Top 10 RV Parks Near the Monterey, CA Area

Top 5 reasons why it’s a fun place to visit:

1. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
2. Hike the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail
3. Check out the Old Fisherman’s Wharf or the Coast Guard Pier
4. Take the MST Trolley
5. Spend the day at the California Sea Otter Game Refuge

List of top 10 RV Parks in the Monterey, CA area:

(Disclaimer: information is a compilation of researched info as published online and does not necessarily reflect the experience or opinion of the author)

The RV parks have been ranked and are listed from “Most Recommended” to “Least Recommended” based on reviews, feedback, amenities, and preference. Cost was not the primary ranking driver. Please note that weekend RV families with children might have different needs than full-time RV “snowbirds”.

1. Big Sur Campground and Cabins

Located off the CA-1, Big Sur Campground & Cabins offers visitors a chance to stay among the towering redwoods and along the banks of the Big Sur River. Guests can choose from traditional tent sites, a variety of cabins, or RV sites — all set on 11 spectacular acres of wilderness.

What makes this park unique?

This park has been founded in 1953 and strives to keep balance with nature and to keep the Big Sur woods as untouched as possible. There is a swimming hole in the Big Sur River that visitors can access. Max RV length is 40 ft.

2. Marina Dunes RV Park

This park is a Thousand Trails community park, meaning that members receive a preferred rate and booking access. This park 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. This park offers beachfront access on Monterey Bay and is within driving distance to downtown Monterey.

What makes this park unique?

This park offers the tent glamping experience for those who want to try a different way of camping. This park is in beautiful Marina, CA, and adjacent to the Marina Dunes Preserve, accessible by CA-1. This provides with direct access to Fort Ord Dunes State Park; one can enjoy a nearby hiking trail or a walk on Marina State Beach. Shopping and dining are close by, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Big Sur, Carmel by the Sea, and other points in Monterey County are easily accessible, as well.
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 the park.

3. Saddle Mountain Ranch

Established in 1957, this park is located on 89 acres of forest land off Carmel Valley Road, just 5 miles from HWY 1. Nestled within oaks, Monterey pines, and redwoods, Saddle Mountain offers a great peaceful getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life.

What makes this park unique?

Experience Carmel Valley where the climate is tempered and the ocean just 15 minutes away. There are cabins for rent, as well as facilities for large group gatherings, such as family reunions, weddings, or rallies. The RV max length is up to 30ft.

4. Monterey Pines RV Park

This is a park that is available to Active-Duty military, Reserve military, retired military, family members and DoD personnel only.

What makes this park unique?

This is a quiet park with concrete sites and tress between each site to provide privacy and a nature experience. This park is close to all the tourist attractions in the area. There is also a golf course and a grill/bar in proximity.

5. Moss Landing KOA Express

According to their Website, Moss Landing has a little something for everyone. Located in the heart of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, it is home to dozens of bird species, as well as otters, sea lions, and harbor seals. Once can a scenic nature tour through Elkhorn Slough, one of California’s largest coastal wetlands, or catch one of the daily whale-watching cruises out of the harbor right next door. A beautiful beach and many delightful restaurants are within a few minutes’ walk. Santa Cruz or Monterey are about a 30-minute-drive away. (Source: Moss Landing, California Campground | Moss Landing KOA Express)

What makes this park unique?

All sites are back-in with full hookups (most sites have both 30 and 50 Amp). While this is a KOA, it’s a smaller size park with limited amenities (not as a typical KOA). Max RV length is 60 ft.

6. Veterans Memorial Park

According to their Website, the Veteran’s Memorial Park is a popular and beautiful 50-acre park in the forested hills of Monterey. Located only a mile from Downtown Monterey, this park is an affordable and fun way to stay overnight in the Monterey Peninsula. Besides campgrounds (open 365 days per year), the park includes hiking trails under towering Monterey Pine Forest and bay views. You will also find BBQ picnic areas, play equipment, turf and lawn playfield and a basketball court. (Source: City of Monterey, CA)

What makes this park unique?

This park is not reservable, but available on a first-come first-served basis. The Veteran’s Memorial Park is about 1 mile away from historic downtown Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is about 2 ½ miles from the park, and various beaches are within 2 miles.

7. Monterey County Fairgrounds Campground

The Monterey County Fair & Event Center RV Park offers the convenience of RV parking in the heart of Monterey.

What makes this park unique?

The park is close to restaurants and shopping; just blocks from the beach and the Monterey bike path and only a few miles from downtown Monterey, Cannery Row, Pacific Grove, and Carmel. The RV Park is easily accessible off Highway 1 and 68. Since the park is on the fairgrounds, one has close access to all the fairgrounds events at that time.

8. Laguna Seca Recreation Area Campground

This campground provides a scenic stay at oak-covered rolling hillsides of Monterey.

What makes this park unique?

This park is owned by the County of Monterey. It is the home of the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and offers many event opportunities while staying there. Max RV length is 40 ft.

9. Carmel by the River RV Park

This is a small RV park close to Big Sur (15-20 min drive) and Monterey (30-40 min drive).

What makes this park unique?

Family owned and operated for over 40 years, this boutique RV park is nestled into the lush natural surroundings of Carmel Valley and has all the amenities you need to enjoy your stay on the Monterey Peninsula. The sites are level crushed granite. There are also RVs available for rent while there.

10. Lodge 1285 Campground

This campground belongs to a local Elk Lodge and is close to everything in Monterey.

What makes this park unique?

This is a small and intimate RV park that is an extension of an Elk Lodge. One must be a member to stay.

TIPS TO GET TO MONTEREY

Monterey is a coastal city right on CA-1. It is along a chain of other bigger cities in the area, such as Santa Cruz or Salinas. When traveling from San Francisco/San Jose, one can take Highway 101 or the Pacific Coast Highway South toward Salinas and then take the exit toward Monterey. When coming from the South, one should also take the Highway 101, since the CA-1 is very challenging to travel with an RV, especially longer ones.