Discover the best private campgrounds in California

United States
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California

98% (5117 reviews)

Popular camping styles for California

Under $50

Available this weekend

96%

(12)

Sunset Vista Farm

6 sites · Tents4 acres · Grass Valley, CA

Hi campers. Bring you RV or tent and enjoy camping on my four acre property between Grass Valley and Auburn, CA. It has a private entrance, and flat on top with gravel for parking. Access to the property is all paved and far enough from development to appreciate peaceful so g birds and wildlife and stargaze at night. Close enough to go any direction and find a variety of activities within 10 miles to Nevada County Fairgrounds, Penn Valley and Auburn to name a few. The property has spectacular sunrises and dynamic sunsets, along with a plenty of wildlife and vegetation. Creek nearby and nice wide cut trails for walking or biking. Topography is flat to sloping in some areas steep. Come check out the Gold Country! And enjoy all that it has to offer. Including a strong variety of social activities and Culture.

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Serendipity

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Comptche, CA

Nestled between Anderson Valley and Mendocino Coast is the sleepy village of Comptche. Our camp site offers a canvas cabin tent, a full-size bed with memory foam mattress and a covered camp kitchen including a two-burner stove, cooking equipment. water and a table and chairs. Bring your own bedding or we will provide bedding and linens for $25. Bedding includes sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels. You can walk around the organic vegetable and herb garden and small orchard and visit the chickens and goats. Hot showers and a hammock are provided. Pets are welcome in the fenced area; campfires are permitted in the spring. Futons are available for additional guests for a nominal fee. Basics from the store are a short walk away, Mon-Sat. 8am to 6 pm (cash only) Closed Sundays.

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Restoration Ranch and Retreat

1 site · Lodging46 acres · Ahwahnee, CA

Nestled into the Sierra Nevada mountains, 15 miles to beautiful Yosemite National Park, overlooking Deadwood Mountain is this gorgeous property! Here we have The Modern Barn Cabin. But we also offer more! Camp, glamp, or roll up in the ol’ RV to enjoy the sights and sounds of serene nature. Spy a deer, owl, wild turkey or more as you watch the sunset from outside your door or tent. Walk the property, or find a quiet spot to meditate or connect with family and friends. Come and create the memories of a lifetime! Don’t want to haul the tent and supplies, tear down and pack up? We have you covered. Try a Modern Cabin instead! Drive in and experience that Glamp life. All the memories, sights and sounds of camping without the headache. Heck, we will even wash the sheets and provide a bed if you want in that cabin. Yosemite is calling you!

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Private sunny forest near the coast

1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Albion, CA

Learn more about this land: The site is in a forested area with short pine and manzanita trees, so its nice and sunny, just out of the daily fog zone that blankets the coast, but only 3 miles from the coast. The neighborhood is super quiet and you can walk right from here to the Pygmy State Park trail system or just on the gravel neighborhood road. There is a main tent site and another tent site and places for 2 cars or more or a small travel trailer. There's a place for at least 2-3 tents and there is a table with 3 chairs provided. Also a metal box to keep your food away from bears that might come by (haven't had that happen yet). No campfires please but propane/gas cook stoves are fine. 50 gallons of potable water is provided from a tank. Please conserve water. Keep all food in your vehicle as there are bears and forest critters around. Outhouse with new, clean composting toilet, environmentally friendly! There has been an ornery squirrel that keeps ripping up the toilet paper so please bring your own. Use this lat/long as Google Maps doesn't like my address- 39.2581451131371, -123.723920996094. Brief directions- coming from the coast on Little River Airport Rd, turn right on "Posted Rd. 18/Sundew Lane" sign, stay right at the fork, first driveway on the right (funky oval painted sign as pictured).

