Skip to content
4.5(377 reviews)

Manresa Uplands State Beach Campground

205 Manresa Uplands Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076, United States

Plain-text version · San Jose (plain text)

Recommended Camping Products

EVER ADVANCED Extra Wide Camping Cot for Adults Oversized XXL Sleeping Cots Folding Cot Bed with Carry Bag, 84.3" L x 41.9" W, Support to 550 lbs
EVER ADVANCED Extra Wide Camping Cot for Adults Oversized XXL Sleeping Cots Folding Cot Bed with Carry Bag, 84.3" L x 41.9" W, Support to 550 lbs

EXTRA WIDE: The open dimensions of the ultra wide cot are 84.3"L x41.9''W x19.7"H, folded dimensions are 48.6"L x4.9"W x9.1"H, you will find it to be wide enough and long enough to not feel cramped. HIGH WEIGHT CAPACITY: It supports up to 550 lbs making it perfect for personal comfort and for family cuddling; Reinforced steel X-leg assembly strengthens the xxl camping cot and provides stability. EASY SETUP: The oversize cot is assembled and folded into the carry bag and the only parts you need to put together are the 2 end tension rods; makes transportation and storage easy with the high-quality carrying bag

Buy Now on Amazon
Sportneer Camping Cots for Adults: 1200D Double Layer Oxford Camping Cot with 2 Side Pockets - Heavy-Duty Comfort Cot Bed for Camping Travel Tent Day Outdoor & Home Guest, Ease of Setup
Sportneer Camping Cots for Adults: 1200D Double Layer Oxford Camping Cot with 2 Side Pockets - Heavy-Duty Comfort Cot Bed for Camping Travel Tent Day Outdoor & Home Guest, Ease of Setup

Ultimate Comfort for Every Season: Enjoy deep sleep anywhere with this Sportneer camping cot with mattress. The soft, removable pad adds warmth in winter and breathability in summer, giving you the comfort of a real camping bed wherever you go.. Easy Setup & Portable for Travel: This portable bed for adults unfolds in seconds—no tools or assembly needed. Fold it down quickly into the included carry bag for compact storage and effortless transport on every outdoor adventure.. Heavy-Duty Steel Frame & 450LBS Capacity: Engineered with 25mm thick oblate steel tubes and durable 1200D Oxford fabric, this cot for sleeping is stable, waterproof, and dirt-resistant. Supports up to 450 lbs for long-lasting reliability in any environment.

Buy Now on Amazon
TOMOUNT Canvas Tent with Stove Jack Bell Tent Yurt 16.4ft*High10.33ft Glamping with TPU Transparent Roof 6-8 Person for Family Camping (Canvas Tent with rainfly)
TOMOUNT Canvas Tent with Stove Jack Bell Tent Yurt 16.4ft*High10.33ft Glamping with TPU Transparent Roof 6-8 Person for Family Camping (Canvas Tent with rainfly)

【Durable and high-quality material】The canvas tent is made of moisture permeable TC material (65% polyester and 35% cotton blend), which has excellent moisture permeability and flame retardancy, and reduces condensation in the canvas tent. Equipped with a zippered removable groundsheet, the bell tent groundsheet is made of thick PVC with a waterproof index of over 20,000 mm.The skylight is made of TPU, which is resistant to water, abrasion and tearing. 【Spacious Capacity】The diameter of this canvas tent is 16.4feet and the top height is about 10.33feet.The side walls (supported by 12 poles) are 63inch high, which is much higher than the walls of the ordinary bell tent (22.8inch). And the bottom of this tent is nearly circular, so there will be more space available. Suitable for people who want to place a lot of equipment, such as tent stove, chairs, tables and beds. Ideal for backyard parties, family camping, weekend breaks and festivals. 【Transparent Roof】The top is made of TPU, which is better than PVC in all aspects. You can enjoy the blue sky and starry sky with it. Of course, if you don't want to sunbathe, you can always pull the inside shade closed (see picture). It is fireproof and can be used with a wood stove inside the tent to keep you warm and cozy during the fall and winter months. The tent has large round mesh windows on all four sides, which promote air circulation

