Manresa Uplands State Beach & Campground

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.

I recently went camping at Manresa State Beach and had a fantastic experience. The weather was perfect, and we were lucky enough to secure a campsite with an ocean view. I highly recommend booking in advance, as the ocean view sites are in high demand and tend to fill up quickly.

The campground itself was well-maintained and had all the necessary amenities, including clean restrooms and showers. We enjoyed exploring the beach and nearby hiking trails during the day, and at night, we were able to stargaze and listen to the soothing sound of the waves.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Manresa State Beach for camping. The stunning ocean views, great weather, and well-kept facilities make it a top-notch camping destination.

We visited Manresa over the Memorial day weekend. The cost was $10.00 to park. Normally there would have been a flight of stairs leading right to the beach from the parking lot but they were shut down for maintenance. We ended up having to take a longer trail which took about ten to fifteen minutes one way. It was enjoyable. The day was cool but the sun came out and warmed us up. The beach was not crowded at all. Personally I found Manresa to be an enjoyable beach.

Hiked from Aptos to Sunset beach on the beach ~15 miles out and back. Lots for birds and spectacular views that one can expect. Good camping facilities and easy access to the beach depending on where you put up camp.

Great proximity to the beach, nice campsites with good amenities, easy access to water. Many of the campsites have a view of the ocean. Bathrooms are clean. Many many many fat squirrels and bunnies.

Beautiful campgrounds and just a 5 min walk away from the ocean. We stayed here for two nights and had the best time ever. It’s was a great summer day, and the nights get cooler so I recommend you getting warm clothing in the nights when camping.
The bathrooms and showers are very neat and are cleaned regularly. They charge a quarter for two mins of shower. They have 20 minute parking close by to the campsite to load/unload your stuff and the parking spot would be ten minute walk from the campground.

Clean, great place for camping, but being a buggy to offload your car

Stayed one night here, camped at site 1. Very nice campsite had showers, flush toilets, sinks, and beach wash area.

Very relaxing it's my second time and I plan to make it an annual trip.

Loved this place. Wonderful beach cost is not to bad. $10 to get in to the state beach. Picnic tables and about a 15min walk to get to the beach.

Great location. Ranger at front gate was very nice and welcoming. The beach was only a 5 minute walk away. Campsite 6 was spacius, flat and had a nice fire pit. Not completely isolated but just enough privacy. 10pm quiet time was observed by all. Wood here is 10$ a bundle. Not too many bugs. It does get pretty misty at night and in the morning so make sure to put thinga away. Overall fantasric experience. Will return

We had a blast. Safe and clean site and bathrooms

Manresa was a very relaxing family friendly camp ground. The bathrooms are clean, lots of trash bins, and water faucets placed around the campground. The beach is a 7 minute walk down the hill.

It’s a great camping spot, close to the beach, parking is very scarce sometimes is best to get an extra spot for the additional parking.
They allow pets in the camping area and in the beach as long as leashed, they offer clean bathrooms and warm showers!

This is one of the best campgrounds I've come across in california. The self registration system for those who come after 5 is really well laid out and easy to navigate. Plenty of sites are right up against the ocean, and all are a short walk to the beach. The host was awesome and came around at about 7pm with firewood for sale. Showers are coin operated, but there are also plenty of water spickets. Tents only.

Always a good time at this beach. Nice and quiet and not crowded

Beautiful beach between Watsonville and aptos
Very clean !

Fully rad campsite. Bathrooms is cleaned regularly. Beach is a 5 minute walk. Hosts are kind n friendly.

Its was a wonderful experiance for a walk in. Very lovly view of the sea.Bring lots of blankets it get cold. Bathrooms were ok.

Saw so many dolphins in the morning.