Sunset State Beach Campground

Star4.12
196 reviews
201 Sunset Beach Road, Watsonville, CA 95076

Quick Facts

177 ft

Price

$10 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

90 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Sunset State Beach Campground
$10.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees include a $10 day-use vehicle fee, campsite fees ranging from $50 to $80, and additional charges for extra vehicles. Seniors (age 62+) receive a...
Show more
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Reserve California
Provider
(831) 763-7063interp@parks.ca.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.12

Satisfactory

Based on 196 reviews

114 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

Some mention

noise

"User reviews of Sunset State Beach Campground range from highly positive experiences emphasizing the natural beauty and quiet atmosphere to significant concerns about theft and noisy neighbors. While many campers enjoy the spacious sites and proximity to the beach, others report dissatisfaction with specific campsites, noise from nearby agricultural operations, and occasional cleanliness issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

201 Sunset Beach Road, Watsonville, CA 95076

Sunset State Beach Campground

201 Sunset Beach Road, Watsonville, CA 95076

Driving directionsFrom Hwy 1 take the San Andreas Road exit. Proceed south to Sunset Beach Rd; go west to beach entrance.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from Highway 1. A long dead-end road leads to the campground. Some user reviews mentioned difficulty navigating the area after dark due to a lack of clear signage.
Nearby places
Santa Cruz (16 miles), Capitola (15 miles), Moss Landing (12 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies can be sourced from Watsonville, which is about 6 miles away, offering multiple stores such as Safeway and Walmart. Fuel is available at nearby gas stations in Watsonville.

Best Time to Camp at Sunset State Beach Campground

Experience the gentle embrace of California's central coast climate, where temperatures dance between a refreshing 42°F and a comfortable 75°F throughout the year. Winter months bring occasional Pacific storms that paint the landscape with dramatic skies and cleansing rains, while summer unfolds with golden days kissed by cooling ocean breezes. This mild Mediterranean climate creates an inviting atmosphere for year-round camping adventures, whether you're seeking cozy evenings by the fire or sun-soaked beach days.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season with good weather but increased noise, crowds and occasional cleanliness issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Milder weather and fewer crowds post-peak; peaceful beach and good wildlife viewing.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Early spring noted as peaceful with fewer crowds; pleasant temps for beach and wildlife viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 23% in CA

Open year-round; cooler temps and occasional storms, but quieter and often peaceful.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Early spring through October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts.

About Sunset State Beach Campground

Nestled beneath towering Monterey pines, Sunset State Beach Campground offers a captivating blend of coastal wilderness and serene camping experiences. Here, dramatic sand dunes rise like ancient sentinels between your campsite and the rhythmic Pacific waves, creating a natural amphitheater of tranquility. While the pine-filtered sunlight and ocean breezes provide the perfect backdrop for memorable adventures, visitors should come prepared with tick protection and secure their belongings, as these natural surroundings can present minor challenges typical of wilderness camping.
Sunset State Beach Campground caters to RV campers, tent campers, and group campers. It does not provide facilities for cabin lodging or glamping.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

A wide range of outdoor and recreational activities are available to campers at Sunset State Beach Campground. These include beach picnicking, hiking, glider flying, fishing, and watching sunsets over Monterey Bay. Wildlife observation opportunities abound given the diverse ecosystems supported within the park.
HikingShort hikes lead to viewpoints offering stunning vistas of Monterey Bay, with trails providing access to the beach. Some trails were noted as closed during specific visits.
FishingSurf fishing opportunities include catching species like surf perch, sardines, and striped bass. A sport fishing license is required.
Wildlife viewingReviewers and official sources describe opportunities to observe marine life including dolphins, sea otters, and gray whales, as well as bird species such as red-tailed hawks and western snowy plovers.
Beach activitiesThe campground is close to a wide sandy beach, suitable for sunbathing and bird watching. Beach bonfires are permitted seasonally in state-provided fire rings.
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks are reported in Pine Hollow Camp. Theft is a recurring issue; valuables should be secured.
Active AlertsNo current alerts.
Food Storage RequiredLockers are mandatory for food storage due to wildlife presence.

Weather at Sunset State Beach Campground

Reviews

4.1
196 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Sunset State Beach Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Sunset State Beach Campground range from highly positive experiences emphasizing the natural beauty and quiet atmosphere to significant concerns about theft and noisy neighbors. While many campers enjoy the spacious sites and proximity to the beach, others report dissatisfaction with specific campsites, noise from nearby agricultural operations, and occasional cleanliness issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 196 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the campground’s quiet and peaceful atmosphere, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the beauty of the surrounding environment. Many users also appreciate the...
Show more
Based on 196 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include cramped or poorly defined campsites (e.g., Site 88), noise from nearby farm machinery, theft incidents, and lack of ocean views directly from campsites.
Based on 196 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing quarters for the showers, securing valuables overnight due to theft concerns, and avoiding certain sites such as #88. Frequent tips suggest walking to beach viewpoints to...
Show more
Based on 196 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as peaceful during off-season periods, such as early spring and post-Memorial Day, with fewer crowds on the beach. Summer months bring increased noise and occasional...
Show more
Based on 196 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is definitely a campground for nature lovers and the perfect place if you're looking for a quiet campground. The campsites are very large compared to other state parks we've been to." - Adeline...
Show more
Based on 196 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Best campsites include 25, 31, 56, and 84. Site 88 is noted as being too small for even a single tent. Sites 39 and 40 in Pine Hollow Camp were considered spacious but had issues with ticks.
Based on 196 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility challenges are noted in reaching the beach due to sand dunes. However, accessible restrooms, campsites, and picnic tables are available. The park also provides beach wheelchairs upon...
Show more
Based on 196 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in the campground but must be kept on a leash (maximum 6 feet). Dogs are not allowed on the beach due to environmentally sensitive areas, which some pet owners find inconvenient.
Based on 196 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Sunset State Beach Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Sunset SB
Sunset State Beach Campground