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Veterans Memorial Park (City Park)
Overview
Overview
Veterans Memorial Park is a hidden gem operated by the City of Monterey, offering a rare opportunity to camp within city limits. Tucked away on a forested hillside, this park provides a serene, natural escape just minutes from the busy coastal waterfront. Unlike the luxury resorts found further inland, this municipal park offers a rustic camping experience within a lush, 50-acre environment. It is a popular choice for travelers who prefer a first-come, first-served system over rigid reservation schedules, though space for larger motorhomes is notoriously limited.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated at the top of a hill on Skyline Drive, providing a distinct sense of seclusion despite being close to downtown. Surrounded by a thick canopy of Monterey pine and oak trees, the atmosphere remains cool and shaded even on sunny California days. The winding roads leading up to the park can be narrow and steep, but the reward is a quiet environment where the sound of the ocean breeze filters through the trees. It serves as an excellent central base for exploring the entire Monterey Peninsula.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground provides essential facilities designed for smaller rigs and traditional campers. Many sites offer water and electrical hookups, while others are geared toward a more primitive stay. On-site features include the following:
- Restrooms with coin-operated showers for guest convenience.
- A community playground and large lawn area for recreation.
- A convenient dump station located within the park grounds.
- Individual campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Staying here places you within a short drive of world-class coastal attractions. You can spend the morning at the Monterey Bay Aquarium or strolling along the historic shops and restaurants of Cannery Row. Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to the scenic 17-Mile Drive and the rugged hiking trails at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. For those who prefer to stay close to camp, the park itself features nature trails that weave through the wooded hills, offering occasional glimpses of the bay through the forest.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for travelers with smaller RVs or camper vans who value a natural, park-like setting over high-end resort amenities. It is a perfect fit for flexible road trippers who enjoy the spontaneity of non-reservation camping and the rustic charm of a municipal forest. If you are looking for an affordable and quiet retreat that still offers quick access to urban coastal attractions, Veterans Memorial Park is one of the most unique options in the region.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Krista Logan
Love it up here. It feels like a secret. If you dont know that its up in the mountain here you would never find it. You can see everything from the view. Bathrooms and trails and play structures available too. Great place to camp or throw a birthday party.
Sue DesMarais
I really enjoyed my time here. I was originally only going to stay for two nights but decided to extend to 3. It's a really fun location, at the top of a pretty steep hill with with some beautiful views of the Bay and the city below. It is a short, easy drive to most Monterey attractions such as fisherman's wharf and 17 Mile drive, not to mention whatever sort of shopping you may need to do. The sites were roomy and amongst some beautiful trees which made for a very pleasant atmosphere. The bathrooms were clean and well-tended. The showers were free during my visit in April of 2026 but there was a sign on the board that they will soon be going to paid showers. The Presidio of Monterey is close by so be prepared to hear Revelry every morning at 7 a.m. and Taps every night at 10:00 p.m. it's noticable but not obnoxious . Though it took me by surprise the first time, I found myself looking forward to it each morning and evening.
Jojo Michelle
Driving through for the aquarium... and needed a dump site. Don't go here. Its backing up waste. YUCK. I tried calling and after their long message you are unable to leave a message. The voicemail is full. Walked over to try to find someone at the check in/ pay area... no help either. Quite the job to get everything hooked up to dump... to not be able to. The campsites looked very nice and peaceful though.
John Smith
A cyclist's perspective: I've camped up and down the west coast, staying at hiker/biker sites. This one is a bit different. Cost is $10/night, but you can stay up to 3 nights (hiker/biker sites typically have a one-night limit). Showers were free when I camped here (2/19/26), but that's about to change. Signs posted said all showers would soon require a $4 token for a 5 minute shower. Men's bathroom has just 2 showers for the whole camp, so you may have to wait if the camp's full. Shower temp is not adjustable, and shower is just a stall (no seat or bench). The hiker/biker site is spacious, and can easily handle 12-15 small tents. Some areas flood, so pick high ground if you're there when it rains. With just one super-long picnic table in the center, this site seems designed for groups. The grounds are thickly wooded and you feel like you're in the wilderness. A local cyclist told me there's a hiking trail just above the hiker/biker site that has beautiful views, but unfortunately it was closed while I was there. I was surprised when taps played loudly in the evening, and reveille the next morning. Rise and shine! Cyclists note: expect a steady climb to get here (steepest at the end). Something to look forward to after a long day's ride!
Matthew P.
This is a very useful campground in the middle of Monterey. Handy to everything from Point Lobos to Pebble Beach and Monterey itself. First come first serve, which is great, as you don’t have to find a half empty campground that is “full”. The sites are too crowded together and hard to level for rvs. But it has showers and a dump station. I like the three day only limit, as it keeps it limited to real visitors/tourists rather than long-timers filling the campground.