Camping near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Feel the sea breeze with a camping trip to this artsy town on Carmel Bay.

95% (22080 reviews)

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Star Hosts in Carmel-by-the-Sea

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12 top campgrounds near Carmel-by-the-Sea

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SMR Carmel Camping

29 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents89 acres · Del Rey Oaks, Monterey
Welcome to Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV and Campground! We are located on 89 acres of forest land off Carmel Valley Road, just 5 miles from HWY 1. Nestled within oaks, Monterey pines, and redwoods, Saddle Mountain offers a great family friendly getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life. PLEASE NOTE, our RV and tent sites are pet friendly but YOU MUST ADD THE PET FEE EXTRA WHEN MAKING YOUR BOOKING. Our glamping stays are NOT pet-friendly aside from one of our luxury tents. We charge $5 per pet and you can bring a maximum of 2 pets. On site seasonally heated pool (Mid May through Oct). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: *Please continue reviewing/monitoring California Travel guidelines as they may change and affect your reservation* On site seasonally heated pool (seasonally), private hiking trail, playground, Foosball table and more. No refund for inclement weather during the Winter months. We provide complementary Wi-Fi in designated areas of the park. We ask that there is no streaming at the Park so we can share Wi-Fi with all our guests. Thank you!
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$36
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Star Route

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Carmel Valley, Monterey
The original owner, of this property, Varisto,  was a happy go lucky bootlegger back in the day, that welcomed many to try his brew and listen to a song or two on the accordion.  He's good neighbor, a famous cowboy artist, Jack Swanson, and he used to have fun fishing out of the river, and sharing a glass or two.  One day as Jack was herding his cattle through the area, past Princess Camp, located across the street, he spend a little too long here at Star Route, and to his surprise, the cattle had made their way into Princess Camp startling a few campers outside their airstreams.The Esselen Indians settled just up the road at the Cachagua Community Park back in the 1800's right by the Carmel River, which has an old stone house above the river, and many places to sit and reflect.
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$100
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The Enchanted Forest Retreat

54 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents45 acres · Los Gatos, Santa Cruz
Welcome to the Enchanted Forest Retreat! We are a meditation retreat center with 45 acres of some of the most gorgeous redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains to enjoy hiking, creeks and small water fall exploration, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, star gazing, relaxation, meditation and more. We have 18 campsites, 3 Glamping Tents, 2 Tiny Houses and 2 Guest Suites in the house. Our campground has running water from a natural spring, Men and Women's Restrooms each with 2 toilets and 1 hot water shower and plugs for charging phones, laundry shed with sink and hot water, one shared BBQ grill by the fence up above the creek, and an outdoor amphitheater. 25 minutes to Silicon Valley - 25 minutes to Santa Cruz Boardwalk we're centrally located in the south bay. Dogs and kids are welcome - dogs must be picked up after and kept on a leash if other campers are present. Please note: This is camping - there may be bugs, critters, dirt, unpredictable weather (pack for the cold, just in case - we get surprise fog often!), early sunrise, no cell data, etc etc. It's not the Hilton - but it is gorgeous. ;) Shopping such as Safeway, Costco and the big box stores are 20 minutes away in Soquel; however, we have a charming little market (Summit Center) 3.5 miles away that has a great selection of groceries, drinks and hot foods, etc. Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we'll help however we can!
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$80
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Redwood Cabins

