Saddle Mountain

3.5 (194 reviews)

Campgrounds, RV Rental, Hiking

Open • 11:00 am - 7:30 pm

Updated 3 months ago

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Saddle Mountain - Luxury Tent 47Q interior view - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Luxury Tent 44D interior - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Luxury Tent 49A - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

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Saddle Mountain - Luxury Tent - Lower Grove (50Q) - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

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Pranamee S.

We just got back from our camping trip from Saddle Mountain, (glamping in essence) and don't have those negative experiences like few others here, thankfully. We did also hear party songs and loud voices from a campsite but our site was really a bit more secluded on the top, than others so it didn't really bother us or our noise sensitive toddler. Other than that, pretty good stay! Clean sheets, blankets, comfortable mattress and pillow. Cabins are darker and smaller but the tent was nice. We stayed at the Bunker House, we had our decent patio space with picnic tables, chairs, fire pit (gas), bbq grill, tools, microwave, coffee machine, mini fridge (it was smaller on the inside, space was so limited). The bunker also has trash and recycle bins well situated inside the place so we didn't have to step out for anything. The restrooms were literally 5 yards or less, 2 restrooms and 2 showers (more restrooms would have been nicer). Note; They say 2 parking spots BUT the other parking spot is so narrow our SUV couldn't fit. We had 2 SUVs and it was not possible to park them so that felt odd. There is a steep hike on the top. No shop or restaurant on the property but safeway complex and some restaurants on Rio Road are just 3.5 mile"ish We all slept in the tent space, it was cozy and open than the cabin.

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.

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.

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."

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!

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.

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!

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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Kim B.

Elite 25

143

17 years ago

This is a great family campground with tons of amenities. Each campsite has a grill. The heated showers and outside sinks are a plus. Wifi is available in the lounge area and surrounding campsites. Kids will love the playground, volleyball court, and huge swimming pool. The view from the higher campsites are breathtaking. Saddle Mountain feels much like camping in your backyard with a view. read more

Saddle Mountain - The view from our campground - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

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Julia L.

10 years ago

I'm not really into camping I'm more of a glamper, but I must say this has been a pleasant experience. This site in particular has a more Mediterranean vibe. There are gazebos, terraces, planters with flowers, trees galore, and plenty of other foliage. It is really pretty. We stayed in a premium tent site (we can drive in) and we have a view of the valley, but there are also cabins and RV sites available. The tent sites do not have electricity or water right next to them, but within a few feet of each you have access to water. Next to each bathroom there are sinks to clean dishes and the bathrooms were surprisingly clean. They have hot showers here. Yes you heard right. Hot running water. You can tell the staff takes care of the area and are totally willing to address any needs you may have. Lynn and her assistants were awesome. I have to write this review from the perspective of a tenter because that's all I know at this point. If you are disabled or have any medical conditions that would limit walking up an incline, I would recommend staying in an RV site because the ground is more level. The tent sites are a bit of a steep hike from the office level. They are also on dirt roads. So unless you have an SUV or have 4 wheel drive vehicle, I also would not recommend going up the hills. It is possible. I have a sedan, but luckily I have someone that can navigate through dirt. The pool is spectacularly clean and the pool area looks like a resort area. They have board games, badminton, volleyball, and a foosball area. There is plenty of shade and a hiking area. There are a few grocery stores nearby, vineyards, and small mom and pop stores to shop at and grab something to eat. There is a laundry mat right near the grocery store and gas station. Everything you may need is within a two to two and a half mile radius. So if you forgot to pack anything don't panic you can get it and still have a wonderful time. I hope this helps have a fabulous time! read more

Saddle Mountain - View from tent site - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - These are the roads to the upper tent sites - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Play area from the deck - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - RV sites - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Bathroom near the office and vending machines. - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - The office - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - The terrace leading down to the pool - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

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Business owner information

Heather R.

Thank you so much Julia for this review- its encouraging, informative…

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Susan R.

8 years ago

We have stayed at Saddle Mountain about four times. We love the owners and the friendly atmosphere! Very cozy place. Close to Monterey, Carmel, many great restaurants! Will definitely return! read more

Saddle Mountain - View from RV Campground - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Evening view from pool area - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Night shot of pool overlooking view from RV cpground - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Sunset shot - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Sitting area overlooking pool - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Sunset - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Sunset shot taken from pool - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Stream near RV campground. Taken when leaving campground area. - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Office/Check-In area - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

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Heather R.

