Camping options near Spreckels, California span from military facilities to state parks, with campground elevations ranging from sea level to over 2,000 feet. The region's mediterranean climate creates mild winters and fog-affected summers, especially in coastal locations. The temperature difference between inland sites like Pinnacles and coastal campgrounds can exceed 25 degrees during summer months.
What to do
Observatory stargazing: At Fremont Peak State Park, campers can view the night sky through powerful telescopes. "The huge draw is the observatory on the premises. Pick your visit to coincide with one of the stargazing or sun programs offered by the observatory volunteers. We were able to look through their massive telescope and see Jupiter," shares one visitor.
Kayaking with wildlife: The Elkhorn Slough near Moss Landing KOA Express offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "See Sea Otters and tons of birds. Great restaurants within walking distance," notes a camper. The area allows both self-guided kayaking and guided tours with experienced guides.
Track day viewing: Race enthusiasts can watch vehicles at Laguna Seca Recreation Area. "We love staying here for the views, of both the landscape and the race track. Even when there's not a big event here, there's often car clubs out on the track. For race fans, that's eye candy!" explains one visitor.
River relaxation: Many sites at Big Sur campgrounds provide direct river access. "We had an end space with a nice patch of grass. Small space to walk dogs. Campground is directly adjacent to the parking lot and marina from which multiple boats sail for whale watching trips," reports a camper who stayed near the water.
What campers like
Unique camping landscapes: The varied terrain creates distinctive camping environments. At Saddle Mountain Ranch, "The fog rolls in just barely touching the campground on most evenings. The vibe is relaxed, from the large pool with twinkle lights in the trees above, to the clean restrooms and friendly staff."
Marine wildlife sightings: Coastal campgrounds offer rich wildlife viewing. "We stayed here for a week due to its proximity to the beach and Monterey/Santa Cruz. This park is very well cared for, and management responsive. Beach is super close and sea life plentiful. Surfing beaches very nearby," notes a visitor to Moss Landing.
Pool access during hot months: Several campgrounds maintain swimming pools. At Saddle Mountain Ranch, a visitor noted the "Huge pool is heated May to October. Small sauna next to pool currently closed but looks fairly new." Similarly, Pinnacles Campground offers a swimming pool that "will be full of kids but feels really refreshing after a hot hike."
Military-only facilities: Service members have exclusive options. "This RV Park is the best kept secret vacation spot on the Monterey Peninsula. This is the most beautiful and comfortable RV park of all other RV parks in a 50 mile radius, only you'll need a valid military or veteran ID to stay," writes a visitor to Monterey Pines RV Park.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some locations. At Marina Dunes RV Park, "It's a good half mile to the water. Staff was fantastic, the RV slots were level and with full hookups, it was just a little too far from ocean activities and too close to HWY 101." Race track noise also impacts Laguna Seca: "Ok, I knew it was a racetrack when I made the reservation, but hours of loud cars kinda wears on you after a while. They ran from 9-4 both days we were there."
First-come sites: Some campgrounds don't accept reservations. At Veteran's Memorial Park Campground, "This first come first serve campground is amazing! It's only $35 a night with one extra vehicle costing only $9 more. RVs are limited to 25' and smaller and They don't have any hookups but a pump out and potable water fill station is available."
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons present challenges at several campgrounds. "Raccoons everywhere. Seriously leave your car locked, these little buggers were not afraid of humans. Otherwise, good showers, clean bathrooms, private sites, very convenient location to trails," warns a Pinnacles Campground visitor.
Limited water: Not all campgrounds provide potable water. At Laguna Seca, "No potable water. They mention this several times on their website but still people miss it. Bring your own water." Make sure to check water availability when planning your trip.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Several parks offer activities for children. "Lots of activities for younger kids. Convenient location, lots of amenities. Cabin was super nice to stay in after a week of car camping! Kitchenette, bathroom, hot water. Perfect," shares a visitor to Saddle Mountain Ranch.
Swimming options: Pools provide relief from summer heat. "We usually do an early morning hike and then spend the afternoon cooling off at the pool," advises a Pinnacles visitor. The swimming area helps manage the inland heat, which regularly exceeds 90°F in summer.
Playground access: Some campgrounds maintain play equipment. "Nice bathrooms and showers. A pretty decent playground. My daughter spent most of her time here," notes a visitor to Laguna Seca Recreation Area. Veteran's Memorial Park also features "a large grass area available to anyone to use, along with a playground."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy spotting local animals. "We saw deer on the field every night," reports a Veteran's Memorial Park camper. Similarly, Fremont Peak visitors mentioned, "Saw quite a few turkeys. Nice small hike up to the top from the campground."
Tips from RVers
Tight access roads: Several campgrounds have challenging approaches. For Carmel by the River RV Park, "Note that the road in is basically a one lane road. Pray you don't encounter oncoming traffic." Similarly, Saddle Mountain Ranch warns, "First off the road coming to the campground is very steep, could be challenging for some rigs."
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven sites at certain campgrounds. Military users of Monterey Pines RV Park note, "Sites need renovation and they claim it is coming. Their answer to uneven sites is to give you pieces of wood to try and level. Good luck, I saw some raised up 2-3 feet."
Size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "RVs are limited to 25' and smaller" at Veteran's Memorial Park, while Moss Landing KOA has "Easy in and out, but tight turns if you have a big rig. Our 30' class C had no troubles and there were a lot of much larger trailers and class A's so maybe tight but definitely doable."
Hookup placements: Utility connections aren't always conveniently located. "The gravel was coming apart and the table and fire ring could use a bit of cleaning," notes a Laguna Seca camper, while at Marina Dunes, "for some strange reason they are at front of site."
