The best camping in California with surfing

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in California! Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just looking to catch some waves, we've got over 1000 options for you to choose from. With campsites like Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), and The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), you can trust that you'll have an unforgettable experience. Our campsites offer popular amenities such as showers, potable water, and trash facilities, so you can focus on enjoying the great outdoors. Plus, with prices ranging from as low as $25 to an average of $60 per night, you can find the perfect spot to fit your budget. So grab your surfboard and get ready for an epic camping adventure in beautiful California!

96% (23.8K) • 4,971 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in California

Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

1. Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

96%
(3333)
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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Mystic Forest Campground

2. Mystic Forest Campground

98%
(1266)
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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Finley Camp

3. Finley Camp

99%
(1522)
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. WE HAVE BEEF AGAIN! Beef is free range grass fed and all naturally raised. Please contact camp host for a price sheet or review price sheet attached to the firewood stand near Site #1. 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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Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

4. 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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Big Basin Redwoods State Park

5. 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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Salmon Creek Ranch

6. Salmon Creek Ranch

97%
(2368)
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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Meadow camping in Bolinas

7. Meadow camping in Bolinas

97%
(648)
Bolinas, CA · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging
Welcome to Blackberry Farm, a rustic retreat in Bolinas on the western slope of Mount Tamalpais. Set on historic Peter’s Dairy Ranch, our farm offers a grassy meadow with 4 walk-in tent sites, plus two rustic sheds. Wake to songbirds, hens, and sheep, and fall asleep under the stars. Amenities include an outdoor shower and hot tub, a covered cooking area, hangout space, tree swings, and redwood grove seating. Just a 15-minute walk to downtown Bolinas and the beach. Group camping welcome—please self-book all sites and sheds for private gatherings (max 20 people). Reservations open 3 months in advance. Sites book out fast. Closed seasonally from Thanksgiving to early March. BYO Tent Campsites Site 1: Left meadow, near kitchen + hot tub Site 2: Center, by the bee garden and apiary Site 3: Right, under cypress trees by the orchard Site 4: Near pasture gate + parking (best for car/van campers) Book Sites 1–3 for the back half of the meadow, or all 4 tent sites (2 tents per site) plus the rustic sheds to reserve the entire camp for privacy. Amenities at a Glance: 4 walk-in meadow campsites, 2 rustic sheds Communal camping (shared amenities) Outdoor shower & hot tub Covered cook area with a propane camp stove Weather-protected hangout space Tree swings & redwood grove seating Wheelbarrow for hauling gear Recycling & compost bins (pack out your trash) 15-min walk to Bolinas + beach House Rules at a Glance Seasonal: Closed Thanksgiving–early March Booking: Reservations open 3 months in advance Groups: Self-book all sites for family/friends gatherings. No amplified music or loud behavior. Sound carries further than you'd think. Please respect our neighbors. Pets: 1 well-behaved, leashed dog per site (no chasing animals or disturbing guests) Families: Mind your children. (no harassing farm animals or moving farm stuff) Parking: 1 car per site (max 18' L × 7' W × 10' H). No RVs, trailers, or meadow parking Gear: Campsites are walk-in; wheelbarrow provided Waste: Pack it in, pack it out. Recycling + food-scrap compost available
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The Meadow Grove of Hands Full Farm

8. The Meadow Grove of Hands Full Farm

94%
(820)
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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Sacred Earth Retreat (SER)

9. Sacred Earth Retreat (SER)

96%
(103)
Ben Lomond, CA · 4 sites
For over 40 years, Sacred Earth has been cherished by many as an example of sustainable off-grid living immersed in nature. While it is just 12 minutes drive from the village of Ben Lomond, 30 from Santa Cruz beaches, and 90 minutes to Berkeley, this valley feels as though you are deep in the wilds, complete with old growth Redwoods you can stand inside and far- reaching majestic Madrones. The land is home to the headwaters of Love Creek, with springs to be found in fern gullies and gentle babbling brooks. The breathtaking ridgetop has expansive views down the San Lorenzo Valley southeast and westerly views to Ben Lomond Mountain, the final hill between this place and the Pacific. Don’t miss the sunrise with meandering mist rising off the valley. Large sites allow for family and group gatherings/activities, while small tucked in tent sites provide hidden nooks. Hiking trails (open in dry season only) encircle the land and allow for moderate walks throughout its mostly vertical terrain. What is truly dynamic about Sacred Earth is the sheer diversity of plant and animal species combined with its proximity to world-class surfing, sailing, scuba, mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching, etc. Make your stay in Santa Cruz Mountains at SER.
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Golden Gate National Recreation Area

10. Golden Gate National Recreation Area

97%
(78)
National park in California · 17 sites
Hike in Muir Woods or rattle the bars at Alcatraz with a visit to the City by the Bay.
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Sue-meg State Park (Patrick's Point State Park)

11. Sue-meg State Park (Patrick's Point State Park)

99%
(52)
State park in California · 172 sites
Natural wonders meet Native American history at this coastal park.
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Sonoma Coast State Park

12. Sonoma Coast State Park

98%
(217)
State park in California · 241 sites
Take a break from exploring wine country to check out this beautiful 17-mile stretch of beaches.
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Emma Wood State Beach

13. Emma Wood State Beach

96%
(29)
State park in California · 93 sites
Fish, surf, and explore WWII ruins at this Southern California beach.
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dabudage Big Sur

