The best camping near Salinas River State Beach

Windswept dunes and pristine sands stretch along the shore at Salinas River State Beach. Bring your birding checklist as this remote coastal park is home to California brown pelicans, red-tailed hawks, American kestrels, and western snowy plovers, to name just a few. The mile-long dune trail affords some of the best sightings, while the beach itself is a scenic spot for strolling, horseback riding, or off-shore fishing. There’s no camping at the state park, but you’ll find private campgrounds and accommodation dotted around Monterey, and the bay’s six state beaches are easily explored on a beach-hopping tour. 

High coastal winds and fogs are common along Salinas River State Beach, even in summer, so dress in layers and bring something warm. Winter is one of the best times for bird-watchers, but there are birding opportunities year-round, and Western Snowy Plovers nest right on the beach each spring. Check the tides if horseback riding, as horses are limited to the wet sand sections of the beach. 

• Salinas River State Beach is set along the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1), 17 miles north of Monterey or about a 20-minute drive away.
• There is no admission fee to visit Salinas River State Park.
• Facilities at Salinas River State Beach include a restroom and picnic areas. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or dune.
• Surfing and swimming at Salinas River State Beach is not recommended for all but the most experienced surfers. There is no lifeguard patrol. 
• Marina State Beach is the only one of the Monterey Bay beaches with an accessible restroom, a 10-minute drive south of Salinas River.

Adventure calls at Fort Ord National Monument, a spectacular destination for camping enthusiasts. With its rolling hills, diverse flora and fauna, and an array of hiking and biking trails, it promises an unforgettable outdoor experience.