Awesome pictures and thank you for the kind review! We hope to see…

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Heather A.

6 years ago

This place is terrible if you want to get any sleep. They have these horrible white LED lights wrapped all around a huge tree and it acts like a flood light and does not go off all night. It is like trying to sleep with a spotlight glaring right down on you. It lights up the whole hillside and you cannot enjoy the stars or night sky. Just terrible! read more

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Brandon G.

11 years ago

We made a last minute reservation at this place because no other campgrounds were available. No regrets. Lynn, the host on duty was extremely accomdating and friendly. The camp sites were clean and they had free Wi-Fi/charging station. They also had a pool if that's what you're into. One downside is that this place is pet friendly so we were woken up pretty early in the morning due to barking dogs. Overall, our stay was great definitely come here if you're looking for a place. Also say hi to the cat! read more

Saddle Mountain - Cat on the office porch - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Business owner information

Heather R.

Thank you for your review! Yes the barking can be a bit alarming at…

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Artistick Y.

103

4 years ago

This place used to be nice before the new owners bought it and decided to turn it into some high-end place. Now they're just out for the money and don't care about the people. Not enough bathrooms for the entire campground at $80 a night to camp. Total rip off. read more

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C T.

6 years ago

Just warning anyone who might look at this that their covid notice stating they are open does NOT mention the fact that their pool is closed. We booked the weekend being under the impression that they were fully opened so we're bummed to discover the pool was closed. The cabin we stayed in was cute and the people were helpful. One of the workers was rebuilding their trailer right beside our cabin so Saturday was filled with the sound of electric saws and slamming wood. Made it difficult for our 5 month old to nap and wasn't really the serene experience we thought we'd have. The staff however was understanding when I asked them about it and they said they would text to let them know of the noise. Everything here is super compact and the cabins don't have parking spaces. The view of Carmel is gorgeous from certain places but you'll mostly be seeing the parking lot from the cabins and trailers surrounding it. Our thermostat was also broken and would completely turn off. The maintenance man was so great and tried to fix it numerous times before he went out to buy a new one on the third day we were there. I felt bad going back and forth to ask for help but not being able to control the temperature at night with a 5 month old was too challenging for us to ignore. Again, the maintenance man was terrific and we really appreciated him fixing the problem. I'm glad we got away for a weekend and thought the cabin #5 we stayed in was the cutest tiny house but we will probably find somewhere else to camp once more options are available again. read more

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anna p.

6 years ago

Don't be fooled- we made a reservation for the "pool House" only to discover the pool was not even open which they did not mention upon booking. Totally misrepresented their version of social distancing- evidently 150 people at a time on the weekend? We cancelled two days ahead of our arrival after discovering this- and have not been refunded our money. These people are crooks. No stars. read more

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Gina K.

120

8 years ago

Update, they corrected the error and refunded us. My husband passed away recently. Actually, the day after we came back from Saddleback. He loved it there so much. read more

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gfold s.

6 years ago

I get this is the only place open right now but the staff was not helpful when we had a disclosed issue on site. This place is not good for enjoying your typical camping trip. This is a trailer park. Didn't even stay the night. read more

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Janet M.

7 years ago

From the office staff, manager , camp hosts, maintenance and housekeeping staff. Everyone is so helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. The grounds are beautiful with a large pool, several areas to sit and a playground for the kids. The views are amazing of the mountains and higher up where they have an area for weddings you can see the ocean. Paul the campsite manager goes out of his way to make sure everyone is doing well and happy. The camp hosts, Athena and Dave, friendly, hard working and so well organized, Austin the grounds keeper, kind and a hard worker. Our stay was so peaceful and relaxing. The drive up is a little step but it is well worth it. Looking forward to our stay next year, our spot is reserved and waiting for our return. Thanks again Saddle Mountain for making our stay so beautiful. read more

Saddle Mountain - Grounds - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - RV site - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - RV side yard - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Sitting area - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Play yard - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - View from our RV site - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Office - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

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Leslie W.