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Old Mill Farm

1 site · Lodging300 acres · Mendocino, CA

This magical place is far out there! We are providing a setting for those adventurers who want a place to REALLY "get away from it all." Expect a beautiful 30 minute drive on gravel roads through mature Redwood forest from the village of Mendocino. The property is also accessible from Fort Bragg via HWY 20 and road 408/Little Lake Rd. The Aloha Cabin is a beautiful one room timber frame cabin located on a ridge top in the Redwood forest. Upon entering the gate at Old Mill Farm the Aloha Cabin is the first building you see as you come out of the thick forest and into the mixed meadow/forest ridge top of the property. Old Mill Farm is a 320 ranch in the middle of Mendocino county's 50,000 acre JDSF (Jackson State Demonstration Forest.) The Aloha sits by itself about a 1/2 mile from the rest of the ranch buildings and like the entire ranch is completely off-grid. Electricity is provided by a solar photovoltaic system and battery back up. All water is pumped with solar power and gravity fed throughout the property. You will be imbedded in the outdoors with ample opportunity to commune with the forest and the wildlife that live there. The Aloha has a kitchen equipped for cooking with refrigerator, range and oven. There is a bathroom with a flush toilet and a private outdoor shower. We provide linens and bedding for the full size bed and towels for 4 guests. There is also a sleeping loft (with no bedding included but can be added as an extra.) Please bring your own pads and sleeping bags to use the loft or pitch a tent in the front yard. The front yard is fenced and has a fire pit. Always be fire conscious - never burn outside of the fire pit and extinguish all fires before leaving or bed. You are free to relax in the natural beauty of this place, meditate while walking our earthen labyrinth or hike around the property along the ridge and on the logging roads that descend on each side. Please respect all signs and private residents. JDSF has extensive hiking and mountain bike trails accessible right from the cabin or a short drive away. The breathtaking Mendocino Coast offers an abundance of activities from the forest to the ocean headlands and beaches.

12 top campgrounds in California

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Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping

2 sites · Tents9 acres · Aptos, CA

Nestled in a canopy of redwoods, less than 10 miles from the beach sits a private and cozy campground. Fern Ridge Flats combines the best of Santa Cruz county. Abundant trees and misty mornings await you at our property in Aptos. Equipped with electricity, water, and a picnic table for your convenience. There are trails on the land for you to explore, animals, and nature to dive into. *************** Smoking and the use of drugs are strictly prohibited. This is a safe and quiet neighborhood with many families including my own. Please do not request to book if you have the intention of partying or using illegal substances. If these rules are violated, local authorities will be called and you will be removed from the campsite. *************** The campsite is less than a 5 minute walk from the parking spot but is relatively steep. Although it is paved it is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues. *************** As an added precaution to protect the lush landscape, the firepit at the campsite utilizes clean burning propane. We chose a burner that closely replicates the size and heat of a wood to enhance our campers' experience.

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Sahara House

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Joshua Tree, CA

Relaxation awaits you at this 100% off the grid solar Sahara House. Watch the sun rise and set from your private deck equipped with lounge chairs . Stargaze while getting close to nature in the outdoor shower, or curl up on the couch and watch your favorite on demand movies in this modern desert home. Enjoy the seclusion that 5 acres has to offer with just a short drive to the beauties of Joshua Tree and the surrounding cities. Enjoy the outdoors but all the amenities of home.

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Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch

1 site · Lodging350 acres · Loma Mar, CA

Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Situated on top of a ridge with expansive redwood forest and coastal views, the Audrey Edna Cabin provides a completely private gathering place and destination for visitors with reservations. The cabin has spectacular views of forest, sky, ocean and the Butano ridgeline. It's a short hike to 8000+ acres of county parkland where you can hike, bike and ride horses (though please note, there are no facilities for horse boarding at the cabin.) The cabin is located at Alpine Ranch, a property adjacent to Sam McDonald County Park that was protected by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). Whether you are looking for an active experience or just want to relax in a peaceful, remote setting, there's something here for everyone. This is a rustic hike-in cabin designed for a introductory pack-in experience. Bedding is not provided. It is about a 1.7-mile hike on a rolling dirt road from the Sam McDonald County Park parking lot, with about 650 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers can reach the cabin in an hour or less. Guests should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before sunset, and pack water and flashlights or headlamps. Guests with limited mobility, please contact us for information regarding accommodations that will allow you to access this shared resource. *A note about reservation availability: On the weekends, POST offers priority reservations for the cabin to our partners at the San Mateo County Health Department and Park Rx to provide patients with equitable access to the benefits of nature. Occasionally, we have last-minute public weekend reservation availability due to cancellations. The cabin is reservable up to 3 months in advance, on a rolling basis. Love the idea of a hike-in cabin, but unable to visit us Sunday-Thursday? Check out the nearby Sierra Club Hiker's Hut in Sam McDonald County Park. Property History: At one time, the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains was a thriving center for trade between tribes of the coast and the bay, which we still find evidence of today in cultural sites and artifacts throughout the region. Native people have cared for this land since time immemorial, including the local Muwekma and Ramaytush Ohlone who are still active in the area today. This property specifically is host to a tributary to one of just a handful of waterways that support salmonids in this region, which are a species of tremendous importance to native people. Over 1000 acres here were eventually purchased by entrepreneur Ridgeway Rowley, who built a home on the ranch in the 1880s as part of an unsuccessful wedding proposal to Fannie Page, daughter of a local mill owner (ever heard of Page Mill Road?) After being rejected by Fannie, Rowley operated the ranch for a decade in conjunction with his work as District Attorney and publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, before eventually returning to his hometown of Cortland, NY, where he lived as a bachelor until his death. Over the course of the 20th century, the ranch was divided, some parts of which became Pescadero Creek County Park. POST purchased the 350 acre home property, now called Alpine Ranch, in 2012 through our Heart of the Redwoods campaign, an initiative to protect 20,000 acres of Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Alpine Ranch borders Pescadero Creek County Park and Sam McDonald County Park, adding to the area’s protected open space and containing more than a mile of tributaries to Pescadero Creek, which flows year-round and is a major spawning stream for steelhead trout. The Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch is situated at one of the property's most scenic overlooks. The cabin was built in the early 1900's, and completely reconstructed up to modern building codes by POST in 2018 so that all could enjoy this special place.

