The best forest campgrounds in California

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience. With over 5500 options in California, specifically in forest terrain, we've got you covered. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent, park your RV, or rent a cabin, we have the ideal accommodation for you. When it comes to activities, you can enjoy boating, hiking, and even snow sports. And if you're worried about amenities, don't be - trash, campfires, and pets are all popular options. Looking for the best campsites? Check out Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), and Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews). With an average price per night of $60 and options as low as $10, you'll find the perfect camping experience at a price that suits your budget.

95% (51.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds

5. Inyo National Forest

96%

(453)

2001 sites · Lone Pine, California

Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.

912 sites · Junction City, California

California’s largest national forest offers year-round outdoor adventures and diverse camping options.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

11. Sierra National Forest

92%

(176)

1360 sites · Big Creek, California

“Secret Yosemite” offers scenic beauty, rugged forests, and outdoor recreation with smaller crowds.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

12. Los Padres National Forest

95%

(452)

762 sites · Mission Canyon, California

From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.

Pets

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

98%

(308)

5 sites · Tents, RVs · Santa Margarita, CA

Our ranch consists of 142 acres located at the top of East Cuesta Grade, elevation approximately 2100 ft. We are secluded and it feels like you're far away from city life yet San Luis Obispo is only a twenty minute drive away. We neighbor Los Padres National Forest which has several miles of hiking and biking trails. On our farm we have 10 sheep, 10 goats, 32 chickens, 3 pigs, 4 dogs and a cat. Interaction with farm animals is common place as most campsites are close to our animal pastures. Bee hives are located on the property as well. Honey, eggs and firewood are available for purchase. :)

DragonflyHill Desert Farm

97%

(302)

