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Willow Camps

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Along with Lupine Campground and Bay Campground, the three campgrounds of Manresa State Beach are home to 64 walk-in campsites.

The campground is about a 10 minute (somewhat hilly) walk from parking, but since it’s walk-in it is usually pretty quiet at night (granted you don’t come across some college students who like camping). Willow campground is located in a meadow, and therefore is less covered than the other two campgrounds.

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Available campgrounds nearby

More to explore nearby

87%

8 ratings · 1 review

Megan M.

August 21, 2018

Hike in campgrounds are the best! No noisy vehicles crowding & pulling in late at night. Kids can ride bikes without a worry. Just remember to bring your wagon to carry your gear from the unloading zone to your site. Sites are good size, some offer more shade & privacy. We camped at #53: it was private enough, had room for a hammock, afternoon shade & close to bathroom. Next time we'll try the sites closer to the bluff.

Other campgrounds in Manresa State Beach

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(16)

Bay Camps

14 sites · RVs, Tents In Willow Camps

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(12)

Lupine Camps

22 sites · RVs, Tents In Willow Camps

Your guide to camping in Willow Camps

Overview

Biking

Manresa State beach is a great place for some sandy bike riding, or an awesome destination to end your bike ride from other places in California. From the park, lots of riders opt to ride to Monterey.

Boating

Nearby Manresa State Park, you can get in touch with your touristy side (just don’t forget to leave some sunscreen on your nose and a wear a camera around your neck). Elkhorn Slough boat rides offer a relaxed ride with a nature specialist on hand to answer any questions you have about the wildlife you encounter (or hear campfire stories about).

Fishing

Manresa State Beach is the supreme spot for some surf fishing . In Manresa’s California coastal waters, anglers can catch things such as perch, sole, flounder, sand dabs, jacksmelt and California halibut. Just remember, you’ll need that fishing license!

Hiking

Manresa’s epic combination of white sand and steep sandstone cliffs makes for some killer hiking . Relax, we’re talking about the scenery, people. If you start at the Manresa Uplands (in the southern portion of the park), a hike will take start with sensational views of Monterey Bay, loop through the bluffs and dump you on the sandy beach.

Paddling

Manresa State Beach is an awesome spot for more experienced ocean kayakers. The waves here are fairly consistent, and the water is never calm. Meaning if you can tackle the waves, you should check it out! If you are a beginner, there are nearby kayaking options with less intimidating waves and instructors.

Wind sports

The large portion of west-facing beach creates truly spectacular wind conditions for windsurfing or kiteboarding. Wind and kite surfers will find the best conditions when the winds are eastern-flowing.

Surfing

Manresa is a popular spot for some surf, and with good reason. This spot is more exposed than other spots in Santa Cruz, and the surf is all beachbreak that is best taken at high tide. This is a great place for beginners and experts alike and can get crowded on a day with good surf. If you want to learn (or just get better), there are places in the area that offer lessons .

Swimming

Although Manresa State Beach has some seriously tempting waves to splash around in, only swimmers confident in their swimming ability should venture in. The area has strong rip tides and currents that aren’t safe for novice swimmers. That being said, if you do go swimming, make sure to float around a bit for us!