- Camping with pets allowed
The best dog-friendly camping in Central Coast
95% (7.5K) • 217 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Central Coast
BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS
1. BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS
97%
(212)
Santa Cruz, CA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$125
/ night
Rancho de Granville
2. Rancho de Granville
92%
(88)
Oak View, CA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Midway between the ocean and Ojai, the ranch is 7 acres with plenty of trees, shade and grass. A sandy yard, a tent spot with privacy near San Antonio Creek ! Challenge a friend to game of horseshoes or darts. Your neighbors are the chickens, horses and frogs! We DO NOT have an out house at moment was the original stage coach stop between
Ventura and the small community of Ojai . The old bunkhouse and barn remain!!
Please plan to arrive before 8pm.
Toilets
Campfires
Water hookup
from
$52
/ night
Lavender Creek Camp
3. Lavender Creek Camp
100%
(1)
Greenfield, CA · 1 site
Lavender Creek Camp – Quiet Creekside Camping and Lavender Farm Near Arroyo Seco
Just 6 miles from the Arroyo Seco Campground, Lavender Creek is a 70-acre sanctuary filled with valley views, oak-covered hills, and a seasonal creek that winds along a bluff face glowing gold at sunset.
Lavender Creek is also a small, family-run lavender farm that began as a personal story and a passion for sharing the healing benefits of lavender. Our products are used in hospitals and senior living communities, and our mission is to comfort those in need, including patients, the elderly, and care teams.
Each June, our culinary variety of English lavender blooms across nearly two acres visible from the road. We host visitors for U-pick and teach them how to dry lavender at home and cook with it as well.
We also offer wellness activities such as yoga and sound bathing, surrounded by blooming lavender and nature for a restorative experience. Guests relax on yoga mats in the warm sun while vibrations from singing bowls and the gentle hum of bees wash over them.
Campsites are located down by the creek under an oak canopy, where the shade and flowing water help guests stay cool during the warmer months. Hammocks hang by the water so guests can rest, read, or listen to the soothing sounds, and our lavender eye pillows will help you truly unwind.
Parking is available near the lavender field or down by the creek for more capable vehicles. We currently offer three sites near the creek with picnic tables. There are no hookups.
What to Expect:
• Shaded tent sites under an oak canopy
• Creek access and shared hammocks
• Picnic tables at the sites and by the lavender field
• Seasonal lavender bloom experience
• No cell service
• No potable water
• Portable toilets
• No individual campfires at this time, but gas stoves are acceptable
• Insects, wildlife, and poison oak — please plan accordingly
Lavender Creek is best suited for guests who appreciate quiet and nature.
If you’re looking for a peaceful alternative to traditional campgrounds, private relaxation by the creek, and beautiful lavender blooms, we would love to share Lavender Creek with you.
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$44
/ night
The Campground At Chez Serendip
4. The Campground At Chez Serendip
Scotts Valley, CA · 1 site · Tent, RV
Beneath mature oak trees and surrounded by towering redwoods, the Campground at Chez Serendip offers a peaceful, spacious place to land in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This flat, unpaved lot sits within a six-acre creative and land-stewarded sanctuary designed for campers who value quiet, nature, and room to breathe.
The site accommodates up to 10 tents or up to 3 RVs, trailers, or fifth wheels (maximum length 30’). The ground is level with generous spacing between setups, making it ideal for groups traveling together or those seeking a private, uncrowded camping experience.
Guests enjoy direct access to Glenwood Preserve and Redwood Glen hiking trails, with miles of forest paths just beyond the property. Despite the secluded feel, Chez Serendip is minutes from Highway 17 and downtown Scotts Valley, and only 15 minutes from Santa Cruz beaches. Hosts can also help coordinate optional beach picnic experiences for guests who want a simple, relaxed coastal day.
