When you come further south by Carmel, you have the Pacific coast to enjoy with all its splendor. Tent camping is one of the most affordable ways to enjoy the natural wonders that Carmel-by-the-Sea and nearby Big Sur offers. RVs up to 31 feet are supported. Despite it being walk-in only, you can park in a separate lot when visiting the areano backpacking necessary. When you are about a mile from the top, you will reach a redwood forest. Fishing and kayaking options are available at the Los Padres Dam which is only a short hike away from the property. There is plenty of space here to enjoy a peaceful camping in Carmel experience while you lounge in comfort. Here are some of the best locations for tent camping that youll find near Carmel. Please feel free to use this peaceful patio during your stay. To start you off, I'll send you my FREE travel essentials checklist + travel resources guide! If you dont pay the fee ahead of time, your assignment wont be finalized until the day you arrive. Family owned and operated for over 40 years, our boutique park is nestled into the lush natural surroundings of Carmel Valley and has all the amenities you need to enjoy your stay on the Monterey Peninsula. Fees are currently $20 per night, but they are subject to change at any time. Sites consist of concrete-level slabs and very nice hookups. We also have a handicap accessible restroom and shower available. Let us know in the comments below. The Carmel River is a natural area and is not accessible from the park. If you want the flexibility of bringing your RV to a campground or site while still enjoying the benefits of using a tent, these camping options provide let you enjoy the outdoors comfortably and affordably. Besides the campgrounds that are open 365 days per year, the park also features hiking trails, BBQ picnic areas, play equipment, turf and lawn fields, and a basketball court. It is a 7 mile or 14-minute drive from Carmels center. Close to all major attractions, so you can go hit the links at Pebble Beach, watch the races at Laguna Seca, lay in the sun on beautiful Carmel Beach, or simply relax in our garden-like setting and enjoy. Try taking the Saddle Mountain trail up into the forest boasting breathtaking views the entire time. When you need to do some laundry and want access to clean facilities, this campground delivers an affordable outcome to enjoy. This private campsite is located in the middle of a 2-acre meadow and is available for up to three guests. I havent been in California so this guide is very helpful for me! Yes we do. It offers 29 full RV hookups and 8 partial RV hookup sites and is only 12 minutes or 5.6 miles away from the center of Carmel. This post may contain affiliate links. This spot in a Redwood grove is only a 45-minute drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea and is 25 minutes from Carmel Valley Village. Great hiking is also available at Garland Regional Park, which is less than ten minutes away! You can also send your information via email to secure your reservation. Amenities include restrooms, free hot showers, wifi, cable TV, and a playground for the kiddies. We do not. Sweet grounds with flowers and so many places to sit and enjoy. Just a quick 25-minute drive (24 miles) from Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Salinas/Monterey KOA is a great option for large groups. We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Carmel-by-the-Sea. Do note that the firepits here only accept Duraflame logs, so you should consider bringing a couple with you during the trip. This unique campground is just minutes from the vibrant areas of Carmel, Monterey, and the Salinas Valley. A gas BBQ grill and outdoor sink await visitors. Free wifi stretches across the majority of the campground. Because Carmel is such a small town, weve chosen to include camping options in some of the towns nearby such as Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Marina, Salinas, and even Big Sur. When youre up by Mount Shasta City, you have the rugged Sierras, old-growth forests, and isolated trails to enjoy. For onsite entertainment, there are a number of hiking trails that are within walking distance from the campground. Theres even a par-70 Pete Dye-designed golf course on the grounds. Its no wonder this spot is so popular, its location is so prime! Some of the amenities include hot showers and bathrooms, ping-pong, horseshoes, and badminton as well as their Saddle Mountain Trail which leads up into the forest. This charming and romantic small town features rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and rocky, cypress-covered outcroppings. Youll hear the lions and tigers roaring just yards away from where you sleep at night, which is a tent-style bungalow decorated in an African style while delivering the comforts of a modern hotel. Outdoor seating, hot showers, a propane BBQ pit, and an outdoor kitchen sink give it a complete domestic feel all within the parameters of natures beautiful features. It is a very hilly route and you will be sharing the road with cars for the entire route, the shoulder is sometimes very slim. Since then, she has traveled