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50 campgrounds and RV Parks near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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Best campgrounds near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Showers Tables Toilets Grills Internet Dump station Laundry General store Cable TV
Carmel-by-the-Sea camping overview
Carmel-by-the-Sea sits on the Monterey Peninsula, with RV options spread along the Highway 1 corridor between the Carmel River, the Monterey Bay dunes, and the redwood canyons of Big Sur. There are no RV campgrounds inside Carmel-by-the-Sea proper, so most travelers base themselves a short drive north toward Monterey and Marina, or south into the Big Sur River valley. Carmel by the River RV Park is the closest option to the village and sits along the Carmel River. North of town, Marina Dunes RV Park provides full-hookup sites in the dunes near Monterey Bay, and Moss Landing KOA Express puts travelers between Monterey and Santa Cruz with easy access to Elkhorn Slough. South of Carmel, the Big Sur River flows through Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, where private operators such as Big Sur Campgrounds and Cabins and Riverside Campground and Cabins line the river under the redwoods.
Things to do near Carmel-by-the-Sea
The 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach coastline are minutes from town, and Carmel Beach offers a wide stretch of white sand at the foot of Ocean Avenue. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, just south of the village, is a half-day stop for tide pools, sea lions, and short cliff-edge trails. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row sit about a fifteen-minute drive north and are the easiest family day out in the region. Kayaking with sea otters at Elkhorn Slough near Moss Landing is another reliable kid-friendly option. South on Highway 1, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and the redwood loop trails inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park anchor a full day in Big Sur.
Camping spots and RV parks near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
When to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea
- spring
March - May
63° / 46°F 40 mmDrying out; wildflowers along coastal trails
- summer
June - August
66° / 52°F 2 mmPeak bookings; morning marine-layer fog, mild afternoons
- fall
September - November
66° / 50°F 25 mmClearest skies; September is the warmest month
- winter
December - February
59° / 45°F 85 mmWet season; Highway 1 slide closures possible after storms
The Central California coast does not have a traditional summer-only camping season, but conditions vary sharply by month. Late spring and early fall bring the clearest skies and warmest inland temperatures. Summer mornings are often overcast with marine-layer fog that burns off by midday, and coastal highs stay mild while inland valleys warm. Winter is the wet season, with most rainfall arriving between November and March, and Highway 1 through Big Sur is subject to closures from slides and storm damage after heavy rain.
Reservations at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park fill up well in advance, even in winter, with the booking window opening six months ahead through ReserveCalifornia. Shoulder seasons in May and September generally offer the best balance of weather, availability, and open road conditions south of Carmel.
Top Hosts near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Carleen 11 trips - Joined May 2024
This trailer was perfect for our family. Memories were made! Carleen had great communication and I would rent from her again!
Stephanie W. - Apr 2025
What a great camper trailer - we used this for additional space for 5 people … worked out great!! Lovely owner too
Paul R. - Dec 2024
Lukas1 trip - Joined Mar 2024
We had a great time in Sampaio! It was a three night trip down highway 1 . Lukas was great to include games and books on the California coast. The van was super clean and cozy.
Pam G. - Mar 2026
How to book a site near Carmel-by-the-Sea
California State Park campgrounds in the area, including Pfeiffer Big Sur, are booked through ReserveCalifornia on a rolling six-month window that opens at 8 a.m. Pacific time each day. Online reservations are available around the clock, and bookings can also be made by phone through the ReserveCalifornia contact center. U.S. Forest Service sites along the Big Sur coast use Recreation.gov, and some smaller Forest Service sites remain first-come, first-served. Private parks such as Carmel by the River RV Park, Marina Dunes RV Park, Moss Landing KOA Express, Big Sur Campgrounds and Cabins, and Riverside Campground and Cabins take reservations directly through their own websites. Peak weekends fill quickly, so booking early is encouraged.
What to expect on site
RV travelers should plan for length restrictions south of Carmel: redwood-canyon campgrounds were built for smaller rigs, with tight turns and low limbs. Big Sur Campgrounds and Cabins can accommodate trailers and motorhomes up to 40 feet in select sites, with water and electric hookups and a central dump station. Riverside Campground and Cabins has select sites that host trailers and motorhomes up to 25 feet, with water and electric hookups but no on-site dump station. Marina Dunes and Moss Landing properties handle larger rigs and offer full hookups. Cell service is unreliable in Big Sur, fire restrictions are common in dry months, and bear-aware food storage is expected in canyon campgrounds. Bring layers: coastal evenings are cool even in July.
