Top Campgrounds and RV Parks in Pacific Coast Highway

This campground is located in sunny Santa Barbara, a southern California city famed for its nightlife and beautiful beaches. At Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara, you have vistas of the sea, large private lots, and even family movie nights on their big screen in the park. You’re just a short drive down the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway from the center of Santa Barbara as well, though you might not want to leave. El Capitan Canyon, a luxury campground, is right next door, and they offer a huge general store as well as an on-site spa.

Why You’ll Love Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

Why you’ll love Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara reviews call it the “Hilton Hotel of RV parks” for a reason. This is definitely one of the nicest California campgrounds out there. You can reserve ocean view lots that overlook the magnificent El Capitan State Beach, spend the day relaxing in their on-site spa, or even hold a meeting in their “Adventure Yurt”. Their El Capitan Beach Store has everything you need for a day of recreation and cooking out, and they often plan evening activities that are fun for the whole family.

California’s Mendocino Coast is one of the Pacific Coast Highway’s greatest hidden treasures, and Manchester Beach KOA is located right on the coast of Manchester, Califonia, along a marine tural preserve. A short access trail from the campground leads directly to miles of sandy coastline. If you’re driving along the northern portion of the Pacific Coast Highway, this campground is a must see stop.

Why You’ll Love Manchester Beach KOA

While staying at Manchester Beach KOA, you have a huge diversity of California’s tural treasures at your doorstep. Aside from the breathtaking coastline and walkable beaches right on the property, you’ve also got places for tide pooling and abalone diving, two historic lighthouses, good fishing, fantastic local wineries, and the incredible redwoods, which are a required attraction for visitors to northern California. You’re also right by the village of Mendocino, which includes great restaurants, an art center, and cute local shops. This campground has won both the 2017 Founder’s Award, presented to parks with world class service, and the President’s Award, presented to parks of the highest quality.

California is one of the best beach destinations in the world, and nothing says oceanside paradise for an RV traveler like Kirk Creek Campground. It’s deep in the Los Padres National Forest on the Pacific Coast Highway, just south of the San Francisco Bay Area. Because of its elevated position, there are panoramic ocean vistas all throughout the grounds.

Why You’ll Love Kirk Creek Campground

This campground offers some of the most truly marvelous views in all of California. It’s perched on a seaside cliff above the grandiose Big Sur, offering views of the best part of Central California’s rugged, dramatic coastline. Trails throughout the grounds lead to even more breath taking, serene scenery. Kirk Creek Campground is an ideal stop for any photographers in the family.

Photo credit: Joshua Tree tiol Park Service

Why You’ll Love Jumbo Rocks Campground

This is a true desert wilderness experience. If you want an unforgettable vacation, you’ll find it here. What this campground lacks in facilities, it makes up for in authenticity. During bonfires in the evenings, you will feel like it’s nothing but you and the infinite desert. The incredible starry nights are a sight to take in as well. The campground offers direct access to Skull Rock Trail and a number of great climbing areas, including Con’s Corridor, Sky King Rock, New Sage Rock, and Zebra Cliffs. It’s important to note that there is no drinking water available at this campground, so you must bring your own.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California’s very first state park, founded way back in 1902. Located deep in the magnificent redwoods of northern California, amidst of some of the tallest trees in the country, there is plenty of nature to be had right at your doorstep. You can follow countless trails both long and short from the campgrounds.

Why You’ll Love Big Basin Redwoods State Park

This is one of the country’s most astounding natural sights. The park contains trees taller than the Statue of Liberty, predating the Roman Empire. The Big Basin Redwoods State Park Campgrounds give you the chance to sleep surrounded by these giants.

Durango RV Resort is conveniently located off of the highway along the Sacramento River. The facilities here are top-notch and the area is full of activities all year round. You’ll find Shasta National Forest, northern California wineries, and world-class golfing all within short driving distance.

Why You’ll Love Durango RV Resort

Durango RV Resort is the perfect example of what RV camping in California should look like. They have everything an RV traveler could need, from extensive amenities, riverside campsites with sunset views, extensive recreational areas, quick check-in, and friendly staff. The facilities are impeccably clean and up-to-date. While it isn’t the cheapest RV park in California, what you get for the price is a great deal.

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 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

Marina Dunes RV Park has a fantastic location near the most interesting and enjoyable attractions on the Monterey Peninsula. It has first-class amenities, such as a beautiful clubhouse, heated pool, exercise room, sand volleyball court and outdoor barbecue areas. It is located on a dune preserve.

