The best camping in California Coast with horseback riding

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From top to bottom, you’ll find varied terrain along the vast Pacific Coast Highway, which offers campers just about everything under the sun (or fog). Whether you prefer the far northern reaches of Redwood National Park or the southern surf beaches, there’s no shortage of camping destinations on the California coast. Campgrounds do fill up, especially in summer months, so it’s best to book well ahead of the season. Marine life includes migrating gray and humpback whales, California sea lions, and myriad bird life. It’s no wonder visitors from all over the world seek out coastal California.

96% (1.5K) 417 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in California Coast

Mystic Forest Campground

1. Mystic Forest Campground

98%
(993)
Klamath, CA · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Mystic Forest is a small, family-run campground between Klamath, CA, and Crescent City. We have 50 acres of beautiful forest sprinkled with redwood trees. We have restrooms, showers, a game room, a mini golf course, horseshoes, and a half-mile trail. We are pet-friendly. At the office you can find some grocery and redwoods souvenirs. Our laundry facility will be closed indefinitely for repairs starting on August 10th.
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Splitrock Farm and Retreat

2. Splitrock Farm and Retreat

96%
(1788)
Fallbrook, CA · 36 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
About Splitrock Farm and Retreat Far Away, Close to Home Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message. Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers. Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 150+ foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.
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Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

3. Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

96%
(5380)
Caspar, CA · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled on 33 acres of coastal meadows and forest, Jug Handle Creek Nature Center is a peaceful, nature-centered campground with a rich history and a truly unique landscape. Saved from development in the 1970s, Jug Handle now stands as a thriving nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to education, restoration, and connection with the natural world. Just a five-minute walk from Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle Beach, and the renowned Ecological Staircase Trail - a rare geological formation that reveals 500,000 years of coastal history - you’ll find yourself immersed in one of Mendocino County’s most remarkable environments. We offer 11 spacious campsites, each with two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two vehicles, and plenty of room for tents. Spread out across open meadows and forest edges, the sites offer privacy, quiet, and the soothing sounds of nature. Explore on-site nature trails, a native plant nursery, and beautiful woodlands, or simply relax beneath the stars. A few important things to note: Due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, PETS ARE NO LONGER PERMITTED on the premises. Firewood is not provided, though there are several roadside stands nearby where it is available for purchase. You'll be pretty independent here. We provide self-check-in for your convenience. Directions and access information (including the bathroom code!) will be messaged to you prior to your stay. Jug Handle is the perfect place to unplug. There is NO WIFI and LIMITED/NO CELL SERVICE. Weather and wind can kick up suddenly on the coast. It is your personal responsibility to be prepared and use caution. We reserve the right to ban campfires at any time. We reserve the right to close the campground at any time if conditions are unsafe. Let's work together to stay safe, protect this special place, and enjoy everything the Mendocino Coast has to offer.
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Los Padres National Forest

4. Los Padres National Forest

95%
(454)
National forest in California · 762 sites
From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.
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Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

5. Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

97%
(36)
State park in California · 87 sites
Hike the Lost Coast and take in the ethereal beauty of this California state park.
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Finley Camp

6. Finley Camp

99%
(1891)
Bodega Bay, CA · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
Finley Camp is nestled along Finley Creek in West Sonoma County. Campsites are located in open flats surrounded by Coast Doug Fir, Alder, and California Bay forests. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate, and access to a porta potty and hand washing station. The campsites are located past the end of the county road allowing for a quiet peaceful experience. Enjoy a quiet stroll on site, the surrounding communities of Bodega, Bodega Bay, Valley Ford, and Tomales, or just enjoy a quiet day in camp. Our sites are located approximately 20 minutes from Bodega Bay. The campsites are 2.5 miles from the coast and the weather can be unpredictable. As a general rule, it is very similar to that of San Francisco. All camp sites are situated in a valley that offers protection from the coastal winds. The have both morning and evening shade. Sites #2, #6, #7, and #11 have the most space, while sites #4, #7, #8, #9 and #11 offer the most privacy. Sites 1-3, any combination of 5-7, and 12-13 are well suited for groups. Other site groupings work well depending on the number of sites being reserved. Site #8 is unique in that it has a wood deck/platform for tents. There are also NO wood fires allowed at site #8 as it is under the tree canopy. A propane firepit is provided for your use. You can bring a 5 gallon propane tank from home, or a full one is available for rent on site. Well behaved dogs are welcome at Finley Camp. All dogs must be kept on leash at all times while on the property. There are no exceptions to this. Finley Camp is located on an active cattle ranch and directly adjacent to a neighboring ranch with cattle. Also be sure to check out our orchard tours! The apples are ripe now and our verities will continue to ripen thru late November. We'll take you to our family orchard where you can pick apples, pears, or blueberries in season and taste yummy treats out of our family garden.
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Arber-Moore's Ranch

