Camping in Watsonville, CA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2023

Short hike down to the creek on the property, our pup loved it here!

89%

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The Enchanted Forest Retreat

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents45 acres · CAWelcome 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 and plugs for charging phones, laundry shed with sink and hot water, one BBQ grill by the fence up above the creek, and an outdoor amphitheater. We have meditation teaching at the amphitheater and campers are welcomed to attend for free.25 minutes to Silicon Valley - 25 minutes to Santa Cruz Boardwalk we're centrally located in the south bay. Dogs and kids are welcome - dogs must be picked up after and kept on a leash if other campers are present.Please note: This is camping - there may be bugs, critters, dirt, unpredictable weather (pack for the cold, just in case - we get surprise fog often!), early sunrise, no cell data, etc etc. It's not the Hilton - but it is gorgeous. ;)Shopping such as Safeway, Costco and the big box stores are 20 minutes away in Soquel; however, we have a charming little market (Summit Center) 3.5 miles away that has a great selection of groceries, drinks and hot foods, etc.Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we'll help however we can!

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$70

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91%

(87)

SMR Carmel Camping

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents89 acres · Carmel By The Sea, CAWelcome 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 peaceful getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life. 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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$36

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94%

(151)

Santa Cruz's Rudy Ranch

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Boulder Creek, CAIf you're looking for an ADULTS ONLY, beautiful and quiet place to camp, rest, kick back and hear the birds and wind in the trees, you've found it! While we do enjoy the energy of young children, we live in a very quiet neighborhood and have made the decision to exclusively host mature guests looking for a restful retreat. We have also decided that we will not make exceptions to this decision and invite those looking for a family experience to continue their search on the Hipcamp platform. There are many family friendly hosts excited to accept children of all ages! We ask those interested in enjoying our property with us to read through all of the information we provide prior to requesting to book. Happy HipCamping!

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$80

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Booked 2 times

Red Tail Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · CAWelcome to Red Tail Ranch (newly listed on Hipcamp), a stunning 90 acre property in the Sierra Nevada foothills, just 25 minutes from the Yosemite entrance gate. Among the oak woodlands, meadows and coniferous forest, there are numerous trails to explore the property and direct riding access to a developed mountain biking area nearby. Great birding, botanizing and wildlife watching opportunities abound. Use Red Tail Ranch as an ideal launching off point for Yosemite or stay on the property and enjoy all that it has to offer. We are 10 minutes from the small town of Groveland with a market and restaurants and just down the road from the put in for rafting on the Tuolumne river. Our pricing is a little higher than other places nearby and this is due to the property's great locations, incredible beauty, and all of the amenities added for a great experience.

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$60

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88%

(190)