4 years ago

My son recently married out in Monterey. -june 25th 22 and my birthday was the next day Sunday- so I booked a 4 night stay in a luxury tent. Pulled in Thursday evening, checked in and was very pleased with the young lady at the registration center,pleasant answered my questions with knowledge . Just about immediately I left camp to start preparations for the wedding. and see my children whom I missed a lot. Returned late. The camp was quiet We sat by the fire and enjoyed the late evening. Friday same except I was able to get a swim in before heading out. The pool was beautiful ,clean played some beach ball with other campers. another long night, returned to quiet again. Almost too quiet. I think they stress the 10 pm quiet time so much it sends everyone to bed. Sat. wedding day. Come Sunday I was ready to decompress and enjoy the grounds, my birthday and the stress of the wedding being over. I was not disappointed . I took some flowers from the wedding up to the ladies at the check Inn center they gave me a birthday banner and crown. I cant say enough about the staff, in person, on the phone and emails. Fantastic. I would like to return to take advantage of all the amenities. ..........There must be some kind of negative because they didn't get 5 stars. Camp 49 had to walk past my car basically through our camp to get to their site no big deal there should just be a little walkway of their own. There was an issue with a young very inconsiderate, inappropriate couple camped below us. They took a good amount of my peace away Sunday night, Monday morning the minute staff found out I believe it was taken care of although I was packed and leaving by then. 99% I'd recommend them read more

Saddle Mountain - we had a very not afraid raccoon for 2 nights - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - I was given a birthday banner - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

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Brianna A.

Elite 21

406

7 years ago

Told me they don't allow service animals and that I could stay outside and figure out my own accommodation. The rudest I have EVER been spoken to in my life. read more

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Patty F.

7 years ago

Just do not stay here. I wish we had read more reviews before our trip. This is NOT an RV friendly location. The road to the site and down from is VERY narrow and steep. We have a 26 foot trailer towed by a full-size pickup. Then we find the RV spots are basically a glorified parking lot and honestly I think we have more room at our storage spot at home. Other negatives points which many other reviews noted - very limited parking, limited shower facilities, self-service check-in mid-afternoon, rude staff, etc. If you are a tent camper, the spots are equally as small and crowded. I can't speak to the cabins although they too are very closely situated. My husband described it as a hobbit village. I was really looking forward to the hike they tout on the website with "360 degree views of the mountains of Big Sur, Carmel Valley and the Pacific Ocean" which turns out is not accessible near the end due to downed trees. Another group warned me on my way up the trail and I went to check it out. These were not recently fallen so I question how often any staff member checks it out. The final straw - we were in town for a wedding and en route heard my husband's aunt had a stroke so obviously we needed to change plans and wanted to leave one night early. I inquired about a refund from the office staff and was told flatly "no". In fact the woman practically gloated about how Paul, who I assume is the owner, refused a refund to a guest whose father had a heart attack. My comment to her was that was not good business practice and her reply was "actually it is". Well - I will be sharing our experience on every social media site I can to ensure others do not have the same as we did. read more

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Chelsea H.

6 years ago

Not my favorite campground. Trailer/RV spots are in a parking lot type location and are very small. Enough room for the picnic table but if you want to hang out, you'll have to be in very close quarters. They do a great job with their location. They've got lights through the trees, a fire pit, playground and pool. The road to get to this campground is sketchy! It's a one lane road, so if you have a larger RV, you'll have a tight squeeze. Again, not my favorite campground but it is beautiful and a great place to stay if you're going to take advantage of the area. read more

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Brian S.

7 years ago

Packed like sardines at a very premium cost. My truck was damaged by someone backing up. No room!!!! Found price much higher than verbally quoted! When we tried to understand the bill, the owners called us "liers". Avoid this place, despite the beautiful nearby surroundings. read more

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Andrea F.

7 years ago

Our site was so small that people arriving late were driving 1-2 feet past our tent to get to their site while we were sleeping. (Yes. Right by our heads.) We also woke up to the sound of a rat eating what turned out to be the transmission wires on our car. Rats tend to be territorial so I wonder how many people have had to spend thousands to get their car repaired like we did. read more

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Megan W.

263

6 years ago

My boyfriend and I loved our stay in the luxury tent! The layout was so nice and it was a very relaxing weekend. The views of Carmel Valley are absolutely gorgeous, it was a wonderful location to stay. The staff was so helpful with anything we needed and very friendly. 10/10 would stay here again, can't wait to be back. read more

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Johnny B.

