Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday Blog
Summer Sites Available Now - Check Out Our Events & Plan Your Stay!
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
We are located 11 miles South of Santa Cruz.
From Hwy 1 use Exit #432 for San Andreas Rd.
At the end of the exit ramp, go WEST on San Andreas Rd. for 3.2 miles.
We will be on your left. Look for the Yellow KOA Sign!
**If you are traveling on Hwy 1 North: DO NOT TAKE BUENA VISTA EXIT.
And despite what GPS, Google maps or other services may inform you, DO NOT TURN ON PEACEFUL VALLEY DR.**
Camp Closer to Home: Your Next Getaway Is Just One Tank Away
Sometimes the best vacations are the easiest ones to take.
When life gets busy, planning a big trip can feel overwhelming. That’s why close-to-home camping getaways are becoming the perfect solution for families, couples, and friends looking to relax, reconnect, and recharge—without the stress of long-distance travel.
At Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday, your next escape is likely just one tank of gas away.
Located just minutes from the coast, this Santa Cruz camping destination makes it easy to enjoy beach days, campfire nights, and fresh ocean air without the hassle of flights, airport lines, or full-day drives. The campground is located about 11 miles south of Santa Cruz in Watsonville, making it an easy coastal retreat for much of Northern and Central California.
Major Cities Within 150 Miles
One of the biggest advantages of camping near Monterey Bay is how many major California cities are within easy driving distance.
Guests often visit from cities such as San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland / East Bay, Sacramento, Fresno, Modesto, Stockton, Salinas, Monterey & Santa Rosa.
For many travelers, this means you can leave after work on Friday and still arrive in time for s’mores by the fire. That’s the beauty of a short getaway near Santa Cruz—less time driving, more time making memories.
Why Short Getaways Are Better Than Ever
1. More Frequent Escapes
2. Budget-Friendly Travel
3. Less Stress, More Relaxation
A Variety of Ways to Stay
One of the best things about Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday is that it offers something for every kind of traveler.
Whether guests want a traditional camping experience or a more comfortable stay, there are multiple lodging options available. The campground specifically features RV sites, deluxe cabins, camping cabins, premium tent sites, and group-friendly options.
Camping Near Santa Cruz Means Coastal Adventure
Beyond the campground itself, guests can enjoy easy access to:
It’s the perfect combination of California coast camping and a convenient weekend retreat.
Camping Is Calling—And It’s Closer Than You Think. The best trips don’t always require going far. Sometimes all you need is a short drive, a tank of gas, and a weekend to unwind.
Because the best memories are often made just a few hours away. Book your stay now.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