7. Arber-Moore's Ranch

93%
(613)
Oak View, CA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands. Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land. That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite. We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink. Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites. The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area. Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more. We offer both tent and RV camping. The Majority of our Guests love it here: "Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts! Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area. The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly. Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"
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Sun/Moon Rise Camp W/ Valley View

8. Sun/Moon Rise Camp W/ Valley View

94%
(317)
Day Valley, CA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
We created this space for everyone to enjoy.
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Water hookup
Salmon Creek Ranch

9. Salmon Creek Ranch

97%
(3595)
Bodega Bay, CA · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located within 45 minutes of the wine country and 2 miles from the coast, our property is 400 acres of rolling hills and redwood groves, with a creek running along its base. With miles of trails meandering through quiet woods and meadows, you will be able to revel in the tranquility of a private preserve, without sacrificing easy access to some of Sonoma County's most famous attractions. A hundred years ago, this land was used to graze sheep. Remnants of the old fence lines can still be seen in places, along with old cement troughs. Since then, the land has been left to its own devices, passing through many hands, most famously owned by two brothers in the 1980's who built a truly amazing tree house in the forest which has been featured in several magazine articles. It was revamped and updated in 2016 by a master craftsman, using fallen redwood logs found on the property and is now a unique structural work of art, available for overnight stays. We produce 100% grass fed, dry-aged beef on our certified organic pastures and have a store on site if you would like to purchase delicious steaks, ribs, ground beef for hamburgers or some roasts to take home. Our cattle graze on the native grasses, never grain, and drink only water produced from our own springs. We also raise Kiko meat goats and produce pastured, certified organic duck eggs on a commercial basis. Whether it's surfing at sandy beaches, award-winning clam chowder, a wine tour, horseback riding or a hot air balloon ride you're after, you won't have far to drive if you make our ranch your base camp. You may see a family of deer appear suddenly, or a few Scottish Highland cows which we allow to roam freely over the property. There are over twenty species of wild birds that grace this protected spot, so bring your binoculars! A portion of your fee goes towards protecting native flora and fauna as part of our private wildlife preservation program. A limited number of private, widely spaced camp spots are available for visitors. The Eagles' Nest Treehouse (mentioned above) is very isolated and you may or may not even be aware that there are other people within miles of you. For those who value nature, seclusion, quiet and the artistry of old growth redwood, this is the place for you.
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Humboldt Redwoods State Park

10. Humboldt Redwoods State Park

98%
(69)
State park in California · 470 sites
Here’s the thing about this park: it’s home to the tallest trees in the world. As in, on the planet.
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park

11. Big Basin Redwoods State Park

98%
(362)
State park in California · 274 sites
Soak up the shade of old growth redwood trees & take some selfies with banana slugs!
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Six Rivers National Forest

12. Six Rivers National Forest

97%
(29)
National forest in California · 281 sites
This park gets its rather self-descriptive name from the six beautiful rivers that flow through its borders, but don’t the name fool you. There is a lot more than just rivers to check out here. More than a million rambling acres of forest take you through foggy and mystical redwood landscapes. Further inland, miles of towering Douglas firs, glacial peaks, and hidden pools just wait to be discovered. Of course, the rivers are the main attraction. You can’t go two feet without tripping over a perfect swimming hole. After your dip, there are plenty of warm rocks to lay out on. Oh, and if the natural beauty doesn’t get you: this was the place where they first spotted Bigfoot. Yeah, the original footage that basically made everyone believe in the hairy bi-ped. That, on its own, is reason enough to check it out
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Mount Tamalpais State Park

13. Mount Tamalpais State Park

96%
(208)
State park in California · 50 sites
See redwoods, trail run, and climb the Bay Area’s second tallest peak.
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Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

14. Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

87%
(763)
Cambria, CA · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
We can accommodate tent campers or car campers. Each campsite fits 4-6 people. The price is $40/per person. Kids under 12 are free. Most campsites are accessible by car and all campsites are accessible by foot. PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a traditional check in procedure. Campsites are first come first serve. Expect a "self-check in process" most of the time. However, there are sometimes people working onsite that you may run into, that are happy to help and lead you in the right direction. You choose your own campsite so plan to arrive early. You can park and walk around. There is signage that says "CAMP" with Arrows. BYO water. We have sulfur spring water. Great for your skin, not good to drink! There's a couple outhouses on the property. One in the main camp zone, one at the far north end of the lower Redwood campsite. You can also bring a shovel and take a walk if you're in the more remote campsites. We have a dumpster outside the gate for your garbage. IMPORTANT INFO Please don't mind our farm junk/tools as you enterGate 1! We are slowly working on clean up and relocation of materials from the entry road and away from view. Before you arrive, have knowledge of poison oak because it is a native plant. The main photos in the listing are taken from Hipcamp Scouts back in 2018 and they are featuring our Original campsite. This is located past the mineral baths. It's the furthest one to reach, and accessible by foot. I will update photos to depict all the campsites, but please share your photos with us on Instagram and tag @charanspringsfarm to help future campers get a view of what the sites look like with a tent set up! SULFUR MINERAL BATHS Include in your experience the use of our sulfur mineral baths. It's $10 per person. PLEASE BOOK THIS AS AN EXTRA AT CHECKOUT. The mineral baths are 2 funky vintage clawfoot tubs that are pictured in the actual listing.The photos show an accurate description of the Mineral Baths. They are not located in the main camp zone. Please call ahead to book your time slot and get directions to the mineral baths. PLEASE DO NOT BOOK IF: You are looking for "Glamping," (Glamour Camping). It's primitive camping on a private property with bonuses like the garden, rustic baths, and beautiful nature. This property has been a working farm for decades, which has struggled with hard times. If farm yards/junk piles make you uncomfortable or give you a creepy feeling, don't book because our boneyard is adjacent to the entry road and it can't be ignored. Thank you for reading this whole description and we hope you have a good experience.
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The Meadow Grove of Hands Full Farm

15. The Meadow Grove of Hands Full Farm

95%
(1036)
Valley Ford, CA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
The Meadow Grove is a wild and natural pasture with campsites located near the historic Narrow Gauge Railroad bed on a family owned working ranch in coastal Northern California. The camp sites are nestled in a pasture and grove of mixed Eucalyptus, willow and cypress trees. The sites are perfect for tents or camper vans, or small trailers. [When we open in the spring, the grass can be 'slippery' and it is recommended you have 4WD. Around mid-June it is dried out enough for 2WD access to all sites]. Not suitable for RVs It is also, managed and operated by a single mother. Please keep this in mind. Notes about the campsites are: They each come with a picnic table. The grounds are a working ranch, so there is variations of the soil- some lumps and bumps and general natural state of a pasture v. a groomed lawn. Site #1, #2, #3, and #4 have the most level areas for parking and tent-ing. Up until mid-June, we recommend #1 for 2WD access. Campervans that do not have 4WD may have trouble accessing other sites. Please remember this when you book! *Campers who "change sites" without written approval by the host will be charged double!* There is a composting camp toilet, we do not have running water at the campground. The ranch itself is 300 acres of rolling hills pasture, with hilltop views of the Estero Americano valley. The Meadow Grove is home to many varieties of raptors and other birds-providing excellent bird watching. Seasonally there are blackberries to fill your containers, and some hiking. We are mere minutes from the quaint towns of Valley Ford, Tomales, and Dillon Beach, and a short drive from Bodega, Bodega Bay or Marshall, Pt. Reyes Station and Inverness. Nearby attractions include: Sonoma Coast beaches, Pt. Reyes National Seashore, coastal hiking trails, local farm-to-table eateries. Inland attractions include: redwoods, wine tasting, Russian River activities and so much more. The ranch borders Hwy 1, so there is some degree of road noise. Traffic usually dies down mid afternoon, and isn't too much of a disturbance. Virtually all traffic on our stretch of road is daytime traffic. There can be however, some heavy weekend traffic during the day with car clubs and motorcycle riders enjoying the coastal highway. *The Friendly Gray Cat's name is Boots!*
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Felton Open Space Camp Sites

16. Felton Open Space Camp Sites

94%
(586)
Felton, CA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Next to Historic Winery in the heart of Santa Cruz Mountains in the quaint town of Felton. Located between two state parks, Henry Cowell and Fall Creek. Just 6 miles, up in the mountains, from the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Bay. Half a mile from the famous Roaring Camp Railway. Wine & Cider tasting next door at Hallcrest Vineyards; Dine in Felton, hiking, biking and local shops to explore. Please note when booking that each of the sites are limited to 4 adults only. Children are welcome.
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Elkhorn Ranch

17. Elkhorn Ranch

96%
(344)
CA · 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!
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Mendocino Magic