abroad to locations such as Russia, Taiwan and throughout Europe. This park does not support or allow for tent camping, however, they have cabin rentals and offer numerous amenities for those with RVs. Enjoy their exceptional amenities, such as hot showers, and feel free to make use of the coin-operated laundry facility. Potable water with flush toilets is present, but there arent any showers. The S.S. Palo Alto, Epicenter to Five Finger Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Aptos, California. This Capitola camping spot is the place to be if you're looking to do a variety of activities in a variety of landscapes. It is located just outside our office and has BBQs, comfy patio furniture, and a fire pit. These sites are particularly recommended for families and large groups. Moss Landing KOA is located within the heart of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in a seaport. Thank you! Reserve a space, drive-in, and you can pick out one of their incredible RV sites. ), First Responders, Nurses and Teachers (Bless you!). Curled up along Californias central coast is Carmel-by-the-Sea with some of the most beautiful camping options in California. Campsites will be located in a meadow near the river, each with a picnic table, fire pit, and food storage containers available. A divider curtain offers privacy and the dining table can become a bed for a single child or pet. A peaceful campground under the pines, picnicking on the beach, and unmatched views of Monterey Bay make Sunset State Beach a favorite year-round destination for tent campers and RV campers alike. Wed recommend bringing your own bottled water for drinking and cooking. Carmel By The River RV Park offers a variety of site types to fit your needs including standard, wide, premium, deluxe, mega, and primo. Its a fun and affordable way to stay on the Monterey Peninsula without putting in too much effort, especially since Wi-Fi is available for as little as $8 per night for a tent site. Only a ten-minute drive from Carmels city center is a sophisticated experience with glamping. The campground at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers a spectacular variety of natural settings to enjoy. And I havent been on a camping trip for a very long time , Your email address will not be published. The RV park offers sites with either 30 or 50 amp. When youre not enjoying the motels sun terrace or mountain views, you can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar. ), Nacimiento Campground: Las Padres National Forest, Where To Stay In Monterey And Carmel: Best Hotels, B&Bs, and More, San Francisco to Monterey Road Trip: 23 Best Stops On Highway 1, 34+ Best Things To Do In Monterey Bay, CA, 17 Best Hot Springs In Northern California For Soaking and Relaxation, 14 Best Travel Movies To Inspire Your Next Vacation, 10 Best Dog Friendly Beaches Near Los Angeles, California. A glimmering swimming pool also awaits. Propane fire pits are also available for rent. Our grounds are professionally landscaped and maintained. Amenities include the hot showers on-site. There is very little shade on the trail until you are about 2/3 of the way up. Prior to working at 52 Perfect Days she was a freelance travel writer; focusing on family and womens adventure experiences. Closest hiking trails are Garland Ranch Regional Park (5.2 miles East of our location; dog friendly), and Point Lobos (8.6 miles Southwest of our location; not dog friendly). Follow 52 Perfect Dayson You can spend time with many of the animals that live on the grounds during your stay, especially with the Breakfast on Safari experience offered. Each bungalow has access to full amenities, but pets are not permitted. Its complete with potable water, a roofed-in kitchen, picnic table, and endless hot showers contained in a private bathroom. The sites are packed in to maximize space, so youll want to think about bringing some privacy enhancements. Double wide sites offering privacy and plenty of room for your RV and a vehicle or you can use one side for outdoor games and lounging. We have a variety of options including beaches in Carmel California, camping on the coast to camping among the Redwoods. One special feature of the park is that its large enough to host large groups of youths (up to 100 people at a time) for overnight camping, making it a popular option for events. A great place to relax! Below are some of the best camping in Carmel locations as well as nearby hikes and day trips. Northern California provides some incredible backpacking opportunities because the different environments are so varied. The layout of the park is in a loop which is just over an eighth of a mile, so the whole property is about half the size of a football field. Pets are also welcome! Pet friendly. All of the tent campsites have a fire pit and picnic table. Saddle Mountain Ranch is a tent campground and RV park that is only five miles away from Highway 1. The amazing forest terrain is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean where otters, sea lions, and harbor seals are seen regularly. Its 40 campsites are delightful accommodation, given all the nearby hiking options. Bikepack Highway 1: Monterey to San Luis Obispo, Hike Coast Ridge Road to Terrace Creek Trail, The best hiking trails in Carmel-by-the-Sea, The best backpacking in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Swim at the Carmel River, which is only a five-minute walk from the property. