The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Capitola, California

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience near Capitola, California! With over 575 options specifically tailored to pet-friendly accommodations, you're sure to find the ideal spot for you and your four-legged friend. Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin, a spacious RV site, or a peaceful tent spot, we've got you covered. Our top campsites, The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews), and Walden Ranch (418 reviews), have received rave reviews from happy campers. And with popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and showers, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, with activities like snow sports, biking, and hiking nearby, you'll never run out of things to do. So start planning your next adventure with Hipcamp today!

95% (3.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience near Capitola, California! With over 575 options specifically tailored to pet-friendly accommodations, you're sure to find the ideal spot for you and your four-legged friend. Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin, a spacious RV site, or a peaceful tent spot, we've got you covered. Our top campsites, The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews), and Walden Ranch (418 reviews), have received rave reviews from happy campers. And with popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and showers, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, with activities like snow sports, biking, and hiking nearby, you'll never run out of things to do. So start planning your next adventure with Hipcamp today!

95% (3.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Gro 4 Gold Plant Studio

95%

(48)

30mi from Capitola · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Pescadero, CA

Come visit a magical agricultural space enriched by our most precious natural resources: land, animals, love and beauty. Situated in the most desirable mild Mediterranean climate of Pescadero, where the Pacific Ocean breezes moderate temperatures, and nestled in a valley of the Santa Cruz Mountains, we're under an hour from Silicon Valley, San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Level pasture land, creek access, majestic trees. RV parking, tent or hammock camping, and lots of room for spreading out. Bike into Downtown Pescadero, walk to Harley Farms and visit the goats, hike Butano Canyon, and you are only 3.334 miles from Pescadero State Beach.

2. BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

97%

(209)

13mi from Capitola · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Santa Cruz, CA

Purchased from the original owner in 1998. Doug has been clearing and improving the ranch for over 20 years. After surviving the CZU Fire in the summer of 2020, the clearing is continuing and the green growth is thriving all over the ranch. Come revive and energize your soul as you experience the the magic of this private redwood forest. Feel the soothing sound and atmosphere of the pristine creek and its' endless flow as it meanders through the ranch. The seclusion and calmness of this place is addicting! PITCH YOUR TENT UNDER THE MAJESTIC REDWOODS ON THE OLDTIMERS SKID LANDING AND ENJOY THE PRIVACY, SERENITY AND THE SOUNDS OF NATURE ALL AROUND YOU. EASY WALKING ON OUR PRIVATE LOGGING ROADS. SEE THE RESULTS OF THE CZU FIRE AS YOUR HIKE DOWN TO THE PRISTINE AND BEAUTIFUL YEAR ROUND CREEK THAT RUNS THOUGH THE RANCH.

3. Redwood Basin

99%

(131)

5mi from Capitola · 1 site · Lodging · Soquel, CA

Family-owned since the 1960's my parents chose this ridgetop location on 10 acres for its beauty, serenity, bio-diversity, and amazing peaceful healing energy. The main house is called Rainbow Ridge where a double rainbow appears across the skyline on occasion. We have decided to share this land with conscious folks who want to retreat to the woods from the hustle and bustle but be close to all the action and have all the creature comforts of home with a camping vibe. We have one private site with a glamorous A Frame cabin and a modern tiny home and a tiny retro trailer. The site comes as one single package and is exclusive to you and your group! Nestled on its own private 3-acre redwood and oak forest, leading down to a creek. The site is located just 4 miles (10 min drive ) from Soquel Village and just 5 miles from the beach at Capitola. The site offers: - A 20ft modern container home with one queen sofa bed, large screen with Apple TV, kitchen, patio, fridge, microwave, cooktop, shower, and toilet. - A custom, outdoor kitchen, and bar for entertaining with gas BBQ, fridge freezer, sink with hot and cold filtered water, Sonos sound system. - Large gas fire pit and seating area. - One A Frame eco cabin with option for one king size day bed OR two singles, A twin mattress can also fit in the cabin when in the two singles configuration. The cabin has electricity, fan and heating for colder nights. - One very cute retro airstream style 1950's trailer with a twin bed for a couple or one person. - Space for 1-2 additional tents. For groups of 8 or more and special events please contact us so we can discuss the possibilities. - Onsite you should find all the basic amenities from home including all bedding, towels, kitchenware, cooking utensils, dining ware, herbs and spices, cleaning products, gas for the BBQ and fire pit is included etc. There are a few things you should bring: Food, drinks, ice and fun! The site looks down into a private and secluded redwood and oak forest with trails for small hikes into the redwood fairy circles or all the way down to the creek. The glamping site is on a sunny flat area surrounded by steep terrain up to a ridgeline and down to the creek. The creek is accessible although the final route requires a rope down so may not be suitable for everyone. Within 15-20 min drive you will find almost all major attractions in the Santa Cruz area including The Mistery Spot, Nisene Marks State Forest, Capitola Pier, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and many famous surf breaks from Capitola to The Point, The Hook, Steamer Lane and many more., as well as many amazing mountain bike trails. There are also several Santa Cruz Mountain wineries to explore in a 3- 5 mile radius. Further afield you will find Monterey Bay Aquarium and the coastal beaches north up to San Francisco Bay ( 1 hour 30 mins north) and down to Big Sur about 1 hour 20 mins south. We ask all our visitors to be respectful of the environment, our wildlife, and our neighbors. Please drive slowly and respect the quiet times: between 9.30 pm and 8.30 am. We check all our guests in and provide a quick tour. We can offer a number of additional amenities and services including shopping, stocking up on your favorite supplies, catering, romantic packages and special picnics on the Rainbow Ridge, and much more, so please just ask about all the possibilities.

