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    Saddle Mountain

    3.5 (193 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Saddle Mountain Photos

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    Reviews With Photos

    walk-in site
    Bernadette T.

    This was a pretty nice glamp site! We stayed 1 night during our road trip to Big Sur, which is about an hour away from Carmel. We booked a Luxury Tent - Lower Grove through Airbnb for about $200 for 1 night (we did book pretty late - about 1 week in advance - so the price might be cheaper if booked earlier). Instructions on getting there were pretty easy, and check in is in their central office building 3-8pm. Staff were super friendly! The office closes at 9pm, and then security comes onto the site, so I felt very safe. The whole campsite is small so a lot of the sites are pretty close to each other. They have cabins, RV spots, drive-in sites, walk-in sites, and some really nice luxury tents. Some spots have a nicer view up the hill, but the Luxury Tents in the Lower Grove were on the steep downhill road near the exit, more tucked in under some trees. I did like that the Lower Grove felt a little more private than the Upper Grove. But we did have to walk up the steep hill to get to the nearest bathroom. Our Luxury Tent (50Q) was pre-built and sturdy, and had space for our car right on the site. Our tent came with a queen sized bed, heated blanket, 2 side tables with reading lights, USB plug, a small shelf at the foot of the bed with some towels, and a small side table with a electric kettle and coffee packets. Outside on the small patio was also 2 adirondack chairs for lounging, and a propane grill with grilling utensils. I do wish we got a small table outside for our food, and a fire pit at the site would have been nice. We also ran out of propane in the morning but I'm sure they would refill it if we were staying longer. Our tent was perfect for 2 people. Some other Luxury Tents are much larger and can fit many people, and had large patios, tables, and firepits. Since our site was under some trees, it was quite shaded, which I'm sure would be awesome in the summer! We stayed during early November, so the evening was cool and morning was brisk, but it wasn't freezing. The campsite amenities were very cool: a heated pool, sauna (can fit 6-8 people), multiple fire pits and lounging areas, ping pong table, cornhole, horse shoes, basketball hoop, playground, and hiking trail. There were some sports equipment and games at the front that were available to use as we please. I super enjoyed the clean bathrooms, showers, and dishwash area - with provided hand soap, paper towels, dish soap, and body soap in the showers! It was always clean and never crowded. I thought this was worth it for our site and luxury tent - super duper convenient to not have to bring & set up a tent/sleeping bag. We basically arrived and were able to get comfortable right away. Saddle Mountain is a good choice if visiting the Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, or Big Sur areas.

    Glamping tent
    Dawn A.

    I'll preface this with saying I'm not the camping type, but I also don't need a 5 star hotel. Also, it was Jan and very cold and we only stayed for one night. It was one of the glamping tents with two queen beds Likes: beds were super comfy and warm despite the lows getting into the upper 30s. We also had our own little "yard" that included a fire pit and grill. We did use the fire pit. You are, in essence, showering outside. If you choose the showers at the top of the hill it's at least nice and steamy in there after you take your shower. They do have sinks to wash and plates, that you've used, and at the one by the bathrooms at the top of the hill there is also a spout for filtered water. Although we did not use them, the pool looked great and there is a small sauna in the pool area. There is also a small playground. Dislikes: first and foremost, if you need to use the restroom, you're taking a little walk. It's not far, but it does involve steps and stones, and uneven ground. There are solar lights in the ground that seem to be there to light the trails , but none of them worked. So this could be a safety issue. Also, although it was not offered to us we did ask if they had a heater. They did. But here's the thing, the electric strip we plugged it into kept shorting after about 5 min so it kept going off. Didn't want to plug it in elsewhere overnight because we didn't want to risk a fire. Going back to the showers, they were warm with great water pressure, but limit what you take in the stall. The water condensation makes things pretty soggy.

    Check-in instruction.
    Kathleen E.

    Red Flag - Unfair Charges I would not recommend Saddle Mountain based on my recent stay. While the property itself is nice, I had an extremely disappointing experience after checkout. Right after leaving, I was emailed an "incident report" claiming that we burned charcoal directly in their propane fire pit and that this caused damage. We were immediately charged $150 without warning or any real proof. This was shocking because: * We followed the rules during our entire stay. * Their own check-in rules specifically say charcoal is allowed in fire pits/BBQs. * No one from staff contacted us while we were still on-site to verify or discuss the issue. Instead, they simply sent pictures after the fact and charged my card on file automatically. This feels unfair and like a setup, especially since there was no clear evidence that we caused any damage at all. I've stayed at many campgrounds and resorts, and I've never experienced being accused and charged this way. If you're considering booking here, be very cautious--apparently even if you follow the rules, you might still get hit with surprise "damage fees."

