Camping near Salinas
Salinas is a nature lover's portal to the Old West, Monterey Bay, and Big Sur.
96% (6136 reviews)
- Salinas
96% (6136 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Salinas
Under $50
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Star Hosts in Salinas
12 top campgrounds near Salinas
92%
(335)
SMR Carmel Camping
34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents89 acres · Del Rey Oaks, CA
Welcome to Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV and Campground!
We are located on 89 acres of forest land off Carmel Valley Road, just 5 miles from HWY 1. Nestled within oaks, Monterey pines, and redwoods, Saddle Mountain offers a great family friendly getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life.
PLEASE NOTE, our RV and tent sites are pet friendly but YOU MUST ADD THE PET FEE EXTRA WHEN MAKING YOUR BOOKING. Our glamping stays are NOT pet-friendly aside from one of our luxury tents.
We charge $5 per pet and you can bring a maximum of 2 pets.
On site seasonally heated pool (Mid May through Oct).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
*Please continue reviewing/monitoring California Travel guidelines as they may change and affect your reservation*
On site seasonally heated pool (seasonally), private hiking trail, playground, Foosball table and more. No refund for inclement weather during the Winter months.
We provide complementary Wi-Fi in designated areas of the park. We ask that there is no streaming at the Park so we can share Wi-Fi with all our guests.
Thank you!
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$70
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94%
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Skyview
9 sites · Lodging, Tents23 acres · Boulder Creek, CA
With 23 gorgeous acres, Skyview is the perfect place to enjoy nature and the elements. You can hike our ridge trail for spectacular views of the Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz mountains. You can relax in one of our Skypods and take a nap or read a book beneath a 200 year old oak tree. Go swimming in our huge pond and do yoga/meditate/journal on the adjoining beach. There's a grandmother (old-growth) redwood tree to visit plus a wonderful diversity of wildflowers and native plants to study and appreciate. Birds soar in the skies above (hawks, ravens, vultures) while the calls of morning doves and owls gently fill the air at dawn and dusk. And our sunsets...wow!!
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$65
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Strawberry Fields Forever
3 sites · RVs5 acres · Watsonville, CA
Walk to the Beach!
Campsites for RVs and trailers with water and electric hook ups. No size constraints on RVs or trailers, except for the Valley View site which accommodates a maximum rig length of 26 ft. Sorry, no on the ground tent camping.
We are located in La Selva Beach, a five minute walk to Manresa State Beach. The entire property backs up to 300 acres of strawberry fields. We have vegetable and flower gardens, lots of great walks and hiking from the house and nearby. Surfing is excellent at Manresa beach.
The camp sites include a fire pit and wood. Surf boards, Boogey boards and wetsuits are available for rent from the surf shop on site. There is a porta-potty on site.
We are 15 minutes from the village of Capitola, 30 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz and 45 minutes to Monterey.
There is a Dump station 5 minutes down the road at the KOA.
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$85
/ night
86%
(2505)
The Enchanted Forest Retreat
54 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents45 acres · Los Gatos, CA
Welcome to the Enchanted Forest Retreat! We are a meditation retreat center with 45 acres of some of the most gorgeous redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains to enjoy hiking, creeks and small water fall exploration, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, star gazing, relaxation, meditation and more.
Our campground has running water from a natural spring, Men and Women's Restrooms each with 2 toilets and 1 hot water shower, laundry shed with sink and hot water, and an outdoor amphitheater, (the kitchen and washer/dryer is Staff Only not for campers). We have meditation teaching at the amphitheater and campers are welcomed to attend for free.
4-6 guests maximum with 1 car included in the nightly rate. Each additional vehicle is $15 per day and will be added at checkout once you add the correct number of vehicles you will be bringing. You can bring a maximum of 2 cars.
PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a trash service on site, we require all campers to PACK OUT THEIR GARBAGE with them!
Pets are $10 per day, 1 pet per group ONLY. Please add this as an extra at the time of booking, you will see the option to add extras once you begin the checkout process. Dogs must be on leash at all times!
Quiet hours are 10pm-8am. No drugs of any kind including marijuana allowed. No loud music allowed. This is a private property so no visitors are allowed, only paid guests. Our onsite staff will go around and enforce the rules.
NOTICE REGARDING RVs and TRAILERS: While we can not offer hookups, theoretically we have no problem with RVs, the road is steep in a couple of places getting down to the campground and VERY narrow in one spot (10ft). If you feel you're willing to take this risk (we won't be held liable), you're welcome to reach out to us and we can see if the site is good for RV/trailers.
