- Aptos
Best tent campsites in the US
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
Best Hipcamps in California
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
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1 site
High demand
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
99%
(293)Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
from
for 3 guests$65
/ nightReviews
99% Recommend293 ratings · 252 reviews
Beautiful property, so quiet, very flat for a tent, so many birds!
I
Isabel T.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
we had an excellent stay! the site was cute and cozy with everything we needed! the hosts were communicative and helpful :) would love to stop by again!
M
Mckenna W.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
Fern Ridge Flats was a top spot for sure. Great campsite for a group of 4, not too many more. Beautiful trees and nice accommodations like the picnic table and propane fire pit. Loved it there.
O
Owen L.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2026
Beautiful campsite and incredible host! We stayed for one night and will be back.
N
Neerav G.
8 months on Hipcamp
LOVED this sweet spot in the mountains! Great hosts with lots of amenities available if needed. Potable Water, compost toilet, fire pit - they even provided the propane for the fire pit and a pop up tent for the rain. Highly recommend!
M
Madeleine S.
2 months on Hipcamp
This was my second stay at Fern Ridge Campground, and it continues to be one of the most peaceful places I’ve camped.
I first stayed here in March 2025 during a healing trip shortly after my mom passed away. Returning again to celebrate my birthday with my family felt incredibly meaningful - like coming back to a place that already knew me.
Matt has created something truly special. His attention to detail is felt everywhere, from the beautiful lighted pathways to the picnic table setup and the convenience of add-on amenities like propane, which was amazing both visits. The site is small but absolutely perfect, comfortably fitting two tents.
The pit toilet is clean and well maintained, water is available on site, and the soft campground lighting creates a peaceful atmosphere at night. Both stays, I was woken up by an incredible chorus of birds - such a grounding and beautiful way to start the day.
Matt also sends clear photos and directions before arrival so Google doesn’t route you the wrong way, which is incredibly helpful.
Fern Ridge Campground won Best Hipcamp of 2024 and 2025, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it win again in 2026. An exceptional place for healing, connection, and time in nature. Highly recommend.
M
Monica M.
3 reviews
Beautiful place. Stayed one night driving up the coast and it worked out perfectly. Matt is very accommodating.
Highly recommend the hiking trails about 15 minutes away at the Forest of Nisene Marks.
D
David H.
3 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
Had a great overnight trip to Matt’s site. Had rain in the forecast and I was able to easily add the canopy and blackstone extras to help us out. Everything was set up when we got there, extra amenities were super great. Very clear directions and communication from Matt. We loved how private the site felt while still being close to the local towns. Site is clearly described in the listing, we had room for the pop-up canopy and a four person tent for the two of us. Even with a downpour, we had no issues with anything. We’ll definitely be back!
M
Maria A.
4 months on Hipcamp
It's our second time at this gorgeous campsite! We love the peacefulness, the twinkling lights, the propane fire pit, running water, and wifi. It's ten minutes from the Forest of Nisene, a delight to hike. Thanks a ton Matt!
Syd H.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
The campsite was amazing! Although you’re essentially in Matt’s backyard it was far & secluded enough to let you get that private camping experience without traveling out too far from town. Super cozy, beautiful view for sunsets/sunrises, bathroom, and a fire pit with a grate to cook on. Not much else you can ask for! Pack up and head on out here!
S
Shawn S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
We absolutely loved our time here! It’s such an amazing spot with so many thoughtful touches, like wifi and cute string lights along the paths. Will definitely be coming back!
K
Keilani L.
6 months on Hipcamp
Beautiful serene spot in the woods. Loved waking up to the sounds of nature. Woodpeckers especially. Owls at night. We very much enjoyed the gas fire pit. Burns cleaner and added warmth to a cozy night. Clean site and facilities.
Michael F.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
Our stay was amazing! Matt was very accommodating and quickly responded to any of our questions. It was very fitting for a group of 4 and wasn't too far from Santa Cruz too.
A
An T.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Awesome spot. Recommended for a quick getaway and very friendly and communicative host!
F
Florian E.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Private Camping and Naturel
Tent · With kids ·
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
The campsite was even more beautiful than it looked in the photos. The only downside was that the toilet wasn’t a flush one, but other than that, it was a perfect and very private camping spot. The host was incredibly kind and helpful. Our drone got stuck in a tree, and Matt went above and beyond to help us
he was supportive in every way.
