Sunset State Beach RV & Campground Guide
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Sunset State Beach is a state park located on the Monterey Bay in California. It's a popular state park due to its location directly on the coast and its closeness to many other attractions. Situated in the town of Watsonville, the park is only 15 minutes from the city of Santa Cruz. There are multiple harbors, natural preserves, museums and more to visit while you are in the area. The seasons are mild, with temperatures rarely dipping below 40 degrees F in the winter or rising above 80 degrees F in the summer.
Spring 44-71 F
Summer 48-76 F
Fall 44-76 F
Winter 40-63 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Sunset State Beach
Visiting California's state parks in an RV is a fantastic way to explore the gorgeous surroundings. Sunset State Beach has multiple RV sites, but you can also opt to visit one of the many other enjoyable RV parks in the area. Traveling in your own RV or a rental motorhome from RVshare gives you the freedom of choice for where you want to stay.
Each of the following RV campgrounds offers its own brand of outdoor fun, and most are family-friendly and welcoming to pets.
Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
This large, family-friendly KOA RV park is located next to Fort Watsonville on Monterey Bay in California. It is within walking distance of the beach and also conveniently close to popular destinations like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Pebble Beach Golf Links. The resort offers a fully stocked camp store plus a clubhouse and kitchen.
• Rates: Rates vary; contact the campground for pricing
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical Amps: 50
• Wi-Fi: Available
• Pool/Hot Tub: Two pools and a hot tub
• Pet-friendly: Kamp K9 Dog Park
• Showers: Yes
• Other amenities: Propane, firewood, bike rentals, clubhouse with kitchen, outdoor movies, game room, outdoor games, jumping pillow, two playgrounds, train
Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park
Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park is located in downtown Santa Cruz. It is within walking distance of Seabright State Beach and Twin Lakes State Beach, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is only 2 miles away. You will appreciate the convenient access to numerous beaches and restaurants, downtown Santa Cruz, Capitola and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Harbor Beach is 1 mile away, and there is a free water taxi that runs between 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Rates: $52 daily
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical Amps: 30 and 50
• Wi-Fi: Not available
• Pool/Hot Tub: Two pools and a hot tub
• Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed on a leash
• Showers: No
• Other amenities: On-site campground host, free water taxi
Marina Dunes RV Resort
This RV park is right next to the town of Mari, CA, and features access to 10 miles of undeveloped beachfront on the Monterey Bay. It's a small park that's packed with perks and amenities. Close to Carmel, Pebble Beach, Big Sur and Santa Cruz, this RV park is also within walking distance of Mari State Beach.
• Rates: $65-$85 daily
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical Amps: 20 - 50
• Wi-Fi: Available
• Pool/Hot Tub: Two pools and a hot tub
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Showers: Yes
• Other amenities: Gift shop, propane, dump station, clubhouse with TV and pool table, laundry, playground, volleyball, horseshoes, exercise facility
Moss Landing KOA Express
This KOA RV park sits right on the beach and is located in the small city of Moss Landing, near the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. A wildlife preserve with a walking trail is nearby. You can also walk from this campground to several restaurants and other amenities in the immediate vicinity.
• Rates: Rates vary; contact the campground for pricing
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical Amps: 30 - 50
• Wi-Fi: Available
• Pool/Hot Tub: Two pools and a hot tub
• Pet-friendly: Yes, but with breed restrictions
• Showers: Yes
• Other amenities: Fishing, located next to a harbor
What to Do at
Sunset State Beach
Inside Sunset State Beach
Sunset State Beach is a serene oceanside state park. The park offers excellent views of Monterey Bay, and there are many year-round events and activities that include Junior Rangers and campfire programs. Camping sites for RVs and walking trails are in the park. Visitors can surf-fish, with typical catches of perch, sardines, and striped bass. There are picnic tables and two large pavilions that you can reserve as well as a glider port.
How to Get to
Sunset State Beach
Sunset State Beach is in Watsonville, 16 miles south of Santa Cruz. From Highway 1, take the San Andreas Road exit. Continue south to Sunset Beach Road, and then go to the west entrance of the park.
By Car
Entering Sunset State Beach
For exact park hours, Sunset State Beach asks that you call them at (831) 763-7063. If you're camping in the park, checkout time is 12:00 p.m.
Sunset State Beach Regular sized auto : $10.0
Seniors age 62 or older, $9
Sunset State Beach Bus parking : $50.0
10-24 passengers
Sunset State Beach Bus parking : $100.0
25+ passengers
Sunset State Beach has everything you could want in an oceanside vacation experience. The ocean and sand are relaxing, and there are many natural sites of interest all around. It is also a wonderful place to start your road trip through the state of California. RVshare would love to share your memories when you email them to the site at [email protected]. Make sure to tag RVshare on social media, too!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunset State Beach
With stunning views of Monterey Bay, Sunset State Beach is a pleasure to visit any time of the year. However, most visitors feel more comfortable during summer, when temperatures are milder.
The climate of Sunset Beach State Park is coastal. Expect warmer summers and milder winters. Fog rolls in during the morning and burns off as the sun rises throughout the day.
The wildlife at this state park is like no other. Visitors can watch sea otters, dolphins, and gray whales play in their natural habitats. There are also plenty of shorebirds, gopher snakes, and red-tail hawks.
At Sunset State Park, you'll find 90 RV sites that include a combination of back-in and pull-in sites for campers 31 feet or less, although none of the sites at the park have full hookups.
You will need a reservation to visit Sunset State Beach, as most available campsites fill up quickly! For specific pricing and campsite options, visit the California Department of Parks and Recreation website to learn more.
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