Amenities & Utilities
Power hookups included
Water available for an additional fee
Septic dump access available (portable RV dump tank required; not provided)
On-site host
Chez Serendip is an equestrian-friendly property and can accommodate travelers arriving with horses by prior arrangement. The land is home to a small herd, and equine experiences such as gentle encounters, groundwork, arena riding, or trail rides may be available depending on season and conditions.
The property also features the Lotus Dome, a stunning 36-foot geodesic dome tucked into the redwoods. The Dome is available for hourly or daily rental (separately) and is ideal for movement, meditation, sound experiences, workshops, or creative practice.
This is a pet-friendly and kid-friendly campground, assuming dogs are comfortable around other dogs, animals, and children. Dogs must remain on leash or a lead line at all times due to shared land use and resident animals.
After booking, guests may explore a range of optional add-on experiences, including massage therapy, equine encounters, sound bowls in the Dome, guided creative sessions, and private meals in the garden.
Chez Serendip is not just a place to camp. It’s a place to rest, create, and reconnect—with nature, creativity, and a slower rhythm beneath the redwoods.
Potable water
Picnic table
Full hookups
from
$81
/ night
Redwood Paradise Camping
5. Redwood Paradise Camping
91%
(283)
CA · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging
PLEASE READ:
Hello all! If you're looking for some glamping with creature comforts, while just being 10 minutes away from restaurants. This is the place for you. We are a 5 acre property and home surrounded by tall redwood and oak trees. Very green and lots of shade. These are the amenities/facilities you will have free access to: Pool, Pool chairs and umbrellas, Deck area with sunset view, Trampolines, and hammocks.
There is not cooking allowed by or at any of the common areas, due to flies and critters. Cooking and eating is only allowed by your sites and not in any common areas: Hammocks, Trampolines, Pool Area, tables, sink, and deck please follow this rule because we want to prevent our shared areas to be fly and bug infested. We are still working on ridding the flies and cleaning. (please try to bring prepackaged food or something easy. If anything you can drive 10 minutes to nearby food and grocery). In the past we let people cook and eat around the pool but now our whole property is fly infested and I find scattered leftovers on the ground. Thanks for understanding.
THERE IS A 1-2 MINUTE HIKE TO THE CAMPSITES 1-5!
Poolside campsites are closer to the parking and are bigger.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW LODGING:
This property is my home that I live in with my 2 kids. It is a rustic and homey vibe, definitely not a hotel. We want you to come knowing what to expect. Our property offers a pool, and trampolines for the kids. We have a deck patio area that overlooks an amazing view of the redwood forest. Most of our guests are those that come from foreign countries and they all LOVE the property. I love leaving a great impression of our area.
CAMPGROUND GUIDELINES
Pack out your trash.
Rinse feet before using the pool.
No pool toys or floaties.
Always supervise kids.
Don’t sit on chair edges or pool cover box.
Use stumps or your own table for cooking (not ours).
Keep the area clean—no food scraps on the ground.
No dogs in the pool area; leashes and cleanup required.
No eating in rooms or cabin.
Check out on the deck.
No smoking (vapes only, away from common areas).
Propane grills only—no open flames or campfires.
Thanks for helping us keep this place awesome!
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from
$105
/ night
95% (7.5K) • 217 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Central Coast
BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS
1. BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS
97%
(212)
Santa Cruz, CA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$125
/ night
Rancho de Granville
2. Rancho de Granville
92%
(88)
Oak View, CA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Midway between the ocean and Ojai, the ranch is 7 acres with plenty of trees, shade and grass. A sandy yard, a tent spot with privacy near San Antonio Creek ! Challenge a friend to game of horseshoes or darts. Your neighbors are the chickens, horses and frogs! We DO NOT have an out house at moment was the original stage coach stop between
Ventura and the small community of Ojai . The old bunkhouse and barn remain!!
Please plan to arrive before 8pm.