Why You’ll Love Marina Dunes RV Resort

The town of Marina is just four minutes away. There is also a park within walking distance, and so is the beach. Walmart is close by. Santa Cruz is 32 miles to the north, but the Monterey Peninsula has many attractions, including excellent restaurants, whale watching excursions, surfing-worthy waves, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, championship golf courses, Carmel by the Sea, wine tasting tours and more.

What People Are Saying About Marina Dunes RV Resort

“Quiet, clean, affordable, conveniently located. This is one of the nicest, cleanest friendliest campgrounds. We have stayed here nine different visits and have reservations for next year too.” – Jim, Google Review

The Salinas/Monterey KOA is located on the Monterey Peninsula close to Monterey, Santa Cruz, Carmel and Pebble Beach. It is a full-service park in the Salinas, CA area that is suitable for a family vacation. It offers discounts when certain events are going on in the area, like the Laguna Seca Moto GP Race and the Artichoke Festival.

Why You’ll Love Salinas/Monterey KOA

This RV park has a great location on the Monterey Coast. It also has an impressive list of on-site amenities to help make a great vacation for children. It’s close to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the 17-mile scenic drive near Carmel. There are also amazing whale-watching tours available nearby.

What People Are Saying About Salinas/Monterey KOA

“Whalefest. Beautiful view, lovely people, fresh air and awesome food. One of my favorite places in California.” – Charlotte, Google Review

Highway 101 will take you south to Salinas, where this KOA campground offers the necessary amenities for a relaxing stay. It’s near the Monterey shoreline and Carmel, where you can drive for miles along Pebble Beach. Once you’ve seen the sights in this area, you’ll never want to leave.

Why You’ll Love Salinas/Monterey KOA

At the Salinas/Monterey KOA Campground, you’ll enjoy your time at the facility almost as much as your trek to the beaches. You can swim in the heated pool or get in on a game of ping-pong or billiards. The on-site playground keeps the kids busy while you read or chat with your neighboring campers.

What People Are Saying About Salinas/Monterey KOA

“The park had really clean showers and toilets and a heated swimming pool we got into, which was fabulous and so much fun.” – Teresa, Trip Advisor Review

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

Sunset State Beach features a quiet RV park near Salis. Camping under the pine trees and picnicking on the beach are the main attractions, and it is open year-round. You’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of Monterey Bay when you stay here.

Why You’ll Love Sunset State Beach

Just steps from a pristine Pacific Ocean beach, this is a campground near Salis, California, for getting away from it all. It doesn’t have hookups, but the location is fantastic. During the summer, you can participate in camp events, such as campfire gatherings, ture hikes, and Junior Ranger activities. This campsite also has a glider port for remote-control glider enthusiasts.

What People Are Saying About Sunset State Beach

“This is one of my favorite beaches in the area. It is a little out of the way, but it is wilder than many beaches and a lot of tural beauty. If you want some solitude and tural beauty, this is a good place to go.” – Lansing, Google Review

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

This Salis, California campground is an excellent place to stay while you’re exploring the California coast. It has a long list of activities and recreatiol opportunities on-site as well as easy access to the Santa Cruz beach. You will find basketball courts, bike rentals and a great dog park at this campground.

Why You’ll Love Santa Cruz Monterey Bay KOA

There are so many activities available on-site it might be hard to decide what to do next. Take a tour of the park on the KOA Express Fun Train, rent a bike, climb a coconut tree or play mini golf. There is an outdoor cinema and campfire at night and other things to do, such as building your own sundaes, making a tie-dye T-shirt or running in a zorb, which is a human-sized hamster ball.

What People Are Saying About Santa Cruz Monterey Bay KOA

“I love this place and revisit many times throughout the year. It is conveniently located, is just a short walk to the beach. The facilities and the staff are top-notch.” – John, Google Review

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

Pinto Lake Park is a Watsonville, CA RV park that is composed of 78 acres, of which 70 are water. It is a great place for boating and fishing, and it has a baseball diamond and volleyball court. You can bring your own boat, raft, kayak, canoe or inflatable watercraft or rent one at the campground

Why You’ll Love Pinto Lake Park

This Salis campground is an excellent place for boating and fishing. If you have a boat or want to rent one, you can have fun on the lake. The walking trails are mostly easy, and there is good bird-watching. It is a no-frills park that brings you close to ture. It’s also known to be a good place for children.

What People Are Saying About Pinto Lake Park

“It’s a chill medium sized park with a disc golf course, dog park, sports fields a slough with birds and stuff.” – Itai, Google Review

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

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

Betabel RV Resort is a top-rated Good Sam RV park near Salinas, CA. It is located in the quiet countryside but convenient to the activities and cities of the Central Coast. It offers long-term RV parking near Salinas, CA as well as RV sites that you can use for shorter stays and vacations.