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'travelswithelle_com-medrectangle-1','ezslot_27',115,'0','0']));report this ad. The property has a general store, a heated swimming pool thats open year-round, and cable TV. Very nice campgrounds and they put two of us together in the back patio site which was extra fantastic! Hidden in the Monterey Peninsula in Californias Central coast sits Carmel-by-the-Sea. Read More: 15 Hiking and Camping Essentials (With Product Recommendations!). Very nice place - quiet, pretty grounds, great pet area, etc. It sits on 89 acres of forested land just off Carmel Valley Road, ensuring that youre under redwoods, Monterey pines, and oaks. You can make a reservation here.. Our best site! The community delivers one of Californias best small-town experiences, but that isnt the only way to enjoy what this area provides. A grocery store is also on the site. If you prefer a wine tour, you can enjoy numerous vineyards through the valley region. She currently resides in San Diego with her husband and son where they enjoy exploring California and Mexico. This should not scare you from doing the trip, just be aware of the risks and dangers you might be facing. Backpacking to Pat Springs is a way to see Big Sur and the San Lucia mountains from a perspective that few get to experience. Saddle Mountain Ranch in Carmel is only 7.3 miles from the center of Carmel by the Sea, making it a quick 15-minute drive from many of Carmels most popular restaurants and museums. If your RV or Trailer is over 30' and has 2 slide outs these are your best option. All Rights Reserved. We are tucked away in a residential area, so it is quiet and peaceful. Going out to the aquarium, seeing the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, or visiting the 17-mile long drive alongside Pebble Beachs Golf Course would make for an excellent day trip. Includes paved patio, propane grill, enclosed backyard with a gazebo, fire pit and game area. Its close to the water, sharing a wall with the local boat dock parking. This beautiful camping area delivers several dune-protected family sites that are suitable for RVs or tents, but there arent hookups available. Are You Ready to Start Exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea? Note: tent-campers, car campers, converted vans, and trailers are not permitted. However, the fishing here is excellent, or you can sit back to enjoy the dramatic views! Making a reservation at any Big Sur campgrounds is definitely advised, as many people book out the spots up to six months in advance. The Luxury Tent is a single campsite thats fitted with one comfy bed. Additional fees may apply for pets, extra persons or additional vehicles, *We offer $10 per night discounts for Seniors (not high school, the other kind), Active and Retired Military (Thank you! Active military members can reserve a site up to four months in advance. The closest laundromat is 3 miles down the road at the MidValley Shopping Center. Each camping space is self-contained, and with the main house being 300 feet from the Quail Nest, there is plenty of space for pure serenity as well as fun recreational activities. Love little luxuries like potable drinking water, being able to take a shower, and using real toilets? Please view our FAQ to answer any common questions you may have. Located adjacent to Montereys 81 Acre Huckleberry Hill Nature Preserve on the Monterey Peninsula, and only a quick 12 minute and just 4.4-mile drive from Carmel, the Veterans Memorial Park is another fantastic site for camping near Carmel. Pull up a picnic table, bring your favorite snacks, and enjoy being in the heart of all the action! If you are looking to do some backpacking in the Big Sur area, you've come to the right place. Some are 100% ADA-compliant. Hike or bicycle across the miles of grasslands and coastal shrubs. Born in Paris, France she has since lived in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon. Tent camping is not permitted here, but there is drive-in access to each site so that you can park conveniently. Youll find a tavern on the grounds where a laugh is virtually guaranteed as you connect with fellow travelers. Its also available year-round. It is open year-round to all active duty, reservists, retirees, family members and DOD Civilians. Andrew Molera State Park is full of marvelous bending hiking trails that curve past the beach from the mouth of the Big Sur River to Cooper Point. Amazing amount of space for your RV and vehicle. I was born in France but lived most of my life in the U.S. If you love strapping on a backpack to enjoy a lengthy excursion, these backpacking camping sites near Carmel provide a safe spot to rest while getting ready for the next days adventures! We also have a large collection of DVDs for rent. One of the many things that makes this campsite special