Medium rating for tent camping. On the plus side, hot showers, sinks for washing dishes, nice view, fairly flat tent site and no rocks. On the minus side, the tent sites were quite crowded, no campfires allowed, limited number of shower stalls. Expensive for tent camping, but understandable given its location. Note: NOT GOOD FOR DISABLE TENT CAMPERS. The tent sites were either on a steep slope or the walk to the bathrooms was steep and treacherous for people who are not sure-footed or need assisted walking. read more

Tried to tent camp... very remote area and difficult to find. Once we got there office stated there was construction near the campground and to watch out for mud. Our 4wd got stuck on the muddy mountain road and nearly rolled trying to get turned around...office said they would return our money since we decided to leave and not camp there, but instead accidentally charged us again instead of refunding our money back. Calling today to tell them of the error....very displeased! read more

We had never been here before and are avid campers. We have a 34 ft travel trailer with a super slide pop out so we were a bit skeptical when driving down the one way, extremely narrow and steep road but it was worth the drive. There are only 2 or 3 sites that would have worked for us not only physically but also for us to be able actually back it in given the room allowed. Hands down the best pool are of any camp ground we've been too. Complete with umbrellas, ping pong tables, fire pits, high end outdoor patio furniture and more. They say the pool is heated but it's still quite chilly. We are from Fresno so our pools are 90 degrees in the summer. This campground is only a short 10 minute drive to Carmel By The Sea and there's a grocery store 5 minutes say too. There are like 5 gas fire pits for campers to share in and around the gorgeous multi deck pool area. The staff is very sweet and not overly strict about quiet time. Bathrooms including showers are clean and spacious. Parking is pretty limited and this really is a hilltop campground so be ready for walking up and down hills if you need to walk you dog. Only complaint is no spa and it would be nice if they had more sites for rigs our size. read more

Dropped off our trailer there for my daughter and friends to camp. I spoke to Heather few times regarding the accommodations, and she was great and understanding. My daughter and friends loved this campground. I am looking forward to go there with my husband for a relaxed weekend! read more

Given the fact that it was my first camping experience, I had an awesome camping here last week along with my husband and a group of friends. We had booked one of tent sites and it was just perfect. It has clean bathrooms and hot shower and the lady working there is very nice. The only thing is that if you want to stay up at night, you have to keep quiet from 10 pm to 8 am since tent sites are close to each other and your noise may bother neighbors. read more

My husband and I along with our friends stayed here Christmas day and night and for a few days thereafter. The facilities were very nice the views were spectacular. We found it very convenient to be near Carmel by the sea as well as the Carmel Valley area where we visited several wine tasting rooms and checked in with local shops. It was a great visit overall. The road up to the campground is a bit steep winding and narrow but its well worth it. Large rigs will need to be extra careful. read more

We had such a nice time staying here. As someone who is new to camping, this spot was perfect for testing the waters. It has a "summer camp" type of feel and made for a great weekend. We enjoyed a great hike in the morning and spent the day in Carmel before heading home. What a great place, I can't believe I actually want to go camping again! read more

My wife and I booked on a wim on a Tuesday and arrived on a Wed - Friday. From the great tent location (paid the extra $10 for an electrical hookup) we used a tent. From Hot showers, bathrooms, pool, fun amenities and more. Heather and crew were great. and only 10 minutes from Carmel Beach. SMR is a pocket of perfection!! read more

Gone all day hiking and came back to my site packed up and gone! Late last night an employee comes to my site with a flashlight saying there was a mistake with reservations and that I needed to move. I showed my receipt, map, and car tag showing that I was in the correct spot and that I prepaid for this site for 3 nights. Tonight the same guy says there was a mistake and I should be in a different spot and this is why he took my stuff; however, my original spot remains unoccupied. He brought back my belongings and puts me in another location (it's pitch dark out!), but I am missing a few important items such as tent stakes! He said he didn't know I showed up. This was the same employee I spoke with last night and my camp was set up! read more

