Sunset State Beach in southern Santa Cruz County has long been a popular camping destination. Visitors to Sunset Beach enjoy big, rolling waves, miles of sand to walk, and hiking trails. There are a few surprises such as the glider port for remote control model gliders. Whale watching from atop the bluffs is popular in the winter.
Sunset State Beach Campground is up on the bluffs, sheltered from the wind. Most campsites are among the trees. Sunset State Beach Campground has 85 campsites, divided into 3 sections - Dunes Camp, Pine Hollow Camp, and South Camp. Nine of the campsites are limited to RVs or trailers and another 11 are tent-only sites. The rest can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents.
There is also a popular Group Campsite and a Hike & Bike campsite.
| Sunset State Beach Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Sunset State Beach Campground Location: | 4½ miles west of Watsonville; San Andreas Road exit off Hwy. 1, go south to Sunset Beach Rd |
| Camping Season: | Open year-round |
| Number of Sites: | 90 |
| Max. People per Site: | 8 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2 (one driven and one towed), fee per night for additional vehicles |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Operated by | California State Parks |
| Sunset Beach Information: | (831) 763-7062 |
| Reservations at Sunset State Beach Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations available | South Camp and Group Camp are open to reservations year-round.
Dunes and Pine Hollow are only open from mid-March through October. |
| Booking Window: | Sunset State Beach Campground reservations are available from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of your arrival. |
| Maximum Vehicle Length: | 31 feet |
| Wheelchair accessible Sites: | #33, 38, 53, 80 |
| Fees: | Standard sites - $35 Hike & Bike - $5 per person |
| Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: | Sunset State Beach Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM |
| Check-out, Check-in: | Check-in: Noon Check-out: 2 PM |
| Sunset State Beach Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, grill, fire ring, food storage locker, no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Restrooms with flush toilets, piped water, amphitheater |
| Showers: | Hot showers, coin operated |
| Dump Station: | No |
| Campground Map: | Sunset Beach Campground Map |
| Attractions near Sunset State Beach Campground: | Enjoy Sunset Beach with sunbathing, picnicking, surfing, and fishing. Visit nearby Forest of Nisene Marks in Aptos. Drop in at other nearby state beach such as Seacliff Beach and Manresa Beach. |
Sunset Beach has a group campsite which can accommodate from 9 to 50 people and 10 vehicles. The group site is south of the Pine Hollow Camp.
Fee: $335 per night
Reservations: Sunset Beach Group Camp Reservations
Sunset State Beach Campground
Visitors to the Santa Cruz - Monterey coast enjoy beautiful beaches and rugged scenery. Campers at Sunset State Beach Campground enjoy nice campsites on the bluff away from the ocean.
Check Sunset State Beach for any campground updates.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2018 - 2024