Best Tent Camping 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 Tent Sites Near Watsonville, California (20)

    1. Manresa State Beach Campground

    8 Reviews
    Freedom, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 761-1795

    $35 / night

    "The drive in was a little confusing. We got most of our turns right the first time around and still spent a while circling trying to tell if we were where we were supposed to be."

    "The shower had hot water and the restrooms were cleaned each morning. I loved that the beach was easily accessible for my morning walk. The many flowers were also lovely to wake up to."

    2. Uvas Canyon County Park

    9 Reviews
    New Almaden, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 779-9232

    $34 / night

    "There's 25 campsites; each with a food locker, fire ring, a picnic table, and parking space for 2 sedan sized vehicles or 1 RV. 8 people max per site."

    "We camp in a roof top tent and wish we had been more selective on our site, as parking space and the incline at each site are different."

    3. Seacliff State Beach

    6 Reviews
    Aptos, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 685-6442

    "Full hookups in one area and dry camping in overflow area. All camping spots are adjacent to the 'boardwalk' beach path and the beach. Yes, your rig is within 20' of the beach at all campsites."

    4. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    63 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $75 / night

    "With a stream running near the hike and bike camping area and tall trees offering a cool shade it is a wonderful reprieve from the outside world.  "

    "Weather was perfect (did not need a rain fly on the first night!), trails were well kept, and camping sites at both Sykes Hot Springs and Ventana were in great conditions."

    5. Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    8 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-2952

    $8 / night

    "I liked the trees, picnic tables, and fire rings at the sites. The sites were spaced nicely to allow for privacy. Frog Flat seemed a bit more secluded than the main camp."

    "This is sweet hike in trail camp.  We have used it for two purposes. "

    6. Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    18 Reviews
    Pescadero, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-2040

    $35 / night

    "It is a smaller park than many of the other redwoods parks in Northern California, so it was very nice and peaceful. Butano is a bit off the beaten path to get to, but so worth it."

    "The campsite has car camping and walk-in sites. I had sites 5 and 6. The map for the campground is deceiving as they looked close together and connected but they were separate."

    7. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4 Reviews
    Mount Hamilton, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 274-6121

    $15 - $400 / night

    "Lotsa shaded oak spaces. Good trails."

    "Hamilton and a lake up the road a way, there’s also a mansion & rose garden on the property, shower & bathroom are clean, there are nights to gather and stargaze.The tent spaces are sizable &amp"

    8. Joseph D. Grant County Park

    2 Reviews
    Mount Hamilton, CA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 274-6121

    "They also sell ice which was nice to grab for the cooler. Nice stay, saw a lot of bunnies and a bobcat on the way out."

    "The bathrooms were a short walk down hill. They were clean with flushing toilets. There camp ground was quiet and it was mostly couples or small family groups."

    9. Ventana Campground

    23 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2331

    $85 - $105 / night

    "We found it to be clean, in good repair, and the hosts were very warm and welcoming."

    "Great location for easy access to the state parks. Pricey but we fortunately didn’t have any neighbors (site 29)."

    10. Andrew Molera State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $50 / night

    "Easy walk from the parking area with intermittent views of the river. A few stairs but mostly flat. The river along the camp site was dry due to the time of year."

    "Big Sur is one of my favorite CA stops and this campsite is a perfect place to pitch your tent and enjoy the scenery."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Watsonville, CA

774 Reviews of 20 Watsonville Campgrounds



Guide to Watsonville

Tent camping near Watsonville, California, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors. With well-maintained facilities and access to beautiful trails, these campgrounds are perfect for a weekend getaway.

Some prices for tent camping range from $34 to $50

Tent campers should check out Uvas Canyon County Park

  • The Uvas Canyon County Park features well-maintained campsites and access to scenic trails with mini-waterfalls, making it a favorite among families.
  • At Castle Rock Trail Camp, campers can enjoy a hike-in experience with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for a rustic getaway.
  • Joseph D. Grant County Park offers spacious tent sites with clean facilities and beautiful views of Mt. Hamilton, ideal for those seeking tranquility.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Hiking enthusiasts will love the trails at Little Basin Cabins and Campground, which range from easy to challenging, providing stunning views of the redwoods.
  • The Manresa State Beach Campground is just a short walk from the beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying picturesque sunsets.
  • For a unique experience, visit Castle Rock Trail Camp where you can hike scenic trails and enjoy the beauty of the Santa Cruz mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Watsonville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Watsonville, CA is Manresa State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Watsonville, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Watsonville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.