Camping in California

Hipcampers are spoiled for choice in California, where landscapes come supersized.

96% (10470 reviews)
  1. California
96% (10470 reviews)

Popular camping styles for California

Community favorites in California

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in California

Stories from the community

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12 top campgrounds in California

95%
(612)

dabudage Big Sur

9 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · CA
​​​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. *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. Hwy 1 is currently closed to the north of this land. The only access is through Cambria from the south or over the mountain from King City off of Hwy 101 There is a small communal guest kitchen, 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 previous structures. It is in the process of rebuilding. ​ Children are welcome. ​ Alcohol is discouraged. ​ No electronic music devices. ​ Fires in designated pits only. ​ Dogs are welcome off-leash. 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. You can also visit our site on the web at dabugage dot com for more info
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$60
 / night
96%
(5112)

Jug Handle Creek Farm

20 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Caspar, CA
Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center is a nonprofit with a five minute walk to Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle beach and the Ecological Staircase trail. We offer 11 unique campsites with plenty of space and privacy. Each site has two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two cars and plenty of space for your tents. Our 33 acres include a native plant nursery, community gardens, forests, meadows, and nature trails. Our site has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful and just a 5-minute walk to Jug Handle Beach and the Jug Handle Preserve. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural word. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about special rates and our immersive nature education programs.
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$45
 / night
98%
(415)

Blackberry Farm

6 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Bolinas, CA
Blackberry Farm sits on the western side of Mount Tamalpais, tucked in the Gospel Flat area of Bolinas. The family farm and residence were established during the late 1970s on the site of the historic Peter’s Dairy Ranch. The original farmhouse dates back to the late 19th century and survived the great 1906 earthquake. Today, the 7-acre farm is being restored to sustainably support fruit orchards, cottage flower and kitchen gardens, honey bees, a boisterous flock of chickens, and naughty shetland sheep. Our self-serve farmstand attached to our barn has seasonal flowers, organic eggs, heirloom fruit, and local goods from the farm. Our property is the perfect rustic getaway for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll be surrounded by farm/ranch life: chickens clucking, roosters crowing, bees buzzing, and sheep bleating. We also have active nighttime wildlife: coyotes howling, raccoons foraging, owls hooting, etc. Bring earplugs if nature sounds are too much for you. We offer 4 walk-in tent sites that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. We welcome well-behaved pets ON LEASH that won’t harass the chickens, cats, sheep, other campers, or residents. Unruly pets and their campers will be asked to leave. No refund. Limit: 1 dog per site. Pitch your tent in a meadow shared by: Campsite 1 - left side of the meadow, closest to the common area and hot tub. Campsite 2 - middle of the meadow, closest to our fenced apiary and bee garden. Campsite 3 - right side of the meadow, near the orchard. (sites 1 and 3 are next to each other) Campsite 4 - front of the pasture, closest to the parking area (best for car/van campers wanting space to lounge near their parked vehicle.) Multiple sites may be booked for group camping. Sites 1 and 3 are next to each other under the Cypress Trees. Add site 2 if you would like the entire back half of the campground. Add site 4 if you'd like to have a maximum number of 16 total campers and 2 tents/per site. The common area has an outdoor shower, hot tub, covered bbq/cook area, tented (weather-protected) hangout space, and a place to stash your surfboard. The pizza oven is not available for campground use. Redwood Grove hangout areas have seating and tree swings. Please pack out your trash. We offer a recycling bin for glass bottles, cans, and clean paper. Parking is 100 yds or less from the campsites. We have a large wheelbarrow to help you cart your camping gear across the pasture to your campsite. No driving onto or parking in the meadow. Due to the narrow driveway and parking area (lack of turnaround), the site cannot accommodate RVs, trailers, or oversize vehicles beyond 16ft in length, 7ft in width, or 10 ft in height. 1 car per campsite, please. 15-minute walk to the beach and downtown.
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$66
 / night
98%
(667)