is that they offer not only sites for standard RVs but also wider spaces for big rigs. Firewood is available for purchase and can be burnt in the provided metal fire rings. The trek to Sykes Hot Springs is about 10-miles one way along the Pine Ridge Trail. I have traveled extensively in Mexico, the United States, and Europe. You can also take a walk down to the pool to cool off from May to October!eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'travelswithelle_com-box-4','ezslot_3',169,'0','0'])); Looking to get a little hike in? We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. In addition to this site, there are two additional glamping sites available as a vacation rental. The trail is open year-round but can be a bit muddy after heavy rains. The small town is also famous for hordes of migrating whales and its array of libraries and museums. *Trailer length is measured from front of hitch to rear bumper. Located among majestic Coastal Redwood trees along the pristine Big Sur River, Big Sur Campground & Cabins offers camping and lodging thats perfect for the whole family. Carmel by the River RV Park is situated a hop, skip, and a jump away from river access via Garland Ranch Regional Park. If you want to visit Big Sur, just hop into your vehicle for a beautiful 40-minute drive down Highway 1. Reserve via hipcamp.com. We do have a handful of pull-forward sites for motorhomes only, but they are not pull-throughs as you have to reverse when leaving. 15 Hiking and Camping Essentials (With Product Recommendations! RV parking of up to 60 feet is available, and only self-contained vehicles are permitted. We do not have a dumping station. Guests are welcome to enjoy our recreation room with a lounge area, air hockey, billiards, and ping pong tables. Camping in Carmel provides an affordable way to enjoy the beauty of this region without compromising on comfort, safety, or access. Turn off of Cabrillo Highway onto Coast Ridge Road, park, and head up! The recreation room is furnished with ping pong and pool tables, comfortable couches for relaxing, a small library, a big screen TV and video collection, and a selection of board games all for your enjoyment. We are a small-boutique park with only 35 sites total. Veterans Memorial Park has got you covered. And because these campsites tend to fill up fast, youll want to visit ReserveCalifornia as soon as youre ready to commit to this campground to make sure your travel dates are available. The park runs alongside Monastery Beach where you can catch a view of the marvelous west coast sunsets in action. Breathtaking views are bound to be experienced as one rolls down from Monterey along CA-1N coming into the heart of Carmel. Its about a quarter-mile walk to the campground, which is where youll find 22 standard tent sites and two hike-and-bike options. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Subscribe to the TWE newsletter get first dibs on travel tips, updates, and exclusive deals! Camping in Carmel California | 10 Best Campgrounds for 2022, 10 Best Camping Spots in Carmel California, 3. Campers can enjoy tent and RV camping on the forest floor or opt for one of several styles of cabins, from rustic camping cabins to fully equipped cabins with kitchens and fireplaces. This is a great backpacking trip, but can be done as an out-and-back hike from the campgrounds at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park if you're really moving. When it gets a bit chilly, an electric tent heater is included, along with linens and towels. Amazing, friendly, quiet, clean campground. Next time we'll rent one of the onsite RV's, and we will definitely be back! Looking for the best camping in Carmel-by-the-Sea? With most financial institutions it can take 7-10 business days before you see a reflection on your account. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community. The Redwood Tent Top Cabin in the Oaks. Some of the types of campsites they offer are standard, premium, primo, wide, deluxe, mega, and even primo, with private spaces. From Monterey to Carmel its only about a 4.2-mile drive. Are you planning any additional camping in Central California? If you drive a bigger rig, theres still room for it. And Jeff helped with silly stuff we didn't know about RV's. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'travelswithelle_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',180,'0','0']));Because of how popular this campground is, be sure to reserve ASAP! This popular 50-acre park is located just 1 mile from downtown Monterey. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'travelswithelle_com-box-3','ezslot_1',167,'0','0']));Carmel-by-the-Sea was founded in 1902, although it wasnt incorporated until 1916. Susan and Jeff are such sweet hosts and went above and beyond to make our stay perfect. Understating your length can result in a reservation not being honored. Youre also just 30 minutes from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, while Monterey Bay is 30 minutes to the south. All of our sites include full utilities, (water, sewer, electric, wifi and cable tv) with the option of 30 or 50 amp. The also offer RV Vacation rentals for those who dont have an RV of their own. There arent many amenities included with its infrastructure, but it does provide an organized spot to pitch a tent on a long hike. Reserve via hipcamp.com. What makes this spot such an attractive option is that youre right in the middle of the action. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. Your camping accommodation will be a short walk (if not directly adjacent to) the gorgeous array of cottonwoods, sycamores, oaks, and resplendent redwoods. Several interiors for your glamping experience are available, including giraffes, zebras, and big cats. Showers are available at this park, along with drinking water access and full bathroom amenities. The trails are well-marked and well-maintained but dont feel overly manicured. Making the choice to be one with nature in such a peaceful area in Monterey County will enable you to have a very picturesque and unique getaway, vacation, or extended weekend. Both are available at the Park Office. All amenities are included. Monos Carry-On Pro Review: Is It Actually Worth The Price? Bathrooms with hot showers are located on the property. Our Business Center offers enhanced Wi-fi connectivity to our 1gb service, complimentary printing options and a coffee/tea bar, as well as a full kitchen, Cable TV, Zoom corner and a relaxed atmosphere away from your rig. They offer standard KOA amenities, such as hot showers and RV hookups as well as cottages. Be sure to reserve your spots early when you can to ensure you can snag a great site with access to all amenities you want! If you would like to dump then you have to rent a site at the daily rate to use the hookups. The sites are only available from May to October, and they tend to fill up fast! RV camping is only allowed for those en route, so if you only need to stay one night (between 5 PM- 9AM), this park may work for your needs. The Ultimate San Francisco To Portland Road Trip: 50+ Stops You Need To Make In Between, Complete Guide to Revealing The Priceline Express Deals Hotel Before You Book, The Ultimate Packing Checklist For 3 Months Of Travel, 18+ Coolest Things To Do In Big Bear During The Summer, The Perfect Kauai 7-Day Itinerary For An Unforgettable Hawaiian Vacation, The Nike Employee Store: How To Get In and What To Expect (Beaverton, Oregon). This luxury tent camping experience is located within Saddle Mountain Ranch, a very short drive from the soft white sands of Carmel Beach. Its a perfect place for hiking to the Big Sur River Gorge, only a half-mile round trip. Many of the early city councils and mayors were actors or poets, including Clint Eastwood and Perry Newberry. All of our sites are filled with level, crushed granite and include water, electricity, sewer, high speed WiFi, cable TV, private BBQ's and are pet friendly. Its open throughout the year during all seasons, but the best times to visit are during spring and fall. We stayed 6 nights in our silent auction won RV. It also is the home of Clint Eastwood, who served as mayor in the 1980s. In the springtime, you can hike amidst more than 25 varieties of wildflowers which grow in abundance along both sides of the paths of the highlands. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park provides some of the best camping near Carmel. The Gilroy Garlic Festival in a neighboring town, Gilroy, occurs annually in late July, and the amount of events that occur regularly in Monterey is nearly endless. One of the splendors that makes this camping site unique is that you can take a whale-watching trip from the harbor nearby. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. 2022 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Quiet,peaceful and yes, you can even hear the frogs in the river! The facility has several viewing decks just a short walk from each bungalow, allowing you to get even closer to the animals. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV access, glamping, or something a bit more rustic, the options near Carmel, CA will provide you with a truly memorable experience. Its a wonderfully peaceful spot where you can pitch a tent and relax however you want. Do note that the water in the facility is non-potable. A heated pool on the edge of a central Californian tree-scape is open during the summer and the beginning of Autumn. Read more about this campground here. The meadows trail is a perfect trail for novice and experienced hikers alike. For a great time, check out the recreation room which hosts pool table games, air hockey, and ping pong. There will be signs for the Park as you approach and the main parking lot is only a couple hundred yards from Hwy 1. Perfect for small and medium sized RVs and trailers with 1 or no slide outs. This fishing village is only a 25 minute or a 22-mile drive from the center of Carmel-by-the-Sea. All of our reservations are first-come-first-serve basis as we are a small boutique park and only have 35 sites total. The park itself is only about the size of a football field. The distance from San Francisco to Carmel is a little over two hours, as Carmel is just about 130 miles south of San Francisco.