Only sites 8, 12 and 5 are good for trailers. No vehicle can drive into Site 7, 9, 10 and 11 (the parking area is separate). Other sites may be ok with small trailers. Check with the host. Any trailer larger than 20ft, take your own risk, there is a narrow point only 9ft wide.
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$80
/ night
95%
(164)
Elkhorn Ranch
6 sites · Tents11 acres · CA
Five minutes from the beach, Elkhorn Ranch is home to goats, sheep, wild chickens followed by their baby chicks, and a couple of cows, dogs, and sheep.
In addition to the animals there is a greenhouse and an acre of pumpkins, corn, and beans. A small fruit orchard borders the chicken coop.
Anybody who enjoys small farm life and activity will find this place enchanting. Norris and Roberta are incredible hosts and inclusive to any guests that want to participate in farm life.
Close to restaurants and the cute harbor town of Moss Landing, 30 minutes from Carmel and Santa Cruz, Elkhorn Ranch can be a place to relax or a gateway to explore Big Sur and all the amazing hidden gems of the Central California Coast.
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$75
/ night
95%
(231)
WindTree
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents64 acres · Los Gatos, CA
WindTree is an awesome retreat perched high on top of the Santa Cruz Mountains in California, over looking the entire Monterey Bay and Santa Clara Valley. WindTree is sacred land used by many
over the past 30 years for retreat and ceremony. It has also been a working "Wwoof" -ing farm for volunteers from all over the world
to come and learn about organic gardening in a fun, beautiful, nurturing community restoring our sense of interrelatedness
and encouraging planetary sustainability by our choices and concerns
for the wellness of the environment.
You can make your experience apart of this community or enjoy a quiet private camp site away from any activities.
We are off the grid with solar power and our own well. We have small organic gardens with chickens and goats. You will love it up here under the stars.
Note: RV's over 21 feet will have difficulties on our driveway.
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$60
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(1)
Brook Camp
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Brookdale, CA
Welcome to our one-acre Redwood grove, complete with a seasonal creek. With both level and hilly areas, we offer one platform tent (with more on the way), a spacious Picnic Pavilion, and numerous spots for pitching a tent beneath the majestic Redwoods.
Explore the many unspoiled creeks in the area, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Additionally, the Santa Cruz beach and Boardwalk are just 6 miles south, offering endless seaside entertainment.
Please note, our site holds historical significance as it borders the CZU fire burn scar. Big Basin is a mere 4 miles away, while the historic Brookdale Lodge is just 1 mile from our location.
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$25
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99%
(83)
Whiskey Hill Barn and Camp
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Watsonville, CA
Stay within minutes of Manresa, Sand Dollar, and Sunset State beaches. There are excellent biking and hiking opportunities on the Watsonville and Elkhorn sloughs, or commune with the redwoods in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. The air is amazing here, between the salt sea and redwood forest. We welcome you to relax and refresh on the Monterey Bay coast.
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$98
/ night
95%
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DABUDAGE
6 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · CA
A place to stay in southern Big Sur with camp sites and accommodations.
Before sending an inquiry please read the listings.
Also available as a host your own retreat venue starting at 250 per night
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$60
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91%
(143)
Hidden Spring Ranch
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Santa Cruz, CA
Magical 6 acre permaculture ranch just a few minutes to town, beaches and restaurants. Take a bath under a clear night sky, enjoy the morning birdsong and take a stroll on or off the property. We have free ranging chickens, a hidden spring surrounded by two creeks and wild plums. Happy Valley is a secret little gem of Santa Cruz. Plenty of space for relaxing, and amazing location for both convenience and adventures. (2 of the 3 sites have the tubs please read individual descriptions to find out if the one you chose has one)
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$55
/ night
Booked 6 times
Charcoal Springs Camp & Cabin
4 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Watsonville, CA
Welcome to our serene retreat at Charcoal Springs, overlooking the Monterey Bay! Nestled amidst the picturesque Santa Cruz mountains of California, our property offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday urban life.
NEW LISTING! We've spent the last year pouring our love into this mountaintop retreat and we can't wait to share it with you!
As you arrive, you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of the ocean, redwood forest, and stunning sunrise/sunsets. Our spacious camping area provides ample room for you to set up your tent or camper van (no RVs, trailers or 5th wheels) ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.
Nature enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of outdoor activities available right at their fingertips. Take a leisurely stroll along our scenic trails and explore the beauty of the surrounding wilderness: we are right next to the north entrance of the Soquel Demonstration Forest for world class mountain biking. Our property is above the redwoods, and more often than not, above the fog line!