4. The Little Poppy Cabin! 🌸

40mi from Capitola · 1 site · Lodging · Carmel, CA

Accessible from Carmel. READ FULL DETAILS OF LISTING BEFORE BOOKING Centrally located between Carmel and the Heart of Big Sur. On a paved road with quick and easy access to Hwy 1. Adorable little cabin in the redwoods, with upstairs lofted sleeping area (double bed), sleeps 2 people. Kitchen, stove, mini fridge and private bath. Stairs are very steep to loft, with open railing upstairs. Please review pic's before booking. Adults only. The larger main cabin on property, is rented separately. Our cabin is in the Santa Lucia mountains and immersed in nature. Please be aware that wildlife is apart of the rugged Big Sur Coast and mountains. Wildlife encounters are something that is not out of the ordinary. From raccoons, skunks, deer, mountain lions, bats, mice, spiders snakes and all types of birds. We have exceeded measures of to keep occurrances to a minimum and have monthly pest control services. BUT can't guarantee you will not be met with wildlife. ANY ENCOUNTERS DURING YOUR STAY, WILL NOT BE ISSUED A REFUND. If you do not feel comfortable with the paragraph, then please do not book our cabins. Recommendations in Big Sur is Ventana Inn, Post Ranch or something in Carmel or Monterey. 1 Dog allowed, pre-approved by owner and $70fee. No aggressive breeds. Under 50 lbs. Must be leashed, picked up after, not allowed on furniture or left alone. Not allowed in the lofted sleeping area, due to step stairs, open railings. Not safe for animals! If you have a hairy dog, please keep the hair swept and under control. It is not fair for our cleaners to do de-fur the cabin. We allow dogs as a wonderful courtesy and don't want it abused. There is NO cell reception in our area, due to the mountain range. You loose reception once you leave Carmel and head south, or leave Big Sur and travel north to the property. WIFI is available but can be intermittent due to rural location. Text and wifi available, no cell reception, once logged into our internet. INTERNET IS NOT GUARANTEED DURING YOUR STAY. At the beginning of our road, it has a "road closed sign". You CAN get to our cabin. Our road is residential and a dead end. So there is not need to go past our cabin. All hiking and site seeing is along Hwy 1.

5. Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping

98%

(176)