    Luxury Tent - Q  (48)
    Emily L.

    I stayed in a pet friendly luxury tent on the lower grove (48). The tent was ambient, spacious and clean. Grounds and were clean and kempt. Bathrooms were a little dirty but definitely acceptable. Great glamping experience! A short drive to Carmel and Folktale Winery.

    Chana S.

    My husband and I stayed at Saddle Mountain RV Park last week and had such a peaceful and relaxing experience. Our trailer is about 29 ft, and there were several spacious spots available that could easily accommodate it. The directions and instructions for getting there were clear, and the ease of booking online made the whole planning process seamless. Julie at the front desk was incredibly helpful when we checked in and even helped me grab a lounge chair from the pool area (which was unfortunately closed for the season while they prep for summer--but still looked lovely!). The setting itself is absolutely beautiful--tucked into the trees with great views and a quiet, laid-back vibe. It felt like a hidden gem, yet it's just a short drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea and other stunning coastal spots. There are grocery stores and restaurants within walking distance (we did the roundtrip walk twice--about 4 miles total), but they're also easy to reach by car. One of the highlights was the ~4.5 mile hike on the property. It has a good set of switchbacks and climbs about 800 ft in elevation, leading to stunning views of the ocean and Carmel Valley. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Our RV site was clean and surrounded by nature, with just enough privacy and space to feel comfortable. The hookups worked great, and the campground overall was very well maintained. We also appreciated the communal bathrooms and showers--they were clean and well-kept. Both my husband and I used the men's and women's facilities one evening and had a great experience. The staff were friendly, helpful, and incredibly accommodating. Drew, the property manager during the day, was warm, easygoing, and super helpful. The camp host, Gage, was also great--chill, easy to talk to, and just an overall lovely presence around the campground. Just a heads-up for future guests: the road into the campground is a bit narrow and steep in spots, so take it slow if you have a larger rig. That said, it's totally manageable and 100% worth it once you're settled in. All in all, we really enjoyed our stay and would absolutely come back again. It's the perfect blend of rustic charm and convenience!

    The pool was shut down and he said it was too cold for us to go in ? I don't know ‍
    Courtney P.

    This place is now under new management and is worlds away from our last experience here! We stayed in cozy cabin #9 this time! When we arrived we were met with a very friendly staff and were given tips and rules for the campgrounds. We even were able to park closer to the cabin this time. We never knew there was parking spaces nearby! We enjoyed the recommendation for the hike, though it IS a very steep climb, the views are absolutely beautiful and worth it if you can muster up the energy! My family very much enjoyed seeing the toys and things added to the pool area and they even tried out the sauna! We made dinner one evening on the grill and it was really nice to have that ready to go if you want to cook up some food right outside! It was awesome to come back here and experience it again, with my daughter older and make some great memories! Definitely will be back again!

    Entrance to Saddle Mountain Ranch
    Jennifer H.

    This is a nice tent camping and RV campground for families. Set along the Carmel Valley Hills most sites get a view of the beautiful valley and have lots of shade trees. There are recreation opportunities such as a swimming pool and sauna, basketball court, and hiking trail. I love that this campground is in a mountain area away from the highway and roads. The one downfall is that the campground is set on a steep hill with fairly narrow roads. If you are pulling a trailer or driving a large RV it may be intimidating and difficult. We didn't have any trouble driving on the windy roads. Our van is 21 feet and we were assigned a tent site with a pad that we could drive onto. Luckily we arrived in daylight to assess the road conditions and the campsite. When we went back for the night it was already dusk and there was little sunlight to help us navigate the road. Overall this is a pleasant and relaxing campground.

    Banana slug! We saw multiple in camp.
    Brandon S.