27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Desert Hot Springs, CA

About Welcome to DragonflyHill Desert Farm & Wildlife Habitat where you can experience desert magic, starry skies, and natural mineral water from our private well. Remote enough for a quiet retreat yet easy to get to and only a short drive to amenities and outdoor adventures! Please review our rules and read our entire listing description prior to requesting to stay here, to assure we’re the right space for you. Copies of our rules, registration documents, liability waiver and amenities are provided in our photos. Guests must agree to adhere to our rules and honor our cancellation policy to book with us. If you have any questions, please make an inquiry and we will get back to you very quickly. We really do love this work. LOCATION: We are located one mile down a well maintained and navigable dirt road, 20 minutes to Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and Palm Desert, and 15 minutes to the 10 freeway. We're near the Cabazon outlets, 2 hours to Los Angeles, San Diego, Disneyland, mountain areas, and beaches. Nearby there are local wildlife preserves, hiking and outdoor activities. We are 45 minutes to Joshua Tree and a half hour to Coachella. We truly are in the middle of nowhere and the center of everything. For folks traveling in winter, we’re considerably warmer than Joshua Tree and the High Desert. In summer we are cooler than Palm Springs. Immediate neighbors are small farmers and ranchers. Local spas and resorts are available for day use and access to their pools and ponds for as little as $10 a day ($5 seniors). We can provide space for events and entertainment for a small fee. ARRIVAL: Upon approving your reservation we'll send you a welcome message with information we need prior to your arrival to process your reservation, prepare for your arrival and provide you with check in information and accurate directions as gps apps to our location are often wrong. Please answer that initial email as soon as possible. We'll follow up with check in information and driving directions. Once in the gate, stay on the driveway and meet us on the patio with the blue shade sails. We will provide you with an approximately 15 minute orientation and tour, register you, check identification and show you to your campsite. Guests are required to fill out a liability waiver and a simple registration form. (See photos for copies of these forms.) OUR SPACE: Our land is 130 feet wide by an eighth of a mile deep in a residential neighborhood with lots 2.5-10 acres. We can see and hear our neighbors. We maintain a very quiet space but occasionally our neighbors have their own activities and events. Let us know if the neighborhood gets too noisy and we'll try to mitigate those situations. We can also provide free earplugs for those very rare occasions. Guests wanting a totally isolated experience may want to book elsewhere. DragonflyHill Desert Farm is a working farm in a wilderness area. Guests should check weather forecasts prior to arrival and assure that they have the right equipment. We have a moderate cancellation policy that allows guests to cancel 3 days prior to their arrival date to receive a refund. This allows enough time to check weather reports. There are occasional heavy rains and frequent high winds. It can get very hot in summer and reach freezing temperatures in winter. Despite our proximity to the freeway and nearby cities, and our location in a residential neighborhood, this is very much a wilderness area. DragonflyHill is not responsible for the weather. We are not a resort. Expect dry plants and patches during summer and into the fall. As a farm, we may be a bit more rustic than your typical farm to allow for shelter for local wildlife. Our cultivation methods encourage biodiversity and though we are growing food, many of our crops resemble landscaping or natural habitat rather than garden patches. Currently we have habitat viewing areas, an herb garden, an orchard, an outdoor classroom, a sheltered social distancing patio, an outdoor kitchen, meditation gardens, our (seasonal) mineral pool, community library, game boards and toys, and a tree bath. Plant varieties, wildlife and presentation may vary by season. Our farm specializes in herbs, fruit trees, desert and native plants, and edible flowers. We also grow some sprouts and microgreens indoors. We cultivate community and share what we grow with our neighbors and our guests. Guests have shared access to the outdoor kitchen and BBQ area, the orchards, gardens, patios, and grounds of the Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat, and (for safety reasons) limited access to the pool pond and spa -both unheated. The pool pond is filled with local mineral water from our own well. The pool pond is cleaned regularly & is chlorinated. The pool pond is not cleaned daily and is shared with wildlife. including bees and birds who drink water pool side. Debris from high winds and wildlife may contribute to the pool pond environment. Currently neither the pool pond nor the spa is heated. We also have wheelchair accessible hot water outdoor showers and wheelchair accessible porta potties. The pool area is accessible to guests year round but the pool itself is winterized and unavailable from mid October through mid to late April. We work hard to keep the home well maintained & clean; we're vigilant & do due diligence with professional quarterly visits from Truly Nolen 4 Season Pest Prevention (a green company.) We doubt you'll see any unwanted critters inside or near the house or other structures during your stay, but if you do, please advise us & we will promptly address the situation. DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat is in a remote area of the desert with lots of wildlife. To help us keep wildlife OUT of the house and campsites, please keep food out of reach of critters & clean up after every meal. We affirmatively welcome children, but as this is a working farm in a wilderness area, parents will need to be vigilant of their child's safety and activity while here. We are constantly adding activities and features for children and adults. We are child friendly and we are a good location for groups. (Just message us with your details and we can tailor your stay to meet your needs.) We have 1 cat and 1 service dog. Other guests may have pets or assistance animals. Neighbors have chickens, farm animals and pets. There are a few feral cats in the vicinity as well as a variety of desert wildlife. At night you can hear the coyotes though we’ve never seen them or their tracks on our land. Common sightings of road runners, rabbits, hares, lizards, snakes, hawks, doves, desert wrens, migrating ducks (in the Spring), scorpions, mantises, crickets, mockingbirds, insects and spiders. WHO WE ARE: DragonflyHill is a community of artisans, activists, craftspeople and farmers, working together to cultivate community, develop methodologies for living and working together in ever increasing paradigms of social justice and sustainability. We are a safe and sober space that is disability and LGBTQIA affirmative, anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-imperialist and de-colonialist, because anything else is just a bandaid. Core values of our work include attention to detail, fine craftwork and cultivating community. Some members of the Dragonfly Team live on the premises at all times and will be here for the duration of your stay. The rest of the team are community members. All Team members work at DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat in different capacities, in cooperation and collaboration with each other. It should be noted that we are not a museum community and our collective is not on display. Only 2-3 members of the community are currently responsible for hosting guests. Community members are autonomous and, much of our community functions virtually. There are also occasional community events at the farm, including farming, though many activities are just coming back after the pandemic. We hope to offer activities in the Fall. All activities will continue to be held outdoors and social distancing is required. We speak: English and Spanish. We can communicate somewhat in French, Italian and Portuguese. DRAGONFLYHILL CONSEIRGE We love to hear about your travels and share our knowledge of our community and Southern California with our guests. Our library, located on the Blue Patio, offers children’s books, local history including indigenous history, farming and gardening, wildlife guides, hiking trails, entertainment and tourist attractions. We can recommend activities on and off site including places to go with children, local hiking, museums, restaurants and shopping. In addition to campsites, for additional fees, we offer reiki, a private jacuzzi hot water mineral bath, farm tours, firewood, tutoring, tax preparation, vehicle storage, event and space rental, and classes. Three of us are licensed to officiate weddings. RULES, DOCUMENTS & AMENITIES Carefully read our listing description and our rules to determine if we're the right space for you. We know we have excellent reviews but take the time to assure that we offer what you are looking for. Each Hipcamp host is autonomous and has their own rules, amenities and features. Hipcamp does not provide guests a copy of the house rules until after you have selected a location and then requires you to agree to the house rules before finalizing your decision. There is not enough space in the listing description to include the rules so guests can see them prior to booking. If you would like to see our rules, registration documents or a list of amenities please find them in our photos or message us prior to booking and we will send you a copy. We welcome guests new to Hipcamp but please take the time to familiarize yourself with the Hipcamp platform. Hipcamp travel is very different from public campgrounds. At DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat you will be guests in our home. We welcome and encourage guests with service and support animals to stay with us. All animals must have current vaccination records.

