Much of Moss Landing has gone to the birds, literally. The Moss Landing State Wildlife Area takes up quite a bit of real estate in this township located a few miles north of Monterey, California. The wharf is just as busy as ever, but now it’s a mix of fisher folk and recreational boaters. If you’ve brought your boat along on your RV camping trip, you’re in luck. A new boat ramp was installed at the north harbor. Only one RV campground is in town, but you can find other options in the surrounding areas.
Low Key Beachfront Fun
- Right next to Moss Landing Harbor, the Moss Landing KOA Express is a full service RV park within steps of the waves. Take the pathway down to the beach for a little beachcombing or an impromptu picnic. You might just catch sight of whales, sea otters, pelicans and boats going by. Blue Ocean Whale Watch offers discounts to RV campers. The hosts also have a penchant for leading impromptu jam sessions. Bring your instrument and join in, or just sit back and enjoy. At night you're in the perfect spot to enjoy a California sunset. This RV-only campground handles rigs up to 60 feet long, and all sites have full hookups. Pets are welcome, but there are breed and behavior restrictions.
Fishing in Watsonville
- Watsonville, roughly 10 miles northeast of Moss Landing, is home to Pinto Lake Park. The RV park next to the lake has back-in sites able to handle large Class A rigs. All sites are on grass and have full hookups and wireless Internet access. Walk to the lake and fish from the shore, or launch your boat from the adjacent ramp. You can rent paddle boats, rowboats and boats with electric motors, as well as fishing poles, bait and tackle. Anglers 16 and older need a license, sold at nearby stores. Well behaved dogs are welcome with payment of a nightly fee. This is really two vacations in one, relaxing at a quiet lake and enjoying the ocean at Moss Landing, just a short drive away.
John Steinbeck Territory
- Salinas/Monterey KOA is another inland option, only 12 miles from Moss Landing. In addition to being close to Moss Landing, Salinas is home to the National Steinbeck Center dedicated to the author John Steinbeck. The KOA campground has cabins for rent in addition to RV spaces. Cabins have partial kitchens, private baths and some can sleep up to four people. All RV sites have full hookups and some are pull-through, making it easier to park large motor homes and vehicle/trailer combinations. Rigs up to 45 feet are welcome. Wireless Internet access, cable TV, a gift shop, convenience store, swimming pool and playground are just some of the amenities. Dogs are welcome, except in the cabins, and there are breed and behavior restrictions.
Marina and Monterey Bay Camping
- Ten miles south of Moss Landing is the seaside community of Marina. The Marina Dunes RV Park has campsites within a short walk from the gentle curve of Monterey Bay. This part of the bay is undeveloped, so you have 10 miles worth of sandy beach to wander. Landscaped campsites sit on a dune overlooking the bay, and a few sites have water views. Some have full hookups, while a few water and 20- or 30-amp electric sites are available for smaller rigs of 25 feet or less. Another option is the RV park at the Monterey County Fair, about 17 miles from Moss Landing. The RV park is open year-round but there are blackout dates for certain events. All sites have full hookups, can accommodate rigs of any size and accept pets. Active duty and retired military personnel and their families may also camp at the Monterey Pines Recreation Complex, adjacent to the Monterey Pines Golf Course. Arrangements must be made through military channels. All three options are close to Monterey’s Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