5 sites · Lodging13 acres · Carmel Valley, Monterey
25 minute drive on a country road to Carmel Valley Village and all it's wineries and restaurants. Buy that perfect bottle of wine and enjoy it in your tent topped cabin, or redwood cabin. Nothing but peace and quiet other than the crickets, birds, frogs, and the resident owl. Relax and recharge away from city life. 40 minutes to the coast, Carmel's shops and galleries and restaurants. A few more minutes puts you on the most beautiful golf courses in the world or take Highway #1 to Big Sur for the day.  Short drive and hike to Los Padres Dam . Fishing, rubber rafts, and a gorgeous spillway. Spend the night at the Redwood Cabin on your way to your adventure at Tassjarra.  Ride your mountain bike along scenic Cachagua rd with it's SEASONAL creek to Chews Ridge. Totally private and quiet. Off the power grid. 12v power supplied by solar and batteries. Unlimited hot water in the private bath house.  The bath house is a 40 step stroll through the oaks, No tv's or microwaves. AT&T cell service along with a few other small providers. Guests love staying here "Really lovely little camp cabin. Has everything you need to elevate your camping experience while maintaining the outdoor feels. It was so nice to have a flush toilet and indoor sleeping area while being able to prepare food outdoors.The property is somewhat remote, tucked away from light pollution, providing excellent stargazing. I really enjoyed the peacefulness of this trip, and the hosts were excellent."
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$149
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Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping

2 sites · Tents9 acres · Aptos, Santa Cruz
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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$65
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Redwood Retreat: Camping & Cooking

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Watsonville, Santa Cruz
Located on 16 acres, Redwood Retreat is nestled among majestic redwood trees. We have a cottage, a tent cabin with queen bed, two camping sites for up to 4, and a hot tent tent heated with wood burning stove. Sites 1 & 2 combine nicely for a group of up to 8 and sites 3 can accommodate a group of up to 6. Enjoy the owls, doves, hummingbirds, and salamanders. Corralitos is ideal for biking, hiking (unfortunately, the terrain on our property is NOT hikeable), wine tasting, and the beach is 30 minutes away. We are equi-distant between Monterey and Santa Cruz (also approximately 30 minutes but depends on traffic) for all of your more "touristy" desires. Under 2 hours to San Francisco. We will send a very comprehensive list of recommendations for things to do, places to go, and things to see & do in the Santa Cruz/Monterey area when you book, as well as specific directions to get here. PLUS, chef Mima has a host of things to offer in terms of culinary temptations like a whole line of SENSATIONAL SKILLETS. Menus are sent when you book. Why not line up a COOKING CLASS ($85. per person plus ingredients) for a 3 hour class and DINING ON THE DECK with your new culinary creation. Scroll to bottom of photo gallery for latest photos. Ask for the current list of classes. Mima spent 6 years at renowned Chez Panisse restaurant before starting a career as a caterer in the food industry. SEE ADD-ONS! Imagine a peaceful, serene neck of the woods with NO WIFI. Feel the restorative power of nature building resilience and buffering tomorrow’s stress. Welcome to Redwood Retreat. in the mountains above the sweet town of Corralitos, approximately a half hour to either Santa Cruz or Monterey and 20 minutes to nearest beach. If you are the type of camper that likes to play music or be loud, this is not the camp for you. This is a refuge from that. When multiple sites are reserved, this spot is perfect for family vacations, company retreats, small celebrations etc. It is strongly recommended that you book all three sites if you wish to entertain. No amplified noise. A noise curfew is in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. for anything but talking. Sound carries and we must respect neighbors and other campers.THX!
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$75
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Aromas Hills