183

6 years ago

I had an excellent stay with some close friends. Very peaceful and serene spot overlooking the Carmel Valley. The showers were hot and very clean, the same can be said for the bathrooms read more

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Debi L.

5 years ago

First the road up to the campground was VERY NARROW & STEEP (pretty much a one lane road)!! Same for inside the campground! The RV sites are very small and tight! Out electrical did not work and they did not discount us for it! I would never recommend this place! We camped at Saddle Mountain Ranch Campground in a Travel Trailer. read more

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BL R.

Elite 15

184

284

7 years ago

The three stars are for the views, pool, fire pits and playground. Otherwise this site needs some improvements. First: they have bathrooms facilities but only one shower and toilet for women. With at least 10 RV spots there is always someone in the shower or bathroom so you are going back and forth waiting for it to clear. This needs to change. At one point there around 15 families all parked here so more showers and toilets are a must. I won't return because of this. Second the BBQ pits don't get much heat. We payed the $5 for the coals and our two chicken breasts had to be finished in the microwave after an hour. The fire pits are great. The views of the Carmel Valley Hills are really what you are paying for. I can't speak for the cabins or campings sites only for the RV park. read more

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Tammy G.

7 years ago

Do not BOOK a reservation with this company. I initially paid $381 first deposit for a cabin. I had to cancel well before the recommended 30 days before camping. They told me I would be charged $30. Instead, I was charged a $100 for not being able to stay and I cancelled well in advance. This company is GREEDY and I will never stay or recommend to anyone. They are a rip off and I wish I would've read all the other reviews before booking. BOOK at YOUR OWN RISK!!!! I book hotels, cabins all the time and have never been charged this type of cancellation. read more

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Kirsten W.

4 years ago

We spent five nights in cabin #5, and it was just lovely--perfect for two adults in the bedroom downstairs, and our teen could have comfortably accommodated a friend in the upstairs loft. Great base for our exploration of the Monterey and Carmel areas. The cabin was spotlessly clean, and the kitchen had everything we needed to prep meals. Pool and common areas are just lovely, though too cold when we visited to take full advantage. We'd stay again! read more

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Camille C.

6 years ago

A great retreat but missing a few key aspects. The office staff is so unpleasant it makes every interaction with them extremely uncomfortable. I've worked in hospitality for years and the 4 office employees I encountered there need a refresher on customer service, including the manager. The groundskeeper however were very cheery. We wanted a specific site, we requested it over a month in advance knowing we may not get it. When we got there we noticed it was vacant and asked if we could have it and they said someone just called and requested it.......ugh I requested it over a month ago! They need a ice machine. $30 for one extra car is ridiculous. Aside from that it really is a lovely place. read more

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Carina B.

5 years ago

We came midweek and it was definitely less busy. We stayed in drive in tentsite #28 which seemed the most private of all the tent sites with a decent view. We travelled with my parents who were in an RV site. The rv sites are really close together and the walk from main pool/RV area to the tent sites is pretty steep-but do able. Great amenities if traveling with littles. The maintenance staff is incredible. Constantly cleaning the grounds. Hot showers and exceptionally clean toilets for a campground. Very quiet and safe area. Would definitely come again as it is convenient to Monterey activities. read more

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Felix D.

5 years ago

Good vacation destination for RVs, camping but not Cabins. There is no parking for cabins and they asked you to park at available parking spots around the area. I believe they converted what used to be parking lots for these cabins as RV spots to generate more revenue. It becomes a hassle and inconvenient to park far from your cabin and sometimes there are no available parking. read more

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Julie H.

8 years ago

This was a treasure I was happy to find. My son is attending school in Monterey, and we came up from San Diego to get him settled. While we were in town, I reserved a campsite here for the time I would be staying in town. First of all, when we checked in, the woman that greeted us was so welcoming. She was so sweet and friendly. She explained everything to us, showed us around a bit, and then let us be to explore the campground. We had a tent site with a vehicle. The view was beautiful, alongside a mountain. Also, the pool is a grand size and well-kept. The same goes for the toilets and showers. I'll most likely be staying here again. I've already recommended Saddle Mountain to friends that visit the area often. read more

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Christopher R.

11 years ago

Hidden gem! We found this place by a simple Google search. Stayed for two nights. The camp host was very helpful and the facilities are better than expected, especially for the price. Coast camping can be expensive, but we found Saddle Mountain to be reasonable in price and had everything we needed. The showers offer plenty of privacy and hot water, and the pool is hotel quality. There is even a play ground for the kids. We will definitely come back! read more

Saddle Mountain - One of the sites with room for a tent and trailer. - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

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Maria B.