The most expensive camping site we ever paid!!! Four of us had two tents and one car. When we made the reservation about two weeks in advance, they told us $55, and charge it with our credit card. When we showed up there a little after 10am on that day, no body was there. There was a note on the window. It said that we could find our site number in a binders on the wall. There were a few binders. But all empty. We then called two phone numbers listed on the window. No body answered our calls We had to leave messages. 10 minutes later, a lady showed up. She signed us to the site #34. We went to see it and found the next site, the #35, was more secure. We came back and asked her if we could have the site #35. She said "yes, if no one take it before 1pm". She also told us, she could actually sign the site #34 to someone else before 1pm. We would not know which site we could actually get until 1pm. We went away and came back there at 5pm. She had a good news for us---we got site #35. But we need to pay $15 extra. We paid $70 for one night. The most expensive camping site we paid before then was $30. The site had a picnic table and a BBQ grill. We ask if we can have a fire pit. The answer was yes, $10 per night. Beware, you can not use fire wood. Only the fire logs are allowed there. read more

The 2 bedroom cabin we rented was so clean we thought we must be the very first tenants! What an adorable place. Everyone was so friendly! The setting is idyllic, the furnishings were upscale. We are already plotting our return! read more

Excellent old school RV park with very friendly and helpful staff. I highly recommend this as a place to stay to visit Monterey. However, the road getting in and out is really a challenge. Also maneuvering in the camp ground is tight. We have a 25 foot travel trailer towed by a Chevy Suburban. For the spot we camped in, I would say we were too long. There are some other spots in the upper part of the campground that seemed a bit easier to get into and out of. I would easily recommend this place if you have 20 feet or less of trailer. Great views, bathroom was clean, hook ups all worked great. They have a little horse shoe pit, bad mitten (sp?), and a nice looking pool. read more

When ever we take our RV to Carmel we always stay at Saddle Mountain. It is always clean and very dog friendly. I love the views and you are only 10 minutes to Carmel or Monterey. If you like to play golf as I do, 5 minutes to two very nice Carmel Valley Golf Courses. read more

We had a 24ft B+ Class RV and could barely fit up the drive and into our spot. Our mistake that we arrived late as we couldn't see a thing and there was no one in the office of course. Pros: The pool area was very nice with picturesque views. The showers were moderately clean but free! Cons: Narrow road is difficult to navigate, especially at night. Far, did I say far, I mean really far from everything! No bikes, and forget a walk to Carmel by the Sea or dinner. no fires. read more

This is my third attempt at writing a review. I don't know why the other two haven't appeared. But, I'm determined to get this posted, so I will try again. A few weeks ago I set out on my maiden voyage with my pop up tent trailer. I told the person who took my reservations that I was new at towing a trailer and a bit apprehensive at backing into a site. She said that they had a tent site with electricity, which I liked the idea of. On the map, site # 50 looked relatively easy to back into. So, I booked it. When I arrived with my daughter on Sunday afternoon there was no one in the office and a gardener behind the office said no one was there. However there was a file box with my reservations in it. Much to my dismay, the map didn't show that #50 was on a steep incline. As I proceeded down the hill and found the site I hesitated as it looked really difficult to back up the hill and into the site. I tried for over 20 minutes and then two young men offered to help and they couldn't do it either. My truck has a big enough engine, but quite frankly, one needs a 4 wheel drive for this campsite. My truck started leaking fluid, which ended up being transmission fluid. I had blown out my transmission attempting to back up into this site. My daughter and I both tried calling the office two different times but only a voice mail answered. Our messages were not returned. I sent two emails before I got a reply several days later. The owner was unsympathetic with my situation, probably because if she showed any apology it may appear that they had to take some responsibility. After all, I did say that I was a novice and it was my first trip with my trailer. She said that people use that site with trailers and have not had a problem. I've talked to other people who live close by and I was told it's always a struggle. Regardless, my truck cost me $2,800 and it's still not quite right. I had to take it back for further repair.... and the last email I got from the owner was "we are not responsible for your transmission".... My other two posts, that for whatever reason didn't get posted, were a lot longer with more detail than this...but I'm burnt out over this whole thing. Mostly I just want people to know my story. If I had been treated more kindly, sympathetically or compassionately I would not be so frustrated and angry. I would not recommend Saddle Mnt. Ranch for these reasons. The only reason I have 1 star, it that because I think having no stars is possibly why my last review didn't pos. We'll see what happens this time. Sharyn Adams read more