    Enjoying the lovely campsite and full amenities. The elevation across the site really allows things to feel like there is space between sites. My kids love playing on the open play equipment area, and I was able to do some work with the free wifi on the deck. Plus there was a pool and sauna, along with multiple fire pits and lounging spaces. It was close enough to other local towns to run around and do some adventures, but secluded enough to really feel like we were in the middle of nowhere. It's definitely on our list of places to come back to, and the trip is only half over!

    Fire pit right outside the tent
    Alex L.

    So recently for my Birthday my wife made my day special with some camping. Well I should say GLAMPING lol. It's winter, and of course Carmel is next to the ocean so it's already cold. To meet me halfway my wife found this campsite and saw the awesome Glamping tents they offer. It's a tent sure, you're in the forest, but it's like a room outside. Once you step into your tent you have a wood floor, a bed with a heated blanket, outlets with power for your lamps and anything else you need. Plus the fire pit is propane, which is provided by the campsite, you get a bbq bit which is also propane. We did have neighbors but they were quiet too so we didn't mind them. It was so much fun to relax by the fire at night, and once it started raining we went inside, zipped up the tent and went to sleep listening to the rain hitting our tent. A plus...place is super clean. You're in the forest, but there are so many amenities here. The bathrooms are clean, showers are provided with warm water, there's a pool, a kids play area, lots of places to sit around and relax. There's a hiking trail that goes up the mountain, we did about half way up and back. Nice views. Definitely recommend this place, the pictures don't do it justice.

    Jane E.

    Nice camping facility. Amenities were a plus - clean bathrooms, showers, soap etc there's plenty of rooms for tents but also cabin setups for glamping. Great for families or large groups of framily. There is a pool, playground, basketball courts, horse shoe, etc. if you like. Ice and duraflame available for purchase at the office. Quiet hour starts at 10pm. Lots of trees, beautiful outdoors. We'll definitely be back!

    Stayed for a couple of days during the week and it was awesome. Our cabin was great, staff was helpful and nice.

    Park overlooking the pool, sauna and mountains.

    Spent two night and three days here in the cabins, my family and I loved it. The rooms were stocked with pots, pans, utensils and everything you need to eat. It was clean and cozy the heaters worked great. Easy check in, easy check out, they have a huge park my two kids enjoyed, a pool and sauna. We used the sauna, it did take a bit longer to heat up but it worked. Ample seating around the communal areas with a view of the mountains. They're right next to an organic farm/farm stand with great food and very good coffee.(5min drive) The perfect location if you want to be tucked away but still a 20min drive into town.

    View from the top of the hiking path over Carmel Valley

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Saddle Mountain

    How is cell service is this area?

    I have cell service here.

    Does this place do long term stays? 1-2 months?

    Yes!!

    Are dogs allowed in the pool area?

    No, they do not allow dogs in the pool area or on the playground. It’s a beautiful campgroud though, I highly recommend it 😊

    View All 4 Questions

    Review Highlights - Saddle Mountain

    It felt like a hidden gem, yet it's just a short drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea and other stunning coastal spots.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    3.6(131 reviews)
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    My site was in full sun and it was warm. My biggest concern was the last day/night of my stay there…read morewas a prolonged domestic dispute (noonish and again after midnight) between a couple in "campers inn". They were screaming obscenities at each other for a good hour. Then things calmed down. Went to bed and was woken up to blood curdling screaming about 12:10am. Then these two started screaming obscenities again for a few minutes hr raced up the hill in his truck, she jumped and they sped away. I did NOT sleep the rest of the night. I was terrified it was going to happen again. The next morning I went to the office to complain about the day before. She told me they were only here 6 days and were leaving today. I did not fall off a turnip truck. There's no way they were there only 6 days. They had decking, storage boxes is the front and sides of their huge fifth wheel. Do not stay here. They have long term workers living at the campground.

    The park is nice, we are staying 4 weeks and during the week it is quiet with a few RVs, mostly…read moreindividuals here temporarily for jobs nearby. It is well kept for the most part & the owner is doing his best (their outdoor maintenance guy fell ill with cancer recently). The weekends fill up. You're 10 min from the beach & the valley has beautiful views. There is wine tasting in Carmel Valley Village which is very close, and a great organic farmers market open daily. The showers are clean but push button, this is the only drawback (most rigs I've seen would have their own).