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Little Piece of Yosemite

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Mariposa, CA

Learn more about this land:River status: flowing! Camp on our small piece of paradise located near Yosemite. We are a family of 5 (me, my husband, our two toddlers and our dog, River) living on 5 acres of mountain land in the foothills of the Sierras complete with an outdoor shower and bath and also flowing (seasonal) stream that you can swim in. Feel free to wander around the property on a few of our trails or just chill by the water and enjoy the magic of the mountains. Our property is about a 45 min drive to the Yosemite entrance. Dogs are more than welcome as long as they are ok with our dog wandering around. He’s super sweet loves everybody.

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Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Day Valley, CA

Whenever we go on vacation it’s never as nice as home. This is that same experience as we get when we come home.

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Whiteside Mountain

1 site · Tent160 acres · Jamul, CA

160 acres of wild and private land at the top of a mountain. Bouldering, exploring, outdoor cold water shower, well drinking water, and pergola! 45 minutes from downtown San Diego and beaches but a whole different world!A single camp spot on the top of a mountain surrounded by 160 acres of no one else! Requires 4WD/high clearance AWD road to camp spot. Plenty of shade at spot with picnic area that is covered. Drinking water, sink and outdoor cold water shower. Bouldering (climbing), fire pit (seasonal), covered deck, hiking and VIEWS! Plenty of room and separate camp spots- lock the gate and you will have no visitors or onlookers. Single outdoor flush toilet with sink. We provide a Propane stove - 2 burner, propane, toilet paper, dish soap and hand soap. No COTS.Guests love it here "This was finally checked off of my saved list—my partner and I rented a 4x4 to get up there since our 2WD car wouldn't have made it in one piece. It was only a short drive from downtown San Diego and was super easy to navigate. Once we arrived the experience was TRULY MAGICAL. We had such an awesome experience exploring the property, birdwatching, hiking and some light climbing. Don't forget to check out the cave! The facilities were beyond expectations and we had a seamless experience. Steve was super accommodating and was great at communicating—he even gave us a small tour of the property! The sunsets and sunrises here were something out of a dream, we wish we could wake up every morning here. We will definitely be coming back soon!"

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160 Acres amidst National Forest

3 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Placerville, CA

Learn more about this land: Welcome to Slate Mountain where you have access to 160 acres of gated, private wilderness with 360 degree mountain views and exclusive waterfront year-round on Slab Creek. Bring your hiking boots or your off-road toys and explore 160 acres of secluded, magical forest filled with wildflowers, butterflies, ancient Pines and Cedars, wild berries, and wild game. Pitch a tent or park your RV at your choice of locations with amazing views and total seclusion. Spend the day relaxing, picnicking, and try your luck at gold panning on pristine Slab Creek where not a single human or road exists for miles. Pitch a tent next to Slab Creek and spend an entire night bathed in the sounds of the rushing water and enchanted forest surrounding you. Plan a retreat. Plan a family reunion. Plan a hunting trip with the boys. Bring your motorless watercraft and spend an afternoon at Stumpy Meadows, a beautiful mountain reservoir a 25 minute drive from the property. Apple Hill wineries and farms are a 40 minute drive. If you bring the off-road toys you also have access to miles of trails throughout hundreds of acres of national forest. Don’t feel like cooking? Frank’s Diner on Finnon reservoir in Swansboro is a quick 20 minute drive from the property. If you need supplies, a nice restaurant, or a day of wine tasting to break up the grit, Downtown Placerville and Georgetown are both a 45 minute scenic drive. **Coming Spring 2024 there will be three sites available to book on the property: (1) a drive-in tent/RV site, (2) a drive-in furnished bell tent, and (3) a hike-in furnished wall tent. If you are booking the main site for spring 2024 onward, please be aware that there may be up to two additional parties camping on the property at that time. However, the three campsites are each in separate areas so you will likely not encounter the other parties except in passing on the road to/from the creek.** IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE: 1) For ease of access, and to get the most out of your experience, we highly recommend a 4WD vehicle with clearance. 2) The creek is at the bottom of the canyon, 1.3 miles from the gate at the entrance, and the road down is very steep in parts. We highly recommend an off-road vehicle/ATV for easy access to creek. If your vehicle is 4WD you can drive approximately 1 mile down, park and hike the remaining .3 mile to the creek. 3) Be aware you are in the middle of the forest and wildlife such as bear, rattlesnakes, etc have been spotted on the property. Poison Oak can also be spotted in certain areas. 4) The property has cell service on the upper quadrant, however once you drop below the tree line toward the creek there is no service.

