Saddle Mountain Carmel

I've stayed at the glamping tents and enjoyed it but this time we tried the campsites... and there are a few important things to be aware of before booking! The setting is beautiful and our campsite itself was nice, but accessibility is a major concern. Our site was at the very top of a steep hill and quite far from the main amenities (clubhouse, pool, sauna). Because of the distance and terrain, we honestly didn’t feel able to fully enjoy everything the property offers. This wasn’t clearly communicated when booking, and it made a big difference in our experience. Additionally, the bathroom was located down a very steep hill, which could be challenging for many guests—especially older individuals or anyone with ADA or mobility needs. This is definitely not a good fit for those who have difficulty with hills or long walks. We also booked a site listed for 4–6 people and arrived with 6, but were told we needed to pay extra for two additional guests, which was confusing given how the site was advertised. Overall, it’s a charming place with a lot of potential, but we wish there had been more transparency about the layout, distances, and limitations. With clearer communication, it would help guests better decide if it’s the right fit for them.

Savannah L.

2 years on Hipcamp

Not recommend

· May 2026

Not-so-"Premium"-Site-32

Tent · Group trip ·

We stayed in campsite 32, which was listed as "premium". Other than it being flat and easily fitting 6 people, it's not "premium". The site is located at the highest point of the property, at the top a very steep incline. While the bathrooms may look close on the map, the exceptional incline makes each bathroom break a great inconvenience. In addition, most of the other amenities were even further down the hill. This site should be listed as "partial accessibility" because children, the elderly, or anyone with a minor accessiblity issue will struggle with navigating the surroundings of site 32. We were expecting a glamping experience, but were unable to utilize the amenities because they were difficult to access. It was a pricey cost for tent camping, considering we didn't use those amenities. In short, the premium site is poorly named/advertised, and it should be clearly communicated that the site has limited accessibility. If I had known about the hill, I would have picked a different site or campground.

Melissa B.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2026

24 ft truck camper ·

We did an RV and it was great! We booked a partial hook up but they recommended to do a full site since they had some open, and they switched us no problem. Cute and cozy land and easy access to carmel. Ended up just getting Ubers in and out of town

Alex H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2026

Relaxing camping!

Tent ·

Walk-in Tent Sites

We love this campground is well keeping.. had everything you need… to wash the dishes,hot water, clean bathrooms… pool,sauna…walking trail… and so much more!!

Jemimah C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2026

Tent · With pets ·

Great staff, beautiful grounds. We really enjoyed our stay and plan to return!

Marie N.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2026

Beautiful and clean property

20 ft Class B · With pets ·

Site 22 - Popular

The campground was so peaceful. The grounds are immaculate. Shower was clean, Bathroom was clean. I appreciate the dishwashing area and filtered water area. I have a class B so, I was able to utilize the amenities and not use my water or hook up. The pool was heating up for the holiday weekend so I did not use it. They also have a dry sauna which I did not utilize. I tried to modify my reservation quickly after booking to remove a day but you can only modify 1 week prior so I stayed the extra day. I paid 117/night for a week day reservation. Although I loved it, I wouldn’t pay that price for a weekday stay again. The staff and host were very nice and helpful. As someone else mentioned sometimes they are working with leaf blowers on the property -no other way around that and that is why it is so beautiful because of the way they maintain it.

Katy O.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2026

16 ft car ·

Great camping spot! Super clean and organized. I would happily stay here again.

Erica J.

1 month on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· May 2026

Tent · With pets ·

Luxury Tent - Middle Grove

Saddle mountain is great- but I would recommend booking directly with them instead of Hipcamp so that you can choose your campsite. Drive in Sites 36-40 share a driveway, and as others have noted site 36 in particular is barely wide enough to pitch a tent and leave enough space for your fellow campers car to pass by.

Colden E.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2026

19 ft campervan · With pets ·

Site 11 - Popular

Great site and great staff! Very clean and well maintained.

Dan R.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2026

20 ft campervan ·

Site 38 - W/E

Comfortable, well cared for, beautiful tree canopy!

Pam H.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2026

We loved it!

21 ft campervan · With pets ·

Site 13 - Popular

Individual sites for RVs vary in size but all are well kept and surrounded by lush, flowering shrubs for added privacy. So many beautiful glamping sites scattered about along with lovely scenic gathering spots & a beautiful pool too - they allow dogs everywhere except the playground. The hilltop location offers beautiful views. Clean restrooms too. Saddle Mountain is a great campground.

Wendy Carol T.

11 reviews

Recommends

· May 2026

We had a great time in the middle grove canvas tents. Wood-burning fires are not allowed but our specific type tent came with a propane grill and propane fire pit. While the tent was physically close to others, there was a wall between each site which offered privacy. The campus also had cornhole, horseshoes, a basketball court, and a few other options for communal activities. The bathrooms and overall site were clean. I would definitely recommend!

Jenna P.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2026

Van camping in the Mountains

Tent ·

Beautiful camping spot surrounded by trees and nature. Quiet and private, clean bathrooms and showers, lovely pool and Gazebo area. Julie in the office was incredibly friendly and very helpful. Close distance to Carmel by the Sea shopping and dining. Will definitely be back!