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    Carmel by the River Rv Park - Walking the dog around the place

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    Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

    Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

    4.9(1.1k reviews)
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    The views were stunning! It's one of the prettiest spots along the coast. The Allan Memorial Grove…read moreand Sea Lion Point were easy to navigate. I also liked that the trails loop back around to the parking area, so it was easy to explore without worrying about getting lost. The trails can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes depending on how much you stop to take in the views. Parking is limited, so get there early. Also bring a jacket because it gets windy and cold. They have three portable bathrooms and permanent bathrooms on site.

    This is one of the most gorgeous state parks in California!! I've been wanting to visit for years…read moreand we finally made it here this past weekend. We were staying in Monterey, so it was about a 25 min drive to get there, we arrived before 11am. We parked before the park entrance along Highway 1 where there were NO signs saying "No parking at any time" THIS IS IMPORTANT because as we were walking towards the entrance, there was a parking enforcement officer giving tickets to all the other cars parked where the signs were clearly posted closer to the entrance. So make sure you pay attention! There is parking inside the park too for only $10. Once inside there were park rangers helping you with questions and guiding you on deciding which trails to go on, which was very nice and convenient! We took a picture of the map and choose to do the Cypress Grove, and the Sea Lion Point Trails. We only had about 3 hrs to hang out at the park, so those two were perfect easy hikes and roughly about 2.5 miles if you do both loops. We got spectacular views everywhere, you could hear the Sea Lions and see so many beautiful birds flying around. Wish we would've brought binoculars, so bring some with you if you remember. We can't wait to come back another time and do a full day of hiking because there are so many other trails! The park and restrooms were clean and well kept too, it's definitely a must visit once in your lifetime at least!!

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    Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

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    Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

    Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

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    Laguna Seca Recreation Area - Entrance to Laguna Seca raceway.

    Laguna Seca Recreation Area

    3.8(34 reviews)
    6.0 mi

    I was a bit skeptical at first when the family suggested we camp here lol I was really expecting to…read morebe camping on the actual raceway, I was really wrong about that! There was so much beautiful scenery, and a few things that you can do lots of walking at me in the morning. They're lucky enough enough to see some cars and motorcycles going on the track. Definitely would recommend camping here. Our family had a really good time.

    I'll start off by saying this was one of my favorite spots locally to sort of "escape" and go…read morecamping but still be local if needed. This time I was going there to try and get as much fresh air as possible after leaving an abusive living situation, and moved in with my parents temporarily. My medical issues are chronic and severe, but fresh air somehow makes it feel tolerable. Well I got a voicemail from someone who sounded friendly, but on the phone I got a rather unhappy and unpleasant woman named "Wynette" saying my upcoming bookings were canceled and "refunded". She already sounded annoyed when I tried to correct her about what I complained about, so at this point she didn't care what my side of the story was. I had a stray cat spray some of my stuff on 2023 and I just cleaned off what I could and I can't smell it. I know animals can still, so when a golden retriever who belongs to a camp host named Jim, was wondering around, unattended and urinating on everything, I got nervous about him coming up to my stuff. He was having a great time wondering around and His owner was at his RV with his other dog and I was further down past the bathrooms. I asked the gate if they could get the dog so he wouldn't go urinate on my stuff, possibly smelling the cat. I never once asked with an attitude or anything but Jim wasn't happy. Jim drove by as I was starting to heat water again(I had no issue the night before) and prepare food, and said no campfires at the campgrounds. He drove by again to make sure I put out the campfire and only me, he didn't ask anyone else. No other camper for 2 days was told to put it out, even for a fire and not cooking: he only wanted to make sure I put mine out. There was a ban at the moment(besides for cooking or gas) and I respect it and put it out even though I was cooking, but he needs to be enforcing that to everyone, often. Not just cause I told on him for not watching his dog. Well that was that and I just kept to myself the rest of the stay and it was great, met great people. Fast forward, all of a sudden they have wrong notes taken down, like I said a cat sprayed myself this last time.. it was 2 years ago... basically every part with Jim written in them were gone and it was just me complaining. Wynette was annoyed and said I can't come back. That's fine, I'll find another local gem to stay at. Between pet sitting jobs and college classes. Well back to the angry and argumentative woman on the phone, I called back making sure i can get an email with proof that they refunded both my bookings, and before I can even ask she snapped and hung up on me. I called back, left a message and called again, it's like $900+ we talking about. Finally someone answered and said they would email it. Still haven't gotten that email yet. My advice, don't complain about anything the hosts might do, or their pets, because you won't be allowed back. You'll get woken up at 9 by the shooting range so don't plan a quiet vacation, but it is beautiful. I'm giving it a one because of the level of disrespect I experienced there from Jim the host and Wynette on the phone. I think both were childish, especially with management not even asking me what happened and told me not to come back. Add: my final phone call with Wynette involved me saying I'd come in and talk to someone else because she wouldn't let me speak to someone else, and told me I should show up at 5pm when she got off work, in the tone where kids in high school wanted to fight you. I was a little in disbelief that someone would say that to anyone as a full on adult. I don't care how stressed someone is.... That's unacceptable