122

132

141

11 years ago

I stayed here on a Friday in June. They have hot showers, a pool, a playground, horse shoes, badmitten, a hiking trail, and are dog friendly. The trail goes up to a nice area with benches and a view of the area. Good for sunsets. The campsites aren't private, and aren't in the woods. But it still does the trick. read more

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Fahn B.

14 years ago

What can I say about Saddle Mountain RV/Camping Park in Carmel Valley? We've RV'd here numerous times- each time gets better than the last. The breathtaking valley views, the convenient location (all within striking distance: HW1, the beach, Aquarium, 17 Mile, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, Garland State Park, restaurants, and grocery stores), pet friendly (must be on leash), hiking trails, nice clean bathrooms, hot showers, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of parking. Our 4 year old especially enjoyed swimming in the pool, playing badminton and horseshoes, exploring on her bike, and nature walks. The only disappointments were not being able to have a fire-pit wood campfire (only propane), a very chilly "heated" pool, and no on-site laundry facility. However, the pleasant staff made-up for it by being so professional and accommodating; they referred us to local launderettes within 1.5 miles. As world travelers and having lived in other countries, I must say this is one of our favorite places on earth. Cheers and happy travels! The Bryants read more

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Eva G.

214

11 years ago

We camped at Saddle Mountain Ranch this past weekend on a tent site. We found a nice, quiet, flat site under old oak trees. This campsite has a pool! We didn't use the pool since it is November, but if you visit in the warmer months, bring your bathing suits! As others have written - the bathrooms are very clean. The showers do not require coins, yay! This place is quite close to Carmel and is very close to the Quail Lodge - any one riding in the Best Buddies Hearst Castle Challenge each year could consider camping here prior to the event. I am really happy we found this campsite because we had a lovely, peaceful experience here. Thanks, Saddle Mountain Ranch! read more

Business owner information

Heather R.

Thank you, we appreciate your feedback and so glad you enjoyed your…

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Matthew D.

11 years ago

This was the second of three stops on our honeymoon. We drove down from San Francisco (take Highway 1 if you can!) and set up camp in Site #50. The area is phenomenal! As soon as you pull up to the office area, the view in to the valley below is beautiful. Check-in is a breeze! Make sure you set up camp and get your firepit and duraflame logs before it gets dark. The campground is dog friendly (there seems to be a little old grey dog running around the place like he owns it, lol), but keep them on a leash if they like to wander. My pups stayed at the site with no problem, but definitely wanted in our sleeping bags when it came time to go to bed. PACK WARM! The nights got down to around 40 or so - which made the suuuuper cheap price for the firepit that much more worth it. This place is very conveniently located near Monterrey, Carmel-By-The-Sea (take Scenic Drive), Carmel Dog Beach, and Pfeifer Beach (you'll thank me later)... not to mention the shopping centers all less than 5-miles from camp for those last minute details you forgot about. It's a tiny bit wet on the ground when it comes to cleaning up a tent site, but who goes camping expecting to keep their hands clean? I'm already trying to convince my parents to change this to their campground of choice for their next trip (we're an Eastern Sierra's family). Which reminds me... facilities were awesome! Warm shower, clean toilets, a pool, horseshoes, and hiking trails... it's really the best of everything. read more

Business owner information

Heather R.

Thank you so much for your review of our place. We are stoked we…

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Valeria I.

6 years ago

Loved staying here. Will definitely come back. The staff was so nice and the campgrounds were clean and beautiful. Really cute location and our campsite, 31, was quiet and private with a short 2min walk to bathroom. Cute cafes and cantinas nearby with Carmel Beach only about 15 min away and Carmel Valley is beautiful. read more

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Debbie M.