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The Deck and Cozy Container

1 site · Tent60 acres · Albion, CA

**NEW** Rent our Cozy Container (see Extras) for a dry, warm and cozy Winter getaway!! Hello and welcome to The Deck on Albion Ridge! A Bit About Us and The Deck Site: Albion and the surrounding areas are the original home of the Pomo peoples Northern California and we honor their stewardship of this land for millennia before us. This property sits just above the Salmon Creek watershed which is home to coho salmon and steelhead, northern spotted owls, bears, dear, mountain lions, pileated woodpeckers, along with thousands of other species big and small, and so we feel it is our duty to uphold that stewardship of this land for future generations. We were both born and raised on the Mendocino Coast, and are now raising our two young children here. We have been developing and preserving the natural beauty of our coastal Redwood property here in Albion for the past 13 years. One of the first things we built on this property was a 2,000 sq ft deck that cantilevers over the hillside with a view of the Redwood ridges and Eastern sunrises beyond, all with wood milled from the property. Our vision for this deck was to host our family and friends and bring people together in this gorgeous outdoor setting. We have had many a birthday party, movie nights, baby showers, as well as a couple weddings and yoga retreats at this site, and now you can too! We can't wait to share the beauty and tranquility of this campsite with you! What We Offer: Camp next to, and make use of, our large Redwood deck with sweeping ridge top views. The base rate for this site includes up to four people, there is an extra charge of $25 per day, per person, for any extra people. We allow up to 16 campers total but if you're looking to have more please message us and we can talk details. Campers can set up tents just off the deck, OR for an extra fee (see Extras), you can rent our new addition of The Cozy Container, for the people that want to be in nature but don't quite want the fuss of pitching a tent. This sleeping container, not to be confused with the shipping container connected to the deck that houses the bathroom and kitchenette, houses a full size bed as well as a fold out futon and sleep 3-4 people comfortably. When booking the Cozy Container we will make up the full size bed with pillows, sheets and down comforter, however if you would like to also use the futon, we ask that you bring your own bedding for that. We also allow trailers and small RVs, we just ask that during the wet Winter months, you park in our gravel parking spaces. Connected to The Deck we have another 30 ft shipping container converted into a kitchenette and bathroom with toilet and running water. Behind that you'll find an enclosed shower with hot and cold water. We also have a grill, propane heater, cooler and a cornhole set available to rent (see Extras). There is plenty of space to set up multiple tents so this is the perfect spot to wrangle all those friends or family you’ve been missing and enjoy some quality time together in nature. The Area: The village of Albion has a well equipped grocery store and deli, as well as a hardware store and post office. There IS gas if you are in a pinch, but we recommend filling up long before you get to the coast, or making the drive up to Fort Bragg for gas. You will also find EV charging stations in Fort Bragg at the Boatyard Shopping center. Drive just 20 minutes North to the village of Mendocino where you'll find plenty of shops and restaurants as well as access to hiking, biking, kayaking, surfing and bird and whale watching. Please don't hesitate to ask us for recommendations for all things to eat, see and do while you're here. We love to share the beauty of the area with our guests! Dogs: We live on the property as a family of four with two young children and two friendly dogs. Our dogs Olive and Blue may greet you when you arrive, and might bark at your car, but rest assured they are friendly and when you get out of your car, call their names and they should come begging for pets. If you're not into dogs, that's totally fine. You can always text us and we will do our best to keep them home. Tenants/Neighbors: We do have one tenant on the property whose rental shares a road with The Deck site so you may see them coming and going, but there is no line of site from their rental to The Deck site. However, being that they are somewhat close we ask that campers be mindful of noise in the evenings and we ask that all amplified music be turned off between the hours of 10pm-7am. Should you have any questions or need any help during your stay, we are just a short walk away and happy to help. We love sharing the beauty of our land and all that the Mendocino Coast has to offer so don't hesitate to ask for our recommendations on all things Mendocino! Trash and Clean Up Expectations: We provide dish ware, glasses, utensils and some other odds and ends, in hopes that our guests will use less single use plastics and cut down on waste. However, we know there is always some level of trash that comes along with camping therefore, we provide trash bags and labeled trash and recycling bins, but we ask that our guests bring their trash with them when they leave. *If for some reason this is not possible, we can remove the trash for you for a fee of $15/bag, but you must message us prior to your departure and let us know that your are unable to take the trash with you. Otherwise we provide the operating hours of the solid waste disposal site (located just down the road) in our guest book in the kitchen container. We hope you enjoy our campsite and all it has to offer and we look forward to hosting you! Alex and Justin

