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Established Camping

Sunset State Beach Campground

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There are 6 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Modification Policy :  If you need to change your arrival/departure date and/or site, you must call ReserveCalifornia at 1-800-444-7275 or log into ReserveCalifornia.com by 6 p.m. the day before arrival. Visitors will be charged a modification fee per reserved campsite for change in dates, sites, parks, extending or shortening stay requests. Two modifications may be made to an existing reservation.  The park does not handle modifications to reservations.

 

Thank you for your patience as we finalize the 2026 inventory. Please continue to check back. We will be releasing the inventory as soon as it becomes available.

Due to maintenance work on the restroom facility in the South Camp Campground, no reservations will be accepted from November 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026.  Pines Hollow and Dunes Campground will be open during this time.

 

 

Due to inclement weather during the Fall/Winter season, this park may infrequently have to close and park visitors be relocated.  If this is the case, campers will have the option to receive a full refund from the day of evacuation or be relocated to another park in the Santa Cruz District based upon availability.  Thank you for your understanding.

 

The following campgrounds of the Santa Cruz District are collectively restricted to an occupancy limit of 30 days by the same person(s), equipment or vehicles in any calendar year: [CCR 4455(a)]

Big Basin Redwoods State Park (Including Little Basin sub-unit)

Butano State Park

Castle Rock State Park

Half Moon Bay State Beach

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Manresa State Beach

New Brighton State Beach

Portola Redwoods State Park

Seacliff State Beach

Sunset State Beach

 

One vehicle is included in the camping fee. Additional funds may be collected on site for up to 2 additional vehicles at a nightly rate. (This does not apply to tow-in cars or trailer)

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Sunset State Beach Campground is located near Watsonville, California, featuring coastal terrain with sandy beaches and dunes. The area experiences temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F, depending on the season. Nearby attractions include the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, offering opportunities for exploration and recreation.

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Location

Sunset State Beach Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Address

201 Sunset Beach Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076

Coordinates

36.8848514805999 N
121.827403446999 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Last on 3/2/25
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Sunol

Sunol

1 hr 17 min away

Turner Cut Resort

Turner Cut Resort

2 hrs 9 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Last on 3/2/25
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Contact

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2025

Nice campground

It was my first time beach camping so i didnt know what to expect. Was a bit breezier than im use to with the mountains. Not a lot of trees around. It is nice not dealing with a lot of bugs since youre by the beach and all. The bathrooms and showers were well maintained.

Site56
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2025

Not the Best Fit for RV Campers

We’ve camped all along the coast and had high hopes for this spot, but it didn’t quite meet expectations. The sites feel very close together and are a bit awkwardly arranged, making it a tight fit—especially for anything larger than a small camper. We're in a 22’ van/motorhome crossover and were fortunate to find a level spot, though most sites we saw were not level. The beach trails could use some maintenance as they’re currently in rough shape. This campground might be a better option for tent campers, but for RVs, it’s not ideal.

Site53
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sunset State Beach Campground by jay B., August 25, 2025
  • Review photo of Sunset State Beach Campground by jay B., August 25, 2025
  • Review photo of Sunset State Beach Campground by jay B., August 25, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 24, 2025

Nice

This is a nice enough campground if you need a place to stay, but it's not our first choice for when we need something in this area. The sites are sort of awkwardly spaced and placed, and it's hit or miss if you get something level or private.  I think for tents this is a better campground, but for us in an RV it wasn't the greatest. But overall, still very nice, and it's a nice walk to the beach. Dogs are allowed on the beach.

We didn't have good cell reception (we did have some) in the campground, but on the beach the reception was great.  Showers were $0.25/min and they take quarters.  No dump station on site, and no hookups.