Extremely friendly workers!! I dont know how anyone could have a negative comment about this place. We traveled with our smal children, there is plenty to do here! Beautiful, clean grounds. Beautiful pool! We got locked out of our trailer on our second night there, and the lovely lady working there went out of her way to assure me that it was ok! I was afraid our kids were being too loud while we waited for the locksmith to arrive. She never made us feel uncomfortable or unwanted! She was a delight! Thank you, Saddle Mountain! We can't wait to visit again!! read more

Ooh yeah note to self: never go to a campsite you've never been to before when it's late at night, pitch black and there's a thick fog covering everything. By the time we left dinner it was just past twelve, so we punched the address into Judy (my Garmin) and started working our way to the campsite for the night. She led us out of town through the fog, which , and after a while we pulled up the the empty field that was "Saddle Mountain RV Park and Campground" to her and Carisa's iPhone Yelp app. We drove back and forth trying to figure it out. There was a single trailer in the field, and people's personal houses around us. Seriously strange stuff. We then decided to try this road that seemed to go up the mountain, hoping it would lead us to the main camping area. However Judy and the rest of us were freaking out as we began to climb the very steep one-lane road and went around the first hairpin turn, her saying that we'd somehow passed the location already. Excuse me? 8 eyes looking for this place and we missed it? And Logan, my '06 Honda Ridgeline, was also very unhappy with the road, being a) a fat truck to begin with and b) completely filled with 4 teenage girls and all our stuff. I was freaking out to the others, genuinely feeling like this could be the way that I die, rolling down the side of a mountain one dark foggy night in the hills by Carmel. After the third or fifth hairpin turn I stopped and said we had to turn around; even if the site was at the top of this road, we weren't going to make it up there in one piece, and the road wasn't getting any easier. Carisa and Crystal jumped out and slowly but surely, directing me to make sure we didn't all go down the steep mountainside, we got the car turned around (about a 12 point turn incase you ever find yourself in the same situation) and gradually made our way back down the road of doom. Also note to self: whenever you get in the car, check how much gas you have. Because when I finally looked at it, the yellow light was on and I couldn't remember the last time I had checked. So after A LOT more freaking out and getting lost in the thickest fog I've ever seen, we coasted our way right back to where we started in downtown, parked the car somewhere safe and slept in it that night. It was an experience I don't think I'll ever forget, and the climax of our surreal adventure that was Carmel. Yes, we never actually made it there (as far as we know) Considering my personal faults for not getting to the campsite before dark, I'm giving this place 2.5 stars. The reviews really did sound great, but they seriously needs some kind of sineage you can see at night or directions online on how to find it. And maybe a warning about the road that almost killed us... Luckily they were nice enough to give us a full refund since we couldn't even find the place, so it's really all good. read more

Rented a cabin for two nights to attend a wedding. Well, the one we were in was full of bed bugs. Gross! We left early and the management gave us a full refund (that's worth one star), but now we are working hard to ensure we don't take them home with us!! read more

This is a small RV park in Carmel. It is the most reasonable Park in the area with the most incredible view anywhere. The pool is huge but can be a bit chilly. There is not a laundry or hot tub. However, the wildlife, views, and hiking trails make up for whatever is missing. The park is dog friendly and people are pleasant. Tent Campers are welcome. You are close to town and the wineries. read more

I stayed in a small cabin just with my little dog this Jan for two nights. I was in town so thought I'd try it out in case I ever want to go rv ing. In this cold off season it was very quiet, hardly anyone around, the Trail was blocked and unusable from a recent rain. I barely used my cabin and was rather surprised by my check out bill of two nights being $469.66. Originally it said $369.66 which would have been plenty expensive for the location etc but they tacked on the extra $100 for cleaning which was never mentioned on the phone when I originally booked. I called them about it but no compromise. I would never stay there again or recommend, a total rip, too many other nice places to go. Ridiculous price for a tiny place smack up against the eroded hillside. Keep looking, especially if you have to rent a cabin and don't have your own rv. read more