Faultline Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Manchester, CA

We are excited to share our peaceful place with panoramic views and distant ocean roar. There are two sites available on our 15 acre homestead: one for vans, small trailers and campers and a second with a pop-up tent trailer. We have a natural sag pond and coastal prairie landscape that is 2 miles from the nearest beach and the Point Arena lighthouse, and 10 minutes from Point Arena, a picturesque town with several restaurants, a bakery, an African animal preserve, a historic movie theater, and access to the Stornetta Lands National Coastal Monument.

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Lacey S.’s Land

1 site · RV5 acres · Malibu, CA

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The Hilltop Getaway

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Lake Los Angeles, CA

Welcome to The Hilltop Getaway! One of the coziest glamping spot near the Alpine Butte, Palmdale with Joshua Tree landscape just an hour from LA. The amazing 360 view from the jumbo rocks mountains on valley with Joshua Trees will make your memories unforgettable. We also have a great landscape for your spectacular photo shoot. If you’re looking for a place to hike, relax, refresh and recharge yourself, you found the place! The Hilltop Getaway! Enjoy your life! While The Hilltop Getaway is private and secluded, it is close to most stores you might need. Palmdale is a 10-minute drive and has a Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's, Ross, restaurants, fast foods, banks, and more. Additionally, you can visit a lot of unique places just few minutes from us like Antelope Valley Indian Museum, Four Aces Movie Ranch, Movie Set Diner, Club Ed Movie Set, El Mirage Dry Lake, Kill Bill Church, Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, Blackbird Airpark, Dry Town Water Park On our space you'll find 1. Bar/Kitchen area offers a four-burner gas grill with one side burner, kitchen table, sink with foot water pump, bar counter with four chairs on the bar deck; 2. Classic wood picnic table 3. Patio equipped with wood chairs and bench for lounging around our fire pit, lounge chair for sunbathing 4. Hammock for relaxing and stargazing 5. Toilet/Shower cabin. There is Thetford Porta Potti flush toilet, sink with foot water pump, mirror, Eccotemp hot shower We provide towels and soap for you. 6. The Geo Dome Tent 23ft (7M) is equipped with everything you would need for a comfortable glamping experience Geo Dome: - Queen bed with memory-foam mattress and bedding - Two Convertable Tri-Fold Sofa Beds - Twin Tufted Back Convertible Sofa - Foldable Camping Cot - Hammock Chair Swing - Dining Set - Nightstands - Full Length Floor Mirror - Kitchen Island with kitchen utensils, pots, tableware - Mini Fridge with Top Freezer - Free WiFi - Projector Screen - Video Projector (for rent) - Bluetooth Sound System - Power Station EcoFlow Pro for charging and power devices - Evaporative Air Swamp Cooler - Propane "Pleasant Hearth" Heater 30,000 BTU (Propane gas is include) - Solar lights and battery powered LED Camping Lantern - Fresh towel-Fresh linen- Books and games for entertainment - And plenty of safety amenities such as: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, etc. Please note - the water in the tank is not drinkable and has a distinct taste - please bring drinking water. Small amenities such as a first aid kit, flashlights, and lanterns are all available to you in the tent for a safe and comfortable stay. Please plan for a “leave no trace” style camping and to take your trash with you upon check out

Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent13 acres · Ojai, CA

Welcome to our tranquil retreat nestled among oak and pine trees, offering a serene getaway with stunning views of the Topatopa bluffs. Our site is the perfect place to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature, with five ephemeral creeks meandering through the 13-acre property. As a Leave No Trace environment, we ask that all guests come fully self-contained. While we don't yet have a compost toilet set up, we do provide a potable water hookup for your convenience. Please be mindful of your impact on the land and practice responsible camping during your stay. Take advantage of the one-mile trail that winds through the property, leading you to fascinating sites such as the caldera of a tar volcano, ancient Chumash cupules and mortars on boulders, and a tar marsh where wildlife thrives. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, hiker, or simply seeking peace, our retreat offers something for everyone. We welcome guests to stay for a maximum of three days, but we're open to accommodating longer stays upon request. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the beauty of the natural world at our secluded oasis. We look forward to hosting you!