5 years ago

This place is a joke! How they call it an RV Park, I will never know. It's smaller than your typical Starbucks parking lot that they're trying to cram way too many RVs into. We were so close to our neighbor that we couldn't even open our coach door because we hit the picnic table. And the picnic table couldn't even move over a little because it would have hit our neighbor's RV. So everyone's all crammed into this parking lot, you can hear everyone's conversation and God forbid people are partying. And getting into this place on a narrow little road that two vehicles can't pass on is a little gnarly and then the very steep, tight road into the RV park is also a little gnarly. Maybe they should give you a little heads up when you book. Our RV is only 24' and it felt too big for this place. This is worse than the Walmart parking lot.....seriously. And it's EXPENSIVE!!!!! Probably the most we've ever paid for an RV site and we've stayed at some nice ones. The pictures and description are very deceiving--89 acres of land! It's all on about one acre from what we could see. This was my worst RV'ing experience and I would look elsewhere for a nicer place to stay. This is a glorified parking lot with a pool and bathroom. read more

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Janu S.

7 years ago

This place is awesome. 3 teenagers and two adults in cabin #3, worked very well for us. Looking forward to going back.

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Jason U.

Elite 17

122

10 years ago

My wife and I brought our 18' trailer here for a 4 day weekend. Having never been here before, we were a bit worried when we arrived super late (due to a highway accident). Coming up the road to the campground, I was pretty alarmed at how narrow the road was in some places! But after being in and out several times, I realized there was plenty of vision distance before the narrow spots. Whew. Out late check-in packet was easy to find and we got into the site with ease. All the hookups worked perfectly and the site was clean. When we met the host the next morning, she was a delight and very friendly/helpful. The kids playground was great, with multiple slides and swings to keep the kids busy. We never made it down to the absolutely gorgeous pool, but there were plenty of people using it. We even saw some people coming up just for day use! It must be popular. The bathrooms were clean, and I even used the shower once (while the wife was using the trailer's). We took the hiking trail up behind the campground, and it's a serious grade. But the view from the lookout was heavenly. While the price was a bit high, it actually wasn't considering the location (i.e. try buying a sandwich in Carmel and see how much it costs). The cabins looked nice, and would hopefully let us convince some non-camping friends to make the trip. All-in-all, we decided we'd definitely come again, especially if we have tent friends who'll need a spot too. Side-note: we walked down to "the other place" down below and while it was pretty nice too, I don't think it was as Saddle Mountain, and their prices were higher. read more

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Dan A.

12 years ago

This place is beautiful. We spent 4 nights here for the cali roots festival and had a blast!! It's quiet and peaceful and only 15 minutes from downtown Monterey. I drove a 40' rv up the main road without much problem. Its tight dont get me wrong but certainly not dangerous. The bathrooms are clean and the hot shower is a nice touch. Heather and Lynne were very friendly and made it an easy decision as to where we would stay next year . I have already booked my reservation for next years festival. Highly recommended!!! read more

Saddle Mountain - Lively up yourself - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

Saddle Mountain - Peace - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

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Stephanie R.

10 years ago

What a beautiful, quiet, friendly RV park!!! It's not far from the heart of Carmel and Monterey, yet completely away from the busyness and crowds of people. The park is filled with lovely trees and flowers, and has common areas to sit and have a picnic or a glass of wine under the lighted gazebo. There is a large, fenced play area for the kids, and a very large, gorgeous pool. The grounds are impeccably maintained and everything is very clean and well kept. The RV sites have full hook-ups, and there are tent sites and cabins to rent as well. Lynne (the manager) is a delight...helpful, kind, and very welcoming. She made us feel right at home! We stayed 9 nights, and we will definitely be back again! We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Saddleback Mountain....it was absolutely perfect!! read more

Business owner information

Heather R.

So happy to hear about your great stay with us and all your feedback…

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David C.

6 years ago

Below is a verbatim review by my 12 year old son. He was adamant we write a review and let management and guests know. I do agree that the step was very dangerous especially in the dark when you are going to the bathroom. I also agree with the spacing issue. Way too tight. On the plus side, the staff were very friendly. The unit was spotless. Pool and common areas were clean. Trail was good. ======= This place is cozy and all because it gives you the camping feel, but the cabins suck! Some of the cabins are super tiny and the stairs and the bathroom are so small. Speaking of the stairs, I was upstairs and coming down when I fell on the second step upstairs. I luckily fell on my butt when this happened but if I fell face first I literally could have died, no joke. The stairs go pretty high up, and falling from that height because of the second top step being super small is incredibly dangerous for little kids, teens, adults, pretty much anyone. It is such a stupid design for cabin stairs. It puts lives at risk and is a possible way of death. I am extremely lucky I did not fall face forward, instead I landed on my bottom all bruised up after. It is not a place to bring kids because of these dangerous conditions. Also cabins are way too close to each other and other people park their RVs in front of your cabin. With other people being right next to your cabin, it means there will usually be dog walkers which what happened to me. When I stepped out of the door, there was dog poop over our front porch. I know it is not the place's fault, but it still made the experience here horrible. The drive here from Los Angeles is so not worth it with everyone in the family feeling motion sickness. Over all, this trip was really disappointing and so not worth staying in a small dangerous cabin! read more

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Mino S.

