RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Aptos, CA
63 campgrounds and RV Parks near Aptos, CA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
63 campgrounds
5685 campsites
218 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $31,284/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Aptos, CA
Seacliff Center RV Park
Aptos, CA (1 miles away)
$$$$$
(32 sites)
+3
Seacliff State Beach
Aptos, CA (1 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
New Brighton State Beach
Capitola, CA (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(102 sites)
+7
Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
Watsonville, CA (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(174 sites)
+10
Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park
Santa Cruz, CA (5 miles away)
Santa Vida RV Park and Campground
Santa Cruz, CA (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(45 sites)
+4
Sunset State Beach
Watsonville, CA (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+5
Pinto Lake RV Park
Watsonville, CA (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(28 sites)
+3
Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort
Scotts Valley, CA (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+5
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
Scotts Valley, CA (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(107 sites)
+4
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
Watsonville, CA (9 miles away)
Cotillion Gardens RV Park
Felton, CA (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(81 sites)
+11
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Showers Tables Toilets Grills Internet Dump station Laundry General store Cable TV
Camping near Aptos, California
Aptos sits on the north shore of Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz County, about seven miles south of Santa Cruz on Highway 1. The town puts RV travelers within walking distance of Pacific beaches and a short drive from redwood forest at the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Most camping options cluster along a narrow coastal strip between Capitola and Watsonville, mixing California State Parks bluff-top campgrounds with private RV parks and a full-service KOA.
The nearest options to central Aptos include Seacliff Center RV Park and Seacliff State Beach, both within the town limits. New Brighton State Beach sits on forested bluffs just north in Capitola, while Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday is set off San Andreas Road south toward Watsonville. Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park, in the city's North Harbor, rounds out the closest paved RV options. Note that the Seacliff State Beach campground has been closed since historic winter storms destroyed much of the seawall and utilities, with no near-term reopening expected, so confirm status before booking.Major rebuilding efforts won't break ground until at least 2028, with larger projects unlikely before 2030, and the campground remains closed.
Things to do around Aptos
The shoreline is the main draw. Seacliff State Beach is known historically for its fishing pier and the SS Palo Alto concrete ship, though the pier has been demolished and the ship is no longer accessible. Campers at New Brighton State Beach can swim, surf fish, picnic, and reach the sandy beach below the bluffs via wooden stairs. Inland, the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park offers miles of redwood trails and the Aptos Creek fire road for hiking and mountain biking. Families staying at Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday are roughly fifteen minutes from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park, and surfers can drive north to Steamer Lane or paddle out at Pleasure Point. Wildlife watchers can look for whales and sea otters in Monterey Bay, plus tidepooling at low tide.
Camping spots and RV parks near Aptos, CA
Seasons and timing near Aptos
- spring
March - May
66° / 46°F 65 mmMild and drying out; morning marine fog common
- summer
June - August
73° / 54°F 2 mmPeak demand; state park sites book months ahead
- fall
September - November
72° / 50°F 53 mmWarmest ocean temps in September; rains return by November
- winter
December - February
63° / 41°F 134 mmWettest season; storm closures possible at coastal parks
The Aptos coast is a year-round destination, but conditions shift sharply by season. Summer brings the warmest, driest weather and the heaviest demand. State park sites along the Santa Cruz coast typically book to capacity months ahead for June through August weekends, and the KOA fills around major holidays. Morning marine fog is common from late spring through midsummer; afternoons usually clear.
Spring and early fall offer milder crowds, wildflowers in the redwood parks, and the warmest ocean temperatures around September. Late fall and winter are the wet season, with the heaviest rainfall arriving December through February. Storm closures and bluff erosion are ongoing concerns along this stretch of coast, and the Seacliff campground itself remains shut after severe storm damage. New Brighton State Beach is open year-round for camping with advance reservations, and the Santa Cruz District state parks limit stays to seven consecutive nights and 30 total nights per calendar year across district facilities.
Top Hosts near Aptos, CA
Alfredo77 trips - Joined Aug 2022 - Superhost
Love renting from Alfredo he always takes great care of us and is flexible when needed.
Jason S. - Oct 2026
Alfredo and crew did a fantastic job! FIVE STAR!
Steve S. - Aug 2026
Farzan25 trips - Joined Feb 2024 - Superhost
They are excellent especially Farzan is very prompt and patiently answering all questions.
Neelima V. - Nov 2025
BEST VACATION WE HAD IN YEARS! THE RV HAS ALL YOU NEED, RIGHT SIZE AND ALL THE EQUIPMENT TO MAKE THINGS EASY ON THE ROAD, VERY CLEAN AND WORKS PERFECTLY, FARZAN WAS JUST GREAT EXPLAINING HOW THE RV WORK AND ANSWERING ALL OUR QUESTIONS AT ANY TIME. DEFINITELY WE RECOMEND THIS RV
JOSE L. - Aug 2025
How to book Aptos campgrounds
California State Parks sites use ReserveCalifornia. Sites can be reserved up to seven months in advance. Booking opens at the start of the seven-month window for the exact arrival date, so popular summer weekends should be targeted the moment that window opens. Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday takes bookings directly on the KOA website or by phone. Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park accepts reservations up to six months in advance through an online system, with changes or cancellations handled by email to the Port District. Private RV parks in the area generally accept reservations several months out and may require a deposit.