18. Mendocino Magic

94%
(850)
Laytonville, CA · 53 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Mendocino Magic is a camping, fishing, wedding and outdoor events destination in inland Mendocino county, Northern California, just a few miles off Highway 101 in the heart of the Emerald Triangle. This unique sprawling 600-acre property is home to the largest privately-held reservoir in the North Coast region, perfect for swimming and catch &release fishing. We offer tent camping, RV & Car camping, luxe furnished tents, and cabins for your stay. Star gaze from the rolling hills of the Mendocino forest, kayak on our private Reservoir, and show off your BBQ skills with included campground amenities. Reserve your camp site early for the best availability. About half of our 2023 summer weekends are currently sold out. All Mendocino Magic Campers Enjoy the Following Amenities - Central Camp with tables, BBQ grills (propane provided), filtered water, and weekend propane fire dish run by staff. - Portapotty bathrooms with outdoor sinks. - Outdoor hot showers - Access to Holland Reservoir, our private lake, for swimming, boating, and catch and release fishing. Kayaks are available at the lake for no additional charge - first come, first served. No lifeguard on duty, bring your own life jackets if you need them. - Miles of hiking and biking trails through mountainous hillsides and scenic valleys. - Some of the best stargazing in Northern California with frequent meteor showers. - Camping supplies delivered to your camp site (for an additional charge), including cooler rentals, ice. Mackenzie manages the campground with a team of incredible people. In a world increasingly connected in the digital sense, we invite you to come up and get back to your roots, and connect with people the old fashioned way. Come join us for stargazing, paintball, fishing & swimming, weddings & outdoor events, and camping!
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Root's End

19. Root's End

96%
(341)
Mendocino, CA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Nearly four acres close to town and amenities, yet quiet and secluded. Away from any major roads and on quiet nights, the fog horn from the Big River buoy can be heard. Wildlife on the property include piliated woodpeckers, deer, raccoons, jack rabbits, bears (keep your trash and food inside!), mountain lions, foxes, and of course, our resident ravens. Wild huckleberries and rhododendrons are abundant among the redwoods and fir. A beautiful spot to spend the night!
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Redwood Paradise

20. Redwood Paradise

93%
(151)
Santa Cruz, CA · 4 sites
40 Acres of majestic redwoods bordering Wilder Ranch State Park gives you access to thousands of acres of excellent hiking and mountain biking right from your campsite. Miles of single-track and fire roads in this world-class mountain bike destination lead you through the redwoods to sunny meadows with sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Bay. Conveniently located above the westside of Santa Cruz, our site will give you easy access to scenic Westcliff Drive, Natural Bridges State Beach, downtown Santa Cruz, quaint Felton, Henry Cowell Redwoods state park as well as incredibly scenic and private North Coast beaches. Please note tent camping is a rain-or-shine activity. :)
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

California Coast camping guide

Where to go

North Coast

The counties of Humboldt, Mendocino, and Sonoma encompass the northern reaches of California’s coastline. Here is where you’ll find rugged bluffs descending to pristine coves, ancient groves of coastal redwoods, historic lighthouses, and cozy towns. The Lost Coast, Sue-meg State Park (formerly Patrick’s Point), and Trinidad State Beach all lie north of Eureka’s Old Town. It’s possible to spot migrating whales and harbor seals at MacKerricher State Park or the nearby Mendocino Headlands. Sonoma Coast State Park begins at Bodega Head with 17 miles of beaches to explore.        

San Francisco Bay Area

Surrounding this urban center is a surprising array of options for outdoor lovers. Cross the Golden Gate to the North Bay’s Marin Headlands, Muir Beach, and Muir Woods, all of which fill with campers on weekends. Hike the Tomales Point Trail to see herds of Tule elk, or kayak on Tomales Bay. If you want to camp on the bay near San Francisco, consider Rob Hill Campground above Baker Beach, ferry to Angel Island State Park, or check out a variety of Hipcamps. Follow Highway 1 south for the nearby beach towns of Pacifica and Half Moon Bay.   

Stretching between Monterey Bay and Santa Barbara, this lengthy portion of the Pacific coastline includes the coveted regions of Big Sur, Morro Bay, and Pismo Beach—where you may camp among the beach dunes. Start off in the surf mecca of Santa Cruz, which includes a campground at Manresa State Beach. At the southern end, catch a ferry to Channel Islands National Park for walk-in campgrounds and sea kayaking. Be sure to bring binoculars for bird watching and whale watching offshore.

The southern shores between Los Angeles and San Diego are the stuff of California dreamin’. Beachfront campsites claim the most desirable real estate, with surfing, windsurfing, and beachcombing on your doorstep. Heading south from Newport Beach, check out these coastal camping options: Crystal Cove State Park, Doheny State Beach, San Clemente State Beach, South Carlsbad State Beach, and San Elijo State Beach.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field