39mi from Capitola · 38 sites · Lodging · Carmel Valley, CA

The Camp was started in 1925 by Mrs. Douglas as a girls camp to teach young girls the beautiful wonders of the outdoors including horseback riding, swimming, archery, and camping. She felt that boys had plenty of opportunity to explore Mother Nature but at the time, girls had no such camp to attend. This 115 acre, beautiful, rolling hills ranch has been a camp ever since and now offers camping for the young and old, girls and boys, families and singles…. You name it… a camp for everyone. Located on 115 acres historic boys and girls summer camp complete with pool, tennis, and hiking in Carmel Valley, CA. Re-connect to nature and nostalgia! There is plenty to do at the Camp as well as surrounding areas. 2.5 miles from Carmel Village known for its many wine tasting rooms, restaurants and galleries. 14.5 miles inland from Carmel by-the-sea and Carmel Beach. Perfect locations for day excursion to Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur. Individual Glamping sessions are available on select dates. Breakfast included in the stay. Length of stay may be required. We highly recommend you stay for more than one day as it is difficult to take part in all activities when at the camp for only one day. Imagine! your own private off the grid cabin where you can enjoy tent camping without the hassle of setting up a tent. Numerous activities for you to take advantage of or simple step outside your cabin and wonder on our 115 acres and connect to nature. Welcome to The Camp. CABINS Solstice and Sunrise cabins recently re-built cabins have one queen bed and two twin beds (max 4 ppl) and are located near a shared communal bathhouses. Sunset village cabins have access to a bathhouse with designated full baths with private shower and bathroom for each cabin. Each cabin has power and one queen bed and two twin beds (max 4 ppl) Like tent camping without the hassle of having to set up a tent. You bring your sleeping bag, bedding and towels. Or we can provide you with a bedding/towel pack for an extra cost. POWER All cabins and bathhouses have power Wi-Fi Free wi-fi in central camp not at cabins. FOOD and DRINK 2024 Glamping Includes breakfast. Lunch and Dinner optional at an additional cost. ACTIVITIES Self guided activities include: Pool, pool deck, basketball half court, tennis courts, yard games, hiking trails and many areas to connect to nature. Guided activities: Hosted campfire nightly, Yoga, Archery and Tie Dye sessions available on Saturday. (holiday weekends additional sessions available) FIRE No individual fires. We do offer hosted campfires nightly. DOG Two dogs are welcome per cabin $50 per dog. MUSIC No speakers, amplification or radios. Acoustic instruments are allowed. RESERVATIONS Glamping weekends may require multiple night stays. Check-in is between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. We will send you an email prior to arrival with additional information. Please note Hipcamp site assignments do not correspond to the actual cabin you will be assigned. Our Camp cabin names and assignments are a little different. If you are reserving multiple cabins please let us know so we can try and assign you near each other. Parking is a short walk away from the Cabins. The Camp is private property and for registered guests only. Gate is closed 9PM-7PM. Campers are free to come and go as these please between 7AM-PM, but all Campers must be back onsite before 9PM. WHAT TO BRING: Sleeping Bag or bedding or rent linen pack Towels and Toiletries Flashlight Water Bottle

Public campgrounds near Capitola

Right after the storm passed through. The pelicans were going nuts!

99%

(70)

New Brighton Campground

1.2mi from Capitola · 109 sites · Tents, RVs · in New Brighton State Beach

100%

(7)

Seacliff State Beach Campground

2.2mi from Capitola · 35 sites · in Seacliff State Beach

100%

(2)

West Ridge Trail Camp

6.2mi from Capitola · 2 sites · in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

The campsite has it own private beach access

88%

(8)

Willow Camps

6.9mi from Capitola · 85 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manresa State Beach

97%

(18)

Bay Camps

7.1mi from Capitola · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manresa State Beach

Stories from the community

J

Jasmine

2 weeks ago

16 ft car

With kids

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

Wow! What a treat. The Creek Site is private, quiet, and so peaceful. We travel with a little one, and we felt safe and comfortable the whole time. The short hike from the site to the creek was the perfect challenge for the kiddo's little legs. We were immersed in nature and lulled to sleep by the sound of the creek below, but the property was also just a short drive to nearby amenities and attractions. (We couldn't miss the steam train in Felton.) Doug was very communicative and friendly. We will definitely come back.

H

Heather

2 weeks ago

18 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

Great secluded spot in the redwoods! You’ll have the nice cleared wooded area to yourselves. We stayed at campsite 1 up top. Campsite 2 is about a mile down the dirt road closer to the creek. It’s a nice hike down and gets pretty steep at the end. There are no toilets, but well water. We had no problem driving our 2 wheel drive camper van there. Just the camping we like. Beautiful woodsy area and just us! Nice hosts, we’ll be back!

M

Melinda

2 weeks ago

With kids

3 nights at Redwood Basin

We had the most incredible time at Redwood Basin HipCamp! The A-frame has absolutely amazing views, and the container setup was perfect with a clean restroom, great shower, and a super comfortable sleeping space. The Airstream was cute, fun, and such a unique touch. Our kids loved pitching a tent as well right on the property, and the outdoor kitchen was one of our favorite parts, beautifully stocked and so easy to cook in. The outdoor shower and bath tucked into the redwoods is truly unmatched… such a peaceful, unforgettable experience. And the trampoline in the middle of the trees? So fun! Our whole family had a blast. To top it all off, the host was wonderful, responsive, helpful, and made everything feel easy. We can’t recommend Redwood Basin enough. We’ll definitely be back!

