If you’re traveling in a recreational vehicle and seeking a place to stay near Monterey and Carmel, you may be surprised by the limited camping options. The Monterey Peninsula has a scarcity of campgrounds, especially for tent camping.

Instead of wasting time searching for non-existent campgrounds and RV parks, refer to this concise list derived from extensive online research.

1. Camping in Monterey

Veteran’s Memorial Park is nestled in the forest, only a mile away from downtown Monterey. This campground features 40 campsites, with 30 available for trailers up to 21 feet long. Hikers and cyclists are also welcomed. However, the biggest tent can only be 8’x7’ or 56 square feet.

Sites are equipped with a table and barbecue pit, with water faucets and restrooms nearby. Showers are available for a fee, limited to 10 minutes.

Reservations are not accepted; sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is essential to secure a spot, and it’s wise to have a backup plan. Site 35 is particularly sought after, offering a secluded experience akin to a private campground.

Monterey County Event Center RV Park is situated at the county fair center. It’s unavailable when the fairgrounds host other events. Throughout the rest of the year, reservations can be made online. The park offers full hookups, 30 and 50 amp electrical, showers, and WiFi. Both pets and children are allowed, and there’s no size limit for your RV. Tent sites are not provided.

Monterey Pines RV Campground serves as a U.S. Military campground, conveniently located near the Fairgrounds, catering to active and retired military personnel, as well as civilians employed by the Department of Defense or Nonappropriated Fund. Online reservations are accepted here.

2. Camping in Carmel and Carmel Valley

Carmel by the River RV Park, situated off Carmel Valley Road, lies approximately 7 miles from Monterey and 4.5 miles from Carmel. With 30 RV spots, reservations can be made online. They accommodate RVs up to 40 feet long but do not provide tent options. The park is pet-friendly and includes hookups, showers, cable TV, and WiFi.

Saddle Mountain Ranch is located in Carmel Valley, about 5 miles west of California Highway 1, spread across 89 acres of forest. This location can handle vehicles up to 40 feet and provides full hookups, showers, and even a swimming pool. Pets are permitted with an additional fee. Early reservation is recommended due to high demand. Tent sites and cabins are also available here.

3. More Camping in the Monterey Area

Marina Dunes RV Resort is located just a few miles north of Monterey along California Highway 1. The resort offers numerous amenities, including full hookups, tent sites, and some cottages available for rent. Additionally, a restaurant is on-site.

Laguna Seca Recreation Area is east of Monterey, providing year-round RV camping opportunities. This area is particularly bustling during race events at the adjacent Laguna Seca Raceway. Visitors can check the raceway schedule. Their RV sites can also accommodate popup tents without stakes, alongside 70 non-hookup sites suitable for tents, available from April through September. Reservations are accepted up to one week before arrival; thereafter, it’s first-come, first-served.

4. Other Camping Locations

Interestingly, the Salinas/Monterey KOA is situated some distance from the town on U.S. Highway 101. Similarly, the Santa Cruz/Monterey KOA is north of Monterey, located in Castroville.

A KOA Express can be found in Moss Landing, roughly a 20-minute drive north of Monterey.

Furthermore, camping options also exist to the south of Monterey and Carmel. Big Sur campgrounds are south of Carmel along the coast. Alternatively, if you venture north of Monterey, you could explore campgrounds near Santa Cruz, which lies approximately 45 miles away.