Sunset State Beach
Sunset State Beach, Watsonville, CA 95076, United States
Overview
Sunset State Beach is located in Santa Cruz County, California, close to agricultural land and Monterey. The campground is divided into four sections: South Camp, Pine Hollow, Dunes, and the group camp (including a hike-and-bike camp). South Camp and the group camp are open all year; Dunes and Pine Hollow close from October through the middle of March.
There are 90 individual sites in the main campground, and 3 of them are ADA accessible. RVs and tents are allowed, but there are no hookups or dump stations at Sunset Beach. However, guests are allowed to use the dump station at New Brighton State Beach. RVs and trailers are limited to 31 feet in length.
Dogs are allowed within the campground as long as they’re leashed. They are not permitted on the beach itself or in other parts of the park.
Best Campsites at Sunset State Beach
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Sunset State Beach Campground.
Closest to amenities: sites #80–86
- ADA-accessible site at #80
- Next to showers and restrooms
- Close to parking and the Beach Trail
- Short walk to picnic tables, entrance, and ranger station
Most private: sites #14, #25, #26
- Located at the end of the South Camp loop
- Close to Lower Shade Ramada
- Short walk to the viewpoint, camp host, showers, and restrooms
- Downside: farthest from the entrance
Best of Pine Hollow camp: sites #38, #54, #55
- Located at the end of the loop
- Close to restrooms and showers
- Next to the fire ring
- Easy access to campground trails to reach parking lots, camps, etc.
- Downside: potential for noise from the hike-and-bike group camp
Unique Experiences
- Bring along your remote-controlled glider to soar above the sand, meet other RC glider pilots, and take advantage of the ocean breeze.
- Hike up to the bluffs for spectacular views of the ocean and incredible photo opportunities with your friends, family, or significant other.
- Settle under the shade of the nearby pines or choose a sunny patch of beach for a relaxing picnic in the open air.
- Pack your tackle box (and your fishing license) to try your hand with the sardines, striped bass, and surf perch at Sunset Beach.
Sunset State Beach Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
31 FeetMax People per Site
50Max Vehicles per Site
10Fires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
YesSunset State Beach Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesReservations for Sunset Beach can be made at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275. Sites in the main campground are $35 per night, and all reservations in the main campground will be assessed a $7.99 booking fee.
The hike-and-bike campground costs $5 per night for people who are passing through the area on foot or by bike. These sites can only be reserved in person on a first-come, first-served basis.
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
Reservations for the group camp can be made via the Reserve California website or by calling 1-800-444-7275. The cost is $335 per night for groups of 9–50 people. The group site can also fit up to 10 vehicles.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Cancellations may be made online at www.reservecalifornia.com or by phone at 1-800-444-7275. The original $7.99 reservation fee is nonrefundable, and all cancellations will be charged an additional $7.99 cancellation fee. Guests will also lose the cost of their first night’s stay if they cancel after 6 p.m. the day before their planned arrival time.
Sunset State Beach Campground Cost
Standard Campsite
$35Group Campsite
$335Activities
Hiking
Boating
Fishing
Bike Trails
Whale Watching
Photography
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Cell Service
Wifi
Campfire Rings
Grills
Potable Water
Picnic Tables
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Sunset State Beach
Sunset Beach is a particularly unique environment since it includes dunes, marshlands, woodlands, and scrub. This means that guests have access to a mix of bluffs, native beach grasses, and trees like the Bishop pine. Due to the tide and the temperature, swimming is dangerous, so other campgrounds will be better suited for guests who prefer water sports and swimming.
Sunset Beach also has a glider port for those who enjoy flying remote-controlled gliders. Since most beaches and parks don’t allow drones or other remote-controlled equipment, this can be a significant draw for people interested in these activities.
New Brighton State Beach
New Brighton offers 11 sites with electric-only hookups and 100 sites for dry camping. A dump station is available on site. There are three smaller group camps for 9–25 people at a much cheaper rate of $185 per night compared to $335 for the larger group site at Sunset. The beach is safe for swimming and water sports. ** **
Manresa State Beach
Manresa State Beach has over 60 tent-only sites at Manresa Uplands that are only open from mid-May through October. Amenities within the campground are similar to Sunset Beach, but the park lacks ADA-accessible day-use areas and beach trails. Like Sunset Beach, Manresa allows campers to use the dump station at New Brighton. Dogs are allowed on the beach and within the campground as long as they’re leashed. Swimming can be dangerous in the winter.
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Francis Beach Campground at Half Moon Bay has 4 tent-only sites and 48 mixed-use sites. Electric hookups are available in addition to a communal water station and paid dump station. The Sweetwood group site can fit up to 12 vehicles and 50 guests in tents only. The surrounding park has an extensive trail network, but the environment isn’t as ecologically diverse as Sunset Beach.
Seacliff State Beach
Seacliff State Beach offers 37 dry sites for RVs and 26 sites with full hookups. The maximum length is 36 feet for trailers or 40 feet for RVs, making this location a better option for RVs that can’t fit within the limit at Sunset Beach.
No tents are allowed. Reservations are more expensive at $55 per night for a standard site or $65 for sites with hookups. Seacliff is also safe for swimmers. Campers who enjoy additional amenities will appreciate the fishing pier and snack bar.