Baby Banana Slug Farm

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Albion, CA
Once an ancient Redwood grove full of mature redwood trees towering 250 feet in the air, This is a beautiful piece of property, very private, with an old growth Redwood snag still remaining and 30 foot diameter re-sprouted Redwood fairy rings. it has its own private entrance.In the redwood forest, lots of trees and other vegetation. Good wildlife watching area. 4 miles from the ocean. Campsites have own access point. Pack it in, pack it out. Please be respectful of neighbors and land around you.2 sites available - both with potable water, and area for campfires (outside of any burn ban), and toilet access. Firewood available for fee. Pets allowed.Guests love staying here: "This was such a treat. Nathan was a responsive, present host--made sure we had all of the wood we wanted. We were tucked away in the woods with great amenities... bathroom included. There is a beautiful tree on the campsite that made the whole experience magical. And my pup was free to run and around and bring me sticks. I will definitely come back again!"
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$60
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97%
(3389)

Salmon Creek Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · 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.
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$120
 / night
99%
(439)

Wendy & John Farm

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Ferndale, CA
My aunt and uncle bought the property in 1947 from itsfirst European settler, Paolo Gabrielli, who immigrated in early 1914 from northern Italy with slips of his grapevine in the lining of his coat. (The grapevine still grows over the back deck.) What can you expect? Quiet, beauty, birdsong, ocean roar, widely spaced campsites (only 5 on the 5 acres set aside for camping), extra stuff to purchase if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler). Free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit. Or total solitude. Bring your (most non-cattle-chasing breeds) dogs if you wish (males must be neutered). Starlink internet. Walk to the beach of our wild ocean along a no-shoulder country road. We have no visible neighbors, no ambient light or sound. The air is clean and clear and the water is potable from an artesian spring on the property. No electricity at the sites and no generators allowed. (Charge your electronics at the farmhouse.) We offer homemade soup, cobbler, fresh bread, & morning coffee as $extras; you can order with the booking. The Victorian village of Ferndale is three miles east, as is a beautifully maintained 110-acre town wilderness with hiking trails called Russ Park. A 150-year-old cemetery slopes down a hillside & is filled with 19th century charm and history. Shops and restaurants welcome visitors. There are several bars/a wine bar/and a historic saloon that's as old boy as it was in 1890. A music venue in a restored 19th century church has amazing acoustics and attracts international talent as a top-notch venue (sessions are filmed for PBS) midway between Portland and San Francisco. So, it's a mix of town and country, village and farm, wilderness and bewilderedness. Safe, safe, safe, meaning: you can leave your belongings in your site and when you come back... they're still there :) We welcome the world.
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$58
 / night
87%
(68)

Sustainable Ecovillage

5 sites · Lodging160 acres · Gasquet, CA
The Smith River Complex Fire took our property on August 16th, 2023. Updates on our progress here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fucaTaOwf5c PLEASE NOTE, 4WD is required in order to access the sites. Please message me if you have any questions prior to booking. Sustainable Ecovillage is an off-grid project for sustainable living. If you are looking for a unique experience and up for rustic accommodations among goats, chickens, a permaculture food forest with a few off-grid perks, we welcome you to join us in our mountainous, wilderness paradise! Our 160-acre property is surrounded by about a million acres of National Forest. Our neighborhood is all made of trees, huckleberry bushes and animals. We love it here. It is very remote, peaceful, and functionally sustainable in its focus. The closest neighbor is a Buddhist Hermitage about a mile up the forestry road. Also, supposedly, Sasquatch live here! (it is the epicenter for documented sightings). Most visitors to the area are interested in spending time in the redwoods – we are about 30-45 minutes from the nearest entrance to Jedediah Smith Park, home of Stout Grove and other beautiful redwood hikes. Driving into Crescent City, about 45-60 minutes, winds you right through the "gentle giants" on your way to or from Redwood National Park. We are self-sufficient, and sustainable in a relatively primitive set-up, especially after the fire this year. It's mountainous and remote, and we have a community agreement about no smoking (of any kind) on our land.
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$58
 / night
92%
(216)