Buy Now on Amazon
Anker Portable Power Station SOLIX C300, 288Wh LiFePO4 Battery, 300W (600W Surge) Solar Generator, 140W Two-Way Fast Charging, for Outdoor Camping, Traveling, and Emergencies (Solar Panel Optional)
Anker Portable Power Station SOLIX C300, 288Wh LiFePO4 Battery, 300W (600W Surge) Solar Generator, 140W Two-Way Fast Charging, for Outdoor Camping, Traveling, and Emergencies (Solar Panel Optional)

Compact with Massive Power: It's portable power that moves as freely as you. Give your devices 300W (600W Surge) and 288Wh. Fast charge with 140W two-way USB-C ports.. 8 Device Charging Ports: Power all your tech with versatile ports, including 3× AC (300W), 1× car socket (120W), 2× USB-C (140W), 1× USB-C (15W), and 1× USB-A (12W).. Travel-Friendly Design: Attach the strap(sold separately) or simply carry this power station. It's 15% smaller than similar designs and perfect for spontaneous adventures.

Buy Now on Amazon
Canvas Bell Tent Yurt Tent 4 Seasons for Camping 100% Cotton Glamping Tents with Stove Jack, Family Camping Outdoor Hunting Party (3M- 9.8FT)
Canvas Bell Tent Yurt Tent 4 Seasons for Camping 100% Cotton Glamping Tents with Stove Jack, Family Camping Outdoor Hunting Party (3M- 9.8FT)

【BREATHABLE FABRIC and WATERPROOF】-- This beige yurt tent is made of breathable canvas with a PU 5,000mm waterproof rating. The PE tent BOTTOM effectively prevents rainwater and moisture from accumulating on the ground. We use STEEL material for the tent bracket, which has corrosion resistance. Completely waterproof and can stay overnight in heavy rain. 【Suitable for Family Camping】-- Four sizes options. 3M bell tent comes with a diameter of 9.85ft, the top height is about 7.22ft and the side wall height is 1.9ft. The stove jack hole is about 3.3ft high from the ground. Storage bag packaging size: 27*13*11 inches. Weight: 28 lbs. It comes with a polygonal base, can accommodate 2-4 people to sleep inside the tent. 【4 Season Canvas Tent】-- The ShinHye canvas bell tent package includes a sewn-in groundsheet, stove jack, windows with mesh, roof vents, poles, a tool kit and a weatherproof bag- All are included with your purchase. Whether it's spring, summer, fall, or winter, this tent is your reliable companion for outdoor adventures

Buy Now on Amazon
WildFinder Rooftop Tent Hard Shell Roof Top Tent Hardshell Suitable for Jeep SUV Truck Van,Camping Car Roof for 2-3 Person
WildFinder Rooftop Tent Hard Shell Roof Top Tent Hardshell Suitable for Jeep SUV Truck Van,Camping Car Roof for 2-3 Person

100% ALUMINUM ALLOY MATERIAL: Made of high quality aircraft grade aluminum, not easy to aging and thermal expansion and contraction, super durable, can be used for many years. If it is made of plastic, it is easy to leak after winter and summer seasons.. STAINLESS STEEL AIR PRESSURE LEVER + POLYESTER FABRIC: Polyester fabric is more comfortable, breathable and waterproof. Strong blackout and privacy. Stainless steel material air pressure rod, durable, will not rust, long service life.. RECESSED MARINE PAD + CONDENSATION PAD + COMFORT MATTRESS: the recessed marine pad reduces humidity. The condensation pad prevents water vapor from forming water droplets due to air pressure and temperature difference. 5cm non-deforming mattress provides you with a quality and comfortable resting environment.

Buy Now on Amazon

About This Campsite

Manresa Uplands State Beach Campground

Welcome to Manresa Uplands State Beach Campground, a serene camping destination ideal for families, beach lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Nestled along the Pacific Coast, this campground offers a tranquil escape with stunning ocean vistas, an expansive beach, and rich, diverse wildlife.

