To s’more, or not to s’more, that is the question…

Getting back to the basics can truly bring a family together. Unplugging from all of the electronic devices and taking the time to experience nature can help turn screen time into actual face time.

To help with thy unpluggin’, we have created a list of what we think are some of the top RV Parks and campgrounds in the area.  These State owned campgrounds tend to focus on the art of camping — generally catering to smaller trailers and tent camping.  Although many do have designated RV sites, they tend to be a little more rustic than privately owned RV Parks.

Big Sur RV Parks RV Parks

Andrew Molera California State Park

(831) 667-2315

Containing 4,800 acres, Andrew Molera State Park is located in the spectacular Big Sur Area. The Big Sur River runs through the park. Miles of trails wind through meadows, beaches and hilltops. A primitive trail camp, popular with hikers and bikers, is located approximately one third mile from the parking area. The campsites are located in a primitive trail camp–approximately one third mile from the parking area.

Big Sur Campground and Cabins

Highway 1, Big Sur, CA  (831) 667-2322

This is a privately operated, year-round campground RV park. Located in the redwoods trees along the Big Sur River, it aminities include: store, laundry, playground & basketball court. Tent camping with hot showers. RV camping with water & electric hook-ups as well as a dump station.

Bottchers Gap

(805) 434-1996

This Forest Service campground is operated by Parks Management Company.  It features 12 tent sites only. Summer and Winter. No running water, so bring your own.

Fernwood Resort and Campground

(831) 667-2422

Located in the redwood forest along the Big Sur River, it a 60-unit campground.  Available facilities: tent camping, tent-cabins, and RV Parking.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns California State Park

The park stretches from the Big Sur coastline into nearby 3,000-foot ridges. The park features redwood, tan oak, madrone, chaparral, and an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean from the Overlook Trail.  A panoramic view of the ocean and miles of rugged coastline is available from the higher elevations along the trails east of Highway 1.

The park offers Environmental Camping only. Located west of the highway a little over 1/4 mile from the parking lot, Saddle rock (No 1) and South Garden (No. 2) are the park’s only campsites. Visit their Web site for additional information.

Limekiln State California Park

The park contains 716-acres. The park features breathtaking views of the Big Sur Coast, the beauty of the redwoods, and the cultural history of limekilns. Co-managed with California Land Management, the parks has 33 campsites.

Pfeiffer Big Sur California State Park

The park has 800 acres of redwoods, conifers, oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, maples, alders and willows – plus open meadows. Hikers can enjoy the many scenic loops, including a self-guided nature loop. Overlooks provide spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the Big Sur Gorge. Campsites are along the Big Sur River.

Riverside Campground and Cabins

Hwy. 1, Big Sur, CA (831) 667-2414

This privately operated campground has 45 sites that are available for tent and RV camping.

Ventana Big Sur Campground

(831) 667-2712

Ventana Campground a combination of rustic camping with modern facilities. Three bath houses have hot showers, electrical sockets, and flush toilets. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and running water is a short walk from all sites.

 

Carmel RV Parks RV Parks

Carmel by the Sea RV Park

27680 Schulte Road, Carmel, CA  (831) 624-9329

Saddle Mountain Recreation Park

Schulte Rd., Carmel, CA  (831) 624-1617

 

Monterey RV Parks

Click here for locations in Santa Cruz (30 miles north) and Half Moon Bay (75 miles north)

Monterey RV Parks

Fremont Peak California State Park

Monterey Camping (elevation 3,169 feet.)

The park features expansive views of the Monterey Bay from its hiking trails in the grasslands of the higher peaks of the Gavilan Range. Other views include the San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountains east of Big Sur.

Fremont Peak has ten primitive family campsites and 40 picnic areas. Two of the park’s six group camps, which will accommodate up to 50 people and can be reserved at Ticketron outlets; the remaining four must be reserved through the park supervisor. The group picnic area is first-come-first-served.

Monterey Fairgrounds – RV Park

2004 Fairground Rd., Monterey, CA  (831) 372-5863

Red Roof / Cypress Tree Inn of Monterey – RV Park

2227 N Fremont St, Monterey, CA 93940   (831) 372-7586

Veteran’s Memorial Park  –  City of Monterey

Skyline Drive, Monterey, CA      (831) 646-3865

City of Monterey – This 50-acre park with overnight group camping, walking trails, BBQ picnic areas, play equipment, turf playfield, is located in Monterey. The Park has a basketball court, limited hiking trails, and a large lawn area which can be used for Frisbee, kite flying, football, softball and relaxing.

 

 

Salinas RV Parks

Salinas/Monterey KOA

8710 Prunedale North Rd., Salinas, CA 93907   (800) 562-4063

Laguna Seca County Recreation Area – RV & Tent camping

1025 Monterey Hwy 68 Between Monterey & Salinas, CA  (831) 422-6138 or 888-588-2267

 

Seaside / Marina RV Parks

Marina Dunes

3330 Dunes Dr. Marina, CA  (831) 384-6914 or 1888-588-2267

 

Watsonville Campgrounds

Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA — Cabin, RV Park and Tent Camping

The perfect sunny base camp for exploring all that the California coast has to offer. Try their fully furnished Deluxe Cabins or Camping Cabins or park your own RV at their Pull-Thru RV Site with KOA Patio®. Amenities include free cable and Wi-Fi.  Tent sites are conveniently situated with picnic tables and fire rings.

Major rating websites rate Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA 4.0 to 4.5 stars out of 5.

Address: 1186 San Andreas Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076 
Phone: (831) 722-0551
Website: https://koa.com/campgrounds/santa-cruz/

Marina Dunes RV Resort

Marina Dunes RV Park in Marina, CA is one of the best-located Monterey Bay RV parks, situated near the ocean and close to everything the area has to offer. You can be near it all and not only enjoy one of the most convenient RV sites but also all the amenities the area has to offer. We offer beachfront access on Monterey Bay and are within driving distance to downtown Monterey.

Major rating websites rate Marina Dunes RV Resort 3.5 to 4.1 stars out of 5.

Address: 3330 Dunes Dr, Marina, CA 93933 
Phone: (831) 384-6914
Website: http://marinadunesrv.com/

Pinto Lake Park — RV Park

Quiet lakeside RV campground in Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz area. Enjoy RV park, the local attractions, the nearby wildlife or just go fishing. The RV Park is open year round, however may be subject to periodic closure during the winter months due to weather and lake level conditions.

Major rating websites rate Pinto Lake Park 3.5 to 4.3 stars out of 5.

Address: 451 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076 
Phone: (831) 728-6194
Website: https://www.cityofwatsonville.org/1525/Pinto-Lake

Sunset State BeachSunset State Beach — Campgrounds

201 Sunset Beach Rd., Watsonville, CA (831) 763-7062 The park features pine trees, mountainous sand dunes, and Pacific Ocean side picnic spots. Bordered by large agricultural fields between the cities of Santa Cruz and Monterey, the beach is a year-round destination for thousands of visitors.

Major rating websites rate Sunset State Beach 4.0 to 4.6 stars out of 5.

Address: Sunset Beach Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone: (831) 763-7063
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=544