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The best camping near Andrew Molera State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Andrew Molera adventure.

The best camping near Andrew Molera State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Andrew Molera adventure.

Camping near Andrew Molera State Park

93% (40 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Andrew Molera adventure.

Surfers love this secluded beach when they want to get away from summer crowds.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Andrew Molera State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Andrew Molera State Park

92%
(317)

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!
from 
$70
 / night
95%
(443)

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
from 
$60
 / night
98%
(199)

Star Route

1 site ¡ Lodging3 acres ¡ Carmel Valley, CA
The original owner, of this property, Varisto,  was a happy go lucky bootlegger back in the day, that welcomed many to try his brew and listen to a song or two on the accordion.  He's good neighbor, a famous cowboy artist, Jack Swanson, and he used to have fun fishing out of the river, and sharing a glass or two.  One day as Jack was herding his cattle through the area, past Princess Camp, located across the street, he spend a little too long here at Star Route, and to his surprise, the cattle had made their way into Princess Camp startling a few campers outside their airstreams.The Esselen Indians settled just up the road at the Cachagua Community Park back in the 1800's right by the Carmel River, which has an old stone house above the river, and many places to sit and reflect.
from 
$100
 / night
100%
(140)

Redwood Cabins

5 sites ¡ Lodging13 acres ¡ Carmel Valley, CA
25 minute drive on a country road to Carmel Valley Village and all it's wineries and restaurants. Buy that perfect bottle of wine and enjoy it in your tent topped cabin, or redwood cabin. Nothing but peace and quiet other than the crickets, birds, frogs, and the resident owl. Relax and recharge away from city life. 40 minutes to the coast, Carmel's shops and galleries and restaurants. A few more minutes puts you on the most beautiful golf courses in the world or take Highway #1 to Big Sur for the day.  Short drive and hike to Los Padres Dam . Fishing, rubber rafts, and a gorgeous spillway. Spend the night at the Redwood Cabin on your way to your adventure at Tassjarra.  Ride your mountain bike along scenic Cachagua rd with it's SEASONAL creek to Chews Ridge. Totally private and quiet. Off the power grid. 12v power supplied by solar and batteries. Unlimited hot water in the private bath house.  The bath house is a 40 step stroll through the oaks, No tv's or microwaves. AT&T cell service along with a few other small providers. Guests love staying here "Really lovely little camp cabin. Has everything you need to elevate your camping experience while maintaining the outdoor feels. It was so nice to have a flush toilet and indoor sleeping area while being able to prepare food outdoors.The property is somewhat remote, tucked away from light pollution, providing excellent stargazing. I really enjoyed the peacefulness of this trip, and the hosts were excellent."
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$149
 / night
88%
(171)

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
95%
(160)

Elkhorn Ranch

6 sites ¡ RVs, 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.
from 
$75
 / night
100%
(9)

TASHCREEK

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Greenfield, CA
5 USABLE ACRES LOCATED IN LAS PADRES FOREST AREA; A SPECIAL AREA ONCE HOME OF INDIANS BEAUTIFUL HIKING TRAILS AND BIKING ON PAVED SURFACES. LOCATED BETWEEN HIWAYS 1 AND 101. PINACLES PARK LOCATED 20 MILES AWAY. A SERENE UNINCORPORATED SPOT FOR RETREAT AND CAMPING ACTIVITY. SITES ARE GATED AND SAFE FROM UNINVITED TRAFFIC. CAMPFIRE RINGS CAN BE USED WITH PRIOR CONSENT. OUTDOOR TABLES. NON POTABLE WATER AND ELECTRICITY PROVIDED. LAND PHONE SERVICE AVAILABLE TO GUESTS UPON REQUEST. SELF CONTAINED RECREATIONAL VEHICLES ONLY AT THIS TIME. WELL BEHAVED DOGS WELCOME. BRING INSECT REPELLANT FOR PERSONAL COMFORT. SOME THINGS ALL CAMPERS NEED; HIKING BOOTS AS THE TERRAINE CAN BE HIKED IF DESIRED. BACK PACKS AND WATER BOTTLES. HAT FOR SUN PROTECTION. THE BASIC CAMP SITE IS CLEAN FLAT AND HAS SHADE OR SUN ACESS.. ELECTRICITY IS PROVIDED. NON POTABLE WATER PROVIDED. A FIRE PIT IS PROVIDED. SITES ARE FENCED AND GATED TO ALLOW CAMPERS TO EXPLORE SURROUNDING LOCATIONS AND NOT WORRY ABOUT VEHICLES AND BELONGINGS.
from 
$50
 / night
99%
(78)