12 years ago

This campground is a nice, cheap alternative to hotels in the area during the Summer. We had a really nice stay in tent site 37, which is one of many sites that has a gorgeous view of Carmel Valley. We were offered an upgrade to a premium tent site when we checked in! Good thing too, we had some trouble sleeping and got up in the middle of the night, and sound really seems to carry, so it was probably better to get us out of the way. The premium rent sites up the hill have a decent amount of privacy and all the beautiful trees and hanging moss and views Carmel Valley has to offer. read more

Saddle Mountain - View from #37 - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel, California

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Page 3 of 5

27625 Schulte Rd
Carmel, CA 93923
Directions
(831) 624-1617
Call Now
Visit Website
http://saddlemountain.tripod.com/

Hours

What time does Saddle Mountain open?

Saddle Mountain opens at 11:00 AM on Monday and Tuesday.Saddle Mountain opens at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Saddle Mountain close?

Saddle Mountain closes at 7:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Saddle Mountain closes at 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Tue 11:00 AM - 7:30 PMWed-Thu, Sun 9:00 AM - 7:30 PMFri-Sat 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Indoor Amenities

Does Saddle Mountain allow dogs?

Yes, Saddle Mountain allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Saddle Mountain have bike parking?

Yes, Saddle Mountain has bike parking.

Does Saddle Mountain have parking?

Yes, Saddle Mountain has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Saddle Mountain wheelchair accessible?

No, Saddle Mountain is not wheelchair accessible.

Does Saddle Mountain have free WiFi?

Yes, Saddle Mountain has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Lodging: Cabins, RV Sites, Gazebo Tents, Luxury Tents, Walk-in and Drive-in Tent sites.

Meet the Business Owner: Howie H.

We are located on 89 acres of forest land off Carmel Valley Road, just 5 miles from HWY 1. Nestled within oaks, Monterey pines, and redwoods, Saddle Mountain offers a great peaceful getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life.

Ask the Community - Saddle Mountain

How is cell service is this area?

I have cell service here.

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

Yes!!

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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 😊

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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

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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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4.9(1.1k reviews)

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: OF ALL THE SIGHTS ON HIGHWAY 1, PLEASE DONT MISS POINT LOBOS. the most wonderful experience was…read morePoint lobos. You get to walk through a trail right by ocean side, and will most likely get to see otters, seals (and if lucky some other marine animals). And while I've seen these animals in sea world etc, it's a whole different feeling to see them freely swimming about in the ocean. There is something about seeing otters and seals out in the ocean happily swimming. Often called the "crown jewel" of the California State Park system, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a breathtaking coastal destination renowned for its dramatic ocean views, rugged cliffs, and remarkably rich marine life. It serves as an ecological sanctuary where visitors can experience untouched California coastline at its finest. Abundant Wildlife: The reserve is a premier spot for wildlife viewing, where you can regularly watch sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions swimming through the kelp forests or basking on the rocks. Scenic Trail Network: A collection of easy-to-navigate, interconnected trails hugs the shoreline, leading visitors past hidden coves, cypress groves, and dramatic overlooks

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.

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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

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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.

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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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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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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 Regional Airport

3.6(184 reviews)

4.4 mi

My experience is only flying in and picking up a rental car. Airports don't get much smaller than…read morethis. They are in the early stages of building a new terminal. Currently, you exit the plane by stairs/ramp. There isn't a jet bridge, so know that you face the elements upon arrival. Exiting the airport is easy. The car rental area is a one minute walk from the gates. Outside is ride share and parking lots. The car rental parking lot is close as well.

