Shadow Cruising
For KOA Holiday Santa Cruz Monterey Bay: We stayed here from 12/26/23 through 01/01/2024 in FHU site 177 that backed up to the kids play structure. It had a paver patio, fire pit, and a wrought iron round table with 3 matching chairs. It was completely level, which was nice. We would have preferred a picnic table over the dirty rusted chairs/table. The paver patio was nice, especially since it rained a couple of days, so our site did not get muddy and nothing was tracked into the rig. The fire ring was standard, but this KOA charges $16 for a bundle of wood (also known as Highway robbery). So we used our propane fire pit, just sat it into the existing pit.
The amenities are nice. Wifi has improved significantly!! It is even good for streaming movies and shows. Every Friday-Sunday, breakfast is offered and so is dinner (pizza and wings). Plenty of kids/ family activities like the Fun Train, jumping pillow, palm tree climbing, darts, cornhole, ladder ball, tie dye, ceramics painting and shrink art to name a few. Plus the pool/hottub, sand play area, playground, beach volleyball court, basketball court, horseshoes, etc. 3 different dog parks too. Plus bike rentals.
There’s a great hike down the old railroad tracks to Manresa State Beach for some good beach combing and plenty of room to roam for the kids and dogs.
Within 20 minutes drive of the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk and 45 minutes away from Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The staff are friendly. The guests are all friendly. The water stopped working for a couple of hours one night, but other than that, our stay was very good. The staff keeps all campers updated on activities, water issues, etc., with texts to your cell phone throughout the day. It’s super helpful. If this KOA allowed us to text for cocktail and food delivery from their huge General Store, we would never leave!
Posted Dec 31, 2023 by Shadow Cruising from San Bruno, CA. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
Shadow Cruising
For KOA Holiday Santa Cruz Monterey Bay: Stayed here for a week through New Years Day in FHU site 177. Site 177 backs up to the enormous playground. Great if you have kids, which we do. Pavers for a patio area, level site, fire pit table and chairs at the site. Plenty of activities for kids and adults throughout the day, even in the rain. Breakfast and dinner offered on weekends and holidays too. Pool and hottub are nice and the camp store is VERY well stocked, including beer and wine. Dog friendly. Bring your own firewood unless you want to be seriously price gouged. This is our 2nd time staying here and it’s quickly becoming a family favorite.
Posted Dec 28, 2023 by Shadow Cruising from San Bruno, CA. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
Michael H
For KOA Holiday Santa Cruz Monterey Bay: Horribly expensive. Spaces are packed together. There are parked cars and trucks everywhere. Spaces are level, some have a bit of privacy, most don't. We only stayed here because there were absolutely no other campgrounds available. It's clean, plenty of amusement for kids (of which we have none) but horribly expensive.
Posted Aug 21, 2019 by Michael H from Northern California. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
Thistledew
For KOA Holiday Santa Cruz Monterey Bay: We stayed 9/15-16/17 with 28' travel trailer. Extremely busy. Very narrow back in sites but level and well maintained. Neighbors fire ring and table very close. Cars from the camping cabins across from all back in sites in this section make it very hard to back in and particularly exit the park in the morning when they are loading up. Lots of kids having fun but you need to beware. Was quiet after 10 pm
Posted Sep 21, 2017 by Thistledew from VA. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
D-Nice
For KOA Holiday Santa Cruz Monterey Bay: Expensive but worth every penny, especially if you have kids. Close to nice beaches. Plenty of amenities/activities on site, you never really need to leave. Clean level sites, clean facilities, nice staff. Going to make this a yearly trip.
Posted Jul 04, 2017 by D-Nice from CA. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
The Kit
For KOA Holiday Santa Cruz Monterey Bay: Nice place for the nightly rate
Posted Nov 13, 2009 by The Kit from NM. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
