Seacliff State Beach
State Park Dr, Aptos, CA 95003, United States
Overview
Seacliff State Beach is located off Highway 1 near the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. It’s also the site of the _SS Palo Alto _concrete freighter.
The campground has 27 sites with full hookups for self-contained RVs or trailers as well as 37 sites without hookups. No tents are allowed. The maximum length for RVs is 35 feet in Lot A or 45 feet in Lot B and Lot C. The maximum length for trailers is 36 feet.
Seacliff State Beach is a dog-friendly location as long as dogs remain leashed. The peak season runs from April 1 through October 31, and there’s a maximum stay of 7 days.
Best Campsites at Seacliff State Beach
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Seacliff State Beach Campground.
Lot A: Non-Hookup Sites
- Accommodates smaller RVs or trailers up to 35 feet
- Closest to the fishing pier, swimming areas, SS Palo Alto, and visitor center
- Easy access to food service and day-use picnic area
- Downside: noise from the main entrance or highway
Lot B: Non-Hookup Sites
- Accommodates larger RVs or trailers up to 45 feet
- Closer to Beach Gate Trail
- Quick access to bathrooms
Lot C: Non-Hookup Sites
- Accommodates larger RVs or trailers up to 45 feet
- Closer to Beach Gate Trail
- Farthest from highway noise
- Downside: may be a longer walk to the bathroom from the northwest side
Unique Experiences
- Grab your fishing pole and try your hand at catching halibut, lingcod, or flounder while enjoying the sun.
- Stroll to the end of the pier to take in the former majesty of the SS Palo Alto, a concrete freighter whose first and last voyage was to Seacliff.
- Grab a snack at the shop or plan a family meal for one of the cozy picnic areas throughout the park.
- Bring your binoculars or a camera to snap photos of wildlife by the SS Palo Alto, including harbor seals, pelicans, or even sea lions!
- Stop by the visitor center to discover fascinating information about the local habitat and see the unique creatures in the tidepool tank.
Seacliff State Beach Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
36 Feet / 45 FeetMax Length of Stay
7 daysMax people per site
8Max vehicles per site
2Fires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
YesSeacliff State Beach Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesReservations must be made on www.reservecalifornia.com. If you prefer to call, you can reserve by phone at 1-800-444-7275. There is a nonrefundable $7.99 fee for each reservation. Regular sites are $55, and full hookups are available for an additional $10 per night. Some sites without hookups may be available in person starting at 12:30 p.m. These spaces are decided by lottery, and anyone who wishes to be considered must sign up for the drawing before noon and have their RV with them.
Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:
- Park selections
- Date you wish to start camping
- Type and size of camping equipment
- Number of people that will occupy the campsite
- Number of nights you wish to camp
- Alternative park and camping date choices
- Your phone number and area code
- Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
- Mailing address
Group Camping Reservations
There isn’t a designated group site at Seacliff State Beach, so if you’re traveling with others, you will all need to make your own individual reservations at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
You can cancel your reservation on www.reservecalifornia.com, but if you do so after 6 p.m. the day before you’re scheduled to arrive, you’ll forfeit your reservation fee and the cost of one night. You can also call to cancel at 1-800-444-7275.
Seacliff State Beach Campground Cost
Regular sites
55$Full hookups
65$Activities
Fishing
Exhibits / Guided Tours
Swimming
Photography
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Campfire Rings
Potable Water
Picnic Tables
Trash
Grills
Campground Host
Cell Service
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Seacliff State Beach
Seacliff State Beach has much to offer between its dog-friendly policies and choice of full hookups or dry camping. However, this smaller campground doesn’t allow tent camping or RVs that aren’t self-contained. At $65 per night for full hookups and $55 for non-hookup sites, the rates are fair for the area but not the cheapest.
Half Moon Bay Campground (Francis Beach)
Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach here, but horses are welcome on the Coastside Trail. Half Moon Bay Campground has four dozen dual-use sites that can accommodate tents and RVs as well as four sites that are reserved for tents only. The only hookups are for electricity compared to full hookups at Seacliff. There is also a tent-only group site that can fit up to 50 people.
New Brighton State Beach
New Brighton State Beach has forested bluffs and more hiking trails than Seacliff. The campground has over 100 sites available for dry camping, and 11 sites have electric hookups only. There is potable water and a pay-per-use dump station. Camping is much cheaper at a rate of $35 per night for dry camping or $50 per night with electricity.
Sunset State Beach
Sunset State Beach doesn’t offer any hookups or a dump station. Tent campers are welcome, and there’s a group site that can fit up to 50 guests. There are only 9 sites designated for RVs only, but RVs are also welcome at any of the 65 mixed-use sites. Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park only has electric hookups, and the maximum size for trailers and RVs is 31 feet and 35 feet, respectively. There is no dump station on site. Dogs are allowed on some of the main trails.