Toilets
Campfires
Water hookup
from
$52
/ night
Lavender Creek Camp
3. Lavender Creek Camp
100%
(1)
Greenfield, CA · 1 site
Lavender Creek Camp – Quiet Creekside Camping and Lavender Farm Near Arroyo Seco
Just 6 miles from the Arroyo Seco Campground, Lavender Creek is a 70-acre sanctuary filled with valley views, oak-covered hills, and a seasonal creek that winds along a bluff face glowing gold at sunset.
Lavender Creek is also a small, family-run lavender farm that began as a personal story and a passion for sharing the healing benefits of lavender. Our products are used in hospitals and senior living communities, and our mission is to comfort those in need, including patients, the elderly, and care teams.
Each June, our culinary variety of English lavender blooms across nearly two acres visible from the road. We host visitors for U-pick and teach them how to dry lavender at home and cook with it as well.
We also offer wellness activities such as yoga and sound bathing, surrounded by blooming lavender and nature for a restorative experience. Guests relax on yoga mats in the warm sun while vibrations from singing bowls and the gentle hum of bees wash over them.
Campsites are located down by the creek under an oak canopy, where the shade and flowing water help guests stay cool during the warmer months. Hammocks hang by the water so guests can rest, read, or listen to the soothing sounds, and our lavender eye pillows will help you truly unwind.
Parking is available near the lavender field or down by the creek for more capable vehicles. We currently offer three sites near the creek with picnic tables. There are no hookups.
What to Expect:
• Shaded tent sites under an oak canopy
• Creek access and shared hammocks
• Picnic tables at the sites and by the lavender field
• Seasonal lavender bloom experience
• No cell service
• No potable water
• Portable toilets
• No individual campfires at this time, but gas stoves are acceptable
• Insects, wildlife, and poison oak — please plan accordingly
Lavender Creek is best suited for guests who appreciate quiet and nature.
If you’re looking for a peaceful alternative to traditional campgrounds, private relaxation by the creek, and beautiful lavender blooms, we would love to share Lavender Creek with you.
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$44
/ night
The Campground At Chez Serendip
4. The Campground At Chez Serendip
Scotts Valley, CA · 1 site · Tent, RV
Beneath mature oak trees and surrounded by towering redwoods, the Campground at Chez Serendip offers a peaceful, spacious place to land in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This flat, unpaved lot sits within a six-acre creative and land-stewarded sanctuary designed for campers who value quiet, nature, and room to breathe.
The site accommodates up to 10 tents or up to 3 RVs, trailers, or fifth wheels (maximum length 30’). The ground is level with generous spacing between setups, making it ideal for groups traveling together or those seeking a private, uncrowded camping experience.
Guests enjoy direct access to Glenwood Preserve and Redwood Glen hiking trails, with miles of forest paths just beyond the property. Despite the secluded feel, Chez Serendip is minutes from Highway 17 and downtown Scotts Valley, and only 15 minutes from Santa Cruz beaches. Hosts can also help coordinate optional beach picnic experiences for guests who want a simple, relaxed coastal day.
Amenities & Utilities
Power hookups included
Water available for an additional fee
Septic dump access available (portable RV dump tank required; not provided)
On-site host
Chez Serendip is an equestrian-friendly property and can accommodate travelers arriving with horses by prior arrangement. The land is home to a small herd, and equine experiences such as gentle encounters, groundwork, arena riding, or trail rides may be available depending on season and conditions.
The property also features the Lotus Dome, a stunning 36-foot geodesic dome tucked into the redwoods. The Dome is available for hourly or daily rental (separately) and is ideal for movement, meditation, sound experiences, workshops, or creative practice.
This is a pet-friendly and kid-friendly campground, assuming dogs are comfortable around other dogs, animals, and children. Dogs must remain on leash or a lead line at all times due to shared land use and resident animals.
After booking, guests may explore a range of optional add-on experiences, including massage therapy, equine encounters, sound bowls in the Dome, guided creative sessions, and private meals in the garden.
