The best waterfall campgrounds in Bay Area

Looking for a camping experience near stunning waterfalls in the Bay Area? Hipcamp has you covered. With 39 options specifically curated for waterfall enthusiasts in the Bay Area, you'll have plenty to choose from. Whether you're looking to spend the night in a cozy cabin, a rustic yurt, or a traditional campsite, we've got you covered. And with prices starting as low as $50 per night and averaging at $80 per night, you'll find an option that fits your budget. Need some guidance? Check out our top campsites, including The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), Swallowtail Historic Art Studio (252 reviews), and Grey Oaks (178 reviews). Plus, you'll find popular amenities like showers, toilets, and trash services, as well as activities like swimming, fishing, and biking. Start planning your waterfall camping adventure today!

91% (410)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bay Area

Looking for a camping experience near stunning waterfalls in the Bay Area? Hipcamp has you covered. With 39 options specifically curated for waterfall enthusiasts in the Bay Area, you'll have plenty to choose from. Whether you're looking to spend the night in a cozy cabin, a rustic yurt, or a traditional campsite, we've got you covered. And with prices starting as low as $50 per night and averaging at $80 per night, you'll find an option that fits your budget. Need some guidance? Check out our top campsites, including The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), Swallowtail Historic Art Studio (252 reviews), and Grey Oaks (178 reviews). Plus, you'll find popular amenities like showers, toilets, and trash services, as well as activities like swimming, fishing, and biking. Start planning your waterfall camping adventure today!

91% (410)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bay Area

1. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Glamping

95%

(498)

7 sites · Lodging · Kenwood, CA

We have four lovely Glamping sites at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and 25 miles of hiking trails, nestled in the glorious chaparral of the Mayacama Mountain Range and Sonoma Hills, deep in the heart of wine country. The cost is $150 per night on weekends (Fri and Sat) and $125 per night on weekdays (Sun-Thurs). There is a 2-night minimum stay required between Memorial Day and Labor Day. In our family-friendly campground, our tents are 16-Foot Canvas and come with one queen-size bed, two futon lounge chairs (May be converted to twin beds), rugs, tables, lighting, and complementary firewood the first night. At no additional cost, we can add up to two twin beds to each tent upon request to sleep up to 6 people. 8 people max allowed at the campsite. The glamping sites include a picnic table, fire ring, outdoor seating, and room for additional tents if desired. All sites are easy walking distance to flush toilets and a bathhouse, with large, clean, coin operated hot shower rooms. There is no cell service in the park, but free WiFi is available at the Visitor Center. PLEASE NOTE that Bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets) IS NOT included in a standard rental, but is available as an add-on. Guests are encouraged to bring their own bedding whenever possible. If no bedding is added, we will assume a one-queen setup with mattress covers only. We kindly ask guests to provide at least 48-hour notice if bedding will be required. We will always try to accommodate last-minute requests, but we cannot guarantee this. PETS and SMOKING ARE NOT ALLOWED INSIDE our glamping tents! This is strictly enforced, and you WILL be charged a $150 cleaning fee for any violation of this policy. Parking: Your reservation includes parking for one vehicle. There is an additional $10 per night per vehicle charge for more than one vehicle, which you can pay for at the Visitor's Center upon check-in. Please note that a $25 setup/cleaning fee is charged per reservation, plus a booking fee. Since 2012, operation of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park has been spearheaded by the Sonoma Ecology Center. Operating under AB42, the SEC efforts have resulted in a revitalized park that engages with all of our community and welcomes visitors from all over the country and the world.

2. Swallowtail Historic Art Studio

97%

(333)

4 sites · Lodging · Petaluma, CA

Antique Indonesian teakwood cottage, private deck with hot tub and very special, large, artistic bathroom/sitting room, private for cottage guests only.. Beautifully rural, yet just 6 minutes from historic downtown Petaluma and fine restaurants and shops. A short trip to the Pacific coast and the fabulous Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Tomales and Bodega Bays and towns, excellent vineyards and breweries, and San Francisco! WE FOLLOW THE CLEANING AND DISINFECTING GUIDELINES ISSUED BY AIRBNB. The space The antique Indonesian cottage is made of beautifully hand carved and hand colored teak wood, and is quiet, cozy and romantic with lovely views. It abuts a large private deck and hot tub. Just a few steps across the deck is the very large, luxurious, art filled, centrally heated private bathroom and sitting area. The cottage itself is unheated although there is a premium electric mattress pad with separate controls on the California King bed. That and the hot tub make for cozy sleeping on chilly winter nights Guest access Aside from the private deck, hot tub and bathroom/sitting room (with 6' tub and shower), guests can access 2.5 peaceful acres, woods and fields and Helen Putnam Regional Park one mile down the road for spectacular hiking. Other things to note In the 1970's this property was Swallowtail Studios, a famous glass blowers cooperative. The Grateful Dead played in the barn and hung out here...their manager lived just down the road. The barn is redwood, quite large and beautiful, with stained glass windows."