2 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Aromas, San Benito
The property is nestled in the scenic hills of Aromas, CA, just 15 minutes away from the ocean. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip along California’s majestic coast, or looking to spend some time getting to know the lush landscape of the Central Coast, we welcome you with open arms!There's no need to pitch camp with our spacious, sun-drenched Yurt! Settle in, and relax on our beautiful 5.5 acre rustic farmstead, nestled in the cozy hills of Aromas, CA! We are just minutes away from Highway 101, but far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. Our property features sweeping majestic views toward the coast of Monterey and down toward Big Sur. The land features walking trails up toward a beautiful oak grove at the ridge of the property, and down the other side into several acres of wilderness. We are located about 15 minutes from the ocean at Moss Landing, and 30 to 45 minutes away from Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel and Santa Cruz.Our furnished private Yurt features fantastic picturesque views of the hillside and farm, as well as our budding food forest on the uphill side. The yurt features plenty of space for a party of four, a queen-sized bed, a comfy couch to spread out on, and an optional full airbed if you need extra sleeping accommodations. There is a propane heater available for chilly nights, and a fan for the warm summer days.The yurt features a full private kitchen, as well as a large communal fire pit and grill, and a picnic table which can comfortably seat 4.  We have a composting toilet for guest use, an outdoor sink, and a guest shower facility with plenty of hot water and pressure, all within steps of the yurt.Whether you’re passing through on a road trip along California’s majestic landscape, or looking to spend some time getting to know the lush landscape of the Central Coast, we welcome you with open arms!PLEASE NOTE:We are a nonprofit educational eco-arts farm and your booking supports environmental stewardship and arts education for underserved communities. Thank you for your support!Our farm features a tent site in addition to the yurt. The bathroom and fire pit are shared amenities. We encourage social distancing during use of these amenities. All common spaces are disinfected daily. Respect: We place the highest value on respect--for the land, and for the people, plants, and animals that call this area home. While you are here, please consider yourself a partner in stewarding this place. Strict Quiet Hours: Please be very conscientious of our neighbors --no loud noise or music after 10pm.Strict Fire Safety Rules: Campfires must be attended at all times, and extinguished fully with water provided. Smoking: No smoking inside the yurt. Dogs/Pets: Several friendly dogs live on the property. Please let us know ahead of time if you intend to bring dogs. Dogs need to be leashed and supervised at all times. Our property is not fully fenced, and there are sensitive habitats. Parking is limited. Please let us know if you are arriving in more than one vehicle.Our whole property is on a slope with dirt paths --wear good walking shoes!If you have made it this far, then I trust you have read and understand our yurt! Please mention "Farm Art Community" in your request to ensure a very quick acceptance of your booking. Thanks!
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$89
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Traveler's Ranch

6 sites · Lodging17 acres · Aptos Hills Larkin Valley, Santa Cruz
"Glamping with a Story" Nestled in the rolling landscape of Larkin Valley, "Traveler's Ranch" is the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This 17 acre estate is just a mile and a half from the coast highway 1, but feels miles away from it all. Traveler's Ranch offers the best of rustic luxury with three different types of accommodations; The Lotus Belle Yurt, The Safari Tent and The Hydrangea Room. Traveler's Ranch is named after the owners beloved race horse, Traveler, and throughout the property are special details chosen specifically for their story. Let Traveler's Ranch help you embrace a new chapter in your travel story. Perfect for a weekend getaway or a gathering of friends, this rural oasis can accommodate up to six adults. You are sure to find tranquility and relaxation among the lush gardens and coastal country landscape. On site you will find an infinity pool, shared restroom with shower, community kitchen space, extended wi-fi capabilities and several gathering areas with gas fire pits. -Easy highway access -Beach near by -Shopping near by -Farmer's Market near by -Infinity pool -Pastoral views -Manicured gardens -Wi-Fi -Quiet and secluded -Shared kitchen and bathroom space The grounds are relatively flat to accommodate easy walking around the property. A guided walking tour is available for those who wish to go exploring the area beyond the pool and down to the lower hidden pasture . The serenity of the estate provides a relaxing venue for those looking to enjoy a private escape while taking in the beauty of the Monterey Bay region. No children or pets, please. For questions, please contact host. Robert the owner of this fabulous estate lives on site with his four dogs, a horse, a miniature burro and family of barn owls. He is always available for guide tours, recommendations for local activities and eateries as well as facility needs. The pride of ownership is evident throughout the property and awaits guests to come and enjoy. Book your reservation today! See you soon!
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$180
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DABUDAGE

6 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Monterey
A place to stay in southern Big Sur with camp sites and accommodations. Before sending an inquiry please read the listings. Also available as a host your own retreat venue starting at 250 per night
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$45
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Top Of The Mountain Vineyard

