Great views RV camping near Monterey

See the famed Monterey Bay, check out historic canneries, or visit a world-class aquarium in this coastal California city.

94% (1808 reviews)
94% (1808 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Monterey

Community favorites near Monterey

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

3 top RV sites near Monterey

91%
(518)

Saddle Mountain Carmel

34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents89 acres · Carmel, CA
Welcome to Saddle Mountain, RV and Campground! We are 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 family friendly getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life. PLEASE NOTE, our RV and tent sites are pet friendly but YOU MUST ADD THE PET FEE EXTRA WHEN MAKING YOUR BOOKING. We charge $15 per pet and you can bring a maximum of 2 pets. On site seasonally heated pool (Mid May through Oct). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: *Please continue reviewing/monitoring California Travel guidelines as they may change and affect your reservation* On site seasonally heated pool (seasonally), private hiking trail, playground, Foosball table and more. No refund for inclement weather during the Winter months. We provide complementary Wi-Fi in designated areas of the park. We ask that there is no streaming at the Park so we can share Wi-Fi with all our guests. Thank you!
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from 
$89
 / night
97%
(136)

Strawberry Fields Forever

5 sites · RVs5 acres · Watsonville, CA
Welcome to southern Santa Cruz County, home of some of the longest and most beautiful beaches in central California. We are located in La Selva Beach, a eight-minute walk to Manresa State Beach. We are a small, working farm with vegetable and flower gardens, chickens and bees. There are many excellent places to hike, walk, surf, swim, tide pool or just sit and enjoy the view. We offer quiet campsites with fantastic views of the three hundred acres of strawberry fields that back up to our property. Our campsites provide water and electric hookups and are only appropriate for self-contained recreational vehicles and trailers. One of the sites has no size constraints on RVs or trailers. Our Valley View site is limited to rigs 30 feet long or less (not including the tow vehicle). We do offer a port-a potty, but not sinks or showers. We do not accommodate on the ground tent camping or in your car camping. We love to host guests and will provide information about things to do and see in our area. We often loan our State Parks pass so that you can venture out to Point Lobos, Wilder Ranch, Sunset Beach, Natural Bridges and more. Our property is peaceful and restorative. You will not have a neighbor next to you. Each camp site includes a fire pit and a bundle of wood per night. We are 15 minutes from the village of Capitola, 30 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz and 45 minutes to Monterey. There is a Dump station 5 minutes down the road at the KOA (for a fee).
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from 
$77
 / night
Value Prop
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Great views RV camping near Monterey guide

Overview

On the edge of Monterey Bay, about an hour’s drive south of Santa Cruz and north of Big Sur, Monterey offers pretty sea views, lots of things to see, and oceanside camping. The city’s former sardine-packing district, Cannery Row is the main hub of tourism, featuring shops, restaurants, and the celebrated Monterey Bay Aquarium. There’s also plenty to experience in the surrounding area—tee off at one of the many golf courses around the Monterey Peninsula; explore the hiking trails of the Carmel Valley or Asilomar State Beach; make a wintertime visit to Pacific Grove's Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary; or motor along 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach to see the legendary Lone Cypress. While most camping options right in town are RV parks, you'll find plenty of Hipcamps and campgrounds offering tent camping just a bit inland, like in Salinas at its Laguna Seca Recreation Area, which welcomes tents and RVs even during race events.

Where to go

Monterey Peninsula

Jutting out into the sea west of Monterey, the Monterey Peninsula is home to pretty beaches, scenic viewpoints, and tons of golf courses. At its southern end, Carmel-by-the-Sea features whimsical architecture and a historic old mission.

San Francisco Peninsula

On the northern side of Monterey Bay, the San Francisco Peninsula features forests, sandy beaches, and a mix of public and private campgrounds, many surrounded by redwood trees. Popular spots include Half Moon Bay, a celebrated surfing destination, and Año Nuevo State Park, where you can see elephant seals throughout the year.

Big Sur

From Monterey, it's only a quick jaunt down Highway 1 before you reach the Big Sur coast, known for its beach views, ample camping and hiking opportunities, and artsy vibes. Popular public park destinations include Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, all three of which have campgrounds.

When to go

Monterey is a year-round destination, with mild, wet winters and dry summers that don't get too hot but do see crowds. Whale-watching opportunities are best between January and March, when migratory whales pass along Monterey’s coast. The fall and spring shoulder seasons are good times to visit for warm weather and fewer crowds, though the Monterey Jazz Festival—held the third full weekend of September—draws tons of visitors.

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