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Arroyo Seco Campground

95%

38 sites · RV, Tent

How do you see your summer playing out? Snorkeling in a rock cove, tubing down a gorge, rock climbing gorge sides? Good news, all this and more can be done when you stay at Arroyo Seco Campground. Options are a-plenty with modern and primitive sites available. Keep in mind amenities vary per site type. Nestled under the oak trees, this camp gives an A+ atmosphere for the after adventure snooze. When you awake soak in the mountain air and its good tidings--John Muir said so!

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

Showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewer hookups

No electric hookups

Explore 494 campgrounds near Los Padres National Forest

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Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Los Padres National Forest

Saddle Mountain Carmel

92%

(665)

28mi from Arroyo Seco Campground · 52 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Welcome to Saddle Mountain, 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, all our sites are pet friendly, but there are additional fees and size limitations depending on the type of site. Please add to the reservation or message us. On site seasonally heated pool (Memorial Day weekend in May through October). 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, ping pong 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!

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Toyo Farm

94%

(8)

26mi from Arroyo Seco Campground · 80 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Welcome to Toyo Farm! Escape to the peaceful beauty of California’s Salinas Valley at Toyo Farm, a unique working farm offering RV camping, tent camping, camper van sites, and event spaces. Surrounded by rolling hills, historic greenhouses, rustic barns, and wide-open skies, it’s the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature while staying just minutes from Salinas, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Moss Landing, and other Central Coast attractions. Our spacious property accommodates RVs, trailers, camper vans, and tents, with select sites offering water, sewer, and electrical hookups. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, quiet evenings, fresh country air, and plenty of room to unwind. Please remember that Toyo Farm is a working farm, not a commercial campground or resort. We’re a small family operation, and you may not always see staff on-site. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Important Information * Use the address in your reservation: 26000 Encinal Rd., Salinas, CA 93908. * Do not search “Toyo Farm” in Google Maps—we have two farm locations, and only this location hosts campers. * Our entrance gate may be closed. If so, please open it, drive through, and close it behind you. * Quiet hours: 10:00 PM–7:00 AM. * Pets are welcome but must be under control. Please clean up after them, keep them off furniture, and do not allow them inside barns or event spaces. * Quiet, well-maintained generators are welcome during reasonable hours. * No fireworks. * Pack out all trash and leave your site clean. * Please respect other guests, farm operations, wildlife, and private areas. Washer & Dryer Available for additional Fee We look forward to welcoming you to Toyo Farm and hope you enjoy a peaceful stay in the heart of the Salinas Valley. Safe travels!

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

dabudage Big Sur

95%

(797)

18mi from Arroyo Seco Campground · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging

⭐DABUDAGE in southern Big Sur. 🌈🌊***READ THIS ENTIRE WRITTEN DESCRIPTION BEFORE REQUESTING TO BOOK!* And Format Request as Specified *. ⭐ 🌲Disconnect from the virtual world and surround yourself in nature. At the base of a majestic canyon where steep mountains plunge to the ocean, along a flowing creek. Backed by redwood trees and surrounded by national forest is a minimalistic homestead with family, friends and animals. 🌪️*The prices have been raised on hipcamp as Hipcamp now takes a 15% cut from hosts. Guests are also charged an additional 20+%. 🌖 for more information on discounts / avoid fees, you can visit our site direct on the web at dabudage 💸 *We currently only accept reservations for dates within the next 3 weeks*. You must Arrive Before Dark to find your site. There is no wi-fi, cell service or electricity. There are two small communal guest kitchens, fresh water, a shower/bath and composting barrel poopers. 🪨A massive flood in Jan 2021 brought 100's of gigantic full sized redwood trees and boulders smashing down thru most of the land and previous structures. It is and will be in the process of rebuilding for many years to come. Great for families with children. Dogs are welcome off-leash. Alcohol is discouraged. No electronic music devices. Fires in designated pits only. Pack out trash. TO RESERVE A SITE - Please include a bit about yourself/party and where you’re coming from. ⚡️*YOU MUST ALSO INCLUDE - “ My party and I have read the description” - IN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED⚡️ Requests are usually checked once daily.🏄‍♂️