Our first RV experience and we wanted a park that was a bit nicer than the typical RV park-ing lot next to a freeway. Saddle Mountain Ranch fit the bill! The setting is gorgeous, just far enough from town to feel like camping but close enough for a quick trip to the store for supplies. (We had an extra vehicle but we also saw guests who unhooked their RV and drove down to the Safeway.) We had space #8, which gave us a nice buffer from the office and main parking area and also was easy to back into. Heather the host was so nice and Lynne was very accommodating about our dogs and also when we needed to add some dates on our reservation. As others have said, the heated pool is stunning and the bathrooms are very clean. Each site comes with a picnic table and barbecue, and they have firepits that you can rent by the day or week, perfect for making s'mores. The trail to the top of the mountain is about 4 miles round trip with amazing views, but wear sturdy shoes and long pants and sleeves, poison oak is everywhere! Regarding some of the other reviews, the bridge apparently has been replaced because it is not that scary narrow one, and the steep and windy section of the road is pretty short, we had no trouble with our 28 foot RV and saw much larger ones whip in and out easily. We would happily return if we ever do another RV trip, or if we ever get up the nerve to try camping in a tent! read more

Saddle Mountain RV & Campground - Breathtaking but eerie Spanish moss forest on the hike to the top of the mountain! - Campgrounds Near Me - Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

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I really liked this campground. However, we had a pretty rowdy group close to our tent and it got extremely loud even late at night. Fortunately, the camp host got them to be quiet after a few people complained about them. Overall this is a great campground with very clean showers and bathroom facilities, a pool, and wifi. The only thing that wasn't great is the privacy. The sites are too close to each other so you really don't have any privacy. I would camp here again though because I really like to have all the amenities. read more

We camped at saddle mountain with a group of families and children. Everyone had a great time, especially loved the pool. It is a great idea to have a playground, but each child in our group sustained injury, the last needed to go to the hospital to treat a minor head injury:(. If they put in a new safe playground I will change my rating:)! read more

A hidden gem! Very clean, quiet, amazing pool, fire pits, and games for all. RV sites with full hook ups, dry tent camp sites all up the valley from the beach so your not under the marine layer freezing mid day. A great place to stay! We will be back.... read more

Went there a couple of weeks back as we planned a coup-de-tete road trip before the kids go back to school. Reserved camping site just 2 days in advance. Place is great. Will def come back. read more

We chose this location because it was the only one in the area without any poison oak (as opposed to camping in Santa Cruz or Monterey). The online reservation was easy. If you follow the directions they give you, it will lead you straight to the campground- we had no problems finding it. Check-in and check-out was easy, and the lady who met us was very friendly. The opted to pay extra for site guarantee for extra privacy and a nice view. We camped in site #39, and I wouldn't say it was private, and the view is mostly looking below at other campsites - although it was really nice to overlook the campground, and it was close to the bathrooms/showers. We stayed April 14-16, and the weather was nice, chilly at night but we rented the firepit which they had set out for us prior to our arrival (and we brought our own duraflame logs). It was actually really nice not to smell like campfire! They had a playground that our 2.5 y/o had fun playing on. Our second nite there, there was a large group that occupied the sites below us and they were loud at night and then they started their pack up at 630am, not caring that the rest of the campers were still asleep. It would've been nice to have the host come and tell them to be quiet. Overall, it was a nice experience and would recommend this to friends who want a place to stay outside of Monterey or Santa Cruz. read more

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Not only a great RV Park but beautiful campsites and wonderful cabins....all with a great view of the valley. Only RV Park in the area with a pool and it's a huge, beauiiful pool with great poolside chairs and tables. Park is very friendly and loves dogs. Hiking right at the park up the mountain with great solitude and fantastic views. Sleeping at night is luxurious with only the sount of the crickets and occassional frogs and owls. Great get away but also only about 7 minutes from downtown Carmel and 20 minutes to Fisherman's wharf, the Cannery and the fantastic aquarium. Full hookups, TV and wi-fi. Nice clean restrooms and showers. For us, best RV park on the peninsula. read more

