Best Campgrounds near Soledad, CA

Camping options around Soledad, California range from established national park campgrounds to full-service RV resorts. The region includes Pinnacles National Park Campground, which offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with proximity to hiking trails and unique rock formations. Within a 30-minute drive, Yanks RV Resort provides full hookup sites with modern amenities, while public lands near Big Sur and Arroyo Seco offer more rustic alternatives. Most campgrounds in the area feature mixed-use facilities that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort.

Road access varies significantly between campgrounds, with most established sites accessible via paved roads while backcountry areas may require high-clearance vehicles. Weather conditions change dramatically with the seasons - summer temperatures frequently reach into the 90s, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons for many visitors. Pinnacles National Park experiences particularly high demand during these moderate temperature periods, with parking lots often filling by 8:00 AM on weekends. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons, while some dispersed camping areas operate on a first-come basis. As one visitor noted, "Pinnacles is a gem - particularly in spring and fall. The hikes were really busy and the parking lots get full by 9 am on weekends."

Campers consistently highlight the diverse landscapes accessible from area campgrounds. Pinnacles National Park receives strong reviews for its trail system that includes caves, streams, and dramatic rock formations. Visitors appreciate the balance of amenities and natural features, with several campgrounds offering swimming pools for relief during hot weather. While RV travelers praise the modern facilities at Yanks RV Resort, describing it as "clean, spacious, and quiet," those seeking more rustic experiences gravitate toward the tent sites at Pinnacles or Arroyo Seco. The camping areas near water features tend to attract more mosquitoes but offer the pleasant sounds of flowing water and increased wildlife viewing opportunities. Cell service remains limited or non-existent in many camping areas, with Pinnacles offering paid WiFi service that has variable coverage throughout the campground.

Best Camping Sites Near Soledad, California (102)

    1. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    97 Reviews
    Pinnacles, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 200-1722

    $44 - $164 / night

    "Per my rating system, this is very close to being 5 stars, meaning it's worth planning a trip from out of state just to visit this park and surrounding national/state forest for 3 days or more  The only"

    "It’s a beautiful park and has the largest population of California Condors in the world. The campground is situated about 2.3 miles from the main trailheads. There's tent and RV campsites."

    2. Yanks RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Soledad, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (855) 926-5778

    "There is nothing near buy, except a Shell station with the lowest diesel prices I’ve seen in California."

    "Planted fields surround the RV park, Located right off highway 101, it is easy on easy off. This would be a good location for passing through or going to the Pinnacles. You get what you pay for here."

    3. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    69 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    28 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."

    4. Arroyo Seco

    14 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $35 - $154 / night

    "Campground was nice and views were pretty good, very hilly part of California."

    "recid=10906 is located about 60 minutes south of Salinas in the Los Padres National Forest."

    5. Thousand Trails San Benito

    12 Reviews
    Paicines, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Typical TT resort park off the beaten path, far out but nice place, we enjoyed our stay. At the time we were there a lot of the riverfront sports were out of order."

    "Right near Pinnacles National Park! We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!! My favorite part of our California trip was staying here!"

    6. Laguna Seca Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Seaside, CA
    24 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."

    7. China Camp Campground

    7 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $20 / night

    "We live close by and didn't expect to like being in close quarters with others... didn't think it would feel like nature but it was fantastic. Restrooms clean and campground clean."

    "Walk-in campsites. Lots of raccoons. Don't forget to lock your bear box."

    8. Big Sur Campground & Cabins

    29 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2322

    $80 - $699 / night

    "Made it just before dusk and we were able to get a tent camping spot for about 70 a night which was not a problem, cuz a roadside parking ticket was waaay higher."

    "We were looking for a place to camp and it would seem the California state parks are all full in perpetuity - found this place on the Dyrt app and made a reservation- it’s right up the road from the Henry"

    9. Limekiln State Park Campground — TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    40 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $35 / night

    "Lower sites are more exposed, but get the benefit of the ocean sounds and rocky beach proximity. Upper sites are tucked back into redwoods, with a little stream nearby. Hike to the kilns!"

    "The entire campground isn't like this, but our site was directly beneath the highway and next to the beach. There are fun hikes that leave right from camp that go to a waterfall."

    10. Kirk Creek Campground

    44 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $45 - $49 / night

    "While we used to just head up & find a site- its become nearly impossible to "walk-in" during high season."

    "We happened to drive in at the right time, had one walk- in site available. Campsites, large, away from other campers and clean."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 102 campgrounds

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Soledad, CA

968 Reviews of 102 Soledad Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 25, 2026

    Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    Nothing more than a firing range

    Four-wheel-drive access only and completely unsuitable for camping. The space is being used as a firing range for dominantly most sites taken road evaporates long before sites to become available turning into the stuff of truck commercials.

  • Andre V.
    Jan. 22, 2026

    Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    America’s Newest National Park

    In most National Parks, you arrive and are immediately stunned by the park, think Yosemite as you exit the tunnel and clap eyes on that valley. Pinnacles makes you work a little bit harder. It’s not until you hike in and see those namesake pinnacles that you get that overwhelming awe of nature wash over you. The wildlife is abundant, I saw 3 condors on one hike. The campground is large, has a store and showers. Don’t skip this under appreciated National Park.

