RV campgrounds near Watsonville, California range from coastal locations to woodland settings in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Most camping options sit between 50 and 2,500 feet elevation, with moderate temperatures year-round. Summer nights remain cool even when inland temperatures rise, particularly at the redwood parks north of Watsonville where overnight temperatures can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Hiking redwood trails: Campers staying at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort can access nearby natural areas. "There is a little trail that goes down to the River where you can find a neat little beach. It's a goofy little descent/climb to get there and out but worth it," notes one visitor. Many trails connect directly from campgrounds to larger park systems.
Steam train excursions: Several campgrounds provide access to historic railroad attractions. While staying at Smithwoods RV Park, campers can hear "the train whistle in the daytime coming from Roaring Camp Railroad." One reviewer mentioned, "It was a short nice hike to the state park and the train through the redwoods. Fun experience on a real steam locomotive."
Beach access: Marina Dunes RV Park provides proximity to less-crowded beaches. "About a 5 min trek through sand and dunes and you'll find yourself at a beach not many people frequent. On Friday we were the only ones for as far as I could see. No exaggeration," shares one camper who enjoyed the relative seclusion compared to busier Santa Cruz beaches.
What campers like
Shaded sites: The redwood canopy provides natural cooling in summer. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, "Plenty of trees for shade, there's a pool, hiking trails, a little river. So beautiful and peaceful here." Another camper noted the "Big Trees Everywhere!" atmosphere creates a distinct camping experience compared to more exposed RV parks.
Pool amenities: Several parks maintain heated pools for year-round swimming. At Smithwoods RV Park, visitors appreciate the "heated pool (90 degrees), clean shower and restroom, plus laundry room." Similarly, one Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park reviewer mentioned, "The pool is small, yet well-kept and we had it to ourselves every time we went each day."
Level sites: Finding relatively flat parking is important to many RVers. Carmel by the River RV Park received praise for site quality: "Very nice campground, new tiled bath rooms" and "The campground was very clean, and quiet!" Though some campers note prices are high, many feel the amenities justify the cost.
What you should know
Road access limitations: Many campgrounds have challenging approach roads. At Carmel by the River RV Park, "the road in is basically a one lane road. Pray you don't encounter oncoming traffic." Another reviewer warned, "Unless you're driving a sports car, definitely DO NOT drive on Lorales Grade! It's a narrow, windy, dark road with a 17% grade."
Connectivity issues: Cell service and WiFi can be unreliable in wooded areas. At Thousand Trails Morgan Hill, some sites have better connectivity than others. One visitor at Smithwoods RV Park noted, "Be ready for no cell or WiFi. We occasionally got 1 bar of cell service in our site if we stood in a certain spot."
Site spacing variations: Site dimensions and privacy differ significantly between parks. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, one reviewer observed, "Cozy tight quarters but just enough room for a picnic bench, fire pit and hanging out area." Another camper mentioned, "I recommends rating here in the off season because you will basically have the place to yourself which makes it pleasant."
Tips for camping with families
Recreational options: Parks with multiple activities work best for families. At Santa Cruz Ranch Campground, "the sites are on top of each other. Maybe 50% + have set up home for the long haul, growing plants, collecting stuff." A different visitor noted, "Scotts Valley is lovely in summer, no high heat like the valley. Very nice campground, new tiled bath rooms. Not quiet though, lots of kids."
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Several parks have safe areas for children to ride. At Smithwoods RV Park, "Kids could ride bikes freely" and the campground is "mostly flat and surrounded with Redwoods. Shady and sunny locations; larger and small RV spots."
Tent camping limitations: Options for tent campers are restricted at some RV parks. At Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort, one tent camper reported, "They had a small plot to the side of the rest of the rv slots with a little grass to pitch a tent. Not secluded at all from the hustle and bustle which to me is a major part of the allure for camping."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placements: Several parks have unusual utility configurations. At Marina Dunes RV Park, "The location of the electrical/water is awkward" according to a recent visitor. Similarly, at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require adjustments for level parking. At Thousand Trails Morgan Hill, "Sites are not level" according to one recent visitor. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most campgrounds in the area.
Shower and bathroom quality: Facilities vary widely between parks. Cotillion Gardens RV Park has "bathrooms are a little dated" while at Carmel by the River RV Park, "The place is very clean and well kept. Close enough to Carmel, Monterey, ocean and parks yet quiet and secluded."
