Ready to start planning your next RVing adventure in California? The Monterey Bay area is an excellent place to get started. With multiple cities, proximity to water, and moderate climate, it’s a great place to visit any time of year. There’s plenty to do and explore for everyone.
About the Monterey Bay area
There are endless possibilities of all the things that you can enjoy when you visit the Monterey Bay area. There are iconic shops to explore and restaurants and restaurants to dine in. And with the proximity to the bay and ocean, there are plenty of places to try fresh seafood. From golf courses and wineries to beaches and water activities, you are sure to find something to enjoy.
Whether you like to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city or escape from it all with a hike through nature, Monterey Bay has it for you.
Here are several Monterey area RV resorts and campgrounds to explore in no particular order. Before booking your stay, make sure to verify what amenities are open. Due to COVID restrictions in the state, there are some restrictions on campgrounds at this time.
Monterey County Fair RV Park
The Monterey County Fair RV Park provides a great central location to use as a basecamp while you explore the surrounding areas. While it’s a great location to stay at when participating place in events when they happen, it’s also a great option to consider any time you want to stay in the area. It’s within a short drive of downtown Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, and Cannery Row. One consideration to be aware of is that it’s near a small airport so there is some noise from the planes.
RV Park Amenities and Highlights:
- Full hook ups (electrical 30 & 50 amp, water and sewer)
- Showers and laundry
- WiFi
- Onsite Snack Shack – view menu below
- Easily accessible off of Highway 1 and 68
What people think of the Monterey County Fair RV Park:
“Outstanding visit, love the layout. On my visit, weather was perfect…location close enough you could hear the ocean waves. R.V. Manager was helpful. Met the Fair Manager Kelly, what a professional, A+. Gotta love this place.” – Richard, Google Review
“Stayed for a few days with no event happening at the fairgrounds. Friendly service. Great old growth trees. Lots of birds!” – Janet, Google Review
Moss Landing KOA Express
If you enjoy nature and wildlife, this is a great fit for your stay in the Monterey Bay area. Moss Landing KOA Express is located in the heart of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. You’ll also be close to the beach and several local restaurants for great dining options.
RV Park Amenities and Highlights:
- 50 Max Amp
- 60′ Max Length
- Wi-Fi
- Cable TV
- Close to Eco Tours of the Elkhorn Slough
- Near Moss Landing State Beach
What people think of Moss Landing KOA Express:
“Well maintained small RV park. Within walking distance to several good dining options, some lovely scenic areas and a wide variety of shops. We had a romantic walk in the evening to view the full moon over the Harbor. It was spectacular. There is a resident cat here who is quite friendly. We would recommend Moss Landing KOA Express and we will be returning.” – Dianna, Google Review
“We have stayed here twice and we have been very happy with our stay. This place is not very big, but our RV is 40 feet and we were able to park it here. If you like sea food you’ll love that the well known fish market is just an block away right on the beach.” – Roxanne, Google Review
Marina Dunes RV Park
Marina Dunes RV Park has proximity to everything you need. There is beachfront access meaning you don’t have to hop in your tow vehicle or RV in order to enjoy the salty ocean air. The Resort is also near the Marina Dunes Preserve which provides great hiking trails. And it’s also near Highway 1, which can make it a little noisy with the traffic, but also makes it really convenient to get to. The highway access makes it easy to use the park as a base camp while you enjoy places like Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and Santa Cruz.
RV Park Highlights:
- Clubhouse
- Fitness center
- Store
- WiFi
- Laundry Facilities
- Restroom/Shower facilities
- Playground
- Volleyball and Horseshoes
- Ocean frontage
What people think of Marina Dunes RV Park:
“Great location and clean amenities. Feeway is a bit close, which is fairly noisy but also convenient. WiFi, laundry, and propane available. Best part is that it is a walking distance to the beach.” – Casino, Google Review
“Pretty nice place. Fire pits, picnic tables, level RV sites, ocean close by. Clean and good staff. The only complaint and the reason for not giving 5 stars is the highway, so much road noise.”
Carmel by the River RV Park
Carmel by the River RV Park is a beautiful, family-owned, boutique park. It has all the amenities that you need to enjoy your time at the campground and is still within a close proximity to many of the area attractions. The resort is a short drive from Carmel Valley Village, Monterey, the beach, shopping and plenty of outdoor opportunities.
RV Park Highlights:
- Full-hookup sites that accommodate 50 ft RVs
- 30 or 50 amp sites
- Picnic table and charcoal grill at site
- Recreation room with games
- General store
- Restrooms and showers
What people think of Carmel by the River RV Park:
“This place is awesome. A hidden gem in the mountains only 10 to 15 minutes from carmel and Monterey. Very quite and well taken care of RV park. Highly recommend.” – Pete, Google Review
“Most Excellent place to visit or stay on life’s adventures. We came in well after dark and we were All So Surprised at what we saw when we woke up! The river is Right behind the row we are on so we sleep with All the windows Wide open and listen to the frogs singing us a lullaby!” – Erin, Google Review
Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA
The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA is conveniently located next to many local attractions for you to explore. But even if you want to stop in the campground, you won’t be bored. They have many amenities for you to enjoy on site as KOAs are known for. Within the area, you can enjoy Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach golf course, Fisherman’s Wharf, the boardwalk in Santa Cruz, and plenty of wineries, parks, and beaches.
RV Park Highlights:
- 50 max amp
- WiFi
- 90′ Max length
- Cable TV
- Dog park
- Bike rentals
- Propane
- Heated pool
- Basketball, Volleyball, Horseshoes, Game room
- Clubhouse
What people think of Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA:
“Fantastic campsite for RV and also has great cabins too. Perfect get away. Lots to see locally or just enjoy the site. Heated pool and dog run area. Great playground and had a fantastic wee store on site. Right beside great beaches.” – Sinead and Jan, Google Review
“This is a wonderful place to take your family and I love the young girls that work in the shop there so helpful. The beach is a really close drive. But there’s is a lot of things for the kids to do right on the campground I only wish I would have found this place a long time ago when my kids where like 4/5 years old because it’s a pretty cute place. ” – Michelle, Google Review
Ready to get RVing?
If you’re ready to start your RVing adventure, we invite you to find the right RV For Sale California for you and your family at Sky Rive RV.