Why You’ll Love Betabel RV Resort

Betabel RV Resort combines a relaxing countryside location with many resort amenities. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay and provides easy access to local attractions. The top nearby attraction is the historic San Juan Bautista Mission, which is the oldest continuously in-service Spanish mission in California. The resort is near Highway 101, which will take you to the beach.

What People Are Saying About Betabel RV Resort

“Very secure, clean and comfortable. Surprisingly convenient to many destinations while feeling out in the country with a beautiful hillside setting.” – Sherides, Google Review

Why not spend your time in the San Jose area parked on a 66-acre spread featuring tree-covered hills and hiking trails? Morgan Hill RV Resort offers this kind of setting and the extra amenities that you need to enjoy your visit. As a Thousand Trails campground and an Encore RV resort, the park offers comfort, convenience, and friendly service.

Why You’ll Love Thousand Trails Morgan Hill

Uvas Creek actually runs through this RV park and adds beauty to the campground’s design. With an Olympic-size pool, the facility has a modern flair in spite of its wooded environment. Guests can spend their days playing volleyball, shooting hoops, hitting some tennis balls, or trying their hand at miniature golf.

What People Are Saying About Thousand Trails Morgan Hill

“The park is so, so nice. Clean and feels so comfortable to be there. RV parking is easy, and all the spots are great. Employees are nice and professional and easy to talk with. A pleasure to stay here!!” – Lloyd, Trip Advisor Review

On Highway 101 south of San Jose is a small town where the residents boast that they live in the “Garlic Capital of the World.” Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park derived its name from its hometown of Gilroy and the area’s claim to fame. You may even be able to smell the garlic in the air at your campsite.

Why You’ll Love Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

The roads at this RV campground in the San Jose, California area are nice and wide, and the spaces are roomy enough to accommodate most big rigs. Once you are settled in, you can explore the grounds and check out the clubhouses equipped with large TVs. The little on-site store offers supplies and a book exchange for avid readers.

What People Are Saying About Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

“I really enjoy staying here! The staff is very friendly. We have an Italian Mastiff, which is a huge dog that they allow! There aren’t many RV parks that allow big dogs, so love that! Love that they have a gated area for dogs. Everyone here is quiet and keeps to themselves. Love that it’s right behind a shopping center. So convenient!” – Ali, Yelp Review

This RV campground near Santa Clara, California is a few minutes from Downtown Santa Cruz. It is nestled in a 23-acre forest of redwoods, madrone, and oak. Some sites have concrete pads and grass.

Why You’ll Love Santa Vida RV Park

Why You’ll Love Santa Vida RV Park Santa Vida RV Park is a no-frills facility that is an inexpensive base for visiting all the action in Santa Cruz. The staff is friendly and helpful and will help you get your rig situated.

What People Are Saying About Santa Vida RV Park

“Nice, quiet, clean. What else do you need?” – Paul, Google Review

Maple Leaf RV Park is in a wooded area south of Santa Clara near many local attractions. This RV park in the Santa Clara, California area caters to families. It is a peaceful place close to Silicon Valley.

Why You’ll Love Maple Leaf RV Park

If you are visiting any of the attractions in the area, such as Great America, the Winchester Mystery House, the Tech Museum, Levi’s Stadium or the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Maple Leaf RV Park is a great choice. There are excellent amenities there, including a pool, to make your RV experience a good one.

What People Are Saying About Maple Leaf RV Park

“I loved staying here! So clean! No place in the area can compare to the cleanliness of the bathrooms and all the spots. The staff is really nice and easy to get a hold of. I would recommend anyone staying here for long-term or weekly.” – Stephanie, Google Review

Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is famous for its 40-acre grove of old-growth redwood trees. Some of the trees are thousands of years old, and the park draws visitors from around the world. There are four diverse habitats in the park for you and your family to explore: river, grasslands, redwoods, and sandhills.

Why You’ll Love Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

The trees are truly awesome, making this a great place for a family outing. The sites have picnic tables and fire rings. There are many hiking trails that are suitable for individuals of any age. The town of Felton is nearby with grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations. Take a ride on the Roaring Camp Big Trees Railroad for an unforgettable adventure through the redwoods.

What People Are Saying About Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

“With multiple trails for hiking, biking, splashing in the river, and walking among the towering redwood trees, this is my favorite forest in the area. There’s camping and tons of trails.” – Erica, Google Review