Laguna Seca Recreation Area

I wasnt sure what to expect when i realized it was a racetrack but off-season it was fun with a variety of activities and close proximity to Monterey. I had a nice view if the valley, could walk over to the racetrack and watch different types of cars do laps. The firing range is nice and there are little trails all over. Roughly 10 min into Monterey!

Great location central to many coastal and inland destinations. We were visiting family stationed in Monterey, and while it is inexpensive compared to closer parks, the drive does get tiring. Only 22 minutes to Franklin Gate though. There is a large open area to the right before you start up the 16% grade where you can drop your tow vehicle, which is advisable. Very sharp left turn after the gate to turn in to campground. Water has too much arsenic for drinking, but is ok for showers and washing dishes. Noisy during the day with racecars or motorcycles on the track but very quiet at night. Also a shooting range, which we could sometimes hear long after dark. Temperature is 10-20 degrees warmer than coast.

I’m traveling with friends who are staying at the beach in Marina. I wanted to stay at a less expensive campground, and am pleasantly surprised. This campground is up in the hills outside Monterey with great views and oak trees. It was utterly dark and silent overnight, and though there is racing going on right now down on the track, it’s background noise to me. Same with the shooting at the rifle range. I would definitely stay here again.

Check-in was easy. There is a steep grade to get up to Chapparal campground.

Note that the water hookups are with non-potable water, due to levels of arsenic higher that state health law (15ppm vs 10ppm). So don’t drink it or cook with it, but fine to shower and do dishes with. I forgot to read the instructions before i got here, and should have filled my tank before leaving my last spot.

As some of the other reviews note, the views here are great. The gentleman staffing the entry gateway when we arrived was very helpful and friendly. The campground itself could use some upgrading, the roads are in need of repair and site pads are all pretty worn at this point. Sites are pretty open but that also helps with the views a bit on the plus side. The restrooms weren't horrible but definitely could have used a bit more cleaning attention. The showers were free and nice and warm which was great.

Was disappointed they don't allow you to pick a site when you reserve online

We tend to boondock so price is a bit higher than our target rate but not bad for the area and you do get electric, we'd definitely consider staying here again on our way through the area.

We stayed one night for the 4th of July. The site had beautiful views of the surroundings hills, and was next to two portable restrooms. It also has water at the site, but no hook ups. Plenty of trash and recycling cans close by, and the site was very clean. The site was so level we didn’t need to level our camper.

They had racing on the track when we arrived at 2 pm and it went until 5 pm. We went for a hike until the shut the track down. Once the racing stopped the only sounds were from the hawks flying overhead.

We would stay here again.

A friend recommended this as an affordable place to stay on the Monterey Peninsula. What an unexpected delight! The views, especially in the early morning, watching the sunrise over Mt. Toro, were spectacular at times, otherwise merely gorgeous. Our stay was during the late winter season, so it was relatively peaceful and open. The only caveats are that the sites don't have sewer hookups, and the water is non-potable (arsenic). Our on-board Berkey water filter has an arsenic filter, so no issue for us. We definitely plan on visiting again.