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Veterans Memorial Park (City Park)
Overview
Overview
Veterans Memorial Park in Monterey, CA, offers a quiet, forested retreat for those looking to experience the natural beauty of the Central Coast. Tucked away from the coastal hustle, this city-run campground provides a rustic atmosphere that feels miles away from the city center. It is an ideal spot for travelers who prefer a serene park setting over the concrete pads often found in commercial RV resorts. The campground maintains a peaceful environment surrounded by towering trees and local wildlife.
Location & Surroundings
Situated within the hillside landscape of Monterey, the park is perfectly positioned for those who enjoy a mix of forest tranquility and coastal access. You are just a short drive from the famous Monterey Bay shoreline, making this a prime basecamp location for exploring the peninsula. The surrounding area is characterized by pine groves and cooling coastal breezes, providing a comfortable climate for RVers throughout the year. The park feels tucked away yet remains accessible to major local roads.
Amenities & Park Features
While this is not a luxury resort, Veterans Memorial Park provides the essential facilities needed for a comfortable stay. The campground offers spacious wooded campsites that accommodate various RV sizes, though it is best suited for those who appreciate a more natural environment. Facilities include basic restrooms and water stations, prioritizing a traditional camping experience. The park layout utilizes the natural terrain, ensuring that visitors feel fully immersed in the outdoors while maintaining proximity to their vehicles.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The park puts you in the heart of Monterey, where iconic destinations are never far away. You can easily spend your mornings at the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium or walking along the historic Cannery Row. For those who enjoy active days, the nearby coastal trails and municipal beaches offer excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, and sightseeing. Whether you want to explore the scenic 17-Mile Drive or grab fresh seafood downtown, the park serves as a convenient gateway.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is best suited for independent travelers who prioritize a natural, quiet atmosphere over high-end resort amenities like pools or clubhouses. It is a fantastic choice for families, retirees, or solo adventurers who want an affordable home base while exploring the rich cultural and natural history of the California coast. If you enjoy a rustic, park-like environment where you can wake up to birdsong and forest air, this Monterey destination will be a perfect fit.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Martha Navarro
I love it here. I've been hiking the mountain every weekend for about 7 months, & for the last month or so I've been camping here with my dog. There are tons of places to hike/explore, it's considerably safe, & even though it's cash-only & the office hours are limited, the Rangers are darling & helpful, & most everything can be handled by oneself. I only have two major issues with this place, &both have to do with entitlement of campers, namely those with dogs &kids. I adore & cherish both, but still expect their guardians to follow societal rules of politeness. To start, I've had several issues with off-leash dogs, including a pair of aggressive pitbulls that ran away from their owner 2x & terrorized people on the trail. Lately since I've been camping with my own dog, there are an astounding number of people who become obnoxiously snippy because I don't automatically let their dogs run up to mine or vice versa. This isn't a dog park - I'm not required to sit & let your dog come up to mine, especially if yours isn't leashed. My dog has been attacked, & I've seen others' dogs attacked here, yet other dog owners act incredibly rude about me not allowing their dogs to just run up to mine. The second issue I have is with parents letting their kids run across & into my campsite. I understand this is probably a novel experience for them, but that doesn't give them a right to ignore the clear boundaries of my paid space. The lots are not huge - it takes less than 5 seconds to go around, & there is a giant, no-fee park attached. I don't let my dog sniff around others' areas, so when their kids run up to & around my tent it's annoying, no matter how much I cherish children. The bathrooms are clean, the Rangers are polite, it's fairly easy to find a spot in the mornings, there are tons of activities around this well-placed park. The only thing that puts me on edge is the disrespect from neighboring campers. Hopefully the rumors aren't true & they keep it first- come first-serve here. It's definitely a credit to the city of Monterey.
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!