14. dabudage Big Sur

96%
(824)
CA · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging
⭐DABUDAGE in southern Big Sur. 🌈🌊***READ THIS ENTIRE WRITTEN DESCRIPTION BEFORE REQUESTING TO BOOK!* And Format Request as Specified *. ⭐ 🌲Disconnect from the virtual world and surround yourself in nature. At the base of a majestic canyon where steep mountains plunge to the ocean, along a flowing creek. Backed by redwood trees and surrounded by national forest is a minimalistic homestead with family, friends and animals. 🌪️*The prices have been raised on hipcamp as Hipcamp now takes a 15% cut from hosts. Guests are also charged an additional 20+%. 🌖 for more information on discounts / avoid fees, you can visit our site direct on the web at dabudage 💸 *We currently only accept reservations for dates within the next 3 weeks*. You must Arrive Before Dark to find your site. There is no wi-fi, cell service or electricity. There are two small communal guest kitchens, fresh water, a shower/bath and composting barrel poopers. 🪨A massive flood in Jan 2021 brought 100's of gigantic full sized redwood trees and boulders smashing down thru most of the land and previous structures. It is and will be in the process of rebuilding for many years to come. Great for families with children. Dogs are welcome off-leash. Alcohol is discouraged. No electronic music devices. Fires in designated pits only. Pack out trash. TO RESERVE A SITE - Please include a bit about yourself/party and where you’re coming from. ⚡️*YOU MUST ALSO INCLUDE - “ My party and I have read the description” - IN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED⚡️ Requests are usually checked once daily.🏄‍♂️
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Moonstone Hideaway

15. Moonstone Hideaway

95%
(31)
Trinidad, CA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We are located on 20 acres of mostly undeveloped land, with numerous trails winding through the redwood forest and a year-round creek running through the property. Moonstone Beach is just one mile down the hill, along with the other beautiful beaches near Trinidad. The town of Trinidad is only a 10-minute drive away. The property is a work in progress, with one campsite deck completed so far. There is also an Airstream on the property that is available as a short-term rental.
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Baby Banana Slug Farm

16. Baby Banana Slug Farm

98%
(723)
Albion, CA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
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Heartwood Mendocino

17. Heartwood Mendocino

99%
(613)
Mendocino, CA · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
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Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping

18. Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping

99%
(340)
Aptos, CA · 1 site
Nestled in a canopy of redwoods, less than 10 miles from the beach sits a private and cozy campground. Fern Ridge Flats combines the best of Santa Cruz county. Abundant trees and misty mornings await you at our property in Aptos. Equipped with electricity, water, and a picnic table for your convenience. There are trails on the land for you to explore, animals, and nature to dive into. *************** Smoking and the use of drugs are strictly prohibited. This is a safe and quiet neighborhood with many families including my own. Please do not request to book if you have the intention of partying or using illegal substances. If these rules are violated, local authorities will be called and you will be removed from the campsite. *************** The campsite is less than a 5 minute walk from the parking spot but is relatively steep. Although it is paved it is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues. *************** As an added precaution to protect the lush landscape, the firepit at the campsite utilizes clean burning propane. We chose a burner that closely replicates the size and heat of a wood to enhance our campers' experience.
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Arber-Moore's Ranch

19. Arber-Moore's Ranch

92%
(593)
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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Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

20. Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

99%
(161)
Wildomar, CA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Sleep under the stars on a working avocado farm at 2,000 feet. Zephyr Mountain Grove is a 21-acre regenerative avocado and citrus farm in the hills above Wildomar — 20 minutes from Lake Elsinore, a world away from everything. Two private sites, both with hilltop views, fire pits for rent, and outhouse-style bathrooms with flushable porta toilets (not porta-potties), concrete picnic tables and Adirondack chairs for relaxing and enjoying the views. . Site 1 — Cityscape Hilltop View Summit: our group site. One large gathering pad plus extra 5 tent pads on the hillside, city lights to the west, room for the whole crew, a pergola strung with solar lights, and a brand-new outdoor shower. Site 2 — Avocado Vista Campsite: the intimate one. Smaller groups, Several tent pads, a covered viewing deck, and views of the city and grove. Site 2 -- Cozy Grove Retreat: Same site as Avocado Vista but with pre set up Inflatable 10x10 spacious tent, Inflatable queen bed and sofa. Tent lights all pre set up for you. Add-ons if you want them: s'mores kits, propane fire pits, camping essentials, farm baskets from the grove, early arrival or late checkout. This is a real working farm, not a backdrop. Dark skies, roosters at dawn, grove views — and your stay helps fund the farm animal sanctuary on the property (rescued dogs, cats, ducks, geese, chickens, pigs, and goats you may get to meet). While you're here: Temecula wine country is ~15–20 minutes south — tasting rooms, Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga. Hiking at the Santa Rosa Plateau is close by, Glen Ivy Hot Springs is about half an hour, and Lake Elsinore (skydiving, the lake, minor-league baseball) is 20 minutes north. Come unwind, recharge, camp host for information as well as the groves website (zephyrmountaingrove) for available Merchandise as well as Avocados and Citrus to see whats in season. Get away on a short trip for a relaxing destress weekend. (summer months of June through September can be hot so bring shade or you can rent an ez up from us, please check the weather in Wildomar Ca before camping)
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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