Star Hosts in California

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Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping

2 sites · Tents9 acres · Aptos, CA

Nestled in a canopy of redwoods, less than 10 miles from the beach sits a private and cozy campground. Fern Ridge Flats combines the best of Santa Cruz county. Abundant trees and misty mornings await you at our property in Aptos. Equipped with electricity, water, and a picnic table for your convenience. There are trails on the land for you to explore, animals, and nature to dive into. *************** Smoking and the use of drugs are strictly prohibited. This is a safe and quiet neighborhood with many families including my own. Please do not request to book if you have the intention of partying or using illegal substances. If these rules are violated, local authorities will be called and you will be removed from the campsite. *************** The campsite is less than a 5 minute walk from the parking spot but is relatively steep. Although it is paved it is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues. *************** As an added precaution to protect the lush landscape, the firepit at the campsite utilizes clean burning propane. We chose a burner that closely replicates the size and heat of a wood to enhance our campers' experience.

Whiteside Mountain

1 site · Tent160 acres · Jamul, CA

160 acres of wild and private land at the top of a mountain. Bouldering, exploring, outdoor cold water shower, well drinking water, and pergola! 45 minutes from downtown San Diego and beaches but a whole different world!A single camp spot on the top of a mountain surrounded by 160 acres of no one else! Requires 4WD/high clearance AWD road to camp spot. Plenty of shade at spot with picnic area that is covered. Drinking water, sink and outdoor cold water shower. Bouldering (climbing), fire pit (seasonal), covered deck, hiking and VIEWS! Plenty of room and separate camp spots- lock the gate and you will have no visitors or onlookers. Single outdoor flush toilet with sink. We provide a Propane stove - 2 burner, propane, toilet paper, dish soap and hand soap. No COTS.Guests love it here "This was finally checked off of my saved list—my partner and I rented a 4x4 to get up there since our 2WD car wouldn't have made it in one piece. It was only a short drive from downtown San Diego and was super easy to navigate. Once we arrived the experience was TRULY MAGICAL. We had such an awesome experience exploring the property, birdwatching, hiking and some light climbing. Don't forget to check out the cave! The facilities were beyond expectations and we had a seamless experience. Steve was super accommodating and was great at communicating—he even gave us a small tour of the property! The sunsets and sunrises here were something out of a dream, we wish we could wake up every morning here. We will definitely be coming back soon!"

Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch

1 site · Lodging350 acres · Loma Mar, CA

Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Situated on top of a ridge with expansive redwood forest and coastal views, the Audrey Edna Cabin provides a completely private gathering place and destination for visitors with reservations. The cabin has spectacular views of forest, sky, ocean and the Butano ridgeline. It's a short hike to 8000+ acres of county parkland where you can hike, bike and ride horses (though please note, there are no facilities for horse boarding at the cabin.) The cabin is located at Alpine Ranch, a property adjacent to Sam McDonald County Park that was protected by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). Whether you are looking for an active experience or just want to relax in a peaceful, remote setting, there's something here for everyone. This is a rustic hike-in cabin designed for a introductory pack-in experience. Bedding is not provided. It is about a 1.7-mile hike on a rolling dirt road from the Sam McDonald County Park parking lot, with about 650 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers can reach the cabin in an hour or less. Guests should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before sunset, and pack water and flashlights or headlamps. Guests with limited mobility, please contact us for information regarding accommodations that will allow you to access this shared resource. *A note about reservation availability: On the weekends, POST offers priority reservations for the cabin to our partners at the San Mateo County Health Department and Park Rx to provide patients with equitable access to the benefits of nature. Occasionally, we have last-minute public weekend reservation availability due to cancellations. The cabin is reservable up to 3 months in advance, on a rolling basis. Love the idea of a hike-in cabin, but unable to visit us Sunday-Thursday? Check out the nearby Sierra Club Hiker's Hut in Sam McDonald County Park. Property History: At one time, the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains was a thriving center for trade between tribes of the coast and the bay, which we still find evidence of today in cultural sites and artifacts throughout the region. Native people have cared for this land since time immemorial, including the local Muwekma and Ramaytush Ohlone who are still active in the area today. This property specifically is host to a tributary to one of just a handful of waterways that support salmonids in this region, which are a species of tremendous importance to native people. Over 1000 acres here were eventually purchased by entrepreneur Ridgeway Rowley, who built a home on the ranch in the 1880s as part of an unsuccessful wedding proposal to Fannie Page, daughter of a local mill owner (ever heard of Page Mill Road?) After being rejected by Fannie, Rowley operated the ranch for a decade in conjunction with his work as District Attorney and publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, before eventually returning to his hometown of Cortland, NY, where he lived as a bachelor until his death. Over the course of the 20th century, the ranch was divided, some parts of which became Pescadero Creek County Park. POST purchased the 350 acre home property, now called Alpine Ranch, in 2012 through our Heart of the Redwoods campaign, an initiative to protect 20,000 acres of Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Alpine Ranch borders Pescadero Creek County Park and Sam McDonald County Park, adding to the area’s protected open space and containing more than a mile of tributaries to Pescadero Creek, which flows year-round and is a major spawning stream for steelhead trout. The Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch is situated at one of the property's most scenic overlooks. The cabin was built in the early 1900's, and completely reconstructed up to modern building codes by POST in 2018 so that all could enjoy this special place.