Chez Serendip is not just a place to camp. It’s a place to rest, create, and reconnect—with nature, creativity, and a slower rhythm beneath the redwoods.
Potable water
Picnic table
Full hookups
from
$81
/ night
Redwood Paradise Camping
5. Redwood Paradise Camping
91%
(283)
CA · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging
PLEASE READ:
Hello all! If you're looking for some glamping with creature comforts, while just being 10 minutes away from restaurants. This is the place for you. We are a 5 acre property and home surrounded by tall redwood and oak trees. Very green and lots of shade. These are the amenities/facilities you will have free access to: Pool, Pool chairs and umbrellas, Deck area with sunset view, Trampolines, and hammocks.
There is not cooking allowed by or at any of the common areas, due to flies and critters. Cooking and eating is only allowed by your sites and not in any common areas: Hammocks, Trampolines, Pool Area, tables, sink, and deck please follow this rule because we want to prevent our shared areas to be fly and bug infested. We are still working on ridding the flies and cleaning. (please try to bring prepackaged food or something easy. If anything you can drive 10 minutes to nearby food and grocery). In the past we let people cook and eat around the pool but now our whole property is fly infested and I find scattered leftovers on the ground. Thanks for understanding.
THERE IS A 1-2 MINUTE HIKE TO THE CAMPSITES 1-5!
Poolside campsites are closer to the parking and are bigger.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW LODGING:
This property is my home that I live in with my 2 kids. It is a rustic and homey vibe, definitely not a hotel. We want you to come knowing what to expect. Our property offers a pool, and trampolines for the kids. We have a deck patio area that overlooks an amazing view of the redwood forest. Most of our guests are those that come from foreign countries and they all LOVE the property. I love leaving a great impression of our area.
CAMPGROUND GUIDELINES
Pack out your trash.
Rinse feet before using the pool.
No pool toys or floaties.
Always supervise kids.
Don’t sit on chair edges or pool cover box.
Use stumps or your own table for cooking (not ours).
Keep the area clean—no food scraps on the ground.
No dogs in the pool area; leashes and cleanup required.
No eating in rooms or cabin.
Check out on the deck.
No smoking (vapes only, away from common areas).
Propane grills only—no open flames or campfires.
Thanks for helping us keep this place awesome!
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from
$105
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
G
Genevieve
2 weeks ago
Tent
Perfect setting in a beautiful area of California and Ryan was so friendly and helpful. Definitely coming back in the spring too!
See more
R
RavnFyre
2 weeks ago
Tent
Banks Ranch is beautiful, rejuvenating and amazing. Be sure to scan property from drive in/entrance for high spots to place tent if its going to rain. Also, if it has recently rained or rain is forecasted, move fire pit to right side of lone redwood ( as looking in from driveway) the left side is where water pools. We are seasoned campers, so we were able to plan 4 and navigate 3 days of rain. The bucket toilet was easy 2 use and hosts supplied the bags. You must pack it out but were used 2 that. Hosts are super responsive (b4 the trip) and nice. We didnt get cell service at the property so didnt receive their messages during stay. They require u buy their firewood ( which is like most places) but their wood is denser and smells amazing! Bring a hatchet 2 split 4 easier fire access.
See more
R
Randy
January 2026
Tent
With pets
Amazing place! Peaceful, isolated, responsive host… a perfect spot!
See more
MAX
December 2025
Tent
With pets
Every moment of this trip will be shared on our YouTube channel, AMERSIAN CAMPERS.
If you enjoy peaceful camping, nature, and authentic outdoor experiences, follow us on YouTube and Instagram for the full adventure.
Our recent campground visit was exactly what we needed.
The site was tucked deep in a redwood forest—private, peaceful, and surrounded by nature. Each spot was thoughtfully prepared with a leveled pad for an RV or tent, a picnic table, and a fire pit. Upon arrival, the owner personally greeted us, guided us to our site, and even kindly offered firewood for the evening.