Monterey Regional Airport is a tiny place in the grand scheme of things. There are only 4 major…read moreairlines here - Alaska, American, Allegiant, and United. There are only a total of 5 gates here, no air ramps so you enter the aircraft the old fashioned way. What works here? Lots of things...the rental car lot is 30 feet away, we were the only ones going through TSA, and everyone working here is on a chill time line. Also they have a "bar" that you order drinks, pay for water, chips all in one. I would give this airport 5 starts however...the hot dogs looked like they were rolling around for a while. Also where is the imitation cheese pump to throw on that err...hot dog? Also no charging stations unless I walk from gate 3 to 5, I'm tired to walk that 50 feet. :)

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Airport on the side.

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5 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Cindy P.

11 months ago

We recently stayed at Saddle Mountain Campground in the RV section and had a mixed experience. The RV sites are basically just small paved parking lot spots arranged around the pool and check-in office -- much more like a parking lot than a campground. The sites were very tight, with barely enough room for the RV itself, let alone any sense of privacy or outdoor space. They tried to make it nicer by adding a table and artificial turf mat, but it really is a parking lot, not an RV campground. One of the biggest issues was parking. The RV sites themselves simply don't have room for both your rig and tow vehicle. We had to search around the campground for a place to leave our car overnight, and most of the available spots were already taken up by guests of guests staying in cabins or tents (there were several birthday parties when we stayed). It made things more stressful than they needed to be. The campground does have some high points. The grounds are lovely and well maintained, and the pool area is visually beautiful. That said, there didn't seem to be any oversight or rules enforcement. Quiet hours weren't respected (we heard partying late into the night), and the pool area was chaotic with screaming, running kids. Of course, it's great to see families having fun, but this isn't the place to go if you're looking for a peaceful or relaxing getaway. This spot might work better for glampers, tent campers, or cabin stays, but as an RV destination, it felt overpriced and not well thought out. The drive in is also a bit tricky -- the access road winds through narrow residential streets, and signage is lacking, which made us second-guess if we were even heading the right way. Overall, not a terrible place, but not one we'd return to with the RV. read more

Maren E.

14 years ago

Well, I've read the other reviews and the one person who had trouble finding this place in the fog is right...it is a bit hard to find. But, if you plan ahead and get here when there's still some light, it's WELL worth the drive! This place has the best views of Carmel Valley that I've seen, the people are friendly (really friendly!), and the park is so centrally located to Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur...it's a great place to call home while you explore the area. No fires are allowed here, so bring charcoal or propane to cook and they do allow those Duraflame fire logs to make a little fire as long as you bring something to put them in if you don't want to put them in the BBQ in your space. There's a great hike up the hill from this place with panoramic views of the ocean and area...and they have a resident Owl pair and Mountain Lion. I love it here. read more

s b.

17 years ago

Saddle Mountain RV Park is located on the side of a mountain with lots of trees and narrow roads. Once you leave the main road there isn't really any turning around so be sure this is a road you want to travel. We were pretty amazed that the city would permit this RV Park to operate considering the maze of hazards looming at every turn. The sites were also narrower and shorter than we were used to. My husband has driven an RV for years and never faced so many obstacles. Several campers said they nearly hit trees trying to park. The most important item, if you do end up camping there is to be sure you pay attention to the road you take out of the park because it dips toward the rock wall (drain) and can easily throw your RV into wall and do a lot of damage. read more

Ty V.

14 years ago

An absolute gem of a place. A little off the beaten track and up a steep hill which is not the most welcome off climbs after 90 miles in the saddle. But well worth it. Carmel is not geared for cycle tourists needing to camp. Saddle mountain is approx 30 minutes ride out of Carmel on a reasonably wide hard shoulder but a particularly busy road. Not recommended at night / dusk. The RV park has everything you could want, especially lovely staff, well equipped, reasonable, a very clean and tidy site. Views in the morning are fantastic and if you make it back along the valley road to the PCH / CA1 make sure you stop at the Wagon Wheel for breakfast - Amazing. Thanks for a lovely stay Maren, Saddle Mountain rocks! read more

Valerie R.

7 years ago

awesome place, super friendly staff! the view is gorgeous, facilities very clean & the bonfire more than cosy! we had a really tough day and the owner basically saved us, gave us a spot without reservation & was so helpful and kind! huge thanks again for that! we would totally recommend that place! greets valerie, sebastian & julia read more

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5 Saddle Mountain reviews that are not currently recommended

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5 reviews that are not currently recommended

Saddle Mountain - campgrounds - Updated June 2026

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