State park
Carmel River State Beach
Carmel River State Beach is a state park in Monterey County, California. Hours: 8 AM - Sunset.
Carmel River State Beach map
Carmel River State Beach boundary from USGS PAD-US or the managing agency, simplified for display. Not for navigation or legal boundaries.
Fire restrictions
Fire restriction orders for this unit are not tracked here yet. Restrictions change with the season, so check the current orders before any campfire, stove or target shooting.
Common questions
- Carmel River State Beach has 1 developed campground. Sites can be reserved in advance.
- Hours: 8 AM - Sunset.
- No, day use at Carmel River State Beach does not need a reservation; pay the entry fee on arrival.
- Yes, dogs are allowed at Carmel River State Beach.
Before you go
Day use needs no reservation; pay the entry fee on arrival.
Camping at Carmel River State Beach
Carmel River State Beach has 1 developed campground. Sites can be reserved in advance.
Trails
- Lagoon and beach trails Hiking along the mile-long beach and Carmel River lagoon bird sanctuary
What to see
- Feature Carmel River lagoon Bird sanctuary lagoon before the river empties into Carmel Bay
- Feature Monastery Beach San Jose Creek Beach unit popular with scuba divers
- Feature Download the new marine protected area (MPA) coloring book a Download the new marine protected area (MPA) coloring book along with the California Coastal Explorer Guide at: https://
Public lands next to Carmel River State Beach
- BLM unitCarmel River State Beach borders California Coastal National Monument.
- State parkCarmel River State Beach borders Hatton Canyon Prop, a state park.
- State parkCarmel River State Beach borders Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a state park.
- State parkGarrapata State Park is 1.6 miles away, straight line between the two boundaries.
Measured between the units' boundaries as mapped in USGS PAD-US. Distances are straight line, not driving.
- https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=567 (accessed 2026-09-29)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_California_state_parks (accessed 2026-09-28)