The entire campground felt calm, quiet, and secluded—true off-the-grid relaxation. The owners and their family were some of the warmest, kindest people we’ve ever met. On our second day, they stopped by to say hello and even brought their horses. Our dog was absolutely thrilled to see them.
This getaway was especially meaningful for us during the holidays—a perfect chance to reset and prepare for the new year.
See more
J
Jon
December 2025
20 ft travel trailer
With kids
Catherine was really good with our kids. She communicated with us throughout the whole booking. Great little farm with 15 chickens, stable of houses and nosey dog. Great spot for some private camping.
See moreJ
Jasmine
December 2025
16 ft car
With kids
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.
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H
Heather
November 2025
18 ft campervan
With pets
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!
See more
S
Sarah
November 2025
16 ft car
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!
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l
ly
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Catherine was such a wonderful host. She made sure we were comfortable and let our kids explore her ranch. Our kids loved the horses. It was really quiet at night. We will come back.
See moreC
Cheryl
October 2025
Tent
With pets
The site is beautiful, private and secluded. We loved the creekside location with the small little trail. Great place for dogs and very serene.
See more
T
Tiansong
October 2025
Tent
Thanks Ruth and her family for offering us a great camping experience!
See more
Sophia
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Ruth and Marshall were both great hosts! They were responsive to messages prior to arrival and were friendly and accommodating during our visit. When booking, I wondered if the pool would be visible from our campsite, but I was glad to find that it was very nice and private (a bit removed from the common areas and surrounded by trees). We loved the zipline and hammocks.
See moreM
Mackenzie
October 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
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Anna
September 2025
25 ft campervan
Group trip
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.
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A
Adeline
September 2025
Tent
What a lovely camp site! We were in the Redwood Paradise Campsite #1 (not by the pool) and it was amazing. Secluded and right in the lush redwoods. Definitely a bit of a hike from the car camping so wouldn’t recommend for anyone unable to trek their gear to their site, but it was worth it for the lovely spot. Ruth & Marshall were so welcoming and kind, serving delicious coffee every morning and Marshall played beautiful piano which was a nice touch. The pool is not heated but we didn’t mind it was a nice cold plunge at the end of a hot sweaty day. Shower and flushing toilet was nice to have; don’t expect anything extravagant but it was just fine for the weekend - much nicer than state park bathrooms/showers. Overall would 100% recommend and return!
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S
Shefali
September 2025
Tent
Beautiful site! Drive down is relaxing and the peace and quiet is something you can’t beat! There is an enjoyable common area with very nicely placed hammocks that allow you to observe the redwoods and enjoy what they offer! Would recommend this spot!
See moreA
Ann Marie
September 2025
20 ft Class B
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.
See moreA
Adam
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Ruth and Marshall are amazing hosts! Very accommodating. They have created quite the camping experience that was perfect for my family. Great balance of being out in nature but having facilities and community activities nearby. The pool was pristine and such a relief for when it became hot in the afternoon. Daughter enjoyed the trampolines as well. We all took a nap on the hammocks. The live classical piano music with coffee on the deck was an unexpected but welcomed treat. We read and were prepared for the hike to campsite 5 with all of our belongings. It was made easier with a wagon we brought but they also provide a wheelbarrow. “Hiking in” is often a requirement to get into nature that we welcomed but there are closer campsites if you’re not up for that. The bugs are also a part of camping but we came prepared with spray etc. The stars at night were amazing and all the sounds of wildlife. One deer joined us briefly. Any store you need is just half an hour away for example when the camp stove I bought was defective and I needed to quick replace it. Overall we had the best time and hope to come back again!
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D
Dalton
September 2025
Tent
With pets
The Host was super friendly and helpful and the area was super beautiful and amazing Forrest
See moreJ
Jack
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Incredible property and such welcoming hosts! We had a great time
See more