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
An RV rental in Carmel-by-the-Sea typically runs about $150 to $275 per night, with travel trailers on the lower end and Class A motorhomes on the higher end. Hosts on RVezy set their own pricing, so you can filter by price range to find a cheap RV rental Carmel-by-the-Sea families love. To save more, travel midweek, book in the shoulder seasons (April to early June or October to November), and look for listings offering weekly discounts. Hosts based near Monterey, Seaside, or Salinas often price lower than those listed directly in Carmel, and many offer delivery for a flat fee.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Carmel-by-the-Sea,CaliforniaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California?
Your regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Carmel-by-the-Sea. California does not require a special RV license or Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for the motorhomes, campervans, and travel trailers available on RVezy. Approved renters are generally 25 or older, and RVezy verifies your ID directly through the platform during booking, so the process is quick and secure. Visiting from abroad? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home license. Most first-time renters are pleasantly surprised by how simple it is, leaving you free to focus on the scenic drive along Highway 1.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection and roadside assistance comes with my Carmel-by-the-Sea RV rental?
You can book with confidence because every RV rental in Carmel-by-the-Sea on RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance. The protection plan covers damage to the RV up to the plan limits, giving you real financial peace of mind while you are cruising 17-Mile Drive or parked near Point Lobos. During checkout you choose from different protection levels so you can pick the coverage that fits your trip, this is your call, not the host's. If a tire goes flat on Highway 1 or you need a jump at Carmel by the River RV Park, one phone call gets help dispatched any time, day or night.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Carmel RV booking?
Booking is low-risk because RVezy, not individual hosts, sets the cancellation policy, so every booking on the platform follows the same clear rules. There is a grace period after booking during which you can cancel for a full refund, and additional refund options apply depending on how far ahead of your trip you cancel. If a host needs to cancel, RVezy refunds the guest or provides travel credits. If something changes with your Carmel-by-the-Sea RV trip, just reach out to RVezy support and they will walk you through your options. That flexibility is one reason first-time renters feel comfortable locking in dates early for busy summer weekends.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Carmel-by-the-Sea RV trip?
Absolutely, and Carmel is one of the most dog-loving towns in the country, which makes a pet-friendly RV rental Carmel-by-the-Sea ideal for furry travelers. Use the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to instantly see listings that welcome dogs. Carmel City Beach allows dogs off-leash on the sand, restaurants on Ocean Avenue often have water bowls outside, and Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley has miles of leashed trails. For overnight stays, Carmel by the River RV Park has dedicated pet waste stations throughout. Pro tip: message hosts directly through the listing if you have a larger breed, since some have size guidelines, and confirm any pet fee before booking.
ci.carmel.ca.us/post/dogs-carmelCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Carmel?
Yes, RV delivery Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most popular options on RVezy, and it's a game-changer if it's your first time renting an RV. Many hosts will drive the motorhome or travel trailer directly to Carmel by the River RV Park, Saddle Mountain Ranch in Carmel Valley, or Veterans Memorial Park in Monterey, then level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system. Just filter for Delivery on RVezy and enter your destination. This is especially smart if you're flying into Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) or San Jose (SJC), since you can skip the towing learning curve and arrive to a fully set-up campsite ready for sunset.
montereyairport.com/How far can I drive on a Carmel RV rental, and what are mileage policies?
You've got plenty of room to roam. Most hosts on RVezy offer a set number of free miles per night (often 100 to 150), with reasonable per-mile fees beyond that, and some listings even offer an RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is perfect for an RV road trip from Carmel-by-the-Sea. From Carmel you can reach Big Sur in 30 minutes, Pinnacles National Park in about 90 minutes, Santa Cruz in 45 minutes, San Francisco in 2 hours, and Yosemite Valley in roughly 4 hours. Pro tip: check the mileage policy on each listing before booking, and if you're planning a long loop down Highway 1, message the host to ask about a custom mileage package.
nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/directions.htmWhere should I stay overnight in an RV near Carmel-by-the-Sea?
