Monterey Veterans Memorial Park

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!

It's a beautiful campground and we might have had a great experience if not for the Karen who harassed us the first night and the hiker/biker tent site troll. This guy was such a know-it-all and was constantly bothering other campers with unsolicited advice. He was quite inappropriate around my wife and that was knowing it was our 29th anniversary. Maybe it was because he was so trashed? What a creep! The couple next to us couldn't wait to leave because he was constantly bothering them too. He shouldn't be allowed on the grounds. The park host seemed okay but completely oblivious to this offensive character. Other than that, for general information, there is a three day limit, and it's ten per person in the hiker/biker area. Much more for the camping slips. Also, there should be a bus coming up here. If hiking, take Jefferson up to the trail, it's pretty and seems shorter.

Have been coming here since I was a child and now it is horrible!! There is no door on the bath houses and freezing air comes in 24/7. They took away regular hot/cold handles and put in a push button so you can’t regulate the temperature and get only scalding hot water and have to push the button repeatedly to continue showering. And workers are very rude and will try to rush you out of your shower, which is inexcusable considering they already charge quite a bit of money to only be able to stay only three days maximum. They are also very prejudiced, rude, and hostile towards those who are unhoused. The county of Monterey used to have a service where they would do vouchers for showers at this park and they decided to take it away which drastically impacted the unhoused community. Resources are already very limited. And if someone wants to show up and only take a shower and not stay, they charge 4 for the shower and will be very hostile, they barge into the bathrooms and will yell at you. Also campsites are not always taken care of and are usually full of leaves, branches, and rocks, and they never opened back up the fire pits when fire season is open. This location has lost its charm, it’s peace, its self respect, and compassion. Truly sad…

Loved this campground! The restrooms were clean and offered showers if needed [with charge]. The playground is updated and well kept. Go early to secure a spot. Cash only.

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.

This is a nice campground with showers included. It's close to lots of things in Monterey and the surrounding area. The only real downside is that it's on a first come basis. So, you really don't know if they have a spot available until you show up. I came mid-week and during the off season and had no problem finding a spot.

Warning. My wife and I have camped at the park for several years, and returned in 2025. The cost has nearly doubled, although they do give a discount to seniors and Vets. The men's showers are gross. But there is a lawn for kids. That's the good news. This year we planned on spending 4 nights, and on the last night a very strange individual parked his car next to our spot and set up a tent. About 2 in the morning I saw this person running around with a light on his head and stick in his hand. Apparently his dog had taken off. When we found the dog he beat the dog. I heard its cry. He then began talking with the dog and yelling at it. It cried again from being abused. He started his car and roamed around the camp ground again all night until we had had enough and we picked up and left. What a major disappointment. This person was totally off his rocker. I also noticed that people are staying longer than the maximum 3 days... I believe this place is a homeless encampment now. We will never go back. I called the person who was supposedly in charge and he didn't have much of a response. You've been warned.

A lovely not oversized Campground. Well-maintained always clean bathrooms on a daily basis sterilized. Beautiful Oak and pine trees offering plenty of shade even though it doesn't get hot there. Water spickets available near campsites. And a beautiful green playground park. A 3-day Max you can stay for $47 a day, if you are a veteran or a senior you can take $5 off. The Rangers are friendly and helpful.