Manresa State Beach Campground sits on bluffs above the Pacific near La Selva Beach, offering 60 walk-in tent sites where waves crash through the night. Sites range from $10 to $100 per night. After parking, you carry your gear to your site. Bring a wagon. This is tent-only camping with ocean views and access to a beach backed by coastal scrub habitat.
The campground is exclusively for tent camping, including individual and group walk-in campsites.
The Ohlone people lived on these bluffs and beaches, gathering shellfish from tidal pools and using the coastal valleys for shelter. Later settlers named the area Rancho Bolsa del Pajaro. The same resources that drew the Ohlone. Abundant marine life and protective geography. Still define the campground today. Weather and SeasonsOctober brings the Central Coast's best weather: mid-60s to mid-70s days, 50s nights, and clear skies as summer fog clears out. Fall delivers calm conditions for bluff hikes, beachcombing, and wildlife watching, with fewer crowds than summer. Mornings can be damp year-round. The Pacific keeps things cool and dewy, especially near the bluffs.
ElevationYour camping adventure unfolds atop dramatic coastal bluffs, where the land drops away to meet the Pacific in a spectacular display of nature's architecture. This elevated perch above the beach offers both protection from high tides and unparalleled vantage points for watching the endless dance between waves and shore.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks Monterey Bay from bluffs at 95 feet elevation. Offshore, an underwater canyon as deep as the Grand Canyon brings nutrient-rich water that supports dolphins, sea otters cracking shells on rocks, and diverse marine birds. Coastal scrub covers the bluffs. One of California's most endangered ecosystems. Hummingbirds, finches, sparrows, and brush rabbits move through the strand vegetation. Trails lead down to the beach below.
Geological RegionManresa sits along California's legendary Central Coast, where the Monterey Bay forms one of the world's most spectacular marine sanctuaries. Here, ancient geological forces created the dramatic bluff-backed beaches that define the landscape, while offshore, an underwater canyon rivals the Grand Canyon in depth, attracting an astounding diversity of marine life to these nutrient-rich waters. The coastal scrub ecosystem that carpets the bluffs represents one of California's most endangered habitats, making every camping trip a chance to experience a rare and precious environment.
Scenic ViewsMany campsites provide ocean views, with some receiving high praise for their proximity to the beach.
Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available. Tent camping only is permitted at Manresa State Beach campground.
Programs & ActivitiesPrograms such as the Junior Lifeguard Program promote water safety and environmental awareness.