13 Mar The Best Campsites on the California Coast
California’s coastline stretches for hundreds of miles. It moves from rough cliffs and redwood forests to sandy beaches and sleepy surf towns. Camping along this iconic stretch of land is one of the best ways to experience it. Whether you want ocean views, quiet forests or family-friendly amenities, you’ll find some truly unforgettable options. Here are some of the best campsites on the California coast.
The Best Campsites on the California Coast
Santa Cruz Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
Santa Cruz Monterey Bay KOA Holiday is set on a bluff overlooking Monterey Bay. This campground offers the classic California coast experience with the convenience of a full-service resort. It’s especially popular with families, and you can fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up to fog drifting across the ocean.
This spot perfectly balances nature and comfort. Some campers pitch tents under the trees, while others stay in cozy cabins or park their RVs with full hookups. The campground also provides easy access to nearby coastal towns like Santa Cruz and Monterey, where you’ll find famous boardwalks, aquariums and seafood restaurants. It’s one of the best campsites on the California coast for travelers craving a comfortable outdoor getaway.
Key Features
- Ocean-view campsites and cabins
- RVs with full hookups
- Family amenities, including a pool and playground
- Close to Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Monterey attractions
- Easy beach access within a short drive
Kirk Creek Campground
If you want dramatic ocean views without crowds, Kirk Creek Campground delivers. Located along the famous Highway 1 in Big Sur, this site sits high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific. The scenery here feels almost unreal. Waves crash far below, while coastal mountains rise behind the campground.
The campsites are simple and rustic. There are no hookups and few modern amenities, but that’s the appeal. Nights here are quiet and dark. You’ll hear wind in the grass and the distant roar of the ocean.
Key Features
- Elevated blufftop views of the Pacific Ocean
- Direct access to hiking trails in Los Padres National Forest
- Spacious, scenic tent sites
- Close to Big Sur landmarks like McWay Falls and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- Incredible sunsets and stargazing
Morro Bay State Park Campground
Morro Bay State Park is known for its iconic volcanic rock rising out of the water, and this campground puts you right next to it. The setting is peaceful, with eucalyptus groves, tidal estuaries and plenty of wildlife.
Birdwatchers especially love this area. Herons, egrets and sea otters are common sights around the bay. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular, giving campers a chance to explore the calm waters up close. While the site feels tucked away in nature, it’s just minutes from the charming harbor town of Morro Bay. That means you can enjoy quiet mornings in the forest and fresh seafood dinners by the marina.
Key Features
- Shaded campsites surrounded by eucalyptus trees
- Access to kayaking and paddleboarding in Morro Bay
- Excellent wildlife and birdwatching
- Short drive to Morro Bay Harbor and beaches
- RV and tent camping available
Doheny State Beach Campground
For campers who want to fall asleep just steps from the sand, Doheny State Beach is hard to beat. This campground sits directly along the shoreline in Orange County. You can walk out of your tent and be on the beach in seconds.
The beach itself is wide and welcoming, making it great for swimming, surfing and tide-pool exploring. It’s also one of the best beginner surf spots in Southern California. Because of its location and easy beach access, reservations can fill up quickly. Still, it remains one of the best campsites on the California coast for anyone who dreams of a classic beach camping trip.
Key Features
- Beachfront campsites steps from the ocean
- Excellent beginner surf break
- Tide pools and marine life exploration
- Close to Dana Point Harbor and restaurants
- Family-friendly coastal setting
MacKerricher State Park Campground
Northern California’s coastline feels wider and more remote, and MacKerricher State Park captures that perfectly. Located near Fort Bragg, this campground sits beside windswept dunes, wetlands and long stretches of undeveloped beach.
The park is famous for its coastal trails and tide pools. You might see harbor seals lounging on the rocks or whales passing offshore during migration season. The nearby Ten Mile Dunes also provide a unique landscape rarely found elsewhere on the California coast.
Key Features
- Coastal hiking and biking trails
- Seal watching at Laguna Point
- Access to Ten Mile Beach and sand dunes
- Tide pools and whale watching opportunities
- Quiet campsites surrounded by nature
Your Coastal Camping Adventure Starts Here
Camping along the Pacific Ocean gives you a completely different perspective on California. You’re not just passing through the coastline, but rather living in it for a few days. From family-friendly resorts to remote blufftop camps, these locations represent some of the best campsites on the California coast. Each offers its own style of adventure, but they all share the same unforgettable setting.
Author bio: Cora Gold is a travel writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist, where she covers destination ideas, packing tips and travel advice for women. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and X.
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