Good location if you're looking to camp near the ocean. An hour from Big Sur and an hour from Santa Cruz, only about 10 mins to the beach or Carmel village. However, the management was really unorganized. We called 2 weeks prior to arrival to book an extra night stay and were told it would be no problem and we would be charged once we checked in. When we arrived the camp host said we were "really lucky that there was a site available the night before our expected arrival". They had no record that we had booked another night! Could have been terrible for us if they had double booked. We let it blow over though because the office woman was very sweet and friendly. Though the stay is fairly cheap, the sites are very small and you should try to bring an SUV to make it up the uneven roads. Loved that the campground had various hiking trails that allowed you to see beautiful views of the valley and ocean! read more

We can't wait to come back! This has been our second trip staying in the cabins, which are roomy, updated and have everything we need. They are dog friendly and Lynn and Heather are so accommodating. It's a smaller camp site than some others, which made it so nice to be closer to our friends who brought their campers. The pool is great for kids and adults and there's a trail to hike. The beach and wineries are just a short drive away and I love that this side of the valley is typically sunny. Great experience again! read more

Saddle Mountain Ranch is a beautiful RV park! Up in the hills of Monterey (yes, it's a little scary going up that big hill in an RV. Take a deep breath, say a quick Hail Mary, and head up.) with the fog rolling in, it's gorgeous. Beautiful heated pool, outdoor fire pits, it's so cozy. I wish that we had more time to stay there. read more

We found the staff at Saddle Mountain to be nice and helpful. The costs are reasonable for what you get. The only drawbacks were the size of the spaces and limited restroom facilities. The space allotted to each RV was about the size of the average houses driveway. Not enough room for both my trailer (a pop-up) and tow vehicle to fit, with only 2 or 3 feet between RV spaces. The other drawback was the restrooms, only one men's and women's room with only one toilet and shower for each. Expect to encounter a line until 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning. The park was clean and appeared well cared for. read more

Wow! The cabins are amazing, exceeded our expectations by far. Can't wait to stay here again

Just a heads up, the driveway in and out is very steep, long, and curvy. I opted to stay at a different park when I saw it. We pull a 30' TT with a 3/4 ton Diesel. Maybe I'm a wimp. The location is awesome and views picturesque. read more

My family and I stayed here this past weekend and loved it! The staff was really nice and the property was gorgeous! HOT showers, clean bathrooms, lots of activities to do, really nice play structure for little kids and the pool looked really nice as well. We will definitely go back! read more

Lovely place! Clean, well organized, reasonably priced, and friend owners. Will be back for sure!

It's okay. The pool is nice, but not ideal for tent camping. Kind of exposed, lacking privacy. They seem to be doing a ton of excavating and expanding. As a result it felt like camping on a logging road, but the views are spectacular. read more

This was my second time at RV camping and I truly loved this park. The camp host was very pleasant and extremely helpful. All of our neighbors were great. The grounds were clean. It was very quiet. I can't wait to go back and stay longer. read more

This is a great campground! Heated pool, fire pits, games: horseshoe, etc. Really fun place. Staff is on hand and accessible. Highly recommend!!! read more

Wow, we cannot rave enough about this place! Given we stayed on a Saturday night, we were lucky to get a spot and they accepted us even though we were longer than they allowed with the understanding we may not fit. My husband is excellent with parking and we made it! The host greeted us at the entrance and helped guide him into his spot. It was so beautiful at this campground! Out of all the campgrounds we have been to, this was the most friendliest one. All the guests were out and about, enjoying the amenities, being social and having fun! Our only complaint is that we didn't get to stay longer. We loved it here and will be back for sure! Mahalo and A Hui Hou! read more

If you wanna quiet place and to be asleep by 10pm, this is the place to go. If you wanna be loud and have a good time later than 10pm, do not come here. The quiet hours are severely enforced and the management is quick to threaten fines for a peep during the quiet hours of 10pm-8am. Groups, do not come here. They will shut you down at conversation level loudness. A nice place overall and the bathrooms are kept clean but it is a really quiet camp ground and the neighbors are really close. read more