J
Jim D.
Scout
ScoutYanks RV Resort
Quiet
Reserved a site July 3/4 to get away from big city fireworks. The well maintained park was a very refreshing get away. I will return.
Camping near Soledad, CA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 Soledad area campgrounds provide access to distinctive California terrain, from mountain vistas to valley views, making them popular destinations for campers looking to explore central California's natural beauty. 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 Campgrounds near Soledad (107)
1. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
"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."
from $44 - $164 / night
Check Availability2. Yanks RV Resort
"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
"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."
from $50 - $75 / night
Check Availability4. Arroyo Seco
"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."
from $35 - $154 / night
Check Availability5. Thousand Trails San Benito
"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
"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
"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."
from $30 - $34 / night
Check Availability8. Big Sur Campground & Cabins
"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"
from $80 - $699 / night
Check Availability9. Kirk Creek Campground
"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."
from $45 - $49 / night
Check Availability10. San Lorenzo Park
"A nice walking path, circles the campground and is well used in the mornings and evenings by locals running or walking dogs and babies."
"Bike/walking trail. Nice trees. Level spots with water and electric. Just off 101 but no highway noise."
from $50 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 20 min from Salinas, CA
- 56 min from Santa Cruz, CA
- 1 hr 5 min from San Jose, CA
- 2 hrs 5 min from Merced, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Soledad, CA
334 Photos of 107 Soledad Campgrounds
Teresa A.
Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
Darin D.
Arroyo Seco
Kristen S.
China Camp Campground
The Dyrt
Thousand Trails San Benito
Austin C.
Carmel River Backcountry Camp
Austin C.
Bluff Camp
Michael S.
Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Brittney L.
Valley View Campground — Fremont Peak State Park
Renee W.
Oak Point Campground — Fremont Peak State Park
Chanel C.
Memorial Campground - Los Padres National Forest
Minerva R.
Laguna Seca Recreation Area
Hayley K.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns Environmental Camping — Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Recent Reviews near Soledad, CA
1034 Reviews of 107 Soledad Campgrounds
Lee D.
LegendSanta Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
Many options for families
General: So many options, including full hookup back-in or pull-thru sites, sites with just w/e, pet sites, nine different types of cabins, and tent sites. Some sites are paved and some are gravel.
Bath/Shower: The one closest to our site had a women's and men's restroom, and the showers are individual units but shared for both genders. I expected a more upscale shower (it was ok but a little tight, skimpy on hooks and no bench).
Activities/Amenities: So many amenities including a pool and hot tub, playground, jump pad, climbing “palms”, rec center with bike rentals and concessions, and a train (I’ve probably missed a few). Laundry is available on site (operated via an app and your phone).
Although this is not our preferred type of camping, after five nights in California State parks with limited amenities, we stayed here for hot showers, laundry, and full hookups for van maintenance. This was a typical KOA in many ways, but one thing that was different was that we had to wear wristbands, and there was a gate to enter and leave. While it should have made us feel safe, I wondered why there were extra security features.
Chia-Chia W.
GuideVentana Campground
3.8/5 – Beautiful Redwood Camping Experience with a Few Important Caveats
We camped at Ventana Campground(Alila/Hyatt) in Big Sur and overall had a great experience. The redwood forest provides incredible shade, keeping the campsite cool even on warm days, and the atmosphere feels peaceful and magical. The entrance is beautifully designed, and there's even an Airstream serving pizza, drinks, and gelato. Our biggest surprise was that some sites are limited by tent size, not guest count, so double-check before booking. Be prepared for a steep walk to certain sites and bring a wagon only if your site allows it. Mosquitoes were intense before the campfire, so insect repellent is essential. Restrooms were decent but not spotless, and showers require paid tokens. Overall, it's a beautiful, well-managed campground that's perfect for a relaxing redwood camping experience.
Izzy M.ScoutFernwood Campground & Resort
Thankful!!
Large sites, plenty to do and explore. The creek runs right through the campground. The hubby and I decided to take a last minute road trip up north from the long beach area... No reservations just a tent and some personal necessities. All of the campsites in big sur were sold out and we came across Fernwood. To our surprise they had one spot available for us. The girl in the office, along with the maintenance folks were super friendly and helpful. Very family friendly ambiance. We will be returning but with reservation this time 🤭 and a larger group.
- MMike T.Guide
Laguna Seca Recreation Area
Unusual but works...
First time I've camped at a racetrack but it worked. Was car camping and had my choice of sites overlooking the valley by the entrance to the Fort Ord trail. Check in was friendly but their payment app on a mobile was a bit buggy. Small issue with the tent sites was flatness but I got there. Benches / fire pits/ decent shower facilities. It was late so I didn't get a chance to check out the store (if it had one). Glorious sunrise with the marine layer below in the valley.
Phillip S.ScoutBeach RV Pleasure Point
Very Convenient Spot
A very nice and well kept spot to park and enjoy Santa Cruz. You are close enough to walk to the beach and several restaurants. The sites are very close together. We were pleased on how clean and neat the area is kept. The temperatures were amazing for July.
Chris C.GuideVentana Campground
Nice, but Overpriced and Crowded
This is a resort campground. Nice bathrooms w/ showers, well kept campsites, a store in the campground, beautiful redwoods and staff rolling around in golf carts. For $80 you basically share a campsite with 2-3 other groups and park your car in tiny parking spaces. For spending that kind of money I was expecting to have some more space. The only place I’ve been so close to other people was upper pines in Yosemite.
I recommend this as a backup option for your camping in Big Sur. The price for what you get is not worth it and there is cheaper and much better camping around the area - just book far in advance!
Christina R.GuideVeteran's Memorial Park Campground
Nice spot
I pulled in at 5pm on a Friday and there were several spots open. I picked #6 by the park and it was wonderful. Super quiet at night. The grassy area was perfect for my dog.
The site is $50+10 for a RV or van. I had to leave and get more cash. $5 discount for veterans. You leave the cash in an envelope in a slot at the entrance. Very easy and straight forward.
As a single woman I felt safe. I slept well, it was quiet. Close to restrooms and showers which you can pay for.
- GGabriel A.
TravelerBig Sur Campground & Cabins
Raucous in the Redwoods
Beautiful campground located amongst the Redwoods and along the Big Sur River. Sounds quiet and tranquil. Nope! We came in July, park is incredibly alive with the sounds of children screaming and just having an amazing time. Don't come here for the quiet. If you have kids, this is the place. They will remember this place for the rest of their lives. We camped at Big Sur Campground& Cabins in a Travel Trailer.
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?
What camping is available near Soledad, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Soledad, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 107 campgrounds and RV parks near Soledad, CA and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Soledad, CA?
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 100 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Soledad, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Soledad, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Soledad, CA.
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