Top 10 Campgrounds and RV Parks Monterey 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 you’re 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.
Monterey County Fairgrounds RV Park
Image Source:
https://www.yelp.com/biz_phot...
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.
Why You’ll Love Monterey County Fairgrounds RV Park
If you’re in town for an event at the fairgrounds, Monterey County Fairgrounds RV Park is the best place to stay. This RV park is pretty small, but it’s close to all of the amenities of downtown Monterey. If you stay in the offseason, this RV park is practically deserted.
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
Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
Image Source:
https://www.yelp.com/biz_phot...
Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday is located just outside of the town of Port Watsonville. This RV park is relatively large and is located within walking distance of the beach. Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday features a camp store and other amenities.
Why You’ll Love Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
Why You’ll Love Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday The best thing about Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday is that it’s so close to the beach. KOA campgrounds are designed with families in mind, and Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday features multiple playgrounds. A fully-stocked camp store and a kitchen are also on-site.
What People Are Saying About Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
“One of my favorite campgrounds! Don’t have any complaints. I’ve stayed at more than 50 campgrounds, and this one is very well laid out (best layout I’ve ever seen) where the spots make circles around the playgrounds. (2 circles, 2 playgrounds). The fun train came by every day and the staff was so kind to go on another trip around if my kids missed the first train.” – Sarah, Google Review
Moss Landing KOA Express
Image Source:
https://www.yelp.com/biz_phot...
Moss Landing KOA Express is located in the small town of Moss Landing. This town surrounds an estuary, and there is a beautiful wildlife area to the north of this RV park. Moss Landing KOA Express is also located directly on the beach.
Why You’ll Love Moss Landing KOA Express
Moss Landing KOA Express is located in the small town of Moss Landing. This town surrounds an estuary, and there is a beautiful wildlife area to the north of this RV park. Moss Landing KOA Express is also located directly on the beach.
What People Are Saying About Moss Landing KOA Express
“A wonderful place to stay. It’s extremely well kept up. Close to several excellent restaurants to choose from within walking distance. Elkhorn slough is a wildlife wonderland, there is a 1.5 mile or so walking path along the slough complete with cotton tails darting across it. At the end, you can walk back to the beach.” – Sue, Google Review
Mari Dunes RV Park
Image Source:
https://www.yelp.com/biz_phot...
Mari Dunes RV Park is located slightly north of the town of Mari, CA. This RV park features beach access, and a Walmart is within walking distance. Mari Dunes RV Park is one of the smallest RV parks in the area so you won’t have to deal with a crowd when you stay here.
Why You’ll Love Mari Dunes RV Park
Mari Dunes RV Park is conveniently located right off Highway 1. Numerous amenities are within walking distance, and Mari State Beach is right down the road. This RV park is a great place to observe marine wildlife.
What People Are Saying About Mari Dunes RV Park
“We stayed for 3 weeks in March/April 2017. I can’t think of much I’d change except road noise from the freeway. Great location, walk to the beach, close to Monterey. We had friends over and used the pool table in the rec room. Laundry area clean and very convenient. Nice people running it. We’ll be back, baby!” – Suzzette, Google Review
Monterey Pines RV Campground
Image Source:
https://www.militarycampgroun...
This small campground is located within the town of Monterey. It’s only open to guests associated with the military, and it is open all year-round. Monterey Pines RV Campground is within walking distance of Del Monte Beach
Why You’ll Love Monterey Pines RV Campground
Since this is a military-only campground, there’s a good chance you’ll be surrounded by like-minded folks when you stay here. Monterey Pines RV Campground is situated within walking distance of many amenities. If you have guests coming to visit, you’ll be pleased to know that Monterey Regional Airport is right next door.
What People Are Saying About Monterey Pines RV Campground
“Really enjoyed staying here. The bathrooms are really clean (and heated!) and the RV spots are nice. The RV park is on the golf course and convenient to town. I rode my bike and walked to town daily. Great place to stay when visiting Monterey.” – Mike, Google Review
Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park
Image Source:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/H...
Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park is located in downtown Santa Cruz. It’s within walking distance of both Seabright State Beach and Twin Lakes State Beach. In addition, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is only about 2 miles away from this RV park.
Why You’ll Love Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park
Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park is located right in the middle of the action in Santa Cruz. However, this RV park is so small that it feels like a remote getaway. Ocean views abound, and you can see the Walton Lighthouse from Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park.
What People Are Saying About Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park
“Location, location, location. The view out the front of your RV is the marina! You can walk entirely around the huge marina and see many fascinating boats and people. The RV sites are just big angled parking spots. I have a 23’ trailer and it was possible to back it in. Any longer might be a problem. Full hookups are present, except cable TV. This place is well worth a stay.” – Mathew, Google Review
Carmel By the River RV Park
Image Source:
https://www.yelp.com/biz_phot...