Brigadoon Glamp Site

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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$85
 / night
100%
(237)

Hideaway Oaks

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Lockwood, CA
This campsite is a natural setting in the corner of our lower pasture. It features several oaks and lots of room. It is an extremely private spot free from other campers or busy traffic. This site now includes a picnic table on a leveled area, a firepit and a toilet . Water is available if you wish to hike a bit up a hill. You can enjoy our beautiful evening skies, sunrises and starlit nights. If you are looking for a peaceful, poison oak free, quiet hideaway, this is your place. Trails are available for walks and taking in the views of the valley below. Since this site is tucked away in our pasture we recommend that campers arrive before dark. We are located near Lake San Antonio, Lake Nacimiento, San Antonio Mission, San Miguel Mission, Fort Hunter Liggett, and the Nacitone Museum. There is local wine tasting and we are 45 minutes away from wine tasting in Paso Robles. Many campers find this to be an ideal meeting place for family and friends coming from the north and south.
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$35
 / night
99%
(161)

Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping

32 sites ¡ Lodging112 acres ¡ Carmel Valley, CA
The Camp was started in 1925 by Mrs. Douglas as a girls camp to teach young girls the beautiful wonders of the outdoors including horseback riding, swimming, archery, and camping. She felt that boys had plenty of opportunity to explore Mother Nature but at the time, girls had no such camp to attend. This 115 acre, beautiful, rolling hills ranch has been a camp ever since and now offers camping for the young and old, girls and boys, families and singles…. You name it… a camp for everyone. Located on 115 acres historic boys and girls summer camp complete with pool, tennis, and hiking in Carmel Valley, CA. Re-connect to nature and nostalgia! There is plenty to do at the Camp as well as surrounding areas. 2.5 miles from Carmel Village known for its many wine tasting rooms, restaurants and galleries. 14.5 miles inland from Carmel by-the-sea and Carmel Beach. Perfect locations for day excursion to Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur. Individual Glamping sessions are available on select dates. Breakfast included in the stay. Length of stay may be required. We highly recommend you stay for more than one day as it is difficult to take part in all activities when at the camp for only one day. Imagine! your own private off the grid cabin where you can enjoy tent camping without the hassle of setting up a tent. Numerous activities for you to take advantage of or simple step outside your cabin and wonder on our 115 acres and connect to nature. Welcome to The Camp. CABINS Solstice and Sunrise cabins recently re-built cabins have one queen bed and two twin beds (max 4 ppl) and are located near a shared communal bathhouses. Sunset village cabins have access to a bathhouse with designated full baths with private shower and bathroom for each cabin. Each cabin has power and one queen bed and two twin beds (max 4 ppl) Like tent camping without the hassle of having to set up a tent. You bring your sleeping bag, bedding and towels. Or we can provide you with a bedding/towel pack for an extra cost. POWER All cabins and bathhouses have power Wi-Fi Free wi-fi in central camp not at cabins. FOOD and DRINK 2024 Glamping Includes breakfast. Lunch and Dinner optional at an additional cost. ACTIVITIES Self guided activities include: Pool, pool deck, basketball half court, tennis courts, yard games, hiking trails and many areas to connect to nature. Guided activities: Hosted campfire nightly, Yoga, Archery and Tie Dye sessions available on Saturday. (holiday weekends additional sessions available) FIRE No individual fires. We do offer hosted campfires nightly. DOG Two dogs are welcome per cabin $50 per dog. MUSIC No speakers, amplification or radios. Acoustic instruments are allowed. RESERVATIONS Glamping weekends may require multiple night stays. Check-in is between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. We will send you an email prior to arrival with additional information. Please note Hipcamp site assignments do not correspond to the actual cabin you will be assigned. Our Camp cabin names and assignments are a little different. If you are reserving multiple cabins please let us know so we can try and assign you near each other. Parking is a short walk away from the Cabins. The Camp is private property and for registered guests only. Gate is closed 9PM-7PM. Campers are free to come and go as these please between 7AM-PM, but all Campers must be back onsite before 9PM. WHAT TO BRING: Sleeping Bag or bedding or rent linen pack Towels and Toiletries Flashlight Water Bottle
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$199
 / night
98%
(152)