Salmon Creek Ranch

97%

(3542)

7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bodega Bay, CA

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.

Hidden Falls Preserve

97%

(168)

16 sites · Tents · Winchester, CA

This secret off-grid getaway on 80 acres provides stunning views at private tent sites with hiking, bird-watching, and wildflower-spotting. Relax in the shade of a eucalyptus grove, enjoy the sun shining over the sage scrub, enjoy the dark night, and find the hidden seasonal waterfalls. A short drive to Temecula, Diamond Valley Lake, and Lake Skinner, our private, scenic campsites offer both serenity and nearby activities including wine tasting, restaurants, hot air balloons, and paragliding. We are 100% off-grid with no hookups or potable water sources (yet), no showers (yet) in the middle of a conservation area. A significant portion of our proceeds goes directly to a local non-profit for habitat restoration efforts and other bird study projects. We hope to attract campers that want an off-the-beaten-path type experience without having to go to the mountains.

Baby Banana Slug Farm

98%

(775)

10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Albion, CA

Private camping, glamping, and retreats in the redwood forest. Our two tent camping sites are tucked in the trees offering a very peaceful and private way to connect to nature with the family. Our three small cabins are perfect for anyone looking to escape from the hustle of daily life, and redwood retreat is the perfect size for the whole family. This property is hosted by a three generational family who live on-site and are available for any questions and concerns as they may arise. Pets welcome.

Heartwood Mendocino

99%

(501)

12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Mendocino, CA

Our property is just minutes from Mendocino's beaches, parks and sweet town, yet private and quiet as it is surrounded by 50,000 acre state forest with world class hiking and biking trails directly accessed from our place. Around the giant redwoods and meadows we have sprinkled in the most amazing little cabins, camp sites and deluxe bath house. We have a great outdoor camp kitchen available for your use. The redwood tree shower must not be missed! This is a very special experience for us to share with you. We are a family of campers. We agree, there's nothing better than a rest in a hammock following a hike or a beach day and a night under the stars without the constant dinging of cell and internet! Guests love staying here: "Such a lovely getaway! Our family of four and little dog thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Heartwood. The cabins are great, with comfortable (warm) beds, very clean and cozy. It’s well worth the visit even in the winter! Really appreciated being outdoors surrounded by Redwoods, hiking the trails around the property, the modern bathrooms with hot showers, and the indoor sitting area to make coffee in the mornings. Our stay was relaxing, memorable and special!" Please remember that we are in the woods and there is wildlife around. We don't want them to get into your food items, and recommend that you place food items in the enclosed common room or in the critter proof cupboards in the outdoor kitchen.

May's Luxury Farmstays

96%

(117)

5 sites · Lodging · Los Gatos, CA

Relax and recharge at our retreat in Los Gatos. Whether you’re here to reconnect with nature, hike the trails, camp under the stars, or explore the Bay Area, Harlan’s Retreat, has everything for a worry-free stay! With nature trails on-site and the Saratoga Gap down the road, you won’t have to go far, For fun drive into the city. Come home and admire the amazing views from your secluded glamp-site with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and Silicon Valley 2,800 feet below. This very private site offers breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay and the south bay. The views at night are transcendent. The Apple building and Moffet field are clearly visible. you look down from above the clouds to the valley floor 2,800 feet below.

Bayside Cabin

98%

(315)

1 site · Lodging · Arcata, CA

Come stay in our cozy little cabin tucked in an alder forest. Only a few minutes drive from downtown Arcata, it’s like being in the middle of the woods, right in town. This is a quiet neighborhood and is bike-friendly for getting around town. Feel free to ask us for recommendations on places to eat, get a drink, or find an adventure in Arcata and surrounding areas. We are located less than 40 minutes from Redwood National and State Parks where you can find incredible hiking trails!

1 site · in Sequoia National Forest

Stories from the community

M

Maziyar

5 days ago

23 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

We stayed at the range campsite. That was one of our best camping experiences. 360 degree view, top of hill. Karina was great host, very responsive. Highly recommend it.

Cabin 5 is the largest of our cabins with a queen and bunked twins. It’s also taller than the others.