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · Santa Cruz
Welcome to Hill Top Vineyard, nestled in the mountains of Santa Cruz; this breathtaking 30+ acre retreat is the ideal getaway. We offer 3 RV/tent sites and 2 glamping domes. The glamping domes share a full bathroom equipped with a hot water shower and flushing toilet. There is no toilet available for the RV/tent sites so campers are required to bring their own. Featuring four acres of vineyard, two acres of seasonal pond, winding trails, and sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains. Just imagine waking up slowly with a cup of coffee from one of the local coffee shops while you watch the wildlife come to life. Evenings are best spent enjoying the stunning sunsets in front of the 2 acre pond. Located just 15 miles from the world-famous beaches of Santa Cruz that have some of the most sought-after surf breaks, and if beaches aren't your thing, Henry Cowell State park is less than ten miles away and has some of the gorgeous hikes in all of Santa Cruz County. Big Basin State Park is a few towns over and is one of the few places in the world where you can see coastal redwoods. The location also offers easy access to silicon valley and the greater bay area if you're interested in a day trip to the city. Amenities include RV/oversized vehicle parking, private trails, and more! Book your stay today at Hill Top Vineyard to experience the ultimate getaway, where you'll find peace in nature's embrace.
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$90
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Windsor Family Farm

1 site · Lodging1 acre · San Martin, Santa Clara
We are a small farm in Silicon Valley. We are basically a petting zoo and kid-friendly destination! You can stay in our "Flying Pig" cabin (sleeps up to 5), or our "Room with a view of a Ewe" (sleeps 3)....or brings friends 'n' family - and reserve both :-) We provide a continental breakfast for free or you can add on a hot breakfast. Wake up to sheep and goats outside your door with a view of the pasture. Please PLEASE read further for more information! and read again just before you come :-) ** To assure you of our cleanliness standards, I clean and air out the cabin, clean the restroom thoroughly, wash bedding and towels and sanitize every surface. The restroom (in the main house) is yours exclusively (morning and evening) when you stay here; I clean it every day, between every group or guest. One mile away is Harvey Bear County Park, with trails for bikes, horses or walking. We are 5 minutes from the Gilroy Outlets, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle! Come, relax and enjoy nature! **NOTE : we are exceptionally cautious with camp fires. If it is particularly hot and windy, there will be no fires. We now have a gas fire pit where you can create smores or just enjoy the campfire ambiance. We will make this a special day for you! Let us know if you are celebrating an event :-). Currently we only have one listing so you get VIP treatment! **Starting in 2024, we will have the "Room with a view of a Ewe" as a separate listing. You can reserve both or either. Check back for more info in January 2024! CHECK-IN is after 4:00pm and please give us a 30 min heads-up before your arrival. CHECK OUT is 10am, unless previous arrangements have been made. Please be as specific as you can regarding your arrival time (so I can make the temp in there as comfortable as possible, turn on lights as needed, etc.) ** We are a "Bed and Breakfast"; most days we have other day-guests and events here, so please respect the arrival and check-out times. If you stay 2 nights, please be aware that you most likely won't have the whole farm to yourselves during the day. This is an animal farm. If you love new animal experiences, this is the place for you! If you are scared of or allergic to cats or dogs, this might not be the place for you! If you can't handle new smells and sounds, this might not be the place for you. You will feed and enjoy the animals; please respect their space, no chasing and no going into their enclosures. There is dirt, dust and various country critters. If you are adventurous and love animals and want a unique experience, come check us out! Restroom available in the main house (short walk from the cabin). Small fridge and microwave next to the restroom. There is no kitchen/oven/stove available. Gas Fire pit available ; there is no BBQ. Price is $150 for first 3 people and it is $25 per person for additional people for the Flying Pig (up to 5 total). If you have extended family or friends, you can add on our "Room with a View of a Ewe" for $85. This fee covers 3 people, per night. (Double bed and pull out couch twin-size bed). Another option (as an add-on): you can pitch a tent for $50. "The Flying Pig" has a queen bed, bunk beds twin size, and a loft with a twin mattress, all bedding included. You are not just paying for a place to sleep; you are paying for an experience and the enjoyment of our property :-). We serve a continental breakfast (free) or hot breakfast ($25/cabin) between 8-9am. (we can accommodate vegetarian and dairy free diets; let us know before you come). We provide bedding and towels. There is A/C and a plug-in heater in The Flying Pig. Please do not bring additional things to plug in except for chargers for phone/electronic devices. We are approximately 1 1/2 hours south of San Francisco, 30 min south of San Jose (without traffic). Gilroy Gardens is 15 min away; Harvey Bear County park is 1 mile away; Monterey and Santa Cruz and the Pinnacles National Park are approximately 1 hour away. We recommend bringing dinner or eating before arrival to maximize your evening. In the area: Amazing experience available at the Royal T Ranch nearby, but must book well in advance. They have a camel, ostriches, emus, a cow, mini horses, etc. Also Gilroy Gardens is just 15 minutes away. Contact us for more info. If you want to celebrate a birthday and bring friends for the evening, there is an additional fee for parties. (Please contact us about this). If you want to bring a few friends just to enjoy the evening, we now have that as an add-on. SPECIAL PACKAGES :-). Must be PRE-ordered and paid thru Hipcamp or upon arrival ~ *smore's kit (Everything -- including use of our gas fire pit -- that you will need to create amazing roasted marshmallows and smores sandwiches!) $20 *Child Birthday package: small gift and special treat $10 *use of fire pit (propane expense) $10
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$150
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WindTree

