The best camping near Pacheco State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Pacheco State Park adventure.

Discover Pacheco State Park's wildflowers and historic trails.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Pacheco State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Pacheco State Park

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The Ranch at Cross Road

11 sites · RVs, Tents84 acres · Livermore, CA

Welcome to the ranch at cross road! We are a family owned organic farm in the heart of Livermore wine country. We have 10 camp sites spread across the property for you to choose from. The property is minutes from Lake Del Valle and some of the best wineries and breweries California has to offer. Settle in and enjoy amazing sunsets every night with us! We accommodate tents,Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars. Our guests love us too! "I had a wonderful stay at Matt’s ranch! It was easy to find even as it was starting to get dark, and the campsites were well lit and easy to find. The ranch is beautiful. It was such a treat to stay here. I would definitely stay again."

94%

(26)

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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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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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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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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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.

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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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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Redwood Retreat: Camping & Cooking

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Watsonville, CA

Located on 16 acres, Redwood Retreat is nestled among majestic redwood trees. We have a cottage, a tent cabin with queen air mattress, and two camping sites for up to 4. Sites 1 & 2 combine nicely for a group of up to 8 and site 3 can accommodate a group of up to 6. Enjoy the owls, doves, hummingbirds, and salamanders. Corralitos is ideal for biking, hiking (unfortunately, the terrain on our property is NOT hikeable), wine tasting, and the beach is 30 minutes away. We are equi-distant between Monterey and Santa Cruz (also approximately 30 minutes but depends on traffic) for all of your more "touristy" desires. Under 2 hours to San Francisco. We will send a very comprehensive list of recommendations for things to do, places to go, and things to see & do in the Santa Cruz/Monterey area when you book, as well as specific directions to get here. PLUS, Chef Mima has a host of things to offer in terms of culinary temptations like a whole line of SENSATIONAL SKILLETS. Menus are sent when you book. Why not line up a COOKING CLASS ($85. per person plus ingredients) for a 3 hour class and DINING ON THE DECK with your new culinary creation? Scroll to bottom of photo gallery for latest photos. Ask for the current list of classes. Mima spent 6 years at reknowned Chez Panisse restaurant before starting a career as a caterer in the food industry. SEE EXTRAS! Imagine a peaceful, serene neck of the woods with NO WIFI. Feel the restorative power of nature building resilience and buffering tomorrow’s stress. Welcome to Redwood Retreat. in the mountains above the sweet town of Corralitos, approximately a half hour to either Santa Cruz or Monterey and 20 minutes to nearest beach. If you are the type of camper that likes to play music or be loud, this is not the camp for you. This is a refuge from that. When multiple sites are reserved, this spot is perfect for family vacations, company retreats, small celebrations etc. It is strongly recommended that you book all three sites if you wish to entertain. No amplified noise. A noise curfew is in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. for anything but talking. Sound carries and we must respect neighbors and other campers.THX!

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Song of the Ancients

15 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Paicines, CA

Come and enjoy the beginning of Spring! The world is green and flowers are starting to blanket the hillsides. The days are bright and sunny and comfortably warm. The nights are cool and crisp and filled with the song of coyote and their frog chorus'. Bring your family and friends outside and laze around in the hammock or put your feet up on the side of the campfire, throw your head back and loose yourself in the galaxies above. You can pitch any where from 1 to 15 or more tents at each campsite. Our campsites are RV friendly but remember we are off grid so we do not have blackwater facilities or electricity for RVs. We do have garden hoses to fill up the RV water tanks. We are the same latitude of Carmel (but a world away), Between Hollister and the Monterey - Salinas metro area and Los Banos and the San Joaquin Valley, close to the vast San Francisco Bay Area; which includes Berkeley, Oakland, Walnut Creek and all the East, North, and South Bay to Pinnacles National Monument and the town of Paicines. You can spend the day in San Juan Bautista at the Mission and Shops or breakfast or lunch at Flapjacks in Tres Pinos, Monterey at the Aquarium, walk on the beach at Moss Landing, hike at Pinnacles, Fremont Peak, Griswold Mountains, or Panoche Hills. Then back home to sit in a quiet world under the stars. You can also...do nothing. Read a book doze in the shade drift off in a hammock or walk and discover the land and discover your place in this world. Pitch your tent or park your camper amid the ancient Blue Oaks of California. Warm yourself by your campfire as you drink in the dark skies. Shake the dust off your work worn spirit. Let the celebration begin. Dance to the music in your heart sing along with the songs of the ancients. Regenerate. A place to breathe and to hear yourself breathe. A sacred place in the shade of the blue oaks. It's time to take time. Time to play and enjoy with friends and family. A place to bask in opulent starlight and absorb the sounds of darkness. A quiet place to clear your soul and revive your spirit. As the air softens and relaxes listen closely to the ancients singing in the oaks. Lend your voice to the Song of the Ancients and let Coyote sing you to sleep. What we provide is: outdoor hot shower, flush toilet, water from a faucet, and at your campsite a fire pit and grill to cook on, picnic table with benches, and the blue oak savanna. Firewood for $15/bundle, fire starters -first two free in the winter then $0.50/each. Our firewood is sustainably harvested from downed trees and branches. We sell it for a neighbor. No healthy live trees are harmed in order to produce firewood. No native trees are felled in order to plant fast growing hardwood for fire or anything else!

