Laguna Seca Recreation Area
The Laguna Seca Recreation Area is the perfect place for campers to stay if they want to be close to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca!
This camping area offers RV parking and tent camping close to all the action at the racetrack. Its also very close to Monterey, which lies just a few kilometers away.
Facilities include clean bathrooms, showers, a playground for kids as well as campsites with fire pits, and some with electric hook ups. The water is non-potable though, so you will have to bring your own drinking water.
Why Youll Love Staying Here and Whats Close By
This camping in Monterey option is perfect for those who want to be close to the action. Youre minutes away from Monterey itself, and the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is nearby too. Despite being so close to Monterey, the prices are very affordable.
Cycling enthusiasts can also use the Laguna Seca Area as a starting point for many bike trails. Nearby is the Laguna Seca Rifle and Pistol Range for those who want to practice their aim.
Fees: From $30 per night
Address: 1021 Monterey Salinas Hwy, Salinas
Veteran’s Memorial Park Camping
Veteran’s Memorial is a safe and friendly park, with a ranger/caretaker who lives on the premises. Each of the 40 campsites provides plenty of elbow room, in addition to typical camping features such as picnic table, fire pit with grill and campfire ring. Shared water faucets and restrooms with hot showers are convenient to all sites. Families with kids enjoy camping near the central picnic area/playground, while others might prefer more secluded spots in the woods. Veteran’s Memorial allows two vehicles and eight people per campsite, and enforces a maximum stay of three consecutive days. On quiet evenings, just at sunset, campers hear the haunting tones of a trumpet at the nearby military complex playing “Taps.”
Alder Creek Dispersed Campingsequoia National Forest
Image from The Dyrt camper Raul P.
If you want to stay in Sequoia National Forest and arent interested in the OHV area, check out Alder Creek Dispersed Camping, a heavily-wooded campground with vault toilets and a creek nearby.
Campground usage is also light and operates on a first come, first served basis but bewareduring summer days when the heat rises, the area becomes dry and heavy fire restrictions are enforced. Check the USFS website before you go to assess your likelihood of marshmallow roasting.
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Free Camping In Big Sur
Want to save money on a campsite? Heres the secret to free camping in Big Sur. Several national parks allow visitors to camp for free along the forest service roads, provided you follow basic guidelines. Before you head out, check out some available service roads based on where you want to go. Once you arrive all thats left to do is pitch a tent.
In Big Sur, Los Padres National Forest stretches through the entire region and has countless great spots where you can pitch a tent. The southern part of the forest has some of the best camping in Big Sur, but some of the roads we most recommend are Los Burros Road, Plaskett Ridge Road, and Nacimiento-Ferguson Road. If youre visiting on the weekends or during busy season, its best to arrive in the early afternoon. You may have to drive a little while to find an open spot, but it will be worth it.
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Camping In Carmel And Carmel Valley
Carmel by the River RV Park is located off Carmel Valley Road about 7 miles from Monterey and 4.5 miles from Carmel. They have 30 RV spots and take reservations online. They can handle RVs up to 40 feet long, but they do not allow tent camping. They are pet-friendly and have hookups, showers, cable TV, and WiFi.
Saddle Mountain Ranch is in Carmel Valley, about 5 miles west of California Highway 1 and located on 89 acres of forest land. They can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet and have full hookups, showers, and a swimming pool. Pets are allowed with a fee. They recommend making reservations early because they fill up fast. They also have tent sites and cabins.
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Pinnacles National Park Campground
Located in the beautiful Pinnacles National Park, this campground offers the opportunity for campers to have access to the incredible hiking trails in the park.
The campground features restrooms, dumping facilities, a coin-operated shower, and even a pool thats open during the warmer months of the year. Its secluded and set in stunning surroundings, with lots of shade from ancient oak trees.
Why Youll Love Staying Here and Whats Close By
This campground gives you access to rock climbing routes, bird watching opportunities, and lots of hiking trails. There are also several caves in the park that can be explored, depending on the weather conditions and season.
The Pinnacles are stunning natural rock formations that are well worth visiting at least once in your life. So this Monterey camping option is perfect for nature enthusiasts looking for a real escape from city life.
Fees: From $23
Los Padres National Forest
Stretching along the Pacific Ocean in southern California is Los Padres National Forest. It has a range of different ecosystems, so you can spend time at the beach, climb a mountain, or fish along a river. There are also dozens of lookout spots that give you panoramic views of the forest.
There are four dispersed camping areas in the forest: Monterey, Mt. Pinos, Santa Barbara, and Santa Lucia. Dispersed camping is allowed in other areas, but acquiring a map is recommended since private land is scattered throughout.
