Best Campgrounds near Watsonville, CA

Looking for the best campgrounds near Watsonville, CA? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Watsonville. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Watsonville, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Watsonville, California (124)

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Recent Reviews near Watsonville, CA

951 Reviews of 124 Watsonville Campgrounds



Guide to Watsonville

Camping near Watsonville, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground. One visitor said, "Great location to base out of when exploring the central coast."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Pinnacles Campground, you can spot various wildlife. One camper noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded."
  • Star Gazing: The dark skies at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground make it perfect for star gazing. A reviewer mentioned, "Great views. Very dark at night which is great for star gazing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Mount Madonna County Park. One visitor said, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at New Brighton State Beach Campground mentioned, "Spot 64 was humongous and extremely private."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground are great for families. One reviewer noted, "Showers, restrooms, tables, and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure."

What you should know:

  • Limited Reservations: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor at California Sunset State Beach advised, "Not sure why the reserve California site says every SP or SB on the coast has 0 sites for the foreseeable future, but we decided to take our chances."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife interactions. One camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park shared, "This year we had two new types of visitors... a couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground."
  • Weather Variability: The weather can change quickly, especially in coastal areas. A camper at Big Sur Campground & Cabins mentioned, "It rained the first day we were there, and campsites stayed pretty well drained."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for larger, private sites like those at New Brighton State Beach Campground. A family shared, "Spot 64 was humongous and extremely private."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. One camper at Pinnacles Campground said, "Really enjoyed cooking in the evenings outside and settling in."
  • Check Amenities: Ensure the campground has family-friendly amenities. A visitor at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground noted, "Showers are SO GOOD."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: Campgrounds like Mount Madonna County Park are big rig friendly. One RVer mentioned, "Registration online was really easy as was the check-in process."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A visitor at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground noted, "A bit too expensive for what you get, but a nice location."
  • Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, arrive early. A camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground advised, "You have to look at photos online and the dimensions of the site and hope it works out."

Camping around Watsonville is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Watsonville, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Watsonville, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 124 campgrounds and RV parks near Watsonville, CA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Watsonville, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Watsonville, CA is New Brighton State Beach Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 42 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Watsonville, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Watsonville, CA.

  • What parks are near Watsonville, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Watsonville, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.