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Cole Ranch

10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Waterford, CA

"I firmly believe that Nature brings solace in all troubles." -Anne Frank- Serene, quiet acreage on the Tuolumne River, with views of the snow capped Sierra Nevadas on a clear day. Scores of wildlife sightings, including river otters, eagles, wild turkeys, beavers, and many more. Perfect for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing. Like to fish? Fishing at Cole Ranch is a Love/Hate thing. If you Love to Fish, you will Hate to leave. Gateway to Yosemite National Park, the Mother Lode region, hiking trails, and spelunking opportunities. All sites have access to our community outdoor kitchen, which has a refrigerator, coffee bar, sink, BBQ's, and stoves. Also available is our bathrooms, quite possibly the cleanest campground bathrooms in the 13 western states, which include flushable toilets, two sinks, and warm showers. Book your visit now. (Group bookings must be approved by host. Group bookings that have not been pre-approved may be cancelled.) (Cole Ranch is a working ranch. Occasional noise from common ranching activities may be heard.) Check back here periodically for advisories on river conditions. ###EXCITING NEWS### We are working hard to open at least THREE new campsites. These new sites will be more secluded and private than current sites, each with its own path to the river. Contact Barry, coleranch23@icloud.com, for more information. **ADVISORY** River is currently running about 3' above normal. Except for Fisherman's Hideout, all sites remain open. Fisherman's Hideout is currently under water, but should be open some time in March. Will update as changes occur.

Booked 1 time

10000 Ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Gilroy, CA

Quiet 5-acre grassland awaits you, complete with a pond, a garden, a paved platform with chairs and a table, and a fire pit. The property is secure with a gated lock. The pond attracts frequent visits from wild geese, ducks, and cranes, while a flock of peacocks and turkeys are also regular visitors. Keep an eye out for eagles and turkey vultures soaring overhead, and marvel at the graceful deer effortlessly leaping over the property fence. Local attractions abound, including wineries, Gilroy Gardens, and the Gilroy Premium Outlet. Located on the famous Gilroy Wine Trail boasting over 30 family-owned wineries, 10000 Ranch offers easy access to Stefania Wine (stefaniawine.com), just a short walk away, and Kirigin Cellars (kirigincellars.com) a short distance away. Enjoy live outdoor music and a friendly atmosphere at Cottage Creek Vineyards (cottagecreekvineyard.com). Gilroy Gardens (gilroygardens.org) is less than 7 miles away, promising an unforgettable day for the whole family followed by a relaxing camping night—a memory to cherish. Only 5 miles away, Gilroy Premium Outlet beckons with its vast selection of famous goods at deeply discounted prices. With so much to explore, why not extend your shopping spree into the next morning?

The best camping near Pacheco State Park guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure through Pacheco State Park, where the legacy of California's ranching history meets the beauty of nature. Roam across 28 miles of trails perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Immerse yourself in the vibrant displays of spring wildflowers and keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including tule elk and golden eagles. While primitive camping is reserved for special events, the park's day-use activities promise a memorable outdoor experience.

When to go

The ideal times to visit Pacheco State Park are during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the hills come alive with wildflowers. Summer offers warm explorations, but ensure you're prepared for higher temperatures. Winters are cooler, offering a different serene beauty, but remember to dress warmly.

Know before you go

Day use hours are from 8am to sunset, allowing for full days of exploration.
There is a $10 day use fee per vehicle, so plan your budget accordingly.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during the hot summer months.
Note that dogs are not allowed on the trails, ensuring the protection of local wildlife.
Accessibility features are available; check the park's website or contact them directly for more information.