Nina C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2026

Group trip ·

Luxury Tent - Premium

Beautiful property with very nice and well maintenance glamping tent and private outdoor space with fire pit! Easy to find and close to Carmel/Monterey! The property has multiple sites nearby so you might hear other people.

Shelly A.

8 reviews

Recommends

· April 2026

17 ft campervan · With pets ·

Saddle Mountain is an oasis tucked into the hills of Carmel Valley. We arrived just in time to set up our VW pop-top and go on the wonderful 5-mile roundtrip hike that is on the property. Fantastic views. It poured the night we were there, so didn't get to enjoy some of the wonderful facilities (pool, fire pits, etc.), but will definitely go back.

Catherine J.

3 reviews

Recommends

· April 2026

Restful night on a long drive

Tent ·

Super clean, felt really safe and it was a gorgeous view on the hill under the oak trees with hanging lichen. Didn’t plan our overnight very well but they left us a packet with our name on it when we arrived after hours and it was a good flat spot to camp in the back of my truck. We would have loved to go further on the hiking trail. Bathrooms and showers were sweet and it was very mellow :)

Emily W.

7 reviews

Recommends

· April 2026

29 ft Class C · With kids ·

Site 4 - XL

Check in was super easy. We got there right before the office closed and they kindly directed us to our site. The site itself was clean and well maintained with a picnic table and fire pit. Hook ups for water and electricity were readily available (the 30A plug was a little wonky but we got it to work). The overall campground was lovely, nestled among the trees on the mountain. There was a nice play area for kids with a small playground structure and games. The pool looked awesome but it was a little too cold to get in it. We did the hike up Saddle Mountain our last morning and were rewarded with gorgeous views of the valley after 2 miles up. The location is close to Monterey if you plan to do activities there or Carmel. Highly recommend staying here!

Lindsay W.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2026

15 ft campervan · With pets ·

Site 11 - Popular

This was a fun spot! Very reasonable pricing for the amount of amenities, care, and cleanliness in this amazing space!

Andria M.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2026

12 ft travel trailer ·

Extraordinarily clean and well kept “glampground” tucked away in an oak forest on a hill. We stayed at site 39 for 3 days and had a wonderful time. The bathrooms were nicely appointed and clean, multiple dish washing stations, lovely showers. My only critiques are the noisy gas leaf blowers and depending on the campsite there isn't a lot of privacy. However these were small issues and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay again!

Sasha P.

4 reviews

Recommends

· April 2026

Quiet and relaxing

28 ft Class C ·

Site 4 - XL

Great area, wonderful hike, quiet. We would definitely come back.

Michael J S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2026

Tent ·

Walk-in Tent Sites

We tent camped it had a picnic table in chairs. A nice little metal table with 2 chairs and a privacy fence. Beautiful view at sunset of valley. Pool and sauna and gas firepits. I would definitely go back.

Brandi A.

2 reviews

Mixed feelings

· April 2026

Beautiful but too cramped

25 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

Site 15 - Popular

It's a beautiful place, but it was really sketchy and tight to get our travel trailer up the steep little road and into the site. The site was really small and didn’t have enough space in front of it to navigate. And yes, when booking, I indicated that we had a 25 foot trailer. The sites would be great for camper vans or other small self contained rv’s.

Rebecca H.

18 reviews

Mixed feelings

· April 2026

Tent · With pets ·

Just a tripping hazard. Already reported to ownership.

Michael R.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2026

Tent ·

Luxury Tent - Middle Grove

View was incredible!!! Lots of space and great amenities.

Natalie I.

5 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2026

25 ft Class C ·

Site 13 - Popular

This is a beautiful campground in the hills of Carmel. We had a great site for our RV and ate dinner outside in one of their gazebos overlooking the valley. Would definitely stay again!

Susan C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2026

Perfect Girls' Weekend!

Group trip ·

Luxury Tent - Deluxe

Saddle Mountain is BEAUTIFUL! I stayed in one of the glamping tents with some friends and we had a lovely time. The views are stunning, it's quiet and peaceful, and we loved having the grill and sauna and hangout areas too! Thank you, would definitely be back!

Eva N.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2026

Tent cabins very comfortable! Loves the electric blanket.

Kenna L.

11 reviews

Recommends

· March 2026

Tent · With pets ·

Site 38 - W/E

We loved our stay at the campsite. It was comfortable and exactly as explained on the website. Kids enjoyed the play area and had a wonderful time exploring the trail. It had everything you might need and the people who work there were super attentive and helpful. We will definitely be back.

Shipra D.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2026

Good place

14 ft Class B ·

Site 22 - Popular

We were in spot 21, across from the shower and restrooms. The Office isn't far away, but the Wi-Fi signal was very weak. The shower is spacious and clean. However, adjusting the water temperature is quite tricky. Overall, it's a good place to spend the night.

Eddie L.

8 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2026

20 ft campervan ·