Yosemite's Ferretti Farm

13 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Groveland, CANestled at the end of a back street in downtown Groveland is this little gem of a property. We are loving a mistreated 1.3 acre parcel back to health and enjoying meeting some wonderful people in the process. Check out our different listings to see what fits your needs best. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU TAKE THE TIME TO READ THE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROPERTY BEFORE REQUESTING TO BOOK. *There is a sneaky question we ask you to give us the answer to when you request to book.* We are a Hipcamp that caters to SELF-SUFFICIENT campers who have experience and realize that this is a step above what camping REALLY means. If you need a camp host available at all times, this is not the Hipcamp for you, as our host lives on-site and keeps an eye on things, but is not always there. We are a peaceful place in historic downtown Groveland to enjoy in your own tent, or in your RV under the same pines and oaks that fill Yosemite National Park. We are an ever-evolving, 4 year venture on a property that has been mistreated for years and we are loving it back to health on a very limited budget. We are a place that has a super cool, vintage, outdoor kitchen with cold water, and a small propane bbq. **BRING YOUR OWN PROPANE CYLINDERS, COOK/SERVING/DRINKWARE*** We are a 3-5 minute walk from the public transit system into Yosemite. Check out YARTS dot com online for schedules. WHAT WE ARE: We are a Hipcamp that caters to SELF-SUFFICIENT campers who have some experience and realize that this is a step above what camping REALLY means. ;) If you need a camp host available at all times, this is not the Hipcamp for you, as our host lives on-site and keeps an eye on things, but is not always there. We are a peaceful place in historic downtown Groveland to enjoy an experience in your own tent or RV under the same pines and oaks that fill Yosemite National Park that is a short walk from dining/drinking establishments and shopping. We are a place that has a super cool, vintage, outdoor kitchen with cold water, and a small propane bbq available. Campers must supply their own propane cylinders and bbq tools. We are a 3-5 minute walk from the public transit system into Yosemite. Check out YARTS dot com online for schedules. YARTS Service Update for Spring 2022 Beginning May 16, 2022, service will resume from Sonora, Jamestown, and Groveland in Tuolumne County (Hwy 120 West) assuming that Tioga Road is open. Service will continue into September and October. For more information, please visit yarts dot com on the web. *Please note* Passengers are required to sign a liability and personal injury forms that acknowledges risks of infection during the present pandemic, whether or not a mask is worn. These waivers are required regardless, and are intended to document that passengers are aware of the risk to personal health before riding YARTS buses. We are nestled in the residential area above downtown Groveland and can hear live music when businesses offer it, as well as occasional events that our neighbors host. We are a 4 year old venture on a property that has been mistreated for years and we are loving it back to health on a very limited budget. Main Street Groveland is just a quick walk down the back streets of the Gold Rush Town. Enjoy dinner and drinks at The Iron Door Saloon, self-proclaimed as the oldest continuously operating saloon this side of the Mississippi. Enjoy the high-end Bourbon Bar and small bites at the Groveland Hotel's Provisions, espresso drinks, smoothies, and treats at Mountain Sage, or authentic Mexican food at Cocina Michiocana. We also encourage guests to take a little drive down Highway 120 to have a cold, craft beer at Around the Horn Brewery and look for our barstool! WE ARE AN AWESOME PLACE TO BE!!!WE ARE AN AWESOME PLACE TO BE!!! WHAT WE ARE NOT: We are not a high-end, generously funded campground with brand new furniture, a pristine campfire ring, manicured sites, and marble showers. (Although, we are people who love to visit those places!) Please let me know you've read this far by telling me how many cigarette smokers are in your group when you send your booking request. We are not associated with Yosemite National Park and, therefore do not have up to the minute details about what they require or have going on. You can find this information on the National Parks website; nps dot gov. We are not available at all times to answer questions about each site's specifics but have taken a great deal of time putting all of the information into the platform. We ask our campers to read through the details on each of our sites to find what will best suit your needs. Happy Hipcamping!!! Roni Lynn

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$50

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97%

(270)

Hartley Farms Organic Orchard

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents37 acres · San Miguel, CABarbara & Dan bought these 37 acres in 2005. It had no improvements. The only thing it had going for it was a 200-year-old oak tree, and its location in the heart of wine country. We would come up and camp under the tree, and plant. In 2007, we drilled a well. In 2008, Dan proposed under the tree, and we brought in power. We have continued to make improvements since. We built a little house, then we built a big house, we added farm animals, kids, fruit trees, a jam line, a pond, and more keep coming! So come up and enjoy the farm like we did in the good old days! See you at the Farm!Pitch your tent or park your RV on our 37-acre farm. The campground connects to a hiking trail that takes you to a 2-acre landscaped garden, or to our friendly goats & chickens. You are a short drive to local wineries, or downtown nightlife. No power, or showers here, but the outhouse is one of those fancy solar powered deals with running water and a flushing toilet. Add some farm fresh eggs from our chickens, or a jar of our organic jam, and cook up your breakfast, or head in to town for a fresh baked cinnamon roll.

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$45

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94%

(16)

Yosemite Westlake Camp

35 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Coulterville, CALocated on the John Muir Historic route to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park is convenient to all things Yosemite. Between here and the park is Rainbow Pool, a well-known swimming hole that campers here often visit on their way back to the campground for a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Coulterville was started as a gold-rush town. You can visit the museum and visitor center even try your hand at panning for gold.