What to expect on site
Expect coastal weather and tight, paved sites at most options near Aptos. New Brighton State Beach offers over 100 developed campsites, including 11 RV hookup sites, with sites that accommodate tents, trailers and RVs up to 36 feet in length. The campground has paved roads and parking spurs, an RV dump station and restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers. Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park is more utilitarian: RVs must be completely self-contained, including gray water, and access to the harbor docks, restrooms, and showers is not included with RV parking. The KOA offers the widest amenity mix, including a pool, cabins, planned activities, and longer pull-through sites suitable for larger rigs.
Own an RV? Earn up to $31,284/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Aptos, CA
What does it cost to rent an RV in Aptos, and how can I save money?
RV rental in Aptos typically ranges from around $100 per night for compact campervans to $175-$275 per night for larger motorhomes during peak summer. Shoulder seasons like April-May and September-October usually offer cheaper RV rental in Aptos and easier campground reservations. To save, filter for cheap RV rental Aptos on RVezy, choose pickup over delivery when flexible, and book early for summer weekends when local campgrounds fill quickly.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Aptos%2C%20CaliforniaDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Aptos?
No special license is required to rent an RV in Aptos. A standard driver's license is sufficient for most campervans and motorhomes under 40 feet in California, and RVezy's approved driver requirements ask renters to generally be at least 25 years old. RVezy verifies your ID online so your Aptos RV trip starts smoothly, even if it's your first time renting an RV.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection is included with my Aptos RV rental?
Every RV rental in Aptos on RVezy includes a renter protection plan that you select at checkout, with different coverage levels to match your trip. Each plan includes 24/7 roadside assistance and coverage for eligible damages, so you can focus on enjoying the redwoods and beaches. You choose the level of protection, not the host, giving you control and peace of mind.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is RVezy's cancellation policy for an RV rental in Aptos?
RVezy uses a standard platform-wide cancellation policy rather than host-set terms, so the rules are consistent for every RV rental in Aptos. There is a short full-refund grace period after booking, and refund amounts after that depend on how close to the trip you cancel. If a host cancels, guests receive a refund or travel credit. You can review the current details and cancel from your RVezy account before your trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog or cat on my Aptos RV rental?
Yes, many pet-friendly RV rental options are available in Aptos. Use the pet-friendly filter on RVezy when searching, then message the host to confirm their specific pet rules and any cleaning fees. Once you arrive, you can enjoy walks at Seacliff State Beach and shaded trails in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, both popular spots for travelers with dogs.
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=666Can the RV be delivered and set up at a campground or home in Aptos?
Yes, RV delivery is widely available in Aptos. Many RVezy hosts will deliver a campervan, travel trailer, or motorhome to your home, vacation rental, or a nearby campground such as New Brighton State Beach or Santa Cruz Monterey Bay KOA. They handle setup and provide a walkthrough, which is ideal for first-time renters or late arrivals. Use the delivery filter when searching listings to see hosts who offer this option.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Aptos%2C%20CaliforniaHow far can I travel in my rental RV from Aptos and are there mileage limits?
Most RV rentals in Aptos include a set daily mileage allowance, often around 100-150 miles per day, and some hosts offer unlimited mileage. From Aptos you can road trip to Big Sur (about 55 miles south), San Francisco (about 80 miles north), or Yosemite National Park (about 190 miles east). Check each listing's mileage policy before booking, and look for unlimited mileage options if you plan a longer route.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Aptos%2C%20CaliforniaWhere can I park my RV in and around Aptos for overnight stays?
Top RV camping options near Aptos include New Brighton State Beach Campground with cliffside ocean views, Seacliff State Beach (currently operating as a day-use area while recovering from storm damage, with RV camping access subject to state park updates), and Santa Cruz Monterey Bay KOA in Scotts Valley with a pool and family amenities. Overnight street parking is not allowed in most of Aptos, so always use a designated campground and reserve early through ReserveCalifornia for summer and weekends.
reservecalifornia.com/When is the best time of year to plan an RV trip to Aptos?
September and October are often the best months for an Aptos RV trip, with sunny skies, lighter crowds, and average highs in the low 70s F. Winters are mild in the 50s to low 60s F and great for quiet redwood retreats, though you should expect coastal rain. Summer brings prime beach weather, but coastal fog is common in the mornings and campgrounds fill fast, so book early for July and August trips.
weather.gov/mtr/Will someone show me how everything works on the RV when I pick up in Aptos?