Redwood Paradise Camping

15 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · CA
PLEASE READ Hello all! If you're looking for some glamping with creature comforts, while just being 10 minutes away from restaurants. This is the place for you. We are a 5 acre property and home surrounded by tall redwood and oak trees. Very green and lots of shade. These are the amenities/facilities you will have free access to: Pool, Pool chairs and umbrellas, Deck area with sunset view, Trampolines, and hammocks. There is not cooking allowed by or at any of the common areas, due to flies and critters. Cooking and eating is only allowed by your sites and not in any common areas: Hammocks, Trampolines, Pool Area, tables, sink, and deck please follow this rule because we want to prevent our shared areas to be fly and bug infested. We are still working on ridding the flies and cleaning. (please try to bring prepackaged food or something easy. If anything you can drive 10 minutes to nearby food and grocery). In the past we let people cook and eat around the pool but now our whole property is fly infested and I find scattered leftovers on the ground. Thanks for understanding. THERE IS A 1-2 MINUTE HIKE TO THE CAMPSITES 1-5! Poolside campsites are closer to the parking and are bigger. FOR ALL CAMPSITES Free coffee in the mornings on the deck! If you have pets make sure to include the extra fee per pet please! We are very near the Lost Empire Hiking trail less than a mile away! We ask you to please let us know your ETA 30 minutes before coming as there is spotty connection. FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE NOT POTTY TRAINED POOL DIAPERS ARE REQUIRED. WE DO NOT SHARE ELECTRICITY! CHECK OUT OUR NEW LODGING: This property is my home that I live in with my 2 kids. It is a rustic and homey vibe, definitely not a hotel. We want you to come knowing what to expect. Our property offers a pool, and trampolines for the kids. We have a deck patio area that overlooks an amazing view of the redwood forest. Most of our guests are those that come from foreign countries and they all LOVE the property. I love leaving a great impression of our area. RULES: Pack your trash. Rinse your feet before entering the pool. No floaties and pool toys of any type allowed. Do not leave children unsupervised. Do not sit on the edge of the reclinable chairs. Do not sit along the edge of the pool or on the pool cover box. All tables are solely for drinking, cooking is only available on the stumps or on tables brought by the camper. Be mindful of the area, do not litter or toss food anywhere except your trash bag. No dogs by the pool area. Dogs must be on leash at all times and clean up after them. No eating inside rooms or the cabin. Come to the deck to check-out. No smoking. (With exception of vapes, do not smoke in common areas) No campfires or any grills with a large open flame PROPANE ONLY!:) Thank you!:)
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$85
 / night
98%
(172)