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$48

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95%

(50)

Whaleback Ranch Camp and Tub

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents34 acres · CA*See @whalebackranch on IG for updated photos and videos. Welcome to our land, "the Ranch" as I've known it growing up, which has been in my family for 4 generations now. We've recently made many fun improvements for our own use, including the camp, bathtubs, shower, and trails - and we're excited to offer them. We do this for fun and a little extra income as a teacher (Dan) and army vet, artist (Mariah). Mariah is also the gardener; I have built most of the camp out of recycled redwood. The treehouse is a peaceful and safe relaxation haven; feel free to sleep up there, but at your own risk:) In the MAIN CAMP, there are plenty of tables and chairs to help you decide which view is most beautiful, behind newly installed privacy shades between our house (for two of the campsites that share the hilltop with our house). In that camp is the main outdoor shower and bathtub which you fill with our mineral-rich well water (yep, iron-rich water which gets filtered out once before all taps). There is a full kitchen with sink, cutting boards and utensils, and a gas grill, along with an outlet (NOT FOR LARGE APPLIANCES), hot pot and coffee fixins for the morning, and access to a mini-fridge and microwave in the shed if needed. You're welcome to explore any parts of the property north of the driveway, depending on other campers being there; we generally hang out on our deck or opposite side of the house south of the driveway and enjoy our own space. *For hiking, you can get to "The Whaleback" by walking down past the Safari Tent and toilet, taking your first left and following the main trails which will cover the edges of our 34 acres, about 30 min. hike to the top of the ridge. *The camp is near our main residence, but separated by a communal shed and privacy shades/fences. You may see/hear cars come and go, but we are a quiet and friendly couple (and Mariah's here only half time, splitting custody of her kids). *There is an outdoor compost toilet. You cover your biz with leaves and it starts breaking down, eliminates odor, and will be regenerated into new soil (eventually) to grow flowers. Generally please pee in a bush, or use the commode and dump it in the bushes if you prefer. We generally provide TP, but please bring a roll of toilet paper to be sure it is available and dry. *We have two old dogs! Both are super friendly, but the husky ("Beautiful") will bark at first. She's an alpha for our hilltop but makes friends quickly; feel free to meet her and show you're friendly, then ignore her and/or give her a treat if available in the camp. If you bring pets, please just introduce them slowly at first, and then they should get along famously. Owen, the golden retriever, is just a big lover - and they're both beggars, so if you give either of them food they might never leave you alone :) Throwing a toy or stick should work, or if available, give them treats from the camp to leave you alone. We let them out in the morning and evening but try to keep them out of your hair most of the time. *There are five options to rent: The (private lower) Wedding Spot Safari Tent 6x10 ft. ($95/night with sep. shower/toilet/camp), the larger hilltop Safari Tent 10x12 ft. ($105/night), the Hilltop Campsite ($65/night), the Shelf Campsite ($55/night), and the RV-only spot ($40/night with no amenities). As much as I am able, I try to limit renting both the hilltop Safari Tent and Hilltop Campsite, but you may share the kitchen facilities with the Shelf campers, who have their own space. The (private lower) Wedding Spot Safari Tent has all its own amenities and RV-only spot has no amenities. *This is a beautiful, serene, and peaceful spot! We invite you to come contribute to that energy.

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$40

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97%

(382)

Estero San Antonio Wonderland

11 sites · Lodging, TentsCACamp with sweeping views of beautiful pastureland in West Marin. Enjoy privacy, birds singing, cows, chickens, food from the farm, and hiking our gorgeous land that is on the Estero San Antonio. The campsites are spaced far apart from one another to ensure some privacy. It is very quiet out here at night. If there are other campers you might hear them in the distance. All campsite are located overlooking the Estero and close to the grass road to enter and exit the property.You will have access to some of our pastures for picnics and leisurely walks. When you check in we will give you directions to a few special places around the surrounding area and see if you would like some grassland finished beef, lamb, pork, eggs, or vegetables all grown or made on our ranch. We offer other care packages, ask us when you arrive (include, home made focaccia, sourdough bread, local cheeses, etc...) A liability waiver will be needed to be signed. This is primitive camping, There is water but it is not potable. so bring your own drinking water.It can get very windy out here in Spring and Summer. Come prepared. We have situated the campsites to be on the leeward side and as protected as possible. We try to leave the land better off than we found it and hope that you will share the same respect for the pristine beauty of this place. We are 10 minutes away from the quaint town of Tomale and 15 minutes from the town of Valley Ford. Dillon Beach is only 3.5 miles away. Bring your own kayak or canoe and paddle to the ocean down the Estero San Antonio!You can learn more about our land and practices check out True Grass Farms online.

