Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA

The Great Outdoors

When it comes to motorhome camping, the adventure begins when you step outdoors, and the Monterey Bay area has lots of places to see. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos has an enchanting atmosphere, with over 30 miles of trails to explore. This stunning redwood forest is a favorite spot for hiking and biking. Three geographic faults give this area its distinct geology, and you can also spot birds like the American dipper and fossilized seashells.Another beautiful area with a bit more to enjoy is Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz along scenic California Highway 1. In addition to hiking around amazing scenery, here you can also enjoy horseback riding or perhaps a picnic. Check out the farm animals, appreciate 19th-century architecture, and explore the varied terrain, including a seashore at this diverse state park.If you are looking for a spot where you can really get lost, you can take your Watsonville RV rental along the sometimes winding roads to Henry W. Coe State Park found near Morgan Hill. Covering around 87,000 acres, this place is loaded with sights, sounds, and culture. Check out an interpretive program to get a deeper insight into some of the park's most interesting aspects. In addition to that, you can try activities like camping, hiking, fishing, biking, and horseback riding here.

Explore the City

Balance your campground fun and outdoor adventures with a little city life while camping in a travel trailer at Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA. Set aside a day to take a trip to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park in Santa Cruz. A haven for entertainment with events and shows, you can also experience thrilling rides like the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster or more family-friendly rides like Free Fall and the Twirlin' Teacups. With food vendors and the beach adjacent to the amusement park, you can’t go wrong when you visit this vibrant attraction.You can slow things down a bit and dive into the water-themed exhibits at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a 45-minute drive south of the KOA in the charming seaside community of Monterey. The creatures beneath the sea are some of the eeriest, fascinating, and beautiful on the planet, and you can find plenty of unique ones here. Exhibits like Tentacles, Life on the Bay, Missions to the Deep, and Kelp Forest make for an unforgettable visit, with featured creatures including sharks, jellyfish, and penguins.One of the most unique ways to spend your visit while you are renting an RV in the area is to check out Roaring Camp in Felton for a trip into the region's past. There aren’t many places left where you can ride a restored 1890's steam-powered train through the California wilderness. Expedition options include a 75-minute ride and a more involved three-hour tour. Events are held here nearly every week, like Great Train Robberies, and while on the train, you can enjoy many other old-time stops.