Aromas Hills

2 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents5 acres ¡ Aromas, CA
The property is nestled in the scenic hills of Aromas, CA, just 15 minutes away from the ocean. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip along California’s majestic coast, or looking to spend some time getting to know the lush landscape of the Central Coast, we welcome you with open arms!There's no need to pitch camp with our spacious, sun-drenched Yurt! Settle in, and relax on our beautiful 5.5 acre rustic farmstead, nestled in the cozy hills of Aromas, CA! We are just minutes away from Highway 101, but far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. Our property features sweeping majestic views toward the coast of Monterey and down toward Big Sur. The land features walking trails up toward a beautiful oak grove at the ridge of the property, and down the other side into several acres of wilderness. We are located about 15 minutes from the ocean at Moss Landing, and 30 to 45 minutes away from Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel and Santa Cruz.Our furnished private Yurt features fantastic picturesque views of the hillside and farm, as well as our budding food forest on the uphill side. The yurt features plenty of space for a party of four, a queen-sized bed, a comfy couch to spread out on, and an optional full airbed if you need extra sleeping accommodations. There is a propane heater available for chilly nights, and a fan for the warm summer days.The yurt features a full private kitchen, as well as a large communal fire pit and grill, and a picnic table which can comfortably seat 4.  We have a composting toilet for guest use, an outdoor sink, and a guest shower facility with plenty of hot water and pressure, all within steps of the yurt.Whether you’re passing through on a road trip along California’s majestic landscape, or looking to spend some time getting to know the lush landscape of the Central Coast, we welcome you with open arms!PLEASE NOTE:We are a nonprofit educational eco-arts farm and your booking supports environmental stewardship and arts education for underserved communities. Thank you for your support!Our farm features a tent site in addition to the yurt. The bathroom and fire pit are shared amenities. We encourage social distancing during use of these amenities. All common spaces are disinfected daily. Respect: We place the highest value on respect--for the land, and for the people, plants, and animals that call this area home. While you are here, please consider yourself a partner in stewarding this place. Strict Quiet Hours: Please be very conscientious of our neighbors --no loud noise or music after 10pm.Strict Fire Safety Rules: Campfires must be attended at all times, and extinguished fully with water provided. Smoking: No smoking inside the yurt. Dogs/Pets: Several friendly dogs live on the property. Please let us know ahead of time if you intend to bring dogs. Dogs need to be leashed and supervised at all times. Our property is not fully fenced, and there are sensitive habitats. Parking is limited. Please let us know if you are arriving in more than one vehicle.Our whole property is on a slope with dirt paths --wear good walking shoes!If you have made it this far, then I trust you have read and understand our yurt! Please mention "Farm Art Community" in your request to ensure a very quick acceptance of your booking. Thanks!
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$89
 / night
100%
(44)

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. 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 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. These sites are appropriate for a couple or small family. If you show up with more guests than you registered for, you may be turned away. Please be respectful of our property. We will try to work with you to accommodate your needs.
from 
$85
 / night

The best camping near Andrew Molera State Park guide

Overview

About

Cross the Big Sur River and land on this pristine beach along the Big Sur coast.

Miles of trails take you to bluffs, hilltops, and beaches. Panorama Trail offers a beautiful view of a lengthy stretch of beach. The trail loops around on top of the ridgeline. This trail also connects to others in Big Sur State Park.

This undeveloped area is a nature lover's paradise. It remains fairly untouched, much as when the pioneers explored here.

History buffs can see the Cooper Cabin. This house was built in the early 1860s. Juan Bautista Roger Cooper owned it. He was the grandfather of the park's namesake. There's also a discovery center on park property. It tells you about the rich natural and human history here.

About 189 RV and tent sites are near the river. A popular walk-in campground works well for backpackers and mountain bikers.

Notable campgrounds

Trail Camp at Andrew Molera State Park offers a rustic, hike-in camping experience amid the park's natural beauty.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book your campsite at Andrew Molera State Park up to six months in advance to secure your spot.
  • Plan your visit outside of peak seasons for a better chance at snagging a reservation.
  • Explore nearby camping options if Andrew Molera is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Andrew Molera State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the fog lifts by midday. However, be mindful that this is also the peak season. For a quieter experience, consider the shoulder seasons. Winter visits offer solitude but require preparation for cooler temperatures and potential river wading.

Know before you go

  • Park hours are from 8am to sunset, ensuring you have ample time to explore.
  • Dogs are not allowed beyond the day-use parking lot, so plan accordingly.
  • Check for highway closures or park advisories before your visit for a smooth experience.
  • Remember to stay on designated trails and respect private property boundaries within the park.
  • Facilities like restrooms and drinking water are available for your convenience.

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