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.**
If you’re looking for a place to escape the cold and enjoy the beauty of California’s Central Coast, the Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday is the perfect destination for long-term RV camping. With mild winter weather, a central location, and endless attractions within 100 miles, it’s an ideal base for monthly RV stays. Whether you’re here for a month or the entire winter season, you’ll find plenty of things to do, eat, and explore nearby.
Long-term RV camping gives you the flexibility to slow down and enjoy everything the Central Coast has to offer. Monthly stays at this KOA include:
Full hookup RV sites available from November through April.
Resort-style amenities like a heated pool, hot tub, bike rentals, and a fully stocked general store.
A welcoming campground community that makes extended stays more enjoyable.
Easy access to Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, and beyond — all within a short drive.
For snowbirds, remote workers, traveling nurses, construction crews or RVers who want to settle in for a few months, this KOA is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.
Santa Cruz Beaches: Quiet winter beaches like Natural Bridges and Twin Lakes are perfect for long walks and dramatic surf views.
Big Sur Coastline: A must-see drive down Highway 1 with stops at Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Whale Watching: December through April is peak gray whale migration season — book a tour from Moss Landing or Monterey.
Hiking the Redwoods: Explore Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park or Pinnacles National Park, which is especially pleasant in winter’s cooler temperatures.
Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Country: Visit boutique wineries offering pinot noir and chardonnay in a peaceful winter setting.
Craft Breweries: Favorites like Humble Sea Brewing Co. (Santa Cruz) and Alvarado Street Brewery (Monterey) offer rotating seasonal taps.
Fresh Seafood: Enjoy Dungeness crab season at local restaurants and markets, or savor a steaming bowl of clam chowder at Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf.
Carmel-by-the-Sea Dining: A short drive south, Carmel offers high-end restaurants, cozy cafes, and bakeries perfect for a winter day trip.
Monterey Bay Aquarium: A must-visit, with highlights like sea otters, jellyfish, and the kelp forest exhibit.
Cannery Row & Old Fisherman’s Wharf: Walk through historic Monterey and learn about its fishing heritage.
Spanish Missions: Mission San Carlos Borromeo (Carmel) and Mission San Juan Bautista offer insight into California’s early history.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Even in the off-season, the games, shops, and oceanfront atmosphere remain fun to explore.
Half Moon Bay: See massive waves at Mavericks surf spot or hike the rugged coastal trails.
San Jose: Explore the Tech Interactive Museum or dine in one of Silicon Valley’s lively districts.
Carmel & Pacific Grove: Charming towns with art galleries, shops, and coastal views.
Unlike many parts of the country, winter on the Central Coast is mild, with average daytime highs in the 60s. Fewer crowds mean easier reservations, better access to popular attractions, and a slower pace of life. Long-term RVers can take advantage of monthly stay rates at the Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday while enjoying all the comforts of home in a resort-style setting.
For RV travelers looking to settle in for a season, the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday offers the perfect balance: a nice retreat with full amenities and easy access to one of California’s most beautiful regions. Whether you want to sip wine in the Santa Cruz Mountains, explore redwood forests, or simply relax by the coast after a long day at work, you’ll find endless opportunities within 100 miles. Learn more about Long Term RV Extended Stays and give us a call to book your site!
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.