If you are interested in hosting a larger group, in organizing a retreat, and in booking out all our sites, please get in touch!
Grocery shopping:
We are 25 minutes from the Summit store, and Corralitos meat market down Eureka Canyon.
All sites have access to:
-electricity,
-hot showers,
-composting toilet (Sun-Mar Excel),
-industrial sink (also with hot water),
-partially equipped kitchen (with mini fridge and electric hot plates in 'The Coop' / propane stove/BBQ at the container camp in covered kitchen area),
-Fire places: wood stove in the 'coop', and seasonal fire-pits (bring your own wood - or buy $15 a bundle from us)
(Please bring your own LINEN, TOWELS and BIODEGRADABLE soap - Dr. Bronner. If you're camping, for an extra comfy night's sleep, we can provide 2 custom double bed sized camping mattresses - for $25 a mattress per night).
After a day of exploration, you can use our designated fire pits (seasonally/weather permitting) and share stories under the stars with your fellow travelers.
At Charcoal Springs, you can expect a peaceful retreat far from the city, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you traverse the rugged terrain and enjoy the view. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply craving a moment of serenity, our property offers the perfect escape for your next outdoor getaway.
We look forward to welcoming you to our slice of paradise!
Johnny and Jeanne
(Profile pic from artist Pedro Gomes: https://pedrogo.com/)
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$85
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88%
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The Hill Fort - Camelot
18 sites · RVs, Tents48 acres · Greenfield, CA
Camelot was founded on the Summer Solstice, in the year 2000, by a small group of like minded people as a peaceful refuge from the trappings and ills of society. The name "Camelot" was chosen because of the groups' belief in a round table approach to problem solving, and the desire to reach a unanimous group consensus in any course of action which might affect any one individual of the group. A pendragon was elected as the the lifetime group leader, or "first among equals". This position exists today, though the members of the original group have faded into history.
We are located a 45 minute drive from Carmel Valley, CA and 50 minutes from Pinnacles National Park. We have 15 tent and RV sites available.
We can only accommodate vehicles under 25 ft and there are no hookups.
No campfires allowed.
Wifi only works in certain areas of the property.
Pets are welcome but must be kept on leash.
We have a toilet and shower but campers must supply their own soap, shampoo and towels.
Please note, there are a lot of animals nearby so there will be noise at night.
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$45
/ night
Dog-friendly getaways
Available this weekend
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Salinas guide
Overview
Salinas, hometown to author John Steinbeck, is one of California’s most historic farming areas. Today, its wineries, ranches, and downtown retain an Old West charm. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails start at the edge of town, and it’s close to some incredible sections of California wilderness, including Monterey Bay and Big Sur. Camping options around Salinas include farm and vineyard Hipcamps, coastal mountain cabins, glamping sites on ranches, and bucket-list public campgrounds like those in Pinnacles National Park and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Where to go
Salinas Area
At the foot of Salinas, Toro County Park has 20 miles of trails through Coast Range foothills where you can reach epic views of the Salinas Valley on foot, mountain bike, or horseback. Several beach parks also sit just a few minutes from Salinas, including Fort Ord Dunes State Park and its four miles of beach, and the Salinas River State Beach.
Pinnacles National Park
Salinas is just 45 minutes from Pinnacles National Park, whose mesmerizing rock spires and talus caves can be explored by trail. Pinnacles is also a refuge for the endangered California condor, for which campers can keep an eye out.
Monterey
Salinas is 30 minutes away from Monterey, where the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman’s Wharf are classic family seaside spots. To explore a rocky section of shore, check out Asilomar State Beach.
Point Lobos
For emerald-green waters, kelp forests, and a rugged cliff-side shoreline, the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve makes for an awesome day trip for Salinas. It can be combined with a visit to the nearby Carmel River State Beach, which has easy access to a mile of amber sand beach.
Big Sur
South of Point Lobos, Big Sur is a stunning stretch of California’s Central Coast that lives up to its fame. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is an excellent campground in the heart of Big Sur, offering campsites that include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hot showers. RVs are welcome, but hookups are not available here.
When to go
Salinas has a mild climate that makes camping and outdoor adventure possible year-round. Winter visitors should prepare for the possibility of rain, fog, and cooler temperatures, but it can be a great time of year to get typically crowded parks and attractions all to yourself. (Summer reservations in Big Sur book up far in advance.) If planning to go camping in summer, Salinas has an annual rodeo and Steinbeck Festival to check out.
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