Campsite evenings
Folding Camping Chair · Adult
For an outdoor sitting area at camp; check packed size against your vehicle storage.
RV & camping guide
Monterey by RV
14 min from MRYCamping score 7/10Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- MRY
- Airport drive
- 14 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 2–3 days
Reservation demand- Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes- Standard cars are ideal for the peninsula; check for parking height restrictions in Cannery Row garages if using an RV.
Book in this order
Your route
MRY
Monterey Regional Airport
Monterey
About 14 min · 4 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Vehicle & road notes
Which vehicle
Standard cars are ideal for the peninsula; check for parking height restrictions in Cannery Row garages if using an RV.
parking
Aquarium and Wharf Garages
Use the Cannery Row parking garage for aquarium visits to avoid street meters. Point Lobos parking is extremely limited; have a backup plan if the lot is closed.
signal
Coastal Dead Zones
Expect limited signal along sections of Highway 1 south of Carmel. Download trail maps for Point Lobos and 17-Mile Drive in advance.
fuel
Peninsula Services
Fuel is widely available in Monterey and Seaside but becomes expensive and rare as you head south toward Big Sur. Refill before departing the Monterey city limits.
Campground reservations
Aquarium and State Park Entry Management
The Monterey Bay Aquarium requires specific date-based entry; check their official site for current ticketing requirements. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve uses a capacity-based parking system that fills early; verify if a reservation or specific arrival window is required before visiting.
Official source2 · Choose a motorhome or campervan
Fleet rentals from established depots. Compare pick-up cities against your flight.
Prefer a car and campground trip?
- ✓ Compare suppliers at MRY
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at MRY
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at MRY
- ✓ Compare suppliers at MRY
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at MRY
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at MRY3 · Where to park the rig near Monterey
Private campgrounds and RV parks outside the park, plus overnight stops for members.
RV parks near Monterey on RoverPass
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Check campground availabilityCampsites near Monterey on Campspot
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Check campground availabilityTraveling by RV near Monterey?
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
Harvest Hosts membership: 5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
Your route
Day 1 · Marine Life and Historic Cannery Row
Monterey Bay Aquarium → Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
Day 2 · Wildflowers and Coastal Overlooks
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve → Lovers Point Park
Day 3 · Adobe History and Bay Views
Monterey State Historic Park → Old Fisherman's Wharf
Viator
Tours & experiences near Monterey
Explore guided activities around Monterey. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Monterey
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Cool-weather stops
Thermal Neck Gaiter · 2-pack
For cold or windy stops. Confirm fabric, fit and the two-pack variant at the store.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
Can I take an RV to Monterey?
Yes, Monterey is a good fit for camping trips. Check vehicle length limits on park roads and campgrounds before you book, and plan fuel stops on remote stretches.
Where do I pick up an RV for Monterey?
The nearest airport is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), about 14 min away by car. Rental depots are usually in larger cities, so compare pick-up points before booking flights.
Do campgrounds near Monterey need reservations?
The Monterey Bay Aquarium requires specific date-based entry; check their official site for current ticketing requirements. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve uses a capacity-based parking system that fills early; verify if a reservation or specific arrival window is required before visiting.
More Monterey guides
Monterey: full trip plan Fly into MRY: flights, car & first night No reservation? Entry rules & backup plans Airport road trip: California Icons Loop from San Francisco Airport road trip: Pacific Coast Highway & Wine Loop from Los Angeles Road trip: California Central Coast Loop Monterey: Best time to visit Monterey: Things to do Monterey: Itinerary Monterey: Glamping