Meadow Farm & Forest

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · Fort Bragg, CA
Meadow Farm is a quiet and creative sanctuary surrounded by the forest. The ocean breezes freshen the air and the pulse of the planet is heard as the surf sounds travel to put us to rest at night.. We are a place for people experimenting with the new old ways to live with low impact and conservation of our precious resources. We offer affordable accommodations, organic gardening, and education on plants and living simply. We welcome your interest in veganic garden and diet, orchards, and forest trails. Our organic vegetables and fruit may be available if you wish to bring some of our farm to your table. We can offer you a quiet and peaceful place without social pressures if you wish to "decompress" from city life, jobs or any stressful times. Or come to the communal fire near the bathhouse for sharing some time with family and the few other campers that may be there. Bringing your own wood is welcome. The coastal bike and hike trails are many. From South of Ft Bragg to the Sand Dunes near Ward Ave. you can travel over 7 miles one way and go down to quiet little beach coves along the way. Meadow Farm is a nonprofit 501c3 with goals of coastal food security, disaster preparation and sheltering, carbon sequestering and forest restoration. We offer native plant tours on or off site with advance notice. We like our dog companions! Two McNab collies, Moxie and Shama live here and may bark at first...still very friendly and social with people and other dogs.. There are several dog friendly off-leash areas such as, Noyo North Harbor Beach, Seaside Beach and dog parks in both Ft Bragg and Mendocino. Our farm is dog friendly tho we wish pets to be kept close, must be neutered and friendly to other dogs and people. Please be sure to bury or bag the waste. Speaking of waste, Meadow Farm strives to reduce waste by avoiding plastic as much as possible, recycling what we can and composting our veggie scraps. Please bring your own waste receptacles and take them along when you go. We take ours to the Caspar Transfer Station which is open Saturday through Wednesday... the location and hours can be found online. Our water is from a deep well and we periodically test it for bacteria. It is cold and delicious. Our irrigation pipes that have spigots and hoses at each camp are safe for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Our solar pump moves water into storage tanks that provide all the water to the farm. It is very important that the water valves on your camp spigot is turned off (gently please) to avoid losing 2500 gallons of water in a short time. If you see a leak or break in a line please contact us immediately. There are also water shut offs for the camps on the west side of the Farm House if you are unable to reach us right away.. When doing dishes we request that you use the strainer to catch food particles from the dish water and toss them in your trash or compost bucket. If you have vegetable waste let us know and we can pick them up for adding to the worm bins or composting piles. We make worm "tea" fertilizer and rich soil from these offerings. No animal products or oil please... a few egg shells are okay. We do have the usual wildlife though we haven't had problems with them. Ravens will raid your camp if food or bags are left out while you are away. From dusk to dawn keep children and pets close. We coexist well here with the critters...and glad to have them. Wishing you a very peaceful and soul refreshing stay at Meadow Farm. Come and allow this natural setting to heal and restore your sense of well-being.
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$65
 / night
96%
(170)

Blue Moon Orchard Retreat

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Lemon Cove, CA
This place is our sanctuary, our own private slice of heaven.  There is an abundance of love and peace here on the farm...even the animals are full of love and affection.  Some of the Olive Trees in our Orchard have been here for over 100 years!! The soil is rich and healthy. We use no fertilizers or pesticides preferring to let nature do her thing.Learn more about this land:Camp in our Orchard!  We are a small Olive and Citrus orchard and ranch.  There are lots of Olives & Citrus during their seasons. Olives Sept-Dec Citrus Dec-May. The Ranch consists of Chickens, Sheep, Goats, Cats, and our ranch dog Merlin.  2 miles to Kaweah Lake with fishing boats, patio boats available to rent from the marina. 15 miles to the quaint town of Three Rivers...River Rafting, fishing etc. 20 miles to the Visitor Center of Sequoia National Forest. Near Mineral King hiking trails. 37 miles to The General Sherman.
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$32.40
 / night
98%
(588)

Sierra Foothills Ranch -722 acres

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA
Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge Ranch goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.
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$40
 / night
99%
(845)

Walden Ranch

2 sites · Tents300 acres · Linden, CA
Walden Ranch began with the purchase of a neighboring 20 acres. Couple that with the inspiration of Thoreau's lines and life at the real Walden Pond, the ranch has grown to nearly 300 acres and the small ranch pond has grown to a 5-acre lake with a 3-acre forest and home. Scouts, family and church groups use the site for gatherings. Available are canoes, bonfire, and exploring the ranch's 300-head cattle, llamas, poultry and wildlife. Fires always allowed at fire ring. Pitch your tent in a forest setting alongside a lake on a working cattle ranch. Watch wildlife or hike to smaller lakes on the ranch. Other animals include dogs, llamas, geese, chickens, and horses. The ranch is within a 20 minute drive to either Stockton or Lodi, CA and is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and pastures. Outdoor flush toilets, sink, tables and fire ring available. Forested area is set amidst grazing lands. This "Walden" even has willow trees slipped from Walden Pond, MA. Owner looks forward to sharing this peaceful, special spot!
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$30
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Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in California guide

Overview

Looking to reconnect with nature among the towering redwoods of California? Look no further than Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), and The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews). With popular amenities such as pet-friendly sites, potable water, and trash services, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And if you're up for some adventure, you can enjoy activities like hiking, surfing, and whitewater paddling. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience amid the majestic redwoods of California!