3. Grey Oaks

99%

(468)

8 sites · Tents, RVs · Aromas, CA

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, ice chests on request, 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. Eucalyptus, oak, and/or pine 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.

4. Big Basin Redwoods State Park

98%

(362)

274 sites · Boulder Creek, California

Soak up the shade of old growth redwood trees & take some selfies with banana slugs!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Mount Tamalpais State Park

96%

(207)

50 sites · Stinson Beach, California

See redwoods, trail run, and climb the Bay Area’s second tallest peak.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

100%

(10)

3 sites · Lodging · Watsonville, CA

We only book one group at a time so whether you are a couple or a large group, you get the whole place privately to yourself. Our home is a short distance away in case you need anything. Located an hour drive from the bay area, Camp Cruz is a year-round glamping retreat in the redwoods ideal for people who want a private outdoor getaway in the forest without giving up basic living comforts. It is a perfect destination to unwind, recharge, and create special memories in nature. We are also only 30 minutes from Monterey/Santa Cruz for guests who want to enjoy the coastal cities. We offer guests 2 private bedrooms: the Raven’s Nest (an aircrete dome) and/or the Owl’s Nest (a yurt). More guests are welcome if you bring your own camping tents. There is a fully equipped covered kitchen with stove, fridge, barbecue grill, electric coffee maker, tables and chairs, and more. The kitchen also has a ping pong table. There is also a large geodome furnished as a game room with couches, a lounge area, pool table, foosball table, a stereo, games, and music equipment. There are clean composting toilets, hot showers, a propane fire pit, heaters for the cold, a hammock bungalow, a meditation pagoda, a deck overlooking a creek, and disc golf baskets. With a fair balance of sunlight and shade, we have a garden, some outdoor play equipment, and lots of open space to spread out and relax. Free wifi is available. We run a nonprofit outdoor education camp for underprivileged youth, and your stay supports our work. Winter lodging.... It can get seasonably cold in the Santa Cruz Mountains during the winter. If visiting in the winter, rest assured we have everything covered to enjoy your stay. We have propane heaters in all main spaces for your comfort. If the power goes out, we have a standby generator that will power up camp provided we are home to turn it on. We have a woodstoves in the Owl's Nest and Eagle's Nest. We provide a fire starter log for each woodstove for each night of your stay, and guests are responsible for bringing firewood to keep the woodstoves going for continued warmth throughout each evening.

7. Grey Oaks 2

98%

(62)

3 sites · Tents · Aromas, CA

This is great option for those who like to bring all their own gear to camp, and don’t need or want all the extras. Our new Primitive Adventures campsites are located on an established 5-star property. It’s a peaceful, secluded and private country estate. The 20 acre property starts out flat and then gentle to moderate sloped hillside with coastal live oak trees, eucalyptus trees, pine trees, meadows and many interesting landscape features nestled between the vast farmlands of North Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. We are 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The weather is usually mild here and we have cool evenings. We do get days that are in the 90s sometimes in the summer and early fall, but we also have lots of shade with all the trees. There is wildlife like deer, turkeys and owls and so much more. We have horses and a donkey, separate from the campsites, so no flies or smell from them. 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. You may forage for plentiful eucalyptus and oak firewood for free, or pre-cut pine is available for purchase. Most of our weekends are fully booked at our Rustic Campsites already, so here is another chance to have yourself a weekend camping trip at our new Primitive Adventures campsites. We hope to see you soon! :)

8. Orion Observatory

80%

(5)