    Photos
    Laguna Seca Recreation Area - Beautiful sunset walking to the restrooms. No edit

    Beautiful sunset walking to the restrooms. No edit

    Laguna Seca Recreation Area - Pedestal set up. Remember it's Non potable water currently, bring drinking & cooking water

    Pedestal set up. Remember it's Non potable water currently, bring drinking & cooking water

    Laguna Seca Recreation Area - View from our rig

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    Carmel Valley Ranch - Guest suite

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    3.9(647 reviews)
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    $$$$

    Originally posted In TripAdvisor, but I forgot to mention a very key employee and I could not…read morefigure out how to update my TA review, so I'm putting the updated review here in Yelp. We're still in the middle of our stay at Carmel Valley Ranch, but it has already been so wonderful that I wanted to write this review before I even get home; just so I don't forget all the special details. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel truly cared for. Edward was so sweet at check-in and helped secure lovely rooms for our group. He continues to greet us kindly each time we see him in the lodge. Saša remembered us from previous visits and made my son's birthday extra special by bringing out French fries (his absolute favorite)! We also had a service issue within our group, and Jeff handled it with such genuine passion and professionalism. He went above and beyond to make things right, and then surprised my kids with their own little Stanley cups engraved with their initials. Truly above and beyond. The food and beverage team has been just as amazing. Molly's new dessert menu is fantastic; don't miss the goat cheesecake! Carly is always a gem; her warmth and kindness brighten our days, and my kids absolutely adore her. Mia is so welcoming at the host stand at Valley Kitchen, always greeting us with such friendliness. At dinner, Ismael was a wonderful server. I forgot to mention needing separate checks at the start of the meal, but he was so gracious and kind about handling it at the end. Our favorite breakfast server is José. He was is so so so kind. One member of our group has been feeling under the weather this weekend. He had the chef make her some chicken broth. And he didn't even charge a penny for us. When I offered gratuity; he declined! We adore José. We look forward to seeing him every time we return to CVR. A highlight of the trip was meeting Fernanda at the Market. We had a fun conversation early in the morning about whether eggnog and matcha might go together. Hours later, she tracked me down to tell me she had experimented, tried it, and that it was delicious--then proceeded to make me a matcha eggnog latte. And she was right. It was amazing! Her thoughtfulness absolutely made my day. We also had the pleasure of meeting Urich, the GM--including a personal hello from him, which says a lot about the hospitality here. He was warm, approachable, and clearly cares deeply about the guest experience. The property itself is gorgeous with so much to enjoy, but what keeps us coming back again and again is the incredible people who make every stay feel special. Their kindness, sincerity, and attention to detail turn a beautiful resort into a place that feels like home. We are already looking forward to our next visit.

