The best camping near Manresa State Beach

Located along the Monterey coast, Manresa State Beach features a long and wide stretch of beach backed by bluffs, with sweeping views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Monterey Bay Peninsula. Surfing, fishing, beach fun, and wildlife spotting are popular, though the beach is typically less crowded than others in the area. Look for dolphins, whales, and sea otters frolicking in the waves, or sea birds in the skies—or, with a sportfishing license, campers can catch starry flounder, California halibut, or barred surfperch. The bluffs above the beach offer picnic tables and a seasonal campground (mid-May to September) at Manresa Upland, with more than 60 walk-in, pet-friendly, tent-only campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, food storage lockers, restrooms, and showers.

• Best for space: Campsites at the Willow Camps are the most spread out of all campsites at Manresa.
• Best for privacy and views: The Lupine Camps offer ocean views, with trees that provide privacy and shade for campers.
• Best for beach access: The Bay Camps campsites are situated closest to the trail down to the beach.

1. Reserve a campsite as soon as you know your dates, especially over the summer. Sites can be reserved at least two days in advance and up to six months in advance.
2. If plans are flexible, try to visit early or late in the season, or during the week.
3. If you don’t have reservations, plan to show up early to see if any unreserved sites are available.

Summers are popular at Manresa, as the campground is only open from mid-May to October. Junior Lifeguard programs are typically offered in June and July. In summer, expect morning fog to burn off by the afternoon. Look for migrating gray whales from December through May, when you're also likely to see the biggest surf. In early spring, snowy plovers hatch on the beach and should not be disturbed.

• This stretch of ocean is known for its frigid water temperatures, dangerous rip currents, and deep offshore dropoffs. Only experienced surfers should be in the water.
• Fires are only permitted in fire rings. Do not collect firewood, which is instead available for purchase.
• Beach wheelchairs are available and should be reserved at least five days in advance.
• Alcohol is permitted in the Manresa campground, but not the beach or in day-use areas.
• Dogs are permitted in the campground and on the beach, but must be leashed, attended to, and kept inside at night.
• Fishing licenses are required for anglers 16 and older.