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Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park
Overview
The Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park offers a unique opportunity to stay directly within the pulse of a working maritime community. Managed by the Santa Cruz Port District, this destination is less about secluded forest camping and more about unbeatable coastal access and scenic boat views. It provides a rare chance to wake up to the sound of harbor bells and sea lions while being just steps away from the vast Pacific Ocean. The park operates as a gateway to the Monterey Bay, blending modern convenience with an authentic nautical atmosphere that defines the California central coast.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the heart of the Monterey Bay, the park is nestled between the Upper and Lower Harbors of Santa Cruz. You are within a short walking distance of the iconic Walton Lighthouse and the expansive sandy shores of Seabright State Beach. The surrounding area is characterized by scenic docks, local sailboats, and a variety of waterfront dining options that allow you to leave the tow vehicle behind. The atmosphere is defined by the salty sea breeze and the gentle clanking of masts in the wind, offering a sense of place that is truly immersive.
Amenities & Park Features
While the park layout is compact and urban in feel, it provides essential comforts for modern travelers. The facilities are maintained by the port district to ensure a clean and safe environment for all guests. Notable features include:
- Full hookups providing water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electrical service at every site.
- Back-in sites that accommodate recreational vehicles up to 42 feet in length.
- Access to clean, secure restroom and shower facilities located within the harbor grounds.
The paved sites offer a level foundation for your stay, making it easy to set up and start enjoying the waterfront scenery immediately. Guests also benefit from on-site security and close proximity to harbor services like laundry.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The world-famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is just a short stroll or bike ride away, offering classic seaside thrills and historic wooden roller coasters. For nature enthusiasts, the Arana Gulch Trail provides beautiful paved paths for birdwatching and scenic walking loops through protected green spaces. You can also charter fishing boats, rent kayaks, or try stand-up paddleboarding directly within the harbor to explore the local kelp forests. During the summer months, the free water taxi offers a fun and convenient way to navigate between the north and south harbor areas.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for active RVers who prioritize a prime location and high walkability over sprawling campground acreage. It is a perfect fit for families wanting immediate beach access and couples looking for a romantic maritime backdrop. If you enjoy the vibrant energy of a coastal harbor and want to be immersed in the local Santa Cruz culture, this park is your best choice. It caters specifically to those who view their RV as a mobile basecamp for exploring the California coast on foot or by bike.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Roger Kelly
I’ve been coming to the harbor for years and they have a new harbor master! PATRICK and his wife Jan are a pleasure to work with👍 Here’s my friend’s and me celebrating my birthday 🎂 it was so nice 😸. Looking forward to my next visit. Ryder_brewery_cat
don
The site is in a parking lot, but we had a great time close to everything and a lot of bike trails. Loved it.
davetelling
This is basically a paved parking area alongside the harbor. It has full hookups available, but maintenance is an issue - we were in space 11, and the 30A socket had a broken ground pun area. I mentioned it to the camp host, whi said that someone would repair it, but didn't happen during our 4-night stay. The location is very good, and we usec our ebikes to go all over the area. This property has no amenities, but is a good "base camp" for exploring Santa Cruz. If the cost was not so high for what you got, I'd give it 5 stars.
Joel Moore
Great location. Kind of expensive but the location is worth it. Few amenities: no toilet, no showers. no green grass, just a paved wide parking space along the marina. Worth the price.
Susie Pannell
This RV Park is simply a parking lot with hookups. The sites are so small that there is nowhere to set up your camp chairs and barely enough space to park your tow vehicle. In this photo, our truck is parked in the site next to ours, since we couldn’t fit it in our site. The traffic moving in and out of the Harbor, in front of your rig, is constant and annoying. We did find walking trails nearby and watching the birds and harbor seals in the marina was cool.