U

Ujjwal

6 days ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Heartwood Mendocino

Definitely one of the best places I have stayed in a while!

A

Axl Rose

1 week ago

16 ft car

With pets

2 nights at Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

The Range was perfect, with beautiful views and a really peaceful feel. It was great meeting their dog Ria and saying hi to the farm animals. My dogs were so happy to have space to run around and just be dogs. Karina was very accommodating and easy to talk to, which made everything even better. It was pretty windy during my stay, but overall a really nice experience and a place I’d happily return to!

L

Lauren

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

Incredible property, can't wait to return. One large very warm tub (you can adjust temperature using attached source pool) as well as 2-3 pools along the river in two other locations, benches, and soon a covered deck area. Easy to find, easy parking.

You get a tub and you get a tub and you get a tub!

J

Jonathan

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

The roads out to Kosk creek are remote and sometimes sketchy (the road to McCloud is dicey with tree fall, rockfall, landslides) but the camp felt safe and the caretakers were nice. Beautiful spot and great that they've made this sacred place accessible and well maintained.

L

Lyderic

2 weeks ago

2 nights at Salmon Creek Ranch

This was our second time at the treehouse and it did not disappoint. From the surrounding forest and trails to the cozy amenities and feel of the treehouse, this cannot be beat. We can't wait to continue coming again in the future!

A

Alyssa

2 weeks ago

24 ft Class C

Group trip

4 nights at Splitrock Farm and Retreat

Had an amazing time!! The property is so beautiful and absolutely loved all the goats roaming around the sites. Outdoor shower?!? Yes please! Had great water pressure too :) Very quick communication with Ben regarding any and all questions. Only issue with our specific site was very little level ground for tents but we made it work!

S

Sue

2 weeks ago

10 ft pop-up camper

11 nights at DragonflyHill Desert Farm

Had minor maintenance to b done at some future time, but staff jumped right in and we knock it out in a couple hours.

M

Mario

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hidden Falls Preserve

Another great stay. Great views at this campsite. Very relaxing.

J

John

2 weeks ago

Tent

4 nights at Finnon Lake Recreation Area

It's a nice place with beautiful views. The campsites are pretty close together, with many being both RV and car sites. It's not a recipe for a quiet environment, but that's really not expected in these type of campgrounds. I saw several families there, and everyone was having fun (responsibly) and a good time was had by all. The bathroom was clean, as were the campsites. Wildlife was nice in the way of ducks, geese, and very vocal (as always) blue jays. Plenty of woodpeckers as well. My only wildlife complaint might be they have a pretty serious issue with moles tearing up the sites, but it's nothing a fox or coyote couldn't fix.

N

Natalie

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kosk Creek Campgrounds

What an incredible stay! We had no problem arriving late in the evening (about 1:30am we came from Washington) and were able to use the hot springs at any time. This is definitely a new staple campground just be wary of the insane potholes leading up! No issue finding the place and facilities were so nice and clean :-)

R

RAJASHREE

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

I loved camping at Gene's land , highly recommend it. Great host and beautiful location close to the beach.

P

Pamela

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to DragonflyHill Desert Farm

The hosts are very nice. The home property is very cool and we really enjoyed our stay!

C

Carolyn

2 weeks ago

16 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

Beautiful property! Amazing views and super quiet. Felt far away, but there is a lot nearby. Will definitely rebook!

J

John

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

Quiet and relaxing area with beautiful view. Check in was easy. Vicki really went the extra mile to arrange rental of some camping gear for us when ours failed.

Sarah

2 weeks ago

Tent

3 nights at Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

My gf and I had the best time on Vicki’s land for thanksgiving weekend. It was such a treat to have amenities like a sink with warm water and flushing toilets. the land is stunning with views from every corner and fun hiking trails throughout the mountain. vicki has such great energy and made sure to welcome everyone. pumba the pig is so friendly and WILL eat anything left unguarded at night 🤭 so make sure to treat your trash just like any bear camping setting. thanks again vicki, we hope to come back some day!

S

Sherissa

2 weeks ago

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

Great place to camp! Clean restrooms, ample space, close to some great trails. We will definitely be back!

K

Kristen

2 weeks ago

4 ft travel trailer

With kids

3 nights at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

Loved it all. Highly recommend. We will be back for sure.

A

Andrea

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Splitrock Farm and Retreat

Such a beautiful campground! We’ve never been to one quite like it. Lush green and trees everywhere. Exploring different sites was an adventure, each one with a unique setup. It was an incredible experience being there with all the beautiful goats too! Really looking forward to our next visit!