The best bell tent rentals near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

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.

90% (194)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

90% (194)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. May's Luxury Farmstays

96%

(114)

50mi from Carmel-by-the-Sea · 5 sites · Lodging · Los Gatos, CA

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

2. Amaya Creek Redwood Campground

78%

(153)

38mi from Carmel-by-the-Sea · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Los Gatos, CA

Welcome to the Amaya Creek Redwood Campground! We are deep in the Santa Cruz mountains and it’s rustic so be prepared! The road is all paved but it can be narrow, bumpy and steep in some areas. Be sure to follow our directions to bypass the road closure! There is no cell phone service in some areas. PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a trash service for the campground, we require all campers to PACK OUT THEIR TRASH with them! We have 40 acres of redwood forest and two creeks running through including the Amaya Creek which serves the boundary of our property at the end of Amayak Creek Trail. There’s also a small waterfall off the Amaya Creek Trail, but it may dry out during the summer. Enjoy hiking, creeks and small waterfall exploration, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, star gazing, relaxation, meditation and more. Our campground has running water from a natural spring, Men and Women's Restrooms each with 2 toilets and 1 FREE hot water shower, utility shed with sink and hot water, and an outdoor amphitheater. The kitchen and washer/dryer is Staff Only not for campers. . Most campsites allow 4-6 guests maximum with 1 car included in the nightly rate. Each additional vehicle is $15 per day and will be added at checkout once you add the correct number of vehicles you will be bringing. Pets are $10 per day, 1 pet per group ONLY. Please add this as an extra at the time of booking, you will see the option to add extras once you begin the checkout process. Dogs must be on leash at all times! Quiet hours are 10pm-8am. No drugs of any kind including marijuana allowed. No loud music allowed. This is a private property so no visitors are allowed, only paid guests. Our onsite staff will go around and enforce the rules. No hookup for RV and trailer, check each site description to see if RV/trailer is ok for that site.

3. Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

100%

(21)

26mi from Carmel-by-the-Sea · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Royal Oaks, CA

Looking for a place to relax, recharge or explore surrounding areas of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties? Vega Vortex is home to the Gaia Health Retreat and possesses vortex energy! Expect a warm greeting upon arrival. To find us, an unmarked road, listed on maps as "Country Lane" (we call it Vega Vortex Rd). Parking is close to our Vega Vortex sign and a short walk to your tent. Filtered potable water, electricity, shower/toilet with an "on demand" hot/cold water are available. Instructions for use are available and should you need assistance - we are here for you! Experience 2 campsites, BYOT (bring your own tent or rent one from us) or an onsite Bell tent. The Bell tent contains carpeted padded flooring, camp lights, shelving, 2 cots with bedding, plus a memory foam camping mattress! The BYOT site's measurement is 10' x 10' . Both sites have shaded areas, and picnic tables. A shower and a compost toilet are available. Enjoy a designated smoking/vaping spot, multiple benches, and swings, a "grounding" spot, birding, water fountains and art. A no noise policy by the county occurs at 9 pm. Due to a high risk fire zone, no open fires. Due to the proximity of the tents right next to Vega Rd, sounds from vehicles can be heard. We are situated in a rural neighborhood setting, with sounds of sheep, goats, chickens, wild turkeys, dogs and many birds nestled between both counties. For enhanced protection we ask that a waiver be signed. Security cameras are on site. While respecting your privacy, we can be seen improving the property. The terrain is hilly and staying on paths limits poison oak exposure. Vega Vortex has been called a Park and Machu Picchu due to the amphitheater landscaping of terracing. Practicing permaculture, a diversity of pollinating plants/ flowers, organic garden and art features exist. Minutes away from National Parks, the Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz Beach Board Walk, Roaring Camp Train, Monterey Bay Aquarium, National Steinbeck Center, Moss Landing, Elkhorn Slough/Canoe/Kayak, Estuaries (bird watching), golfing and multiple beaches. As a gift for staying here, you may receive either a bottle of "structured" water, a healing tincture or salve, or a bottle of infused olive oil, curated from the Vega Vortex!

Stories from the community

Chloe

3 weeks ago

1 night at Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

Wonderful stay! They thought of everything, plus homemade gifts! What really nice people too! Thank you so much for taking care of me on your beautiful land!

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Francesca

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

We loved staying at Vega Vortex! Thaddeus and Mona were so sweet, giving us a tour of the property upon arrival. The tent was spacious. The beds kept us very comfy and warm at night. The bathrooms were very clean and well maintained. The property is beautiful!

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Amy

October 2025

3 nights at May's Luxury Farmstays

Everything at the yurt was so wonderful! We loved our spot under the trees (the other one was more out in the open so we chose well!). While we had initially thought about taking some day trips, we literally stayed all 3 days at the yurt and the grounds--feeding the fish and chickens and geese, walking around, sitting in the tub, etc. John was friendly and kind and would check in on if we needed anything restocked. (The Peppermint Bark liqueur was a favorite!) A fully stocked bar was really special, as was the view, and the feeling that we could wander and explore. A great sister trip to be sure and we will definitely, definitely be returning.

Pei

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

My friend and I stayed at the Bell Tent for one night. The site was so clean, cozy and inviting. Thaddeus and Mona were awesome hosts. They were warm and communicative and you could tell that they put a lot of thoughts and love into the camp site to make it as homey as possible. Highly recommend!

Rajat

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to May's Luxury Farmstays

Everything was so well done! We visited with our kiddos and absolutely loved it. The kids were occupied, and had loads of fun feeding the fish at the pond and in the hot tub. We were especially grateful for the heater in the camp. The night was very windy and cold, but the heater kept us (ans esp the kids) warm and snug.