Carmel By the River RV Park is located southeast of Monterey near Hacienda Carmel. This RV park is relatively small, and it’s surrounded by lush greenery. It’s about five miles away from Garland Ranch Regional Park and about 10 miles from Monterey.
Why You’ll Love Carmel By the River RV Park
This RV park is located right on the Carmel River, which makes fishing easy. Swimming in the river is also enjoyable during the summer months. Even though Carmel By the River RV Park feels like it’s set deep in nature, it’s actually quite close to Monterey.
What People Are Saying About Carmel By the River RV Park
“The setting is beautiful, nestled up in the hills. Very green and lush with flowers and talk shrubs for privacy between sites. Owner and I assume his family (or staff?) are all very friendly. They offer a decent cash discount so bring money if you want to save the extra cash.” – Greg, Google Review
Salinas / Monterey KOA
Image Source:
https://www.yelp.com/biz_phot...
Salinas / Monterey KOA is located equidistant between the towns of Salinas and Moss Landing. It’s a relatively small RV park, but it features a large clubhouse. At the clubhouse, you can do laundry, cook in the kitchen, and stock up on supplies at the store.
Why You’ll Love Salinas / Monterey KOA
Salinas / Monterey KOA is located right off Highway 101, and Manzanita County Park is within walking distance. While this RV park feels quiet and remote, the town of Salinas is only about nine miles away. The sunsets in this area are beautiful, and the heated pool is open all year-round.
What People Are Saying About Salinas / Monterey KOA
“Loved this place, stayed there for work a little over 40 days cabins are nice beds are extremely comfy, and customer service is amazing one of the nicest ladies u will ever encounter, LACE is amazing, professional and extremely nice !” – Josue, Google Review
Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV and Campground
Image Source:
https://www.yelp.com/biz_phot...
Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV and Campground is situated to the east of the small town of Quail Meadows. This RV park is one of the most remote campgrounds in the region; it’s located in the middle of a thick and beautiful forest. Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV and Campground covers over 89 acres of woodland, and this RV park caters to large groups.
Why You’ll Love Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV and Campground
If you’re looking for somewhere in the middle of nowhere to forget all of your worries, Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV and Campground is the place for you. While this RV park isn’t very big, it’s surrounded by a soundproof wall of trees that maintains pure peace and quiet. Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV and Campground is especially beautiful in the summer, but it is open all year-round.
What People Are Saying About Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV and Campground
“There are a lot of good reasons for choosing this location. It’s 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
Thousand Trails San Benito
Image Source:
https://www.yelp.com/biz_phot...
San Benito RV & Camping Resort is located in the mountains to the west of Salinas. This RV park is operated by Thousand Trails, and it’s open all year-round. It’s near the town of Paicines, and there are plenty of nature trails in the area.
Why You’ll Love Thousand Trails San Benito
The views from this campground are absolutely stunning. If you stay in the summer, you’ll enjoy the shade provided by this RV park’s mature trees. You can start a hike into the mountains from the edge of this RV park.
What People Are Saying About Thousand Trails San Benito
“Love this place. Lots of wildlife and a very friendly staff. Thanks for a great stay. Celso, Trish, Kenya, Kathy, Steve and Misty. We appreciate your hard work. We have been here several times in the last few months. Always a good stay.” – Ruth, Google Review
In Summary
Now that you’re familiar with the options available for RV camping in Monterey Bay, it’s time to come to a decision. However, having so many great options in terms of Monterey Bay campgrounds can make it hard to make a final choice.
If you’re most interested in being able to access the beach every day, an RV park like Moss Landing KOA Express might be perfect for you. But if you’re more interested in visiting the attractions of downtown Monterey, a Monterey Bay, CA campground like Monterey Fairgrounds, might be more to your liking. No matter which RV park you choose, you’ll find that Monterey Bay is a beautiful and relaxing place to enjoy an RV vacation.
Explore other Campgrounds & RV Parks near Monterey Bay
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to camp in Monterey Bay, California?
How much does it cost to camp in Monterey Bay, California?
The top 10 campgrounds we selected all show daily, weekly and monthly rates for you. Pricing will vary.
How much does it cost to RV park in Monterey Bay, California?
Pricing will vary. The top 10 RV Parks we selected all display daily, weekly and monthly rates for you.
How long can you stay at an RV Park in Monterey Bay, California?
Staying at an RV Park for a long period of time will vary on the campground & RV Park you choose. View our post for more information.
Are there pet friendly RV Parks & Campgrounds in Monterey Bay, California?
Yes. The majority of campgrounds we selected in this blog allow pets.