We took the "trail" to the beach one time, overgrown and grassy, and were all covered in ticks afterwards. Stick to the paved roads if you're walking to the beach, unless they mow or clean up the trail.  There's also a group camping area here.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Sunset State Beach Campground by Laura M., April 24, 2025
  • Review photo of Sunset State Beach Campground by Laura M., April 24, 2025
  • Review photo of Sunset State Beach Campground by Laura M., April 24, 2025
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Mar. 2, 2025

First timer

Clean restrooms. Great site (26) with room between others. Friendly staff and hosts. Quick walk to scenic ocean views. Amazing sunsets! Great experience all around.

Site26
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Sunset State Beach Campground by Matt S., March 2, 2025
  • Review photo of Sunset State Beach Campground by Matt S., March 2, 2025
  • Review photo of Sunset State Beach Campground by Matt S., March 2, 2025
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jan. 29, 2025

Love it!

It’s so peaceful and beautiful here! I will say, there is practically no service. which personally i enjoy because you get to be away from the world for a couple of days. the walk to the beach from the site i was in was also sort of a trek, it is definitely very different for anyone who is not in good shape, but once you get over the hill, the reward is so worth it!

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sunset State Beach Campground by Jayden J., January 29, 2025
  • Review photo of Sunset State Beach Campground by Jayden J., January 29, 2025
  • Review photo of Sunset State Beach Campground by Jayden J., January 29, 2025
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2024

Close to beach

My husband and I love to stay here because of the nice walk to the beach. Restrooms and shower are dated , but clean.

Site33 ADA
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2024

Quiet nice views

Campground is quiet except those who run their generators all day and play the radio loud. It is spread out. (But still close, you do see your neighbors.) The camp ground is between fields and the ocean. Site 25 has amazing views but also can be breezy. Or windy. Old but clean bathrooms with coin showers. Water close to sites.

Site#20
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Sunset State Beach Campground by Elizabeth S., September 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Sunset State Beach Campground by Elizabeth S., September 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Sunset State Beach Campground by Elizabeth S., September 30, 2024
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Sunset State Beach Campground?

Sunset State Beach Campground offers clean restrooms and coin-operated showers. The campsites are arranged with varying degrees of privacy, and some sites (like #25 and #26) provide ocean views. The campground has limited cell service, which can be a positive for those seeking to disconnect. While amenities are basic and the facilities are somewhat dated, they are well-maintained. Some sites have enough space for RVs, though size accommodation varies across the campground.

What do visitors say about Sunset State Beach Campground?

Visitors appreciate Sunset State Beach Campground for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful ocean views, especially the spectacular sunsets. Many enjoy the proximity to the beach, though the walk can be somewhat lengthy from certain sites. The campground receives mixed reviews regarding site spacing and layout, with some finding the arrangement awkward, particularly for larger RVs. The restrooms and showers, while older, are consistently described as clean and well-maintained. The lack of cell service is mentioned as a feature that enhances the disconnected camping experience.

Where is Sunset State Beach Campground located?

Sunset State Beach Campground is located near Watsonville, California. The campground is situated between agricultural fields and the Pacific Ocean, providing a unique coastal camping experience. Its position offers beautiful ocean views and beach access via walking paths. The somewhat secluded location contributes to the peaceful atmosphere that many campers appreciate, while still being accessible from nearby communities.

How do I make reservations at Sunset State Beach Campground?

Reservations for Sunset State Beach Campground can be made through the California State Parks reservation system, ReserveCalifornia. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays when availability is limited. The reservation window typically opens six months ahead of your planned stay. When making reservations, consider requesting specific sites like #25 or #26 if you want ocean views, though be prepared for breezier conditions. For the most current reservation policies and fees, check the California State Parks website or call their reservation line.

Can I camp directly on the beach at Sunset State Beach?

No, you cannot camp directly on the beach at Sunset State Beach. The designated campground is set back from the shore, with campsites located in a separate area. Access to the beach requires a walk from the campground, which some campers note can be quite a trek depending on which site you're assigned. The separation from the beach helps protect the coastal environment while still allowing visitors to enjoy ocean views and beach activities during their stay.