First new state park campground in decade in California gets underway

Central California offers a rare combination of accessible wilderness, scenic drives, comfortable campgrounds, and cultural experiences—all wrapped up in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Well, some might argue that “comfortable campgrounds” may not be as plentiful as some would hope. The state hopes to change that with a new campground at Ford Ord Dunes State Park.

New campground at Fort Ord offers RVers features they want

Tucked along the Monterey Bay shoreline, Fort Ord Dunes State Park is a peaceful stretch of California coast just outside the cities of Monterey, Seaside, Marina, and Sand City. Once part of the Fort Ord Army Base, the park now protects more than 800 acres of undeveloped coastal dunes and four miles of beach. It’s a hidden gem with both natural beauty and deep military roots. Soon, it’ll be home to a brand-new state campground designed with RVers and outdoor enthusiasts in mind.

California State Parks will break ground on the new campground at Fort Ord this summer. Crews plan to wrap up construction in about two years, with the campground expected to open in 2027. The $33 million project—partly paid for by Proposition 84—is the first new state park campground in California in a decade.

While work is going on, part of the main trail (Beach Range Road) will shift to a nearby path, but the beach and most other trails will stay open.

Once finished, the campground will feature 98 campsites in total. RVers can look forward to 45 sites with water and electric hookups, roomy enough for large rigs. The site will include a dump station, two camp host spaces, and modern restrooms with showers. For tent campers, there will be 43 traditional sites with paved parking pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and tent spaces. Hikers and cyclists will have access to 10 walk-in or bike-in campsites, connected directly to the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail.

Fort Ord will be the first new state park campground in California since Onyx Ranch campground in 2014. Technically that’s a new state park campground, but lies in the confines of a state vehicular recreation area of the same name. As far as new campgrounds in designated “state parks,” well, that’s been a long time.

Accessibility included

Accessibility is a major focus of the design. The campground will include four ADA-compliant RV sites, along with accessible tent and bike-in options, restrooms, showers, beach access, and parking areas. The entire site is being built to meet both state and federal accessibility standards.

The campground is getting three “mini-group” campsites. They’re single sites you can book together for families or small groups. You’ll also find three restrooms, rinse stations, overflow parking, and Wi-Fi. The campground will have a modern campfire center with a fire ring and AV (audio-visual) setup—perfect for ranger talks or evening gatherings. Up on the dunes, a scenic overlook will give you amazing views of the ocean, old Fort Ord, and the nearby cities.

Monterey Bay Scenic Trail gets a revamp, too

The project will upgrade the popular Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail that runs right through the park. It’s a Class I bikeway, so you’ll see separate lanes for bikes and pedestrians. Crews will add clearly marked crossings and signs along the way that highlight the area’s nature and history. The trail will also connect directly to the campground’s hike and bike campsites.

Beach access is getting an upgrade, too. Campers will be able to reach the shoreline via a new accessible walkway that avoids damage to the fragile dune ecosystem. The gently sloping path will allow for year-round access from the bluff down to the sand.

Military history gives way to state park

This park has a story to tell. Originally used for field artillery training in 1917, the area became Camp Ord in the 1930s. It was renamed Fort Ord in 1940. During World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, more than 1.5 million troops trained here. Fort Ord was also notable for its racial integration during a time when that was rare in the military. The base’s diversity helped shape the inclusive communities nearby. After Fort Ord closed, the land was transferred to the state and opened as a park in 2009.

With coastal views, history, and modern amenities, the new campground at Fort Ord Dunes State Park is shaping up to be a fantastic stop for RVers exploring California’s Central Coast. For updates on the project or to learn more, email California State Parks at Newsroom@parks.ca.gov.

Red-faced editor’s note: Updated July 4, 2025, at 1755 Pacific Time to properly relocate Fort Ord in Central, not Northern California. Mama always told me I was geographically challenged, but I can still find my way to the dinner table. RD.

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