Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

Featured amenities

Wi Fi Wi Fi
Swimming Pool Swimming Pool

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Wi Fi Wi Fi
Swimming Pool Swimming Pool
Connectivity and Media

Connectivity and Media

  • Wi Fi
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Firewood Available
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Propane
  • Swimming Pool
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet Area
Missing information?

Reviews

5 reviews

Summary

AI generated

The Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday offers a wide range of outdoor activities for families, including access to nearby beaches, bike rentals, and various recreational facilities like playgrounds and a heated pool. The campground is well-maintained, with friendly staff and clean amenities, making it a great choice for family gatherings and pet-friendly stays. While some long-term visitors noted changes over the years and expressed concerns about cabin amenities and pricing, the overall experience remains positive for many guests, highlighting the beautiful setting and enjoyable activities.

Based on guest feedback

4.2

Overall rating

Based on 5 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 80.0% (4)
4 stars 0.0% (0)
3 stars 0.0% (0)
2 stars 0.0% (0)
1 star 20.0% (1)

Showing 5 reviews

Sort by: Oldest First
Mike Heinaman

Mike Heinaman

December 23, 2025 Google Maps

Great glamping spot. We stayed in the cabins for a December weekend, and I came away generally impressed. On the positive side - the cabins were roomy, clean, and set up well for small families, with a bedroom area, living area and kitchenette and a loft that my 9 year old daughter loved. There's a firepit and grills outside as well. The community store was well stocked, not cheap (of course), but not crazy expensive. There was a heated pool, a nice playground, and huge inflatable bouncing pad that the kids loved. They also had some nice Christmas and holiday activities that the kids also enjoyed. The staff I interacted with were really friendly and helpful, and you're close to some nice beach areas and Santa Cruz/Capitola for shopping and eating.
The only minor downsides - the shower was a little awkward (but it's a cabin, so just having a shower is a plus) and it's a little pricey, but we will definitely go there again.

Helpful

Nani Liu

Nani Liu

April 27, 2026 Google Maps

My family and I have visited 30 KOA locations and this is BY FAR, the best experience yet! The campground was incredibly clean and gorgeous! Every area was landscaped beautifully. Bathrooms were immaculate and even smelled fresh. Thoroughly impressed by the aesthetics and cleanliness but was even more impressed by the staff. From check-in, to staff making their rounds, to the owner Andy who was incredibly gracious and took the time to meet us. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. We normally bring our RV but decided on renting a cabin and so pleased we did! They are so cute! We felt like we were in a cabin in the woods. The staff came and checked our gas grill to ensure we were all set. We didn’t want to leave and will absolutely be back! Mahalo to Andy and his crew for providing such a beautiful experience!

Helpful

Heidi Dickerson

Heidi Dickerson

May 22, 2026 Google Maps

This is a clean quiet campground just minutes away from the beach. We had the pull through site with a paw pen for our three doggies. This site had everything we could ask for including outdoor lighting, a gas barbeque, fire pit and swinging bench. The area for the dogs had soft green grass with a cleanup station provided at the entrance of the gate. All the employees were super friendly and accommodating. They have a well stocked store with everything we need, a laundromat, clean restrooms and lots of fun stuff to do around the campground. This is such a great place to stay and we can't wait to come back.

Helpful

Lena Khash

Lena Khash

June 19, 2026 Google Maps

We have been going here for 12+ years and this was probably the last time. So much has changed and it’s not the same anymore. The only good thing is probably the pool but that’s about it. We usually got the deluxe cabin which has many things missing from the kitchen especially for grilling. Their banana bikes were the highlight of the stay but they are discontinued so they won’t have any. Their staff pressures you to leave immediately or pay extra even though kids had bike rentals paid. They always have you get checked for some kind of bracelet which is so strange. We never had such experience in the past 12 years. We won’t be back unfortunately and won’t recommend it anymore. It’s probably ok if you have your own trailer

Helpful

Stefanie Lee

Stefanie Lee

July 16, 2026 Google Maps

Wow, I've been by this location many times in my life and we finally had a chance to stay with our family and granddaughter. It has the perfect balance of outdoor activities for kids and adults. Nearby beach, bike rides, train rides, swimming, movie at the pool, live music and a sand shack. Plus 2 playgrounds and much more like tye dye and games with arts and crafts. They have bikes for the littlest and bike rentals for larger kids and adults. It's centrally located to Monterey and Santa Cruz if you want to go enjoy the boardwalk or whale watching. The staff is outstanding and the grounds are beautiful. Plus it's pet friendly and has a doggy park for small and large dogs. There are always specialty foods coming thru the snack shack like malasadas and poke bowls. You can also pre order 🍕. Multiple bathrooms on site with hot showers. This is a RV, tent, and cabin rental location so something for everyone!

Helpful

Location & Directions for Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

1186 San Andreas Road, Watsonville, CA 95076 United States

Elevation: 41 ft

Nearest town

Watsonville, CA - 7.8 mi

About 15 min to downtown

Near Yosemite National Park

The closest entrance is: Hetch Hetchy Entrance

Approximate drive: 42.7 mi · over 1 hr (73 min)

Near Pinnacles National Park

The closest entrance is: West Entrance

Approximate drive: 56.4 mi · over 1 hr (97 min)

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 8, 2026

Message us

Need help?

Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Message us

Replies within minutes

Is this your campground?

Explore Watsonville, CA

Population: 51,712

Nearby city: Salinas, CA

Approx. 20 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 30 ft

Managed by KOA