You have several excellent options for RV camping Carmel-by-the-Sea travelers love. Carmel by the River RV Park sits along the Carmel River with full hookups, Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly sites. Saddle Mountain Ranch RV and Campground in Carmel Valley offers wooded sites a short drive from Highway 1. Veterans Memorial Park in Monterey provides first-come, first-served sites about 15 minutes north. Marina Dunes RV Park near Monterey Bay is another solid choice with ocean breezes. Heading south, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a bucket-list stay along the Big Sur River. Within Carmel city limits, plan a real campground for overnight sleep since street parking has time limits.
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570When is the best time of year to take an RV trip in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Carmel-by-the-Sea has comfortable RV weather year-round thanks to its mild coastal climate, with summer highs typically in the upper 60s to mid 70s Fahrenheit. The sweet spot is September and October: warm sunny days, fewer tourists, and clearer skies once the famous summer marine fog (locals call it May Gray and June Gloom) burns off. April and May offer wildflowers in Garland Ranch Regional Park and gray whale migration views from Point Lobos. Winter (December to March) is mild, in the 50s and 60s, and great for storm watching and off-season rates. Pro tip: book your RV rental Carmel-by-the-Sea trip for Car Week and the Concours d'Elegance in August only if you reserve months ahead, that week sells out fast.
weather.gov/mtr/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay in Carmel?
You'll do great, especially with RVezy's built-in support for first-time renters. Every host gives you a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through the propane, water tanks, slide-outs, and dashboard so nothing is a mystery. You can also message the host with questions before you even book. For your first time renting an RV, consider a Class B campervan or small Class C motorhome for easier maneuvering on Carmel's narrow streets and Highway 1's curves. Better yet, choose a host who offers delivery and you'll skip driving altogether until you're comfortable. Insider tip: avoid driving down Ocean Avenue at peak hours — park at the Sunset Center lot or Vista Lobos and walk into the village.
ci.carmel.ca.us/post/parkingWhat if something goes wrong with my RV during the trip?
You are never on your own. Every RV rental in Carmel-by-the-Sea on RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance with the protection plan, so whether you get a flat near Bixby Bridge, a dead battery at Pfeiffer Beach, or a slide-out that will not retract at Carmel by the River RV Park, help is one phone call away. For non-emergency questions, message your host directly through the RVezy app, they know their rig best and can troubleshoot quickly. RVezy customer support is also available before, during, and after your trip. Pro tip: save the roadside assistance number to your phone before leaving the driveway, since cell service can be patchy along Highway 1 south of Big Sur.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionCan I take my Carmel RV rental across state or international borders?
Yes to a U.S. road trip, with one important note: travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage doesn't extend south of the border. You're free to drive your motorhome rental Carmel-by-the-Sea into Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and beyond, and cross-border travel into Canada may be allowed depending on the specific host and insurance, so message the host first to confirm. Popular multi-state routes from Carmel include the full Pacific Coast Highway up to Astoria, Oregon, the Sierra loop through Yosemite and Lake Tahoe, and a desert run to Joshua Tree and Sedona. Always share your itinerary with the host so they can confirm everything ahead of time.
cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-goHow much should I budget for fuel on a Carmel RV trip?
Budgeting is easier than you'd think. California gas prices run higher than the national average, typically $4.75 to $5.50 per gallon around Monterey County, so budget accordingly. Class B campervans average 18 to 22 miles per gallon (MPG), Class C motorhomes get 8 to 12 MPG, and Class A motorhomes hover around 6 to 10 MPG. For a 3-day campervan rental Carmel-by-the-Sea loop covering 300 miles, expect roughly $80 to $100 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up in Salinas or Seaside before heading south on Highway 1 — gas stations between Carmel Highlands and Cambria are scarce and significantly more expensive, with the last reliable fuel near Gorda.
energy.ca.gov/data-reports/energy-almanac/transportation-energy/california-retail-fuel-outlet-annual-reportingHow far in advance should I book a campground near Carmel-by-the-Sea?
