Best Campgrounds near Seaside, CA

Coastal camping near Seaside, California includes some great spots within a couple hours' drive. Pinnacles Campground in Pinnacles National Park has both tent and RV sites where campers can stay close to the park's rock formations and wildlife watching areas. The campground has basic needs covered with restrooms and shower facilities for after hiking. Kirk Creek Campground sits right on the Big Sur coastline, with sites that look out over the Pacific and connect to hiking paths along the coast. You'll want to make reservations for either place, particularly during spring and summer when they fill completely most weekends. The drive to Pinnacles follows regular roads that any vehicle can handle without problems. Getting to Kirk Creek means traveling Highway 1's twisty coastal sections, which can be slow going but worth the effort. Weather around Seaside changes through the year - spring and fall have the most comfortable temperatures for camping. Summers get warm but not usually hot, while winter brings some rainy periods that can make trails muddy. Always check if any areas are closed before heading out, especially during winter months. Seaside's location puts you within reach of both mountain and ocean camping depending on what you prefer.

Best Camping Sites Near Seaside, California (119)

    1. Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    37 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

    24 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

    23 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."

    "Great location with nice views of the valley. Easy drive in with parking spots next to most sites.

    Camp sites and cabins are a little close together but nice, clean grounds make it comfortable."

    4. Moss Landing KOA Express

    18 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

    9 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

    8 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. 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."

    9. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $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. Monterey County Fairgrounds

    7 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 119 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Seaside, CA

979 Reviews of 119 Seaside Campgrounds



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 camping is available near Seaside, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Seaside, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 119 campgrounds and RV parks near Seaside, CA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Seaside, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Seaside, CA is Veteran's Memorial Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 37 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Seaside, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Seaside, CA.

What parks are near Seaside, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Seaside, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.