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

The Ranch Retreat

37mi from Arroyo Seco Campground · 2 sites

Enjoy your visit to our historic California cattle ranch while staying in one of our romantic cabins for the perfect Ranch Retreat experience. The Gabilan Mountains are calling, inviting you to take in majestic views of oak-studded rolling hills atop Panoche Pass. Just 45 minutes south of Hollister on a less-traveled road, you'll discover some of California's most beautiful, untouched landscapes. Bird-watch, paint, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings with your gracious hosts. The Space What to Expect A million stars on clear nights and crisp mornings overlooking the rolling hills through large, picturesque windows. Peaceful surroundings with minimal traffic on the area's only road. Life moves a little slower out here on the ranch, so take your time and savor the simple pleasures of cooking, visiting, and unwinding. These rustic homes were built in the 1930s and retain many original details, including charming chippy paint on the original-pane windows. We are also on a well that is rich in minerals, so expect rust-marked porcelain tubs and a distinct mineral taste in the drinking water. We are a working cattle ranch. When the cows are grazing in the lower pastures, you'll hear and see authentic ranch life in action. There may also be friendly ranch cats hard at work keeping the mouse population in check, along with local wildlife that occasionally meanders through on its way to the nearby watering hole. Guest Access Guests are welcome to enjoy the yards around their cabins and the shared covered outdoor kitchen at any time. Please do not enter any of the white outbuildings or the areas behind them. With permission, guests may access the ranch trails outside of the PG&E camp. A signed liability waiver is required, and guests must text us to check in and out. Other Things to Note We welcome well-behaved, well-socialized, vaccinated pets. Please note that this is a pet-friendly property with other animals on-site, so your pets must be friendly and kept on a leash at all times. Pets may not be left unattended in the house while you are away from the compound area.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Elkhorn Ranch

96%

(363)

42mi from Arroyo Seco Campground · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

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. After your stay here if you would like to continue your exploration of the coast, we have a partner who does surfing tours between Santa Cruz and San Francisco. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566796147238 Thanks and hope to see you soon!

Pets

Toilets

Potable water

Mountain Paradise

91%

(16)

18mi from Arroyo Seco Campground · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

New Location established 2026 January. Located on Cachagua Road in Carmel Valley. Cachagua means “hidden waters” in native and is inspired by the Carmel River and Cachagua Dam nearby. While 8 miles from Carmel valley village and 20 from Carmel by the Sea, our weather is consistently warm and sunny as we are tucked in the hills and in the Valley, surrounded by trees in Los Padres National Forest. Within a mile from the property you will have access to single track trails that connect via foot with Big Sur and the Ventana wilderness area in the Santa Lucia Mountains. On the property itself, you will have access to an electrical outlet and water hookup. 36 feet long by 18 feet wide lot... that means 36 feet long including trailer and towing vehicle. *Gate entry to site is 140 inches wide

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Grey Oaks

99%

(487)

46mi from Arroyo Seco Campground · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Grey Oaks' Rustic Campsites, are a boutique camping experience with real old-timey style. We have 2 RV/tent campsites and currently 2 tent-only sites for hipcamp use. Grey Oaks is located on 20 acres of land, with multiple interesting and cool landscape features, hot water shower, and animals up by the house (1/4 mile from the campsites) that you can interact with during your stay here. ( 2 pasture horses, 1 Donkey, 2 friendly dogs, and 1 awesome cat). At the campsites, we have picnic tables, fire pits, bbqs, chairs, and more. A clean and fresh well water hand/dishwashing station and two outhouses are conveniently located to the campsites. We provide one hot water shower and there are 3 outhouse style toilets on the grounds. There is NO running water at the sites so we suggest you bring your own drinking water. There will be limited water provided for hand/dish washing. We are a pack it in/pack it out campground so please, be mindful of waste as we ask that you take it out with you. We do not have dumpsters/trash service on site so please be mindful of this when packing and booking. Firewood is provided free for you during your stay with us. It really is a beautiful and wonderful property. There is wildlife, and it is private and peaceful. It is very dark at night and the view of the stars, moon, and planets is amazing. There is poison oak on the property so please be aware. We will show you what it looks like, so you can easily avoid it.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

100%

(53)

47mi from Arroyo Seco Campground · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging

Looking for a place to relax, recharge or explore surrounding areas of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties? Vega Vortex is home to the Gaia Health Retreat which possesses vortex energy! Expect a warm greeting upon arrival. Parking is close to our Vega Vortex sign and a short walk to your tent. Filtered potable water, electricity, shower/toilet with "on demand" hot/cold water are available. Instructions for use are available should you need assistance. Experience 3 campsites: Tent Spot (#1) 10'x10', Tent Spot (#2) 8'x8' or an onsite Bell tent complete with carpeted padded flooring, camp lights, shelving, 2 bed frames each with a memory foam mattress plus bedding. All sites have shaded areas, and picnic tables. *A shower and a compost toilet are available for use to all campers. Enjoy a designated smoking/vaping spot, multiple benches, swings, a "grounding" spot, birding, water fountains and art. A no noise policy by the county occurs at 9 pm. Due to a high risk fire zone, no open fires (small camp stoves are ok). Due to the proximity of the tents right next to Vega Rd, sounds from vehicles can be heard. We are situated in a rural neighborhood setting, with sounds of sheep, goats, chickens, wild turkeys, dogs and many birds nestled between both counties. The terrain is hilly with a few gopher holes. Staying on paths limits poison oak exposure. While respecting your privacy, we can be seen improving the property. *For precautionary measures, we ask that you sign our waiver within 12 hours after you book your reservation. "YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STAY IF YOU DO NOT SIGN THE WAIVER." Vega Vortex has been called a Park and Machu Picchu due to the amphitheater landscaping of terracing. Practicing permaculture, a diversity of pollinating plants/ flowers, organic garden and art features exist. Minutes away from National Parks, the Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz Beach Board Walk, Roaring Camp Train, Monterey Bay Aquarium, National Steinbeck Center, Moss Landing, Elkhorn Slough/Canoe/Kayak, Estuaries (bird watching), golfing and multiple beaches. As a gift for staying here, you may receive either a bottle of "structured" water, a healing tincture, salve, a bottle of infused olive oil or another healing product curated from the Vega Vortex!

Toilets

Showers

Potable water

Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

99%

(357)

35mi from Arroyo Seco Campground · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Peaceful and private RV camping under the oaks with picnic table, fire pit and Adirondack chairs. We currently have two sites on our property. They are about 300 feet apart and not easily visible from each other. Property is fully fenced; both sites are next to an open field under the oaks with vineyard, olive orchard and mountain views. This property is 30 miles from Paso Robles and almost perfectly centered between Missions San Antonio and San Miguel. Lakes San Antonio and Nacimiento are close by. Coastal towns of Cayucos and Morro Bay are about an hour scenic drive, passing many wineries along the way. There is space for multiple RVs or additional tents sharing your party's RV restroom facilities. Site one will accommodate sixteen people and multiple vehicles. Site two will accommodate ten people and two vehicles. For larger groups we ask that that you book both sites. We have hosted many family reunions and the feedback has been 100% positive. Please feel free to message us with questions.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

40min to Pinn/Song of the Ancients

97%

(1157)

38mi from Arroyo Seco Campground · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

35 miles to Pinnacles, and only 6 miles to Panoche Valley, a globally important migratory bird routes! Dark Skies at night for galaxy cruising and plenty of oak trees for cool shade. Summer is here! Beautiful warm days cool under the canopies of the ancient blue oak forest. Bring warm clothes and throws to wrap in while sitting by a roaring fire under dark skies streaming planets and galaxies. For daytime, dress in layers. In the oak studded world of the Diablo Mountain Range, the ocean influence sends gentle breezes winding their way through the oaks, offering days of dappled sunshine and nights crisp and cool. Use this as a home base and spend days at Pinnacles, Monterey, Carmel, the Central Valley, and so on or...you can rest and relax the world away, this is a place to regain your balance. Come with your cares leave clear and regenerated. A place to sing and dance, to talk late into the night as the night sky brims over with stars, and the campfire slowly dies. Perfect for group gatherings, and can accommodate your large party as easily and comfortably as we accommodate families, singles, and couples. What we provide is: outdoor hot shower, flush toilet, clean clear water from faucets, 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! 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. Breathe and hear yourself breathe. A safe 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. Brought to you by wildfarmers, an IRS designated 501c3 public charity.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Terra Cultura

95%

(227)

45mi from Arroyo Seco Campground · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging

Our farm 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! 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! 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.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

OUR HAPPY PLACE

93%

(183)