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$65

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100%

(455)

Cosumnes River Ranch

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4000 acres · Plymouth, CAWe are a family owned/operated ranch, located along the Cosumnes River, one of the last un-dammed rivers in California. As one of the last rivers flowing from the west slope of the Sierra without a major dam, the Cosumnes is a vital example of a healthy watershed. Our goal is to offer a unique outdoor experience for anyone looking for a place to spend time in the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a single campsite, or a place for a larger gathering, we're excited to have you visit! Take your pick of activities available on site: swimming , gold panning, fishing, camp fires, wildlife watching, floating, hiking, and mountain biking to name a few. There are 3 miles of river to explore. Private and noise free. Porta potties on site.

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$85

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96%

(290)

Yosemite Garden Camp

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Groveland, CAI found Yosemite Garden Camp when I was working as a backpacking guide in Yosemite and wanted a local base of operations. In the 8 years since I bought it, the place has gradually grown to include a large vegetable garden and a small vineyard. I have put into place basic comforts like power and indoor plumbing, but for the most part have left it undeveloped. Amazing western sunset views, huge, starry night skies, and access to the funky Gold Rush-era town of Groveland make it perfect for a weekend of camping with friends. It's proximity to Yosemite makes it a great base for exploring the National Park. Yosemite Garden Camp is on 10 acres of grassy meadows, pine and oak trees, and manzanita chaparral in the lower Sierra Nevada mountains, near the town of Groveland, outside Yosemite National Park.The property includes a large vegetable garden and a small vineyard, and borders Federal Bureau of Land Management land. Most of the property has sweeping views across the Central Valley to the Coast Ranges to the west. Sunsets are breathtaking. Yosemite National Park, with endless hiking, backpacking, climbing and swimming, is about 1 hour away by car. Even closer are the Stanislaus National Forest and the Tuolumne River. The town of Groveland has some great bars, cafes and restaurants, and a good grocery store.There is a bathroom shack in the middle of the property with a flush toilet, a sink, and a solar shower. The water is clean and drinkable. There is also a communal fire pit and a communal picnic table.Note that Yosemite Garden Camp is on a very rough dirt road, which gets worse every year and looks like a dry river bed in places, with exposed rock and deep ruts. A higher clearance vehicle is necessary and 4-wheel drive is ideal. Sedans often bottom out on this road and are not recommended. Please drive no faster than 5 mph when going past neighbors' homes.

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$50

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94%

(34)

Cosumnes River Somerset Camp

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents23 acres · CAThis land was home to the Miwok, then European and Chinese miners, then a cattle rancher. It was also home to a former nun who quit the dominican order to purchase this land for inner city kids to have a chance to ride, swim, hike and fish. There is NOTHING like being in the wilderness of this area for a good re-centering of the soul! We feel certain you will not be disappointed with this beautiful river canyon. We back up to several hundred acres of public land along the middle fork. We have one sleeping cabin and two tent site developed at this time (can be rented separately). The cabin offers a rustic/minimalist type vibe - bring your own bedding/pillows to sleep on the comfy futon. A table is provided outside and most people bring their camping chairs. The swimming is awesome and tons of hiking. Many family owned wineries in the area, most of them offering free tasting. Short drive to Tahoe and the Marshall gold discovery site as well as the historic hangtown Placerville. The recent Caldor Fire was VERY close to our property and a back burn was initiated nearby the cabin. It is still as beautiful as ever but please know there are lots of slash piles, ash and soot nearby. Falling trees and burning stump holes are also a risk and it is presumed campers will be cautious when in the forrest. We offer 2 cabins, and have 5 camp sites at this time.

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$38

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