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Pt Lobos And Monterey Bay
| The Pacific Ocean comes alive for students at this FIELDGUIDES coastal program. Stunning views, crashing surf, rich kelp beds, and marine mammals abound as we tour Pt. Lobos State Reserve. A visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium takes the students under the water’s surface to witness the myriad life forms of the bay’s tremendously diverse habitats. Camping at Toro County Park allows easy access to and from both Pt Lobos State Reserve and the Monterey Bay Aquarium by car in only ~30 minutes. The Park itself rests on an ancient sandstone seabed and provides many miles of open hills and canyons to explore on an educational day hike in small groups with the instructors. It is a truly spectacular place to begin studying ocean ecology. |
Monterey County Fairgrounds Rv Park
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Monterey County Fairgrounds RV Park is located in the center of the Monterey County Fairgrounds. Multiple events are held at these fairgrounds every year, and this RV park is close to downtown Monterey. Del Monte Beach is only a short distance away from Monterey County Fairgrounds RV Park.
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Whats The Best Time Of Year For Camping In Monterey
California has excellent weather all year round, and Monterey is no exception. Monterey offers many wonderful attractions throughout the year, but the best time to visit and camp may be in spring, between April and May. Springtime offers mild temperatures and fewer crowds and theres also food festivals to enjoy like Pebble Beach Food & Wine and the Artichoke Festival in Castroville.
Summertime in Monterey is the most popular time of year for people to come, visit and camp. However that means campgrounds fill up fast and can be very busy.
Fall is another great time of year to visit, but the likelihood of rain increases.
Winter has some chillier weather, but it is still a good time to visit. There are lower, out-of-season prices during winter, and the AT& T Pebble Beach Pro-Am event occurs in February, which is full of celebrities.
Dispersed Camping In Monterey
California has some incredible natural areas from beautiful beaches to wildlife-filled forests. If you find joy in camping without bounds, then there are many options for dispersed or remote camping in Monterey.
Public land owned by The Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service can be camped on outside of a developed campsite.
Legally in Bureau of Land Management Areas you can camp for two weeks at a time within a 30 mile radius during a 28-day period. What that means, is that you may camp within a 30 mile radius for two weeks, either all in one block, or spread out across a 28-day period. This is perfect for hikers who will move camp a few miles at a time.
The regulations are slightly different in California state forests. You may camp at one site for a maximum of 14 days, and you may stay in each district for up to 21 days before having to vacate.
Ranger stations will also offer in-depth information on dispersed camping sites in the Monterey area.
Weve outlined the rules around dispersed camping in California in a previous article, and explain the free camping sites you can use. You can read that
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Best Campsites In Monterey County
Anyone who has camped in Monterey County knows that every campsite in the region is enviable in one way or another. But there’s a few specific campsites in the county that those in the know try to book over and over again.
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Sunset Magazine named the two sites at as one of the “best spots to pitch a tent on the coast.” Bob Cole of California State Parks says these sites are “the best camping on the Big Sur coast, if not the best on the California coast.” The two unimproved sites are perched above McWay Falls, and have breathtaking views. They are both tent-only sites, and campers must hike a half mile with their gear and supplies to get to their spot. Plan ahead if you want these sites they are usually booked six months out.
Plaskett Creek Campground, south Big Sur, site 33
Plaskett Creek Campground is the sibling to Kirk Creek. It’s located on the east side of Highway One, 5.5 miles south of Kirk Creek and directly across from Sand Dollar Beach and Jade Cove. The Monterey pines between the campground and the road provide a nice air of seclusion, great shade and a windbreak for the blowing ocean breeze. All of the sites are beautiful, but site 33, near Plaskett Creek, is set the furthest back from the highway and offers the most privacy.
Limekiln State Park, Big Sur, site 1
Veteran’s Memorial Park, Monterey, site 35
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur, site 218
What People Are Saying About Saddle Mountain Ranch Rv And Campground
There are a lot of good reasons for choosing this location. Its quiet. The internet is good. Its got a pool. The grounds are really clean. One thing to consider when booking is that the spaces are really small. Only book if you are an expert at backing in. The road getting there is a one lane road with traffic going both directions. Daniel, Google Review
Location
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Monterey County Fair Rv Park
The Monterey County Fair and Event Center is in the middle of the action in Monterey, and offers RV hook-ups for campers who want to be close to restaurants, shopping, and the beach!
The fairground holds events year-round, and so the park can get very busy at times. But this is a nice well-kept clean park. Facilities include laundry, shower rooms, bathrooms and wifi, and the campground is pet friendly too!
Why Youll Love Staying Here and Whats Close By
Campers staying here will be right in the center of town, close to the beach, and parked in a lovely spot.
Del Monte Beach is a short distance from this campground too, and the Monterey Bike Path also runs close by.
Fees: $70 per night
Top 10 Campgrounds And Rv Parksmonterey Bay California
Monterey Bay is a body of water in Central California. Some of the towns that surround Monterey Bay include Salinas, Santa Cruz, and Monterey, and most of the RV parks in Monterey Bay are open all year-round. Since this area is centrally located within California, RV campgrounds in Monterey Bay, CA serve as excellent starting points for RV adventures throughout California.