    My husband booked this place for the family with good intentions but missed a few details that I'd…read morelike to share in the hopes someone else may be reading reviews for this place. Location: beautiful breathtaking views tucked away in a mountain valley, it is a perfect spot to get away from the hustle and bustle from city noise pollution and high populations. Customer service: there are only 1-2 check in desks, where they spend about 10-20 minutes with each customer explaining the property amenities, location of room, events, etc. when you've been traveling all day, every minute feels like a lifetime. Restaurant: there is only one full service, sit in restaurant that gets booked very fast especially for dinner. Plan ahead and make a reservation in advance for every night you plan to stay on campus and eat there, otherwise, expect to wait until 8 pm or drive to the nearby restaurants which include a Subway, pizza joint, or a small Vietnamese restaurant. Earthbound Organic Farm is a great alternative option for a small breakfast or lunch bites. There is another Mexican restaurant nearby. Clientele in the mornings consist of rowdy children and their inconsiderate parents. I recommend asking to be seated outside if you have well mannered children and want to eat in peace. Rooms: mediocre clean. For being a Hyatt affiliated hotel, I had higher expectations, rooms are carpeted with wooden floors and heavy rugs. This resort is pet friendly so if you have someone in the family that suffers from allergies or has a very sensitive nose, this is not the best place to stay. As most Californian hotels that have carpeting, you can smell odors in the carpeting and linen. When things got hot and humid in our room, I got a nice whiff of dog. Basically any pet friendly hotel means that your linens will be washed with dog poo or other animal fluids. Rooms are only dusted at eye level but if you're someone that is concerned about dust mites, be prepared to get a showering of dust mites on bed, where the headboards reach 6' high and hold lots of lovely layers of dust. Coffee pot is sad and comparable to a motel 6 version with blah coffee, and lastly the beds are super firm with no ability to adjust (like other Hyatt holidays offer), and pillows are huge and uncomfortable. Foam alternative is slightly softer but still too high for a back sleeper or stomach sleeper. Bathroom: limited. They do provide tiny handwashing bars of soap made of lavender, and provide a tiny sample sac of lavender salt to use in tub but for those with allergies, best to request an alternative if any. Shower corners contain black mold. Refrigerators: our room had a tiny refrigerator that could hardly fit anything and doesn't cool sufficiently so for those moms packing extra healthy snacks for your kids, consider your fridge useless. All the strawberries, yogurts and hummus we purchased made it straight to the trash. Room patio: dirty and useless. There was a couple of upholstered seats and one table on our patio that could not be enjoyed as they were filled with dirt, dust and leaves. Would I stay here again? No - due to the pet issue for me. Most Californians love their pets and don't mind staying in places that wreak of dog butts that they've habituated to. Like I said, my husband had good intentions but there were too many issues that made it undesirable for me.

    Photos
    Carmel Valley Ranch - Oustside Crows Nest, Santa Cruz, Ca

    Oustside Crows Nest, Santa Cruz, Ca

    Carmel Valley Ranch - Patio Terrace

    Patio Terrace

    Carmel Valley Ranch - Destination

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    Destination

    Garrapata State Park - Gorgeous mix of rocks, water, cliffs.

    Garrapata State Park

    4.7(136 reviews)
    7.2 mi

    Had been meaning to check out this park for a long time, but usually got pulled away to Point…read moreLobos. A few weekends ago we were down in Carmel for the long weekend with some friends and got a later start to the morning. Anticipating that Point Lobos would be super crowded, I picked out a few hikes at Garrapata State Park, just a few miles south. We parked near the Soberanes Canyon trailhead and hiked the Soberanes Point trail, first going north, then doubling back to take the loop around (and up) Whale Peak. I was worried about leading a group of 20 astray (with kids who had different tolerance levels for hikes), but my fears were immediately put to ease by the gorgeous oceanside views, full of greenery, wildflowers, and the powerful ocean waves hitting the rocks below. We even spotted a sea otter in the surf. Got some nice photos and everyone made it back. At this point our group split up. A few of us went down to Calla Lily Valley. The lilies were beautiful (though I heard they were cut down recently), but there were a ton of people, and the trail was quite muddy. The beach nearby was really nice - the kids spent some time playing there. Parking immediately near the valley is tight but there is parking at this beach and trails to both the beach and the valley from there. Will definitely be back, love that there's an alternative to Point Lobos so close by.

    My husband and I stopped here for the first time before hitting up Big Sur and I'm glad that we…read moredid. Parking is off the side of the road and there's easy trails to explore and just enjoy the scenic highway 1 coastline. Awesome place to take in the ocean air/breeze, great spot to take pictures, and just enjoy the ocean views!

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    Garrapata State Park
    Garrapata State Park
    Garrapata State Park

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    Carmel Sambosa

    Carmel Sambosa

    5.0(8 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    When i was about 5 yrs old my father and 4 friends moved to Carmel to build this temple. I remember…read moreplaying by a river with two of the boys who also were living on the property during the build. We lived in these dome shaped Yurts with wood construction covered with a heavy plastic. Very cold in the winter. It was an adventure for a kid my age. Almost like a long camping trip. I believe we were there only one season. That was a long time. I dont remember a lot but my father has some great pictures. Most of the construction process and the builders hoisting up these very large beams. Some of around the camp and of the builders. I'm now in my 50s and would love to visit this magical place again. I will be taking all the photos with me to compare.