It was truly an amazing experience. My family and I drove all the way from Los Angeles to Aptos just for this campsite, and we would absolutely do the 6-hour drive again but next time, we’ll stay even longer.
Thank you so much, Matt and the Hipcamp family. We’re truly grateful!
Yasemen J.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
Thank you for creating and sharing your campsite Matt! Thoughfully created campsite with a touch of wimsy. I enjoyed exploring the path that takes you along some redwoods trees and a creek. The campsite itself was nice and level, access to a power outlet, easy use propane fire pit to keep warm, convenient access to non-potable water and stunning views of nature. Everything that you need for a nature reset. I already want to go back, thank you again!
A
Allison G.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Felt so private even though the host was close by if needed. The perfect little forest getaway
M
Melissa H.
3 reviews
Matt was a great host. The site was clean, neat, and private. It had a camping toilet a good ways off on a private path, a propane fire pit, a picnic table, a trash can, water, a small space for a tent or two and well placed lights. There is not really much space for kids to run around though, it's more of a cozy camp ground.
E
Erik G.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Matt’s HipCamp was a great spot. It had the perfect amount of seclusion I had been wanting and also the conveniences I appreciate having while camping (clean bathroom and electricity). My favorite part about the site was the perfect spot to hang my hammock and take in all the trees!
M
Madison M.
3 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· September 2025
Not your typical camp spot.
Tent · With kids ·
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
Pretty cool spot, it was a little smaller than it looked on pictures.
C
Cj W.
8 months on Hipcamp
We loved how private and serene this location was! We felt like we had the whole forest to ourselves. We loved being surrounded by trees and vines. I loved identifying the many bird sounds and we saw several of them as well. The table, firepit, and even the toilet set up were all great. We loved how the solar lights lit the way to the toilet and had a light inside so you didn't need to pull out a flashlight. Matt was extremely communicative and helpful--a great host! As an FYI, the driveway down to where you unload your stuff was scary steep, so just make sure your car can handle that. We would definitely recommend people stay here!
H
Heather S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Matt was a great host with a beautiful space! Just as described, we will definitely be back!
B
Brandy D.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
Beautiful spot in the forest! I love the trees and the woodpeckers!
K
Kim A.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Loved the private campsite at Matt's. Reserved parking, a quick walk to the site, bulb lights strung along the forest path, and a quaint space overlooking the trees. Matt was communicative, helpful, and kind, and quickly responded to add-on requests. Definitely worth the stay!
K
Kiera A.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Beautiful campsite with nighttime stunning lights and propane fire pit. Mornings very peaceful with lots of trees.
C
Curtis L.
10 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Such a perfect campsite! Loved the lights, the set up, and amenities. Matt was also a great communicator.
B
Bianca L.
1 year on Hipcamp
I loved how the place was equipped with a water dispenser and a compostable toilet not really far away from the bench, when we arrived we had a reserved parking spot behind a gate so we didn’t really worried about our car being broken into, the walk from the car to the camp site was not far at all, making it very easy to transport our stuff. Matt was very communicative and clear. Overall our experience has been great and we would love to come back again!
Hanh D.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
This was a beautiful spot and a very accessible area. Some bugs, but it is the forest to be expected. Clean toilet, running in water place for a tent, welcoming host what’s not more to ask? There is a fire pit but it’s gas powered. The fire from it was a little underwhelming but fire safety is a thing. Still a little chilly. Overall great spot!
J
Jeffrey H.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
Very responsive and helpful in getting there. Met us when we arrived, very charming site. Felt very woodsy and magical. Our daughters loved the lights. Fireplace was worth it
E
Elle C.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Lovely stay in the trees
Tent · With kids ·
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
Helpful driving instructions from host, modest walk from lower parking area to site, and lovely redwood trees to camp under. We squeezed one big tent and one small tent into the space and enjoyed a tranquil couple of nights in the lovely redwood fog. Not too far of a drive back down to highway and conveniences. Would stay again!
Kathleen K.
11 years on Hipcamp
Location
Aptos, Santa Cruz, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Matt B.
Joined in August 2022Response rate: 100%
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