RV rental Aptos, CA: Motorhome rentals, camper van rentals and more
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Discover Aptos RV rentals for memorable road trips
In Santa Cruz County is the beautiful rural town of Aptos, meaning “the people” in Ohlone, the language of the ancient Ohlone Awaswas people. Just 75 miles south of San Francisco, on the northern end of Monterey Bay, Aptos is a coastal city near Santa Cruz, California. This picturesque region includes Rio Del Mar, is home to the historic Aptos Village, and is the gateway to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. A local landmark is the Cement Ship, and the seaside is stunning and a great place to enjoy the Pacific Ocean shoreline. You won’t run out of things to see and do, so book an RV in Aptos, California, today.
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Experience the Sites and Scenery
One of the prettiest spots on the California shore is Seacliff State Beach, on Monterey Bay, right in the town of Aptos. Just off of famous Highway 1, on State Park Drive, the beach is also well known for the concrete ship, SS Palo Alto, lying in the water. This historic experimental ship now serves as an artificial reef for marine wildlife. There’s a lovely visitors center and restrooms, as well as hiking and walking areas, horseshoe pits and volleyball courts. Above the cliff line are a variety of restaurants so you can enjoy a nice bite to eat after exploring this coastal area. Dress in layers, as the evenings get chilly, and there is often fog.
City Attractions
When you visit Aptos, make sure to stop at the Bayview Hotel. Originally built in 1878, this hotel is a Santa Cruz County landmark, and is one of the county’s oldest operating hotels. It’s been a state historic monument since the 1970s and is an absolutely stunning example of western architecture.
Where to Park It
You won’t have any problems finding a place to park your motorhome rental near Aptos. Do a search for RV camping in the area, and you’ll find several private RV parks, like Seacliff Center RV Park and Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday in nearby Watsonville. These RV parks offer perks like laundry facilities, full hookups, WiFi and TV, camp stores and swimming pools. Public campgrounds are also available at Seacliff State Beach. Expand your search beyond the immediate area, and you’ll find camping near Pinto Lake City Park and near Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
The Food
Northern California is known for its great food, especially in and around the San Francisco area. Fresh seafood is the main specialty, but also classic international flavors like French, Italian and Asian can be found right in Aptos. The Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College is celebrating decades of fresh, seasonal produce, with many fruit and vegetable offerings available from local farmers. You’ll also find locally roasted coffee, raw milk and cheese, homemade soaps and salves, house and garden plants, and much more.
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Popular nearby hiking trails and campgrounds
- Hiking TrailLocation
- Aptos Creek and West Ridge Trail Loop to Sand Point Overlook, CAThe Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, CA
- Oak Rige Trail, CAThe Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, CA
- Loma Prieta Grade Small Loop, CAThe Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, CA
- Old Growth Trail, CAThe Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, CA
- Twisted Forest Trail Loop, CAThe Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, CA
- Epicenter to Five Finger Falls, CAAptos, CA
- Loma Prieta and Bridge Loop Trail, CAThe Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, CA
- Buggy Trail, CAThe Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, CA
- Porter Trail, CAThe Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, CA
- Terrace Trail, CAThe Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, CA
- CampgroundsLocation
- Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA, CASanta Cruz County, CA
- Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park, CASanta Cruz County, CA
- Moss Landing KOA Express, CAMonterey County, CA
- Salinas / Monterey KOA, CAMonterey County, CA
- Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA, CASan Mateo County, CA
- Saddle Mountain RV Park & Campground, CAMonterey County, CA
- Del Valle Family Campground, CAAlameda County, CA
- Pelican Point RV Park, CASan Mateo County, CA
- White Oaks Campground, CAMonterey County, CA
- Riverside Campground, CAMonterey County, CA
- RV dealerships in California
Recent RV rental reviews in Aptos
Bradley P.
April, 2026
Drives great, adaptive cruise control is helpful. Unlimited miles means no worries about distance. James answers all questions quickly before and during the rental.
Rowan M.
March, 2026
Wonderful experience. The RV was very new and fully stocked. Ricardo delivered and set it up for us, and then kindly recorded instructional videos and texted us since he was concerned we wouldn’t have cell service to call with any questions when we got there. A great experience and we would definitely rent him from him again.
Louis H.
March, 2026
As first-time RV renters and Outdoorsy users, we weren't sure what to expect — but this experience completely won us over. We took the Mercedes Entegra Qwest 24R down to KOA Santa Cruz for a weekend trip with our family. It was everything we hoped for and more!
Frequently asked questions about renting an RV near Aptos
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