- Day Valley
1 / 25
Santa Cruz Mountains with ocean đ
Hosted by Casey ¡ Day Valley, California
6 guests max
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
Vehicle suitability
Vehicles under 12 meters allowed
Allowed rigs: caravans, fifth wheels, caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes, campervans, motorhomes, campervans, cars, truck campers, and rooftop tents
Pull-in site
Accommodates slideouts
Surface type: loose-gravel
Surface levelness: flat
Generators allowed
No electrical connection
No water connection
No sewage connection
No TV connection
What to expect
RV/tent site
6 guests max
Campfires allowed
Pets allowed
No toilet; campers must bring camp toilets
No potable water
No showers
Pack it out
Cooking equipment absent
Picnic table absent
No wifi
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent
No playground
Things to know
Getting there
Check in: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Early or late check-in may be availableCheck out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Meet with Host
Cancellation policy:
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 12 months out
Park at listing
Wheelchair accessible
Max 3 vehicles
2WD accessible
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
Select a site
Vehicle/tent sites
1 site
Panoramic Site
94%
(36)Campfires allowed
Pets allowed
Reviews
94% Recommend36 Ratings ¡ 21 reviews
Nestled atop the Santa Cruz mountains, this campsite promises stunning views and a sense of solitude. While the site is praised for its seclusion and breathtaking vistas, the drive up can be quite an adventure, especially on the rugged dirt roads. Most visitors appreciate the privacy and serene atmosphere, but a few mention the lack of shade and occasional mosquitoes. Despite the challenges of the journey, many find the peaceful setting and panoramic views well worth the trip.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Recommends
¡ October 2026
Tent ¡ With kids
Amazing place! Super quiet and private. Great views of the ocean and Monterey bay!
Recommends
¡ September 2026
Private campsite with great views!
Tent
Had a great time tent camping! Very secluded site with great views, plus the host is very communicative.
Recommends
¡ September 2026
Tent
Really beautiful spot, very communicative host and the area was private and quiet. Pretty night views!
Recommends
¡ September 2026
5 m car
Great location, best to drive up from the south. Very peaceful and scenic :)
Recommends
¡ September 2026
Epic views Amazing campsite
8 m Class C ¡ With kids
What a beautiful campsite at the top of the Santa Cruz mountains we woke up to a gorgeous view with the Sunrise
Thank you, Casey for everything
Recommends
¡ August 2026
Good
Tent ¡ Group trip
Good space, good privacy, good view; the only downside, I'd say, is that there are a lot of mosquitoes, though they disappear at nightfall. I liked the place.
Mixed feelings
¡ August 2026
Tent ¡ With pets
The road to the site is ragged but achievable and the site itself is level, well cleared, and has amazing views of Watsonville and South San Jose. While the views are majestic, being on top of a mountain means you'll be exposed to the sun during the day with very few chances for shade unless you bring your own. There are no accessible trails on the property but you're 10 minutes away from some beautiful hikes.
Recommends
¡ August 2026
Camping :)
Tent ¡ Group trip
The spot is beautiful and there was a table and two chairs there when we arrived. The drive up is a bit rough with a lot of rocks and loose gravel along with no natural shade at the campsite. The site is on a sharp right turn that can be easy to miss before you head to the address of the location, so look out for that. The view is beautiful and the area is peaceful so definitely would recommend.
Recommends
¡ July 2026
4 m travel trailer
Another epic one-nighter on the mountain top over looking the ocean. Ty
Recommends
¡ July 2026
Spectacular views! Very peaceful.
5 m Class B
The views are amazing! There is also only one site here so you know you are the only people there. If youâre looking for solitude & quiet, this is it. The drive there is half the adventure. There is excellent mountain biking and hiking on the way.
Recommends
¡ July 2026
3 m travel trailer
The drive up is not that bad at all. Take your time and any normal vehicle should be able to make it through. If youâre coming on a hot day, make sure you have some type of shade packed in your gear as the clearing has no natural shade and can get pretty hot. Great open spot, private, and a beautiful view.
Not recommend
¡ June 2026
Absolute disaster
7 m Class A
We were in a c25 rented Camper an from Cruise America. Followed the coordinates supplied by host. The Ride via Watsonville was bumpy already. ( We ready in other reviews, that the ride would be bumpy, but then came the twist/sidetrail off the paved road.) It begann with a closed gate, we didn't know if we were allowed to open. No signs from the host whatsoever. Luckily two local gentlemen passed by , who figured, that there might be campsites on the mountain top. So we took the risk, since the host didn't respond to our phonecall. It followed a VERY narrow bumpy paved road, getting steeper and twistier . Then this paved path ended in a dust/dirt Trail, even twistier and steeper. Still No signs at all, If we were on the right way. After more than 30 minutes risking vehicle and life, we arrived at the mountain top at a sandy campsite surrounded by trees. If you found a space between the trees you had a reasonable overlook. Firewood could be gathered from the woods, none was supplied. There were two dirty plastic chairs and one old camping table plus a ring of stones for a campfire. That was ist, after 1 hours drive from civilisation.
My opinion: Only for folks who have a 4x4, absolutely want to be by themselves (hate other people of any kind) and don't mind encounters with wildlife of any kind (mountain lions, rattlesnakes and the like. No bear country I guess ) So 75 dollars for no treat whatsoever is an absolute scam in my opinion. No service at all
Recommends
¡ June 2026
Tent
Quiet cool spot! Love the breeze, makes you feel you're on top of the world!
Recommends
¡ June 2026
4 m travel trailer
Killer views as advertised! Know that this spot is as remote as it gets in the Santa Cruz mountains. If youâre pulling a trailer, have good brakes on your truck as the dirt road is steep in parts. Worth the visit if you got the rig for it.
Recommends
¡ April 2026
The view!
"The view here is unbeatable. Pro-tip: The last few miles of the drive are quite rugged, so take it slow. Though youâll pass some neighbors on the way, the campsite itself is very private. Itâs equipped with a fire pit and surprisingly good cell reception. Make sure to double check your supplies before leaving town, it's a long way back to the store.
Recommends
¡ April 2026
Tent
The site is at the top of the mountain, which was amazing for the view, even on a cloudy day. The site has multiple spots to pitch your tent which is great and they include different windblock options. You're going to literally feel on top of the world.
The drive from the south using highway 152 is gorgeous. The unpaved road was an adventure, take care if there was recent rain but my 2WD mini-suv was fine with light slipping. That said, it's super easy to get to and I want to go again!
Recommends
¡ February 2026
Tent
Good communication with host, bumpy road, great view! Worth it
Recommends
¡ January 2026
7 m pop-up camper ¡ With pets
Awesome spot, incredible views! Loved it. Would definitely stay again.
Recommends
¡ November 2025
Tent
Beautiful view at sunrise. Whether you come up from the Los Gatos or the Morgan Hill/Gilroy side, it will go off road but you just have to take it slow and the average car would do just fine. Great spot tho, perfect space for tent camping.
Recommends
¡ October 2025
5 m campervan
Beautiful spot. Definitely off grid - the last 3ish miles of the road are pretty gnarly but we saw Priuses at the top and we were just fine in our 2wd camper.
Recommends
¡ August 2025
Panorama
6 m Class B
Super easy to find, the road was not terrible coming in from 17. Little chalkboard sign on the left âPanoramic Viewâ. Absolutely great spot! Great view of Monterey Bay and the town below. Walk across the site and youâre looking at the South end of San Jose. Beware of thorns and mind the dust.
Location
Day Valley, Santa Clara County, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Casey C.
Joined in July 2025Things to do nearby
Similar campgrounds nearby
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