The earlier the better, especially for summer and fall. Best campgrounds near Carmel-by-the-Sea like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Andrew Molera book up six months ahead through ReserveCalifornia, the state's official reservation system, which opens bookings exactly six months in advance at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Private parks like Carmel by the River RV Park and Saddle Mountain Ranch typically open reservations 12 months out and fill fastest for July, August, and Concours week. Veterans Memorial Park in Monterey is first-come, first-served, so arrive before 10 a.m. Insider tip: set a calendar alert exactly six months before your travel date and log into ReserveCalifornia right at 8 a.m. — popular sites disappear within minutes.
reservecalifornia.com/What are driving conditions like around Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Driving in the Carmel area is scenic and very manageable for RVs with a little planning. Highway 1 south through Big Sur is winding with steep cliffs and narrow shoulders, so take it slow and use the frequent turnouts to let faster traffic pass. Highway 68 between Monterey and Salinas is straightforward, and Highway 101 inland is the easy route to San Francisco. Inside Carmel-by-the-Sea, the village streets are narrow with no streetlights and on-street parking is limited to 2 hours in the business district, so park larger rigs at the Sunset Center lot. Coastal fog often rolls in by late afternoon — drive Big Sur in the morning for clearer views and safer visibility.
dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5What amenities can I expect at campgrounds near Carmel?
You'll find plenty of comfort options. Carmel by the River RV Park offers full hookups (water, sewer, 30/50-amp electric), high-speed Wi-Fi, cable TV, hot showers, laundry partner service, and a sundry shop with propane exchange. Saddle Mountain Ranch has electric hookups, a seasonal heated pool (May through October), and Wi-Fi in designated areas. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is more rustic with potable water, flush toilets, and a dump station but no hookups. Marina Dunes RV Park provides full hookups with ocean breezes. Heads up: Monterey County prohibits wood-burning fires at most RV parks (propane fire pits are fine), and you can dump tanks at Carmel by the River or Marina Dunes RV Park between stays.
countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/health/environmental-healthWhat's typically included inside an RV rental in Carmel?
Most RV rentals in Carmel-by-the-Sea come ready to roll. Expect a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, propane stove, microwave, sink, and basic cookware; a bathroom with a toilet and shower in Class B, C, and A motorhomes plus most travel trailers; comfortable sleeping for 2 to 8 people depending on size; a dinette and seatbelts for travel; heat and air conditioning; and a 12-volt house battery. Many listings also include a TV, generator or solar setup, outdoor awning, and camping chairs. Wi-Fi varies, so don't count on it everywhere — cell coverage along Highway 1 can be spotty anyway. Check each listing's amenities tab on RVezy to confirm what's included and what's available as an add-on.
fcc.gov/general/cellular-servicesWhat add-ons and pickup options are available with my Carmel RV rental?
Hosts on RVezy offer plenty of helpful extras to customize your trip. Popular add-ons include linens and bedding packages, kitchen kits, camping chairs and outdoor tables, generators, bike racks, paddle boards, and pet packages. Many hosts offer delivery to local spots like Carmel by the River RV Park, Veterans Memorial Park, or Monterey Regional Airport for a flat fee that often scales with distance. Pickup times are usually flexible in the early afternoon, with the host walking you through the rig on site. Pro tip: ask about generator add-ons if you are heading to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park since there are no electric hookups, and request linens so you can fly into Monterey with just a carry-on.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Carmel-by-the-Sea,CaliforniaHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and secure. You pay directly through the RVezy platform when you book, no cash handed to hosts and no surprise fees at pickup. The total includes the nightly rate, RVezy service fee, the protection plan you choose, and any add-ons or delivery fees the host offers. A refundable security deposit is held separately on your card before pickup (amount varies by RV class and host) and released after the trip once the host confirms the RV came back in good shape. Pro tip: take date-stamped photos and a quick video walkaround of the RV at pickup and dropoff in Carmel, it is the simplest way to avoid any deposit disputes.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhat are the best road trip destinations from Carmel-by-the-Sea?
You're parked in one of California's best launchpads. From Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur and Pfeiffer Beach are 30 minutes south on Highway 1, Pinnacles National Park is 90 minutes inland for condor sightings and cave hikes, Santa Cruz and its boardwalk sit 45 minutes north, Yosemite National Park is about 4 hours east via Highway 152, and San Francisco is a scenic 2-hour drive up the coast. For a longer family RV trip Carmel-by-the-Sea adventure, continue south on Highway 1 to Hearst Castle (2.5 hours) and Pismo Beach (3 hours). Insider tip: drive Highway 1 southbound (ocean side) for the most jaw-dropping views and easier turnouts for photos at spots like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls.
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