28mi from Arroyo Seco Campground · 19 sites · Tents, RVs

The property is easy Motorcycle, Auto, Van, Camper, Caravan and RV access from paved road. It's an enjoyable, primitive, quiet place to hang out. Dog and Cat friendly. Surrounded by mountains. Weak to no signal! Plenty of Wildlife with cool and quiet evenings.. The stars will be bright. Rugged setting. Clean portable potty.. Be sure to add some firewood, sourdough bread, homemade jelly, various homemade canned goods, or an off road tour from the EXTRAS tab on this Hipcamp page. Check out the BACK 40 for an even more remote rugged camping experience.... Hikers welcome.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

More to explore nearby

95%

35 ratings · 11 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Peaceful and close to river adventures

Tent · Group trip

This was a surprisingly peaceful campground. When I first arrived it was busier than I expected, and sites closer than I wanted. But it was pretty calm and quiet, and the surroundings are beautiful. The best part is the proximity to the river. My group and I hiked ~3 miles up the river where we started our river float (wearing wetsuits), and it was incredibly fun and adventurous. Cheap firewood! BYO soap for bathrooms.

Caitlin F.

46 reviews

Not recommend

· July 2021

We camped here over Labor aday 2021. NFS contracted maintenance to a private company more concerned with our dogs being on leash than with our safety! We ran out of water on a long hike, looking tired and red faced, and the host employees we more concerned with us being near the "employee only" area (where the trail deposited us) and our dogs sacked out on the side not being on leash, than with our well being! The Forrest service employee who came by gave us water and Gatorade because he could tell we needed it, but the employees for the host company just reminded us of rules! The campground was also very spread out and we had to drive to the swimming areas. Overall, very disappointing and we won't be back!

Jill C.

6 years on Hipcamp

March 2019

This place is great! I visited in March of 2019. With all the rain in recent weeks the creeks were roaring and the foliage was beyond vivid in color. The camp hosts Mike and Holy were super helpful and have firewood for $10 per bundle incase you're running low and need some extended warmth. The campsites in some areas are a bit close to one another, but everyone was friendly and respectful of noise and space. They do offer showers, and I found the bathrooms to very clean. Toilet and sink are provided in the bathrooms and you won't be hit in the face with any foul smells when you walk in. You can either walk or drive to the trailhead of Indians Road and Santa Lucia from the campground, but prepare to pay $10 (day pass) if you drive.

Craig T.

8 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2018

Its apparently known as the "party" campground by the locals and I can see why. People were awake and being very loud well past 3 AM. I was actually honestly surprised that the host didn't say anything. other than that, its a nice area, lots of shade, easy access to some great hiking. The camp site had lots of room and the bathrooms were kept up really well. I would stay again, just might bring some ear plugs next time

Renae M.

8 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2017

Arroyo seco is an awesome hidden gem off of highway 101. It can have a good amount of water after a wet winter. Along the same lines, it can also have very little and stagnant water after a dry winter. Flies can be bad and temps can reach 90+ so I would recommend fall to spring as the best time to check it out.

Renee W.

5 reviews

August 2016

Very nice campgrounds on an easily accessible road (we have a low clearance vehicle). Lots of trails and hiking in the area, but be careful for poison oak- it's everywhere. The river is a great temperature- feels amazing and cools you right off (especially with the crazy heat around this area)! We saw some larger groups of friends as well as families. If you're planning on staying at the car camping campground, do not expect solitude. We parked our car here and hiked up/down the river and found a nice secluded spot to pitch our tent. You can find images here: http://tbdtraveler.com/arroyo-seco-gorge.html

Sara C.

9 years on Hipcamp

March 2016

great campground. you dont need to bring to bring any firewood cause you can buy it for cheap there. there are a couple of small trails you can hike and also long trails so its perfect for anyone.

Amber L.

10 years on Hipcamp

August 2015

The hike to last chance falls is fantastic. If you bring rope you can also jump in for a swim and use to rope climb back out (when it's not dried up). Also, you can hike/swim thru the river bed to the canyon, but make sure to bring a floating device.

Cristina R.

11 years on Hipcamp

May 2015

Such a great site for large groups! We reserved the group site and had a blast hiking and swimming.

Allie F.

11 years on Hipcamp

May 2015

Great family spot, especially in the summer. The water feels amazing and it's clear! If you're ambitious, definitely hike to the falls! Either way, keep on the look out for poison oak- it's everywhere.

Bryn K.

12 years on Hipcamp

April 2015

Hike in two miles to find camping riverside. From there, proceed another mile or so up the canyon, alternating hiking and swimming impassable sections until you reach a narrow slot canyon the width of a hallway. Incredible experience, inner tube advised.