    Sambosa means "Three Jewels," and stands for the Buddha (teacher), Dharma (the teaching) and Sangha…read more(spiritual community.) This tranquil Temple was created in the early 70's, and is the first Korean Buddhist temple ever built in the U.S. They opened their doors to the public and on opening day, 400 people, including the mayor of Carmel and other prominent monks, flooded Sambosa. The Temple has had its shares of ups and downs, including an unfortunate fire in the 1980's that burned down the main Dharma Hall. But it has withstood the test of time and still remains a graceful and quiet symbol of peace in the Valley. The current abbot is Bom Hugh Sunim, and his teachings explore his particular vision of a nonsectarian approach to religion, philosophy, and life. My mother was friends with one of the followers of the Temple, and being the same age as her twins, we often played together. It's a beautiful place to reflect and slow down, even if you are not a practicing Buddhist...although it seems like the ideal religion for every walk of life.

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    Carmel Sambosa
    Carmel Sambosa
    Carmel Sambosa

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    Monterey Pines RV Park

    Monterey Pines RV Park

    3.3(20 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    I love being a military veteran and I love staying at the Monterey Pines RV park, but…read more... As others have mentioned in the reviews, 0 stars for management, 4 stars for campground. I'm not writing this review to be intentionally mean or negative. I just want the management to take some responsibility and improve their system. We have stayed at the Monterey Pines RV Park numerous times over the years. It's a great place to stay, but making a reservation and checking in is the most inefficient and frustrating experience ever, and the whole process needs an upgrade. First you make a reservation through the DOD Lodging website, which only allows you to select either full hook-ups, or partial hook-ups. It doesn't allow you to select a spot number. Then you will receive an email from Navy Gateways, not Monterey Pines, indicating that you have made a reservation, but it doesn't provide you a spot number. The RV Park is located at the Monterey Pines Golf Course. If your a first time visitor, and you arrive after hours, there is a locked gate, so this will be an issue when you arrive. For us, we have visited many times over the years. We know the code, so it's not a problem. And actually the gate has been broken over the past year, or more, so it's still not a problem. Ah, but there's a code for the bathroom as well. In the past we used to receive an email from the Monterey Pines RV Park, providing all the check in information. This is no longer the case. We now have to call them directly. However, we have found that when we call the Monterey Pines RV Park, the call typically goes to voice mail, and then they never return the call. Your best option is to arrive during normal business hours, and hope that somebody is in the office. The last time we visited, the office was empty, so we just picked a spot and hoped for the best. There used to be a campground host to help people check-in, but that position has been vacated. My message to management. Please make efforts to fix/improve the Monterey Pines RV Park Reservation/Check-in process. Create a database so that returning customers don't have to initial and sign 5 pages of redundant paperwork every time they visit. E-mail the customer the important check-in information, such as their spot number, gate codes, bathrooms codes, etc. This should be a common procedure and would greatly help those arriving after normal business hours. Please fix the broken access gate. Our military personnel and their families deserve the extra security. Please do away with the $1 pet fee per night. It's unnecessary and ridiculous! I would also suggest that the bathrooms not be cleaned from 9 - 10:30am every morning. Pick a later time of day to clean them. This is a big inconvenience for those without trailers, meaning the bathrooms are completely off limits until they are finished cleaning. Yes, I enjoy the clean bathrooms, but I also like to use them first thing in the morning. So to everyone out there planning on visiting the Monterey Pines RV Park, I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay once you get there, but good luck with the reservation/check-in process. Prices have doubled over the last ten years, but the level of customer service has decreased by a proportional amount. I will gladly change this to a 5 star review, but not until I see some changes.

    Our favorite place to stay in Monterey. It's mostly quiet (minus airport activity), routinely…read morepatrolled by Navy Law Enforcement, easy access to golf and other activities within the area.

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    Monterey Pines RV Park
    Monterey Pines RV Park
    Monterey Pines RV Park

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    Saddle Mountain - campgrounds - Updated May 2026

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