Campgrounds near Soledad, California range from lakeside properties to secluded inland parks within the region's oak-studded hills and valleys. The area typically experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures reaching 90-100°F and mild winters with occasional rainfall. Many campgrounds operate year-round but spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping conditions when daytime temperatures moderate between 65-80°F.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Thousand Trails San Benito provides access to riding areas where visitors can spot local wildlife. "We just visited this campground with some friends. There is a lot of wildlife here to see. Deer wandered through camp at all times of the day. You can see wild boar passing along the hillsides. We also saw a couple of foxes one evening on the perimeter," notes Butch C.
Hiking at Pinnacles National Park: Located near several horse campgrounds near Soledad, California, this national park offers unique hiking opportunities. "Pinnacles NP has lots of great hikes, bird watching is a thing out here and home to the California Condors," shares Tyler V.
Fishing from shore: At Lake San Antonio - North Shore, anglers find productive spots along the shoreline. "Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk," reports Jack J., who found success during specific times of day.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park offers abundant wildlife encounters. "Beautiful view of the preserve with wild pigs off in the brush and the call of turkeys in the a.m. a nice refresh from the city," shares Marco B. Bird watchers particularly enjoy the morning hours when activity peaks.
Boat access camping: Several sites at Lake San Antonio allow campers to anchor boats directly at their campsite. "Launched the boat and anchored it to shore. Literally had the place to ourselves," explains Jack J., highlighting the convenience for water recreation enthusiasts.
Relative seclusion: Some campgrounds near Soledad offer more private sites. "We stayed towards the back site 353 I believe and had no others around us," notes Alberto C. about San Benito RV and Camping Resort, appreciating the privacy.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Lake levels fluctuate significantly with drought conditions. "During the drought the water level has dropped significantly as well as the quality of the water. Some years the lake is almost dry," warns Chip K. about Lake San Antonio.
Wild pig activity: Several campgrounds report wild pigs visiting at night. "There are food lockers since wild pigs come out at night. Be sure to lock all food up! They will roam through the camp ground all through the night if anyone has left any food out," cautions Quyen W.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. "Cell service here wasn't good either," Jennifer D. notes about San Benito. At Coyote Lake, Alex M. reports: "Intermittent signal with ATT."
Tips for camping with families
Explore the clubhouse amenities: Some campgrounds offer indoor activities for children. "They had a tv, games and arts for the kids in the clubhouse. The pool was closed for the winter but I can't wait to visit again," mentions Bonnie O.
Visit the aquarium: Salinas-Monterey KOA provides a convenient base for exploring regional attractions. "They have stellar camping grounds on the beach and awesome tourist destinations to visit while you're in town, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium (which I visit at least once a year)," suggests Erin G.
Look for heated pools: Swimming options extend the camping season. "Warm pool!!! Lots of road noise," notes Betsi B., highlighting that the KOA maintains a heated pool even with the highway proximity.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electrical and water connections vary between campgrounds. "Campsites are along the beautiful Coyote lake. The lakeside sites are mostly shaded as are the sites along the road. Sites 43, 44 and 45 would be the most secluded," advises Kate L.
Site width considerations: Some RV parks have tight spacing. "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," warns Korey Y. about Salinas-Monterey KOA.
Level sites: Most equestrian campgrounds near Soledad offer relatively flat parking. "It is a very large park and the space between spots wasn't bad," notes Jennifer D., though she points out maintenance issues at some facilities.
