area.

Map showing campgrounds near Seaside, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Seaside, California (119)

    1. Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Pacific Grove, CA
    5 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. Laguna Seca Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Seaside, CA
    5 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."

    3. Saddle Mountain Ranch

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

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Moss Landing KOA Express

    19 Reviews
    Moss Landing, CA
    12 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."

    5. Carmel by the River RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    7 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. Marina Dunes RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Marina, CA
    6 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
    3 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."

    8. Monterey County Fairgrounds

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

    $70 / night

    "The fairgrounds RV park is located as the name suggests on the Monterey Fairgrounds."

    "We stopped by here to stay only a night or two but ended up staying for 3 nights since it was close to the bay and downtown. It was basically a large parking lot with hookups."

    9. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    26 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."

    10. Sunset State Beach

    27 Reviews
    Watsonville, CA
    19 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 119 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Seaside Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Seaside, CA

398 Photos of 119 Seaside Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Seaside, CA

1016 Reviews of 119 Seaside Campgrounds

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    Spaced out sites. Friendly people

    Fairly large campground. Store, showers, toilets, purified water is all inclusive . Being bug spray and be prepared to see wildlife at night. Skunks, raccoons, and other animals will come and take food.

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Redwood Resort RV Park & Campground

    Friendly and quiet

    Was able to book the night before and get the last full hookup spot. The man who checked us in was super friendly and answered all of my partners questions and even helped us with some basic RV knowledge as we’re new.

    Redwoods are super pretty. Area outside of the RV park isn’t super walkable though. Bathrooms are fine for the price and very clean.

    Situated near the people who live in the park and they were super friendly and quiet.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park

    Clean, safe place to park, fairly busy.

    Well maintained, friendly host. Clean, feels safe. Bridge construction at the mouth of the harbor, use the path next to the bridge (don’t let Apple Maps send you though miles of residential streets, just walk around the construction). Lots of things to do and see, e-bike rental racks all over the city (get the BCycle app). Best tacos at Las Palmas at the foot of the pier! It’s a University town UC Santa Cruz) so enjoy all that culture.

  • 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.

Guide to Seaside

Camping near Seaside, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a cozy tent spot or a comfortable RV site, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: There are amazing trails nearby. At Pinnacles Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "The trails are wild, like a moonscape," highlighting the unique scenery you can experience.
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campers enjoy spotting wildlife. One visitor at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded."
  • Star Gazing: The dark skies around Kirk Creek Campground make it a great spot for star gazing. A camper shared, "Great views. Very dark at night which is great for star gazing."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One review for Kirk Creek Campground said, "Amazing sunrise and sunset view."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathroom/showers were cleaned regularly and stocked with shampoo conditioner and shower gel."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like New Brighton State Beach Campground are great for families. One reviewer noted, "Lots of families and lots of kids."

What you should know

  • Heat in Summer: If you're camping at Pinnacles Campground, be prepared for the heat. One camper warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kirk Creek Campground, have few amenities. A visitor pointed out, "There are pit toilets and trash cans, but basically no other amenities."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Veteran's Memorial Park Campground mentioned, "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 like New Brighton State Beach Campground that cater to families. One reviewer said, "If you have little ones they’ll have fun on the playground."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A camper at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground shared, "Great location to base out of when exploring the central coast."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A visitor at Big Sur Campground & Cabins mentioned, "They also have free ice, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate daily."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: 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!"
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. One visitor at Kirk Creek Campground said, "No cell service or showers."
  • Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, arrive early. A camper at Veteran's Memorial Park Campground advised, "We arrived around 11 and had no problem finding a camp spot."

Camping around Seaside, CA, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Seaside campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Seaside offer a range of amenities to suit different camping preferences. Laguna Seca Recreation Area provides dry camping for tents and RVs, though at a premium price ($40-50 for dry camping). Monterey County Fairgrounds offers convenient RV camping with central access to urban amenities and public transportation. Many area campgrounds feature basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, potable water, and restroom facilities. Some locations, like Marina Dunes RV Park, provide additional amenities such as electric and water hookups for RVs. Reservation systems are common for most campgrounds in the region.

Where are the best camping spots near Seaside, CA?

The Monterey Bay area offers excellent camping options near Seaside. New Brighton State Beach Campground is a favorite, situated on a bluff with easy beach access and spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Veteran's Memorial Park Campground provides a convenient option closer to Seaside with drive-in access and basic amenities. For those willing to travel slightly further, Sunset State Beach offers beautiful coastal camping with ocean views, particularly in the South Loop which tends to be the most desirable section of the campground.

Is tent camping allowed in Seaside, California?

Yes, tent camping is available near Seaside, though options vary in proximity and facilities. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground welcomes tent campers with clean bathrooms and access to hiking trails, though sites can be relatively close together. For a unique tent camping experience, Castle Rock Trail Camp offers walk-in tent sites with provided storage boxes near picnic tables. At Sanborn County Park, tent campers enjoy a car-free experience with a short walk up a paved path, carts for hauling gear, and storage boxes at each site. Most sites require reservations, especially during peak seasons.

Keep Exploring