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents64 acres · Los Gatos, Santa Cruz
 WindTree is an awesome retreat perched high on top of the Santa Cruz Mountains in California, over looking the entire Monterey Bay and Santa Clara Valley. WindTree is sacred land used by many  over the past 30 years for retreat and ceremony. It has also been a working "Wwoof" -ing farm for volunteers from all over the world to come and learn about organic gardening in a fun, beautiful, nurturing community restoring our sense of interrelatedness and encouraging planetary sustainability by our choices and concerns for the wellness of the environment.  You can make your experience  apart of this community or enjoy a quiet private camp site away from any activities. We are off the grid with solar power and our own well. We have small organic gardens with chickens and goats. You will love it up here under the stars.
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$60
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Within one hour of Carmel-by-the-Sea

Available this weekend

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Camping near Carmel-by-the-Sea guide

Where to Go

The Monterey Peninsula

Just north of Carmel, the Monterey Peninsula is ideal for taking in coastal scenery, with numerous viewpoints that look out over the sea—not to mention a ton of golf courses. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium to learn about (and view) coastal creatures ranging from sea otters to sharks.

South of Monterey on the California coast, Carmel-by-the-Sea—usually simply shortened to Carmel—has long been celebrated for its coastal scenery, architecture, and thriving arts community. One of the pet-friendly city’s biggest draws is the 18th-century Mission San Carlos de Borromeo, but the area is equally great for taking hikes and strolls, particularly at nearby Carmel River State Beach and at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. While camping in area state parks is limited, you'll find loads of fantastic options in the surrounds, both at waterside campgrounds along the Carmel River and on privately owned land.

Big Sur

South of Carmel, Big Sur has a reputation for having some of the prettiest coastline in California, if not the United States. Tent sites are available at many area parks, including Andrew Molera State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, but reservations usually fill up well in advance.

Santa Cruz Mountains

If you want to do some serious hiking or backcountry camping, head north up Highway 1 to the Santa Cruz Mountains. Here you'll find a mix of county parks and wilderness areas, plus plenty of high-elevation viewpoints.

When to Go

The weather in Carmel is mild throughout the year, with cool, somewhat rainy winters and mild, dry summers. The months of June through August see the most crowds, but weather in early fall is usually just as warm, with little chance of rainfall. If you hope to see migrating whales, your best bet is to come from January through March, when pods of gray and killer whales pass through the area.

Nearby Attractions

Adventure calls at Fort Ord National Monument, a spectacular destination for camping enthusiasts. With its rolling hills, diverse flora and fauna, and an array of hiking and biking trails, it promises an unforgettable outdoor experience.

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