While the weather in this region is somewhat variable, guests at RV parks in the Monterey Bay, CA area can expect to enjoy sunny days and moderate temperatures throughout the year. These RV parking locations are close to popular attractions, like Monterey Bay Aquarium and Moss Landing State Wildlife Area. Whether you own a camper or youre renting an RV, any one of these 10 campgrounds in Monterey Bay, CA would serve as a great place to stay for as long as you like.
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What People Are Saying About Monterey County Fairgrounds Rv Park
Nice park like location. Has onsite camping/RV facilities. A smaller venue for a fairgrounds. If a large event is occurring, parking can be challenging. Also, there is a satellite racing here. Eileen, Google Review
Location
Learn more on the locationswebsite!
Amenities
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: $55/$310/Not offered # of RV Sites: 27 Full Hookups: Yes 30/50 Amp: Both Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Back-in only Pool/Hot tub: No Showers: Yes Pets Allowed: Yes Cell Reception: Strong signal Military discount Senior discount
Camping In Or Near Monterey
I am going on a camping trip exploring the California coast and need some suggestions on where to camp near Monterey.
We are spening 2-3 days there and then heading to Santa Barbara after.
Is Monterey a good place to stay in that Central Coast California region? and where would be a good place to camp? we love beaches.
Monterey itself is not good for camping, but theres is plenty nearby. there are several state beaches with camping around Monterey Bay, New Brighton and Sunset for starters. There are beaches at these locations.
South of Monterey theres lots of camping in the Big Sur region. Andrew Molera State Park has a walk-in campground, that is now limited to 24 groups, first come first served, so youd have to get there early. There is a beach there, probably the longest in the area, its about a two mile walk from the campground.
There are several other campgrounds south of there, the largest at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, 5 miles south of Andrew Moleraits inland a bit so no beach. I would suggest spending a night at two or three different places, as you move south through Big Sur, that will allow you to see more and not rush through the area.
Marina is only a few minutes drive from Monterey. Its like driving from a hotel downtown in Vancouver to the shopping district timewise. Also, the campsite is right off the main highway, so its easy to get from place to place.
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General Policies & Information
- Check-in: 1 p.m.
- Check-out: 11 a.m.
- Upon check-in you may be asked to provide a valid ID, and a certificate of insurance and registration for your camper. Members should also have their membership card on hand.
- Guests aged 12 years and under at the time of check-in are considered children.
- A completed Reservations for Minors form is required for all unaccompanied minors. Download the PDF form here: .
After Hours Check-in
- If your plans change and you need to arrive outside of normal business hours, please contact the resort during business hours to make arrangements or refer to your confirmed reservation information.
Pet Policy
- Pets are allowed.
Reservation & Payment Policies
- Your credit card will be charged Itinerary Total prior to arrival, up to a maximum deposit of one night rack rate. Any remaining balance is due prior to arrival.
- Prices and site type are subject to availability.
- The rates displayed do not include any applicable service fees or charges for optional incidentals.
Cancellation & Refund Policies
Moss Landing Koa Express
Moss Landing is another KOA campground in Monterey. The best feature of the small town of Moss Landing is the estuary that surrounds it. That makes this town and campground popular for those who love antiquing, surfing, and exploring the nature of Monterey Bay.
This KOA park is also situated on the beach and is a perfect getaway for families. The facilities are basic, but theres wifi, restrooms, fire pits, electric hookups and the campground itself is very clean.
Pets are allowed, and theres also a strong cellphone signal, which makes it perfect for remote workers who are RV living.
One downside is because its situated right on the water, the KOA does its best to really squueze RVs in. So it can feel cramped.
Why Youll Love Staying Here and Whats Close By
Youll love this place for the friendly atmosphere, great staff but most importantly the wildlife spotting opportunities!
The Moss Landing State Wildlife Area sits close by, and offers an excellent spot to explore the natural wildlife.
The Elkhorn Slough runs through the Wildlife Area and exits at the estuary, offering a wide array of beautiful scenery and wildlife to enjoy. This is a good kayaking area too, and if youre on the water you can look out for dolphins, seals, and even whales!
Fees: From $80 per night
Address: 7905 Sandholdt Rd, Moss Landing, CA 95039
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Monterey Peninsula’s Premier Rv Beach Resort
Situated in beautiful Marina, CA, and adjacent to the Marina Dunes Preserve, we are accessible directly from Route 1. This provides you with direct access to Fort Ord Dunes State Park you can enjoy a nearby hiking trail or a walk on Marina State Beach. Shopping and dining are close by, but the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Big Sur, Carmel by the Sea, and other points in Monterey County are easily accessible.
The famous wineries of the Carmel Valley are just 23 miles away, while Big Sur is 31 miles and Santa Cruz, CA and its bustling downtown, boardwalk, and wharf are 32 miles from us.