Tips and Considerations

  • Beach Access: Be prepared for a bit of a workout as you take a scenic 175-stair descent to reach the beach. It’s well worth it for the incredible views and serene atmosphere by the shoreline.
  • Wildlife Encounters: You'll find delight in spotting dolphins, otters, and a variety of wildlife including falcons, squirrels, and even coyotes during your stay. Remember to store your food securely as the squirrels are known to be quite sneaky!
  • Amenities: The campground features clean restrooms and quarter-operated hot showers, though the water temperature might be tepid. Don't forget to bring quarters or visit the nearby KOA campground store if you need change.
  • Privacy and Space: Some campsites offer more privacy and spectacular ocean views, especially spots like 13, 14, and 15. However, be aware that some sites are closely spaced and can feel crowded.
  • Parking and Transport: Consider bringing a wagon or cart. Parking isn't available directly at your campsite, requiring you to unload temporarily and park a short walk away.

Overall Thoughts

Manresa Uplands State Beach Campground is a beautiful and peaceful site perfect for those looking to experience the natural beauty of California’s coastline. While it does require a bit of effort to maneuver around, especially with its unique layout, the charm of ocean views, the calming beach, and the abundance of wildlife more than make up for it. Whether you’re planning surf camps or simply a relaxed family outing, this campground assures memorable experiences with its blend of nature and comfort.

Photos

Photos provided by Google

Reviews

Reviews provided by Google

Bianca Banuelos

06/03/2024

First time at this beach, and it was pretty awesome. The stairs to the beach from the parking are a workout, to be honest. I'm not sure if there's easier access to get down if you have elderly. Water is cold but not freezing. Love to see the shells, rocks, and seaweed wash up on the shore, reminds me of the beaches in Hawaii. Killer view from the benches at the top before going down those stairs. It's better than Sunset Beach, and I think we'll be going to Manresa a lot more often.

Alexandra Heidelbach

09/04/2024

Surf camp was fun. Lots of families. The squirrels will steal your food if you are not careful, cotton tails. I've dolphins and otters out in the water, too. Quarter operated hot showers great for saving water.

Stacey Szenda

01/16/2024

This beach is more expansive and quiet compared to other beaches. I love the extra layers of rough waves here as well. However, when the waves meet the sand they calm to the likeness of a lake in some areas. There are some people fishing off the coast here. And sunsets are breathtaking... NOTE: When driving here & parking in the parking lot, you will need to be able to walk down & "feel the burn" up 175 stairs to enjoy this beach.

Jochen Voelker

08/16/2024

Our favorite campsite on the Pacific Coast. No close road/traffic, thus very quiet, short walk to the beach and quite good restrooms, including showers fueled with quarters.

Ayesa Love

07/29/2023

Loved this place but bring a Wagon! Here are my pros and cons: Pros: Clean bathrooms and Showers. However, there is no change machine and it only takes quarters and hot water is more like Luke warm. There is a store at KOA campground up the road opened until 8pm if you need change, food or ice. Great ocean views if you get a site facing the ocean. I stayed in spot #14 one night and loved it. This place has Lots of wild life, falcons, rabbits, squirrels, coyotes. There’s also a private beach that’s about 5-10min walk. Also your pass gets you into other state beaches, I recommend Manresa Beach about a 5min drive up the road. Cons: Bring a wagon/cart! There is no parking at your site. I didn’t know that and it took about 4 trips to get all my stuff to my space lol. There is a parking lot to temporary unload but you leave your car overnight in the upper parking lot which is just a few minutes away from your camping site depending on where you are. Some sites are very close to each other or smaller than others. Spot #24 was not my fav, it was not private and had too many walkways where kids and people just walked through my site. Sites that face the ocean like #13, 14, 15 are more private but overall most spaces are crowded to each other. Also it gets really moist in the morning and night, so recommend to cover your tent with a tarp to prevent extra moisture. But even with these minor cons, I loved this campground. Beautiful views, great beaches, and lots of wild life. Will definitely come back:)

Manresa Uplands State Beach Campground — the United States's Camp Guide