1 site · Tent · Vernon, CA

Orion Camp Observatory Perched above Boulder Creek in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Orion Camp Observatory is a sanctuary for nature lovers, stargazers, and off-grid adventurers. With sweeping views, private swimming holes, and the sound of the forest all around, it offers a rare chance to connect deeply with the land. Just a short drive from town — but a world away from the noise. 🌲 Whether you’re looking for a stunning, peaceful location to pitch a tent for the night or a jump-off point for exploring Big Basin, Castle Rock, or the surrounding redwood trails, Orion Camp can be what you make it. 🌿 For those interested in going deeper, we also offer classes and consulting in cannabis cultivation — from beginner gardening basics to advanced horticulture methods. These experiences are by inquiry only and provide a private way to learn hands-on skills in a professional and supportive setting. ⚡ Beyond the plants, Orion Camp is being built as a living classroom for sustainability and decentralized living. We’re integrating solar, wind, and off-grid systems that demonstrate what’s possible for the future of self-reliance. We’re also actively seeking relationships with tiny home and ADU companies, using units on-site as both offices and showcases for a future brokerage or dealership. 💧 Now is the time to visit. The rainy season is on the horizon — which means spectacular waterfalls on the property — but also more challenging roads. A 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended. In some cases, you may be able to park partway up the ridge and hike in, and we can help arrange transport when needed. ✨ Above all, Orion Camp Observatory is a place of peace, reflection, and healing. Come to disconnect, recharge, and reconnect with what really matters — beneath the stars, by the creek, and within the stillness of the mountains.

9. Point Reyes National Seashore

99%

(326)

65 sites · Inverness, California

Foggy mornings add to the ambiance and mystique of this gorgeous coastal area.

Campfires

Toilets

Potable water

10. Mount Diablo State Park

86%

(41)

111 sites · Diablo, California

Discover Mount Diablo State Park's scenic vistas and diverse trails.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

11. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

87%

(23)

99 sites · Kenwood, California

Hiking, rock climbing, and family adventures in the California wilderness

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Public campgrounds in and near Bay Area

100%

(4)

Frank Valley Group Horse Campground

1 site · in Mount Tamalpais State Park

100%

(15)

Alice Eastwood Group Campground

2 sites · in Mount Tamalpais State Park

88%

(21)

Bootjack Campground

15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mount Tamalpais State Park

94%

(48)

Pantoll Campground

16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mount Tamalpais State Park

97%

(119)

Steep Ravine Cabins and Campground

16 sites · in Mount Tamalpais State Park

67%

(10)

Mount Diablo Group Campground

59 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mount Diablo State Park

92%

(31)

Juniper and Live Oak Campground

51 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mount Diablo State Park

93%

(23)

Glen Campground

11 sites · in Point Reyes National Seashore

99%

(79)

Wildcat Campground

7 sites · in Point Reyes National Seashore

100%

(62)

Sky Campground

11 sites · in Point Reyes National Seashore

Great place for a beginners backpacking trip. We stayed at campsite #6. It was very secluded and quiet. You can walk from the coast camp sites on a short trail to the beach. Huge Beach with beautiful sand and not too many people around.

99%

(70)

Coast Campground

11 sites · in Point Reyes National Seashore

99%

(92)

Tomales Bay Campground

25 sites · in Point Reyes National Seashore

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Pamela

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With kids

5 nights at Grey Oaks

Very pretty property with great hosts. We were not able to get in until very late and they very graciously accommodated us. They have water and wood that smells amazing when burned and a nice box of goodies including popcorn and colored fire packs. One note is the sites are next to each other and not visually separated, similar to state parks.

View of RV/Tent Site #2. We have the picnic table and are adding it this week along with a fire pit/ring with cooking grate. You can choose how you want to park your RV or place your tent. It’s a pretty big space!

John

November 2025

19 ft campervan

1 night at Grey Oaks

This is a nice woodsy site, with water and composting toilets available, plus tables, a fire pit and a barbecue — all the comforts of home!

The outdoor kitchen with Eagle’s Nest/Game Dome in the background

F

Fiona

November 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

We loved camping at Camp Cruz! We had a wonderful weekend in the peaceful woods and were able to spend amazing quality time together <3. This property was incredible in ways we couldn't have imagined! Thank you for having us for Renee's 30th birthday.

C

Canyon

November 2025

11 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Grey Oaks

What a wonderful site and a great host. The area is lovely and well maintained and lots of thoughtful amenities, like the box of “things you forgot” and plenty of firewood. Zak was friendly and flexible. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will definitely come back.

J

Jess

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Swallowtail Historic Art Studio

We had a wonderful stay and would recommend anyone stay here!

C

Corey

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Glamping

We loved our glamping experience at Sugarloaf SP! The tent was spacious and cozy with comfortable beds and plenty of places to sit and hang out. We rented the heater which was much appreciated when the temp dropped and some rained moved in. We appreciated our first bundle of firewood. All of the staff was very friendly and quick to help out if we needed something. They also keep the bathrooms super clean and well stocked and a short walk from any site. The center of the campground being a beautiful meadow with lots of wildlife at night and clear skies show a perfect view of the starry night. We would definitely stay again.