Sahara House

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Joshua Tree, CA

Relaxation awaits you at this 100% off the grid solar Sahara House. Watch the sun rise and set from your private deck equipped with lounge chairs . Stargaze while getting close to nature in the outdoor shower, or curl up on the couch and watch your favorite on demand movies in this modern desert home. Enjoy the seclusion that 5 acres has to offer with just a short drive to the beauties of Joshua Tree and the surrounding cities. Enjoy the outdoors but all the amenities of home.

160 Acres amidst National Forest

3 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Placerville, CA

Learn more about this land: Welcome to Slate Mountain where you have access to 160 acres of gated, private wilderness with 360 degree mountain views and exclusive waterfront year-round on Slab Creek. Bring your hiking boots or your off-road toys and explore 160 acres of secluded, magical forest filled with wildflowers, butterflies, ancient Pines and Cedars, wild berries, and wild game. Pitch a tent or park your RV at your choice of locations with amazing views and total seclusion. Spend the day relaxing, picnicking, and try your luck at gold panning on pristine Slab Creek where not a single human or road exists for miles. Pitch a tent next to Slab Creek and spend an entire night bathed in the sounds of the rushing water and enchanted forest surrounding you. Plan a retreat. Plan a family reunion. Plan a hunting trip with the boys. Bring your motorless watercraft and spend an afternoon at Stumpy Meadows, a beautiful mountain reservoir a 25 minute drive from the property. Apple Hill wineries and farms are a 40 minute drive. If you bring the off-road toys you also have access to miles of trails throughout hundreds of acres of national forest. Don’t feel like cooking? Frank’s Diner on Finnon reservoir in Swansboro is a quick 20 minute drive from the property. If you need supplies, a nice restaurant, or a day of wine tasting to break up the grit, Downtown Placerville and Georgetown are both a 45 minute scenic drive. **Coming Spring 2024 there will be three sites available to book on the property: (1) a drive-in tent/RV site, (2) a drive-in furnished bell tent, and (3) a hike-in furnished wall tent. If you are booking the main site for spring 2024 onward, please be aware that there may be up to two additional parties camping on the property at that time. However, the three campsites are each in separate areas so you will likely not encounter the other parties except in passing on the road to/from the creek.** IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE: 1) For ease of access, and to get the most out of your experience, we highly recommend a 4WD vehicle with clearance. 2) The creek is at the bottom of the canyon, 1.3 miles from the gate at the entrance, and the road down is very steep in parts. We highly recommend an off-road vehicle/ATV for easy access to creek. If your vehicle is 4WD you can drive approximately 1 mile down, park and hike the remaining .3 mile to the creek. 3) Be aware you are in the middle of the forest and wildlife such as bear, rattlesnakes, etc have been spotted on the property. Poison Oak can also be spotted in certain areas. 4) The property has cell service on the upper quadrant, however once you drop below the tree line toward the creek there is no service.

Dog-friendly getaways

95%

(144)

Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Day Valley, CA

Whenever we go on vacation it’s never as nice as home. This is that same experience as we get when we come home.

