Seacliff State Beach Campground
4.3122 reviews201 State Park Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
Seacliff State Beach Campground
$10.00 - $100.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Day-use vehicle fee is $10 ($9 for seniors). Bus parking fees range between $50 and $100.
About this campground
Perched above the rhythmic waves of Monterey Bay, Seacliff State Beach Campground has long held the crown as one of California's most beloved oceanfront RV destinations. Here, campers wake to the sound of seabirds and fall asleep to the gentle lullaby of Pacific waves, with coveted sites offering unobstructed ocean vistas and steps-away access to pristine sandy shores.
Seacliff State Beach Campground accommodates RV camping only, with options for full-hookup and non-hookup sites.
Historical SignificanceThis stretch of coastline tells a story spanning millennia, from the Ohlone people who first called these shores home to the Spanish colonizers who transformed the land into Rancho Aptos. The campground's most famous resident, the SS Palo Alto, stands as a concrete testament to American ingenuity—a World War I vessel that found new life as a 1930s dance hall and amusement pier, now a roosting site for pelicans and a fascinating piece of maritime history.
Weather and SeasonsBlessed with the gentle embrace of California's coastal climate, Seacliff enjoys year-round moderate temperatures that make any season ideal for camping. Ocean breezes keep summer days comfortable while winter brings dramatic storm-watching opportunities. Note that recent powerful storms have reshaped portions of the landscape, adding to the dynamic nature of this coastal environment.
Natural Features and SceneryWhere golden cliffs meet azure waters, Seacliff showcases the spectacular beauty of California's central coast. Sandy beaches stretch invitingly below dramatic bluffs, while the protected waters of Monterey Bay teem with marine life. Dolphins often dance through the waves at sunset, sea otters float lazily in kelp beds, and the ever-changing tides reveal hidden treasures in rocky tidepools.
Geological RegionNestled within the prestigious Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Seacliff occupies a fascinating geological transition zone where ancient marine terraces meet modern sandy beaches. The sculpted bluffs tell a million-year story of rising and falling seas, while offshore, one of North America's largest underwater canyons creates a nutrient-rich environment that supports an extraordinary diversity of marine life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible picnic sites, parking, restrooms, and beach wheelchairs are provided. Promenade Trail usable for approximately 0.3 miles. Beach wheelchairs are free to use with prior reservation.
Sites SizeSites accommodate RVs up to 45 feet.
Sites PrivacySites are closely spaced, offering limited privacy. Many reviewers describe the campground as resembling 'a parking lot ten feet from each other.'
Total Campsites63 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites #1-26 for best ocean views and sounds; avoid lots with known drainage problems.
Best CampsitesSites #1-26 historically praised for proximity to ocean.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
Noon
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay historically was 7 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 8 people per campsite historically.
Groups
No group site accommodations are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutHistorically included 63 RV sites across three lots (A, B, C), primarily oceanfront.
Open and Closed SeasonClosed for the 2023 and 2024 seasons due to storm damage.
Reservation PlatformsReserveCalifornia (online or via phone).
Walk-in AvailabilityLottery system for non-hookup campsites, historically available; currently closed.
Cancellation PolicyReservation holders affected by closure contacted via email for automatic refunds.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Dump station
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Activities include beachfront walks, swimming, fishing, and geocaching. However, storm damage has restricted recreational access.
HikingLimited hiking available through the Promenade Trail and nearby trails, but storm damage has impacted accessibility.
FishingFishing requires a license; anglers often catch sole, flounder, mackerel, halibut, and lingcod. Fishing from the pier is no longer possible due to storm-related damage.
SwimmingSwimming is popular at the long sandy beach backed by bluffs, with some facilities available.
BikingDay-use areas permit biking, though specific trails are not mentioned.
Wildlife viewingWildlife includes seals, dolphins, whales, pelicans, and cormorants. 'Look closely and you might see seals, dolphins, and even the occasional whale,' noted by official sources.
Beach activitiesBeach activities include swimming, sunbathing, and fossil exploration. Fossils can be found in the rocks along the beach.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsSeacliff offers virtual and in-person field trips focusing on paleontology, marine sanctuaries, and avian adaptations. Programs include fossil brushing, sanctuary exploration, and ecology education.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires restricted to raised fire rings in campsites; no fires allowed on main beach.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 8 AM
Hazards
General hazardsStorm damage has rendered infrastructure unusable, landslides and erosion from bluffs remain ongoing concerns.
Active alertsCampground and day-use areas are closed as of 2023 due to storm damage.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 97%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Foggy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Santa Cruz District Special Events Office (831) 335-8497; Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (831) 429-1840.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash cans available, but reviewers noted that additional receptacles were needed. 'Bathrooms need attention in the afternoon (no TP),' and 'need more trash cans instead of only dumpsters' were common complaints.
Proximity to water featuresDirect beach access; historically near SS Palo Alto and marine sanctuary.
Common complaintsCriticized for poor maintenance, high costs, and strict RV requirements. Bathrooms historically poorly maintained.
Campground Map
201 State Park Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
Driving directionsTake the State Park Drive exit from Hwy 1 and proceed west through the neighborhood of Aptos to the entrance.
Accessible via Hwy 1; primarily paved roads through Aptos to the entrance. Road closures due to storm damage may affect access.Camper Reviews
4.3
22 reviews
Seacliff State Beach Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight great beachfront locations but criticize poor facilities, inadequate maintenance, and discriminatory policies.
Review Summaries
Beachfront RV spots with ocean view, access to the beach and promenade trail, and proximity to natural attractions like the SS Palo Alto.
Poorly maintained bathrooms and showers, limited privacy between sites, high costs, discriminatory policies against older camper vans, and rude staff.
Book cancellations quickly, carry extra toilet paper, and avoid outdated campers due to strict self-contained RV requirements. Engage early in lotteries for non-reservation sites.
Conditions improve during summer months for beach activities, but winter storms have caused significant infrastructure damage.
1. 'RV's back up to within 100' of the water. If you like the sound of the surf you'll love it!' - Jack Stouffer.
2. 'The beach camping is beautiful, the rangers at the gate, not so pleasant.' -...
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Best campsites identified as 1-26 for their proximity to the ocean.
Accessible features like picnic tables and beach wheelchairs are appreciated, though complaints about rude staff toward disabled campers were noted.
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed and attended at all times. No specific pet-friendly amenities noted.
Last updated July 20, 2025