Summary
Overview of Seacliff State Beach
If you camp at Seacliff, the beach will be right outside your door. However, this is only applicable if you have an RV or camper trailer, as pitching a tent is not permitted here. The campground lacks trees for shade, but the stunning views of Monterey Bay might make you forget this concern. From your campsite, you can observe birds roosting on the old, half-sunken cement ship near the pier. Bluffs behind the campsites provide some protection from the wind.
This campground often feels like a small town, as visitors frequently personalize their spaces, creating a home away from home experience. Nevertheless, you should hope for considerate neighbors as the sites are closely spaced with limited privacy.
Activities at Seacliff include beach play and fishing from the pier, where no fishing license is required; however, California Department of Fish and Game catch limits apply. There is also an excellent hiking trail.
Facilities Available
Seacliff offers sites exclusively for self-contained RVs and camping trailers. Generally, vehicles can be up to 36 feet long, though a few spaces accommodate 45-footers. Sites 1-28 are the most popular as they include hookups, but there is no dump station available on-site.
The campsites are positioned side by side facing the beach, which some visitors might find too close for comfort.
The campground features restrooms with flush toilets, and the Beach Shack serves food, but it operates only on busier days. Additionally, water and a sanitation dump station can be found at nearby New Brighton State Beach.
Within a couple of miles, you will discover shopping, dining, and grocery stores.
Essential Information Before Your Visit
- This oceanfront campground is notably popular. Ideally, you should make reservations as far in advance as possible, preferably seven months ahead. To prepare for your reservation, consider checking the campground map ahead of time.
- A limited number of non-hookup campsites are available through a daily lottery at 12:30 p.m. You must be present with your RV before noon to participate.
- All camping vehicles must be fully self-contained, including permanent working plumbing fixtures, flushable toilets, and a sealed effluent holding tank. It’s mandatory for your RV to be on-site when you register. For safety, back into all campsites to facilitate quick evacuation if necessary.
- Reviews of the campground often highlight that two long sewer hoses might be needed for the hookup sites.
- Only one RV and a maximum of 8 people are permitted per campsite.
- If you wish to use a picnic table, it is advisable to bring your own. For a fire, you will need to provide a raised fire ring.
- The Park Store sells souvenirs and similar items, but the nearest grocery store is a Safeway located at 16 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CA—about three miles away.
- Dogs are permitted on leash only and must be housed in your RV or vehicle at night.
Directions to Seacliff State Beach Campground
Seacliff State Beach Campground is located in Aptos, near Santa Cruz, CA. For more detailed information regarding the amenities and regulations, refer to the Seacliff State Beach website.
Seacliff Beach is situated 5.5 miles south of Santa Cruz. To access the park, exit CA Highway 1 at State Park Drive and proceed a short distance toward the water to reach the park entrance kiosk.
If you’re using a GPS, enter the address 223 State Park Dr, Aptos, CA, which corresponds to the Sno-White Drive-In along the route to the park.