M

Maggie

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Redwood Basin

We had such a memorable experience staying here! It was more than we normally spend on accommodations, but it was worth it for how unique and special our time was here. The kids absolutely loved the trampoline in the circle of redwoods. My sister strung up her hammock between two trees and I enjoyed drinking my morning coffee there while the kids bounced. I had the best bath of my life in the outdoor tub - it was a perfect size, the water was nice and hot, and the cool November air kept me cool while I enjoyed the view and the twinkle lights. We got a lot of use out of the fire pit (and outdoor blankets) and the stocked outdoor kitchen. It was handy to have a sink and mini-fridge both outside in the kitchen and in the shipping container near the coffee maker. We were so lucky it didn't rain so we could enjoy all the outdoor spaces! The sleeping arrangements were perfect for 5 of us - the kids in the A-frame, my husband and me in the shipping container, and my sister and her small dog in the airstream. The A-frame beds were foam on wood (not mattresses), so may not be comfortable for everyone, but the A-frame was so cozy and fun and has such a beautiful view. The pull-out bed in the shipping container was very comfortable for me (5'8") and my husband (6') but he said his feet were hanging off a little. The small heaters in each space kept it nice and toasty, and there were plenty of blankets and pillows. Laura was so helpful. We highly recommend it!

S

Sarah

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

This is our second time to this beautiful property and we will return again. Doug and Denise are both very warm and welcoming. They are the perfect combination of offering help if needed but also giving us our space. The property is just beautiful with a river you can walk to and so many varieties of mushrooms. Don’t forget to look out for the banana slugs!

C

Cheryl

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

The site is beautiful, private and secluded. We loved the creekside location with the small little trail. Great place for dogs and very serene.

Relaxing in the a-frame with a good book

N

Nick

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Redwood Basin

Great spot, well provisioned kitchen with cookware, utensils, coffee pot, etc. we enjoyed the hot tub, the stars, the redwood fairy ring.

M

Mackenzie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

We stayed at the Creek Site and it was perfect for my partner, pup and me. Doug and Denise were both super welcoming and took us down to the site as it is away from their home. It’s a short hike down to the creek, and worth it! It’s so magical down there. As far as location, it’s in the mountains and close to both the ocean and Santa Cruz. Great spot and would go again! As expected, totally off the grid – no cell service.

Anna

September 2025

25 ft campervan

Group trip

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

This site was a surprise-it was very isolated, peaceful and nature-filled. It has no amenities- so be sure you have a toilet, water and lots of lights! Luckily we came prepared and it was very serene. The creek sounds were lovely, although it was a bit of a steep hike to get to it. We loved that the site was all our own, there were very few bugs and it was the retreat we needed.

C

Cristina

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping

The Safari Rustic Tent exceeded my expectations. Impeccably clean and excellent creature comforts like a shower and bathroom. Hosts are informative and made the location easy to find. The property is gated and feels safe. Thank you so much!

E

Elaine

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Redwood Basin

I’m so glad I had my first glamping experience here! We had such a great time, and the kids absolutely loved the A-frame cabin. It’s a beautiful spot for stargazing, very clean, and had all the essentials we needed. The host, Laura, was wonderful, she greeted us and walked us through everything when we arrived. The property felt safe and private, and the kids were thrilled to spot deer and even a banana slug!

A

Ann Marie

September 2025

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

A beautiful, quiet space! It felt safe and was very private. Doug was super helpful when I arrived. The road in is rough but doable for 2-wheel drive.

M

Molly

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

Beautiful and so quiet! Only thing that was challenging was the no toilets. I hope the plan for the space is to eventually add a portable toilet at least cus that was a little more rustic than I prepared myself for. Still, super lovely property and we had a great time.

J

Juliette and

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

We had an amazing weekend in the peace of the woods and dipping in the creek! This spot is a real gem, the hosts are so nice and welcoming. Great place to spend some time outside with kids! We will be back!

G

Gerald

July 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

It was a beautiful, peaceful and secluded site. It was easy to get to and the hosts were very hospitable.

Eric

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

Wonderful site! Huge, super private, easy to access, and with incredibly kind hosts! Just be aware about the bucket toilets - but our whole crew (of adults and kids) worked them with no problem!

J

Jennifer

July 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Redwood Basin

What a lovely spot among the trees and great host! We started to relax as soon as we arrived. Great communication!

P

Paula

July 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

Group trip

2 nights at BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

We had a large group and had plenty of space to spread out, with lots of room to play in the meadow in the midst of the redwoods. Having a water hose at the edge of the camp was great. The walk to the creek (~ a mile) was beautiful, and the creek itself was lovely. The intro to the horses at the barn at feeding time was fun. The hosts were friendly and very accommodating to our needs and last minute changes.

Ethan

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

Denise’s place is absolutely amazing. Complete privacy, in the clearing of a redwood Forrest, on a running creak, 10 minutes from the coast. I’ve stayed at over a dozen Hipcamps and this is my favorite spot to date. I’m already planning another visit.

Nancy

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

Camping on Doug & Denise’s property was lovely! We drove up from LA to escape into some Santa Cruz magic and it did not disappoint. Thank you for having us! Ps. Bring mosquito repellents for the evening.