A

Amanda

November 2025

2 nights at Swallowtail Historic Art Studio

Bill’s land was one of the best hip camps I have ever stayed at! The Indonesian bedroom was so serene and I slept like a baby with the heated bed. The bathroom was so beautifully decorated with ornate paintings, little treasures, and the stained glass window was intricately stunning. The hot tub was a bonus and it was extremely close to the town of Petaluma and hiking trails. You definitely should stay here for a romantic getaway!

T

Theodore

November 2025

17 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Grey Oaks

Nice spot in oak trees with super helpful hosts, nice bonfire, outhouses clean

A

April

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Glamping

I loved our glamping spot. The free complimentary firewood on the first night and free complimentary extra mattresses were nice for my family and I. the mountain views 360 all around were so pretty! It was also very shaded. We saw many deer, quail, and squirrel by our tent was a treat for my children. The restrooms were not horrible. There is also an observatory nearby so we got to view the stars at night. It was a pleasant trip. The glamp itself was nice and furnished, perfect for my family who usually have a very hard time camping in nature.

M

Matt

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Orion Observatory

I camped here one night on a clear night and loved the sunset and star gazing. You'll definitely need a decent off road capable vehicle with some clearance as the access road is a bit rough. My stock Audi q3 made it but it felt close to it's limits (or mine as a driver, I'm not sure). The site is about 1500ft of elevation so mostly out of the marine layer, but not completely - my gear was very dewy for part of the night. If you want a polished glamping site then this isn't for you, but if you want some excellent views and don't mind a mini adventure off-roading up past old weed farms, check it out. I'd go again.

M

Molly

October 2025

20 ft Class B

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Grey Oaks

Zaks land was great! Our spot was spacious and quiet.

Site B shown with a small tent and chair set up.

A

Alexa

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Grey Oaks 2

We loved tent camping here! We enjoyed the privacy of Site B, as well as the clean outhouses and hot water shower. The hosts are communicative and friendly, and keep to themselves unless you request assistance. One thing to note is that site B is on an incline. The picnic area is relatively level and the tent spot is nice and flat, though still a bit slanted. Building a campfire was easy with wood and fire starters purchased from the host and delivered straight to the campsite. Spend the extra couple of dollars for the colorful fire packs! Overall, this was a great stay in a convenient location (easy driving distance from Monterey and Santa Cruz). Would definitely return!

d

david

October 2025

With kids

2 nights at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Glamping

I loved everything! The glamping is perfect and the price was perfect.

J

Joyce

October 2025

2 nights at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Glamping

Great scenery from virtually every site, with shade, spacious level sites and parking, very clean and nice-smelling bathrooms and showers, easily accessible trails, lots of wildlife (deer, turkey, birds), and all in all a great first glamping experience for me! It will be hard to go back to a regular tent site again…JK. Friendly staff, and a bit ununusal ans a state park being operated as a collaborative of Sonoma Ecology Center and Team Sugarloaf. Great base for exploring by bicycle — we drove our bikes down to Kenwood and enjoyed riding around the area, all the way to Sonoma. Vineyards, small towns, both gentle and challenging bike route options. Or just relax and hike around the park trails. Thank you for a great getaway!

A

Alex

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Orion Observatory

Great little spot , we really enjoyed ourselves here. Josh was a big help with very detailed direction's on getting there .

Samir

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Orion Observatory

The coolest hipcamp I have stayed at thus far. Joshua gave very clear directions and was very helpful. The property is massive and views are extraordinary. Definitely need 4x4 with higher clearance, but the top is so worth it. Will be coming back when I am in the area again.

S

Seth

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Grey Oaks

The location was peaceful and surrounded by beautiful trees.

B

Beatrice

September 2025

2 nights at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Glamping

Comfortable tents. Not too warm, not too cold. Great bed.

A

Amy

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Grey Oaks

I highly recommend Grey Oaks! The animals are so cute and friendly! We had a great time and plan to come back soon!!

J

Jennifer

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Glamping

Wow, what a place!!! We glamped to the fullest! Beds were made for us in our bell tent upon arrival, and park staff made sure that we had everything we needed. Others camping were very respectful of the quiet hours, so we slept great! The views were awesome, hiking was right on site, and we saw turkeys and deer every morning and evening. Highly recommend!!!