Yes. Every RVezy booking in Aptos includes a host walkthrough at pickup or delivery, where your host shows you how the beds, kitchen, bathroom, hookups, and other systems work. This makes first time renting an RV straightforward, and you can ask questions on the spot. Many hosts also share written guides or videos so you can travel the California coast with confidence.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/categories/360003536353-Renting-an-RVWhat if I run into trouble or break down during my Aptos RV trip?
Every RVezy renter protection plan includes 24/7 roadside assistance, so help is available throughout your Aptos RV trip. Whether you have a flat tire on Highway 1 or need a battery jump near New Brighton Beach, call the roadside support line for quick help. Keep your booking details and the support number handy, and you can explore the coast knowing backup is always a call away.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Aptos RV rental across state lines or to Canada or Mexico?
You can road trip across the US with most RV rentals from Aptos, and some hosts allow travel into Canada when arranged in advance. Travel into Mexico is not permitted with RVezy rentals. For scenic routes, drive Highway 1 north to Mendocino (about 220 miles) or south to Santa Barbara (about 235 miles), both unforgettable coastal drives. Always confirm cross-border plans with your host before booking.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for gas on a typical Aptos RV rental?
Most motorhome rentals in Aptos average 8-12 MPG, while smaller campervans are typically more fuel efficient. Santa Cruz County gas prices commonly run around $4.75-$5.50 per gallon. For a weekend round trip to Big Sur (about 110 miles round trip from Aptos), expect roughly $50-$80 in fuel for a motorhome. Plan stops along Highway 1 where stations are easy to find, and enjoy the coastal views as you go.
energy.ca.gov/data-reports/energy-almanac/transportation-energy/california-gasoline-data-facts-and-statisticsHow far in advance should I book campgrounds near Aptos, and how?
Book early for the best campgrounds near Aptos. State parks such as New Brighton State Beach and Sunset State Beach accept reservations up to six months in advance through ReserveCalifornia, and summer and holiday weekends sell out quickly. For private parks, use KOA.com for Santa Cruz Monterey Bay KOA or check Santa Cruz County Parks. Locking in your site early ensures a smooth Aptos RV trip.
reservecalifornia.com/What should I expect driving an RV around Aptos and the nearby coast?
Driving an RV around Aptos is generally relaxed, with RV-friendly routes along Soquel Drive and Highway 1. Expect curves and morning coastal fog on Highway 1, especially in summer, and watch for low branches and tight street parking in residential neighborhoods. Use turnouts to let faster traffic pass, and plan for heavier surf and beach traffic on weekends. If you prefer to skip city driving, choose an RVezy host who offers delivery.
quickmap.dot.ca.gov/What amenities do local campgrounds near Aptos provide?
Campgrounds near Aptos generally offer water and electrical hookups, restrooms and showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and dump stations. New Brighton State Beach features ocean-view sites and a dump station on site. Santa Cruz Monterey Bay KOA adds a pool, WiFi, and a camp store. Top off fresh water at the campground and use the dump station for grey and black water before returning your rental.
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=542What amenities come standard with an Aptos RV rental?
A typical RV rental in Aptos includes comfortable beds, a kitchen with stove, fridge, and sink, a private bathroom, and seatbelts for every traveler. Many units add air conditioning, heat, a TV, and a generator for off-grid camping, which is common in newer Class C and Class A motorhomes. Review the listing for extras such as WiFi, linens, outdoor chairs, and bike racks, and message the host if a specific feature is essential for your trip.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Aptos%2C%20CaliforniaWhat add-ons or options are available for Aptos RV rentals?
Many RVezy hosts in Aptos offer add-ons such as camping gear, bicycles, paddleboards, surfboards, kitchen kits, and outdoor chairs for a small fee. Some listings include instant booking and flexible pickup and dropoff times. Review each listing's add-ons section and message the host to customize your coastal road trip from Aptos, whether you're heading to Big Sur or up to San Francisco.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Aptos%2C%20CaliforniaHow do payments and the security deposit work when renting an RV in Aptos?
All payments for an RV rental in Aptos are processed securely through RVezy. The security deposit is held separately from your booking payment and is not charged unless there is an issue at the end of the trip, such as damage or excess cleaning. Return the RV clean, on time, and in the same condition you received it, and your deposit hold is released after the trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksNearby cities with campgrounds
Sacramento, CASan Jose, CASan Francisco, CAFresno, CAElk Grove, CARoseville, CARocklin, CASan Martin, CAEl Dorado Hills, CANipomo, CASanta Maria, CALodi, CATracy, CALivermore, CAFairfield, CACameron Park, CAUnion City, CAMather, CACitrus Heights, CAFolsom, CABrentwood, CASanta Rosa, CAVineyard, CAPismo Beach, CA