160 Acres amidst National Forest

3 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Placerville, CA

Learn more about this land: Welcome to Slate Mountain where you have access to 160 acres of gated, private wilderness with 360 degree mountain views and exclusive waterfront year-round on Slab Creek. Bring your hiking boots or your off-road toys and explore 160 acres of secluded, magical forest filled with wildflowers, butterflies, ancient Pines and Cedars, wild berries, and wild game. Pitch a tent or park your RV at your choice of locations with amazing views and total seclusion. Spend the day relaxing, picnicking, and try your luck at gold panning on pristine Slab Creek where not a single human or road exists for miles. Pitch a tent next to Slab Creek and spend an entire night bathed in the sounds of the rushing water and enchanted forest surrounding you. Plan a retreat. Plan a family reunion. Plan a hunting trip with the boys. Bring your motorless watercraft and spend an afternoon at Stumpy Meadows, a beautiful mountain reservoir a 25 minute drive from the property. Apple Hill wineries and farms are a 40 minute drive. If you bring the off-road toys you also have access to miles of trails throughout hundreds of acres of national forest. Don’t feel like cooking? Frank’s Diner on Finnon reservoir in Swansboro is a quick 20 minute drive from the property. If you need supplies, a nice restaurant, or a day of wine tasting to break up the grit, Downtown Placerville and Georgetown are both a 45 minute scenic drive. **Coming Spring 2024 there will be three sites available to book on the property: (1) a drive-in tent/RV site, (2) a drive-in furnished bell tent, and (3) a hike-in furnished wall tent. If you are booking the main site for spring 2024 onward, please be aware that there may be up to two additional parties camping on the property at that time. However, the three campsites are each in separate areas so you will likely not encounter the other parties except in passing on the road to/from the creek.** IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE: 1) For ease of access, and to get the most out of your experience, we highly recommend a 4WD vehicle with clearance. 2) The creek is at the bottom of the canyon, 1.3 miles from the gate at the entrance, and the road down is very steep in parts. We highly recommend an off-road vehicle/ATV for easy access to creek. If your vehicle is 4WD you can drive approximately 1 mile down, park and hike the remaining .3 mile to the creek. 3) Be aware you are in the middle of the forest and wildlife such as bear, rattlesnakes, etc have been spotted on the property. Poison Oak can also be spotted in certain areas. 4) The property has cell service on the upper quadrant, however once you drop below the tree line toward the creek there is no service.

Little Piece of Yosemite

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Mariposa, CA

Learn more about this land:River status: flowing! Camp on our small piece of paradise located near Yosemite. We are a family of 5 (me, my husband, our two toddlers and our dog, River) living on 5 acres of mountain land in the foothills of the Sierras complete with an outdoor shower and bath and also flowing (seasonal) stream that you can swim in. Feel free to wander around the property on a few of our trails or just chill by the water and enjoy the magic of the mountains. Our property is about a 45 min drive to the Yosemite entrance. Dogs are more than welcome as long as they are ok with our dog wandering around. He’s super sweet loves everybody.

Sahara House

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Joshua Tree, CA

Relaxation awaits you at this 100% off the grid solar Sahara House. Watch the sun rise and set from your private deck equipped with lounge chairs . Stargaze while getting close to nature in the outdoor shower, or curl up on the couch and watch your favorite on demand movies in this modern desert home. Enjoy the seclusion that 5 acres has to offer with just a short drive to the beauties of Joshua Tree and the surrounding cities. Enjoy the outdoors but all the amenities of home.

Whiteside Mountain

1 site · Tent160 acres · Jamul, CA

160 acres of wild and private land at the top of a mountain. Bouldering, exploring, outdoor cold water shower, well drinking water, and pergola! 45 minutes from downtown San Diego and beaches but a whole different world!A single camp spot on the top of a mountain surrounded by 160 acres of no one else! Requires 4WD/high clearance AWD road to camp spot. Plenty of shade at spot with picnic area that is covered. Drinking water, sink and outdoor cold water shower. Bouldering (climbing), fire pit (seasonal), covered deck, hiking and VIEWS! Plenty of room and separate camp spots- lock the gate and you will have no visitors or onlookers. Single outdoor flush toilet with sink. We provide a Propane stove - 2 burner, propane, toilet paper, dish soap and hand soap. No COTS.Guests love it here "This was finally checked off of my saved list—my partner and I rented a 4x4 to get up there since our 2WD car wouldn't have made it in one piece. It was only a short drive from downtown San Diego and was super easy to navigate. Once we arrived the experience was TRULY MAGICAL. We had such an awesome experience exploring the property, birdwatching, hiking and some light climbing. Don't forget to check out the cave! The facilities were beyond expectations and we had a seamless experience. Steve was super accommodating and was great at communicating—he even gave us a small tour of the property! The sunsets and sunrises here were something out of a dream, we wish we could wake up every morning here. We will definitely be coming back soon!"

Private camping in California guide

Overview

Looking for a camping experience that's as unique as you are? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for private campsites in the United States. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, Hipcamp has over 900 options to choose from in California alone. From the stunning Cuyama Badlands with its 1681 rave reviews, to the eco-friendly Down-to-Earth Ecoshire with 552 reviews, and the picturesque Cosumnes River Ranch with 382 reviews, you'll find the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature. With popular amenities like trash disposal, pet-friendly sites, and modern toilets, and activities ranging from fishing and hiking to boating, your camping adventure awaits. And with prices starting as low as $15 and an average of $59 per night, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience with Hipcamp.