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Alex

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

Thaddeus and Mona were great hosts and amazing folks. The garden and beautifully terraced hillside are expertly done and the amenities are top-tier— One of the best camping shower experiences ever. Woke up feeling refreshed and at ease. Thank you Mona and Thaddeus!

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Chris

October 2025

With kids

3 nights at May's Luxury Farmstays

Love this place!! Outdoor tub overlooks San Jose lights and is so relaxing Koi pond on premises was really cool too Downtown Saratoga was great to wander around and Santa Cruz isn’t too far either.

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Sasha

September 2025

2 nights at May's Luxury Farmstays

Had a wonderful time spending the weekend up in the mountains. The Yurt has everything you could ask for and more. Including complimentary drinks, a hot bath, an extremely responsive host and more. I highly recommend taking a trip up and experiencing Mary’s farm stays! The hosts will get you anything you need and provide a welcoming space. 10/10 recommend!

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Alec

September 2025

Weekend Trip to May's Luxury Farmstays

It was an amazing experience. I took my fiancée up there for her birthday and the entire scenery and weekend we had was amazing. Bed was comfortable and yurt was stocked with great stuff to use. Would definitely come again!

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cara

September 2025

2 nights at Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

The bell tent was beautiful, Thaddeus and Mona were very generous and left little goodies for us when we arrived. Their property is beautiful, the garden leaves the whole place smelling amazing and the wind-chimes everywhere provide a relaxing ambiance. The property is smaller and closer to the main road than we were expecting. We were initially expecting a more secluded space, but Thaddeus and Mona were incredibly kind and left us to ourselves to enjoy the property they have clearly put much thought and effort into. Our added breakfast was delicious with vegetables and herbs from their garden, thank you both for our stay!

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Todd

September 2025

2 nights at May's Luxury Farmstays

They thought of everything. One of the nicest stays I have had off this platform. Really enjoyed the views, bird life, and accommodations. Nicely located to still make town reachable if needed while still feeling deep in the forest. I have never bothered to leave a review but this one exceeded all my expectations.

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Jacob

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

Loved what Thaddeus and Mona have done with their land. They’re amazing hosts and I highly recommend staying at their place.

Jesse

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

Wow. Being welcomed by Thaddeus and Mona (arrived later than expected) helped make our stay there all the sweeter and more memorable. We had some lovely conversations and besides the welcoming gifts, Mona also dug up a plant from the property to give me for planting back at home! The property itself is on a hillside and you'll need to traverse pathways up a hill to access bathroom/shower. There's native plants everywhere, with hummingbirds flitting about. There's also small farms in the neighborhood with goats (which I thoroughly enjoyed) but it's something to note if looking for absolute silence. Highly recommend a stay here for anyone looking to feel connected to the land and community, and not just a place to park/sleep. Feels like home!

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Charlize

August 2025

Weekend Trip to May's Luxury Farmstays

We had a great time in their yurt. It was a little confusing for us coming up their road at first but once we were there they guided us to our space. They weren’t kidding about having everything we might need lol! It was also really nice of them to provide fresh eggs from their chickens. A small tip would be just like any trip, when in doubt, bring extra (of watever you’re bringing). It was very lovely view and just a great way to relax without having to go far from the Bay Area. Thank you guys!

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Peter

August 2025

1 night at May's Luxury Farmstays

Cannot express how amazing this site was, everything you could need was in the camp and the view in the morning was unreal, wish I could stay longer

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Sophia

August 2025

Weekend Trip to May's Luxury Farmstays

The yurt was awesome ! There is a lot of traffic on the road below, the property but it's quiet at night and the views are awesome.

D

Darragi

August 2025

1 night at May's Luxury Farmstays

My husband and I recently spent a stay at a yurt on top in the mountains, and it was an unforgettable experience for his birthday. The location is incredibly quiet, with a charming small lake nearby. We stayed in a tent, and despite being surrounded by nature, we had all the comforts we needed. The fridge was fully stocked, and we had all the kitchen equipment for a perfect barbecue. There was even a fire outside and a heater inside to keep us warm. The outdoor bath was an absolute highlight—truly amazing! One of the most magical parts of our stay was the night sky: we were there at the perfect time to catch a meteor shower, and around 2 a.m., we lay on a bench by the lake and saw an incredible number of meteors. It was truly extraordinary! There were also some friendly chickens and geese, adding to the charm. The only small downside was that the lake isn’t swimmable, but there were beautiful fish that we enjoyed feeding. Overall, it was a wonderful escape to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature.

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Keanu

August 2025

3 nights at May's Luxury Farmstays

Very beautiful place with nice hosts. Everything worked and was as expected. The hosts are funny, kind and knowledgeable of the area. Would definitely stay here again.

J

Joy

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

We had a lovely stay at the bell tent at Vega Vortex. Thaddeus and Mona were so warm, inviting and communicative. They have created a very peaceful and beautiful environment. Everything was clean and well maintained and there were so many thoughtful little touches and amenities. The property is in farmland and there are roosters and other loud animals, nearby so I recommend bringing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

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yanina

August 2025

Weekend Trip to May's Luxury Farmstays

I stayed at the “yurt above it all” and it was awesome! Everything you think you can need you have it there (snacks, drinks with and without alcohol, wine, kitchen supplies and more!). The bathroom is super clean with a shower and a tub in the spot with hot water. The fresh eggs were such a plus! The only thing I would recommend is double check your reservation with the host due to overbooking sometimes, he would be happy to answer your call or text anytime! Definitely going back another time!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best bell tents 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.

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.