  • Candyse D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 22, 2026

    Riverside Campground & Cabins

    Beautiful campgroun d

    We stayed one night here, pulled up right before they closed the store. She helped us out and because it wasn’t super booked up, we got to chose where we wanted to camp. We stayed on site 27 with hookup with the river behind it. It was perfect She gave us a $15off discount for arriving right before 5pm. Total was $98.09 with tax. There is Laundry and showers A little more on the pricier side for what we are used to but it was a nice treat

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 21, 2026

    Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    Overnight stay

    This was a great spot when exploring the Monterey area. Hard to believe you are in the heart of the city.
    Clean facilities. Plenty of sites with some close together, others more spread out. There are trails and plenty to do just in the park. We listened to an owl hoot as we settled in for the evening.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 18, 2026

    Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    Montery Fun

    We managed to get our 35'bus and 16' trailer combination into this beautiful little park. Nestled in the manzanitas above old town. Great little park to stay in for a day or two (3 day max stay). Shower house is a little worn. But maintained very well and stocked. As there is a 24 hour on-site caretaker. Who lives at the entrance. And takes pride in maintaining this beautiful park.

  • Rubén D.
    Jan. 11, 2026

    Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    Great campground

    The campground has all services you might need: general store, flushable toilets, light in restrooms, showers, and even a pool for the summer months. Our campsite was very secluded in a corner with lots of space and privacy. Has a few critters trying to steal food, but good storage practices and hygiene makes this a non-problem.

  • travelingdancer X.
    Jan. 11, 2026

    Thousand Trails Morgan Hill

    Loved it

    Dog park, nice showers, nice bathrooms, trails to walk your dog, nice people, quiet.

    I loved it here.

    If you have a thousand trails membership ($52/month) then you get to stay at this campsite for free (up to 14 days) worth it

  • Trek4884 T.
    Jan. 9, 2026

    Sunset State Beach

    Gorgeous!

    An excellent campground and a beautiful place to watch the sun set!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 29, 2025

    Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground

    Beautiful drive/wild spots

    Pulled in at dusk to find several free spots nicely separated for privacy and fairly level, likely large enough to fit an RV although the road here is windy and narrow in places. Fire pits and covered picnic tables at each site as far as I can tell… nice spot!


Guide to Soledad

Camping sites near Soledad, California range from mountain retreats to coastal getaways with elevations spanning from 900 to 3,000 feet across the region. The area sits at the junction of the Salinas Valley and Gabilan Mountains, creating distinct microclimates between inland and coastal locations. Winter temperatures at higher elevation campgrounds can drop below freezing, while summer brings 90°F days to valley locations.

What to do

Hike the Valencia Peak Trail: Located 49 miles west of Soledad at Limekiln State Park Campground, the area offers multiple hiking options. "The park features breathtaking views of the Big Sur Coast, the beauty of the redwoods, the rugged coast and the cultural history of limekilns. The park is small with 24 campsites and they are booked 6 moths ahead so will will have to plan in advance."

Explore bat caves and slot canyons: Trails at Pinnacles Campground offer unique geological features. "The Pinnacles have some great hikes, there are bat caves to explore, lakes and slot canyons. We really enjoyed hiking thru caves and tight places. Super fun for adventurous kids."

River swimming and tubing: At Arroyo Seco, 18 miles southwest of Soledad, the river provides natural swimming holes. "My family comes here once a year for an awesome rafting trip down the Arroyo Secco River. The campground is clean well maintained and the sites are spacious. If you're looking for a fun adventure nestled in the Monterey County wineries look no further."

Beach exploration: Several coastal campgrounds offer beach access. "One of the few campgrounds in Big Sur with beach access. Very different than most campgrounds in the area. It sits right on the bluff with trees and tall grass. It's a beautiful campground."

Visit Monterey Aquarium: Laguna Seca Recreation Area serves as a convenient base for Monterey attractions. "Only a 20 min drive to Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Aquarium. Can't beat it for the price."

What campers like

Riverside camping sites: Big Sur Campground & Cabins offers sites directly adjacent to water. "Great campground, tucked into the trees. Nice quiet spot right on route 1. The campground has a river running right thru the middle, our campsite was just 10 ft from the river with tubing available for rent and rope swings into the water!"

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature abundant wildlife sightings. "We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!! My favorite part of our California trip was staying here!"

Dark sky stargazing: The remote location of coastal sites provides exceptional night views. "There's nothing that can compare to drifting off the sleep on the edge of the earth while gazing up at the milky-way, cut off from the rest of the world."

Swimming pools for hot days: Several campgrounds offer cooling options. "When it hit about 6pm the mosquitoes came out so just make sure you're equipped. Would love to come back. Also, went to visit Big Sur which is only a 2 hour drive, well worth the visit."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Soledad, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Soledad, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Soledad, CA and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Soledad, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Soledad, CA is Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park with a 4.1-star rating from 97 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Soledad, CA.