The best dog-friendly RV parks in Central Coast

California's Central Coast covers 230 miles of Pacific coastline north of Los Angeles and south of San Francisco. With temperate weather year-round and easy ocean access, this is an extremely popular destination! Call ahead when planning your camping locations to make reservations whenever possible.

Pismo Beach, near San Luis Obispo at the midpoint of the Central Coast, provides plenty of adventure options. Camp on the state beach or rent an ATV and hit the dunes. For a slightly quieter experience, head just 30 minutes north to reach Morro Bay. Bring binoculars; this area's excellent for Hipcampers who enjoy birdwatching.

The gorgeous Big Sur area is a bit further north, just south of Monterey Bay. You'll find excellent hiking options here, ranging from easy sightseeing strolls to challenging treks. Two of the best trails are both accessible from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The McWay Waterfall Trail offers Big Sur's most spectacular view; the Ewoldsen Trail takes you through breathtaking Redwood groves.

Manresa State Beach Campground near Santa Cruz offers about 60 first-come, first-served tent sites. Here you get both beach access and a phenomenal view of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Manresa's also a solid choice if you enjoy fishing. Bass, perch, flounder, and halibut all swim in Monterey Bay.

93% (6K) • 127 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Central Coast

California's Central Coast covers 230 miles of Pacific coastline north of Los Angeles and south of San Francisco. With temperate weather year-round and easy ocean access, this is an extremely popular destination! Call ahead when planning your camping locations to make reservations whenever possible.

Pismo Beach, near San Luis Obispo at the midpoint of the Central Coast, provides plenty of adventure options. Camp on the state beach or rent an ATV and hit the dunes. For a slightly quieter experience, head just 30 minutes north to reach Morro Bay. Bring binoculars; this area's excellent for Hipcampers who enjoy birdwatching.

The gorgeous Big Sur area is a bit further north, just south of Monterey Bay. You'll find excellent hiking options here, ranging from easy sightseeing strolls to challenging treks. Two of the best trails are both accessible from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The McWay Waterfall Trail offers Big Sur's most spectacular view; the Ewoldsen Trail takes you through breathtaking Redwood groves.

Manresa State Beach Campground near Santa Cruz offers about 60 first-come, first-served tent sites. Here you get both beach access and a phenomenal view of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Manresa's also a solid choice if you enjoy fishing. Bass, perch, flounder, and halibut all swim in Monterey Bay.

93% (6K) • 127 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Central Coast

1. Rancho de Granville

92%

(88)

6 sites · Tents, RVs · Oak View, CA

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 friendly horses and the curious chickens! This 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.

2. Standing Sun Winery

79%

(41)

3 sites · RVs, Lodging · Buellton, CA

This is an industrial winery setting, with 2 separate parking spaces on either side of a nice patio/ courtyard including firepit, patio seating and umbrellas The winery location is conveniently located in Buellton, CA , walking distance to restaurants, shopping and dining. 12 min to Santa Ynez or Los Olivos, 20 min to Lompoc WiFi and 110v power included

3. Dark Star Cellars

93%

(21)

5 sites · Tents, RVs · Paso Robles, CA

This is a small winery, with daily wine tasting, occasional live music, vineyard and panoramic views, with RV and tent sites. Glamping tipi to be added when we see how this works. We have a country vibe while being only ten minutes from town.

4. The Campground at Chez Serendip

1 site · Tent, RV · Scotts Valley, CA

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.

5. Beach RV Pleasure Point

93%

(29)

9 sites · RVs · Santa Cruz, CA

Nestled between Rodeo Creek and Corcoran Lagoon in the legendary surf neighborhood of Pleasure Point lies a hidden gem—a real RV park with full-hookup spots, just a 10 minute walk to multiple eastside beaches and surf spots. Our snug, mostly-gravel, creekside spaces accommodate RVs up to 40', with nightly or weekly stay options. Stay like a local, right in the mix of the best Santa Cruz has to offer. Beach RV Pleasure Point is the only park between the Harbor and Aptos, and we're minutes from the The Hook, Capitola, downtown Santa Cruz, and the Boardwalk. Our sites are snug and perfect for Hipcampers with RVs of all shapes and sizes! Sorry, we do not allow tent camping.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Jon

3 weeks ago

20 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rancho de Granville

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.

A

Alice

November 2025

16 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Dark Star Cellars

Camped out in our Tesla here. The host was super friendly and runs a beautiful vineyard.

l

ly

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Rancho de Granville

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.

M

Mandy

September 2025

23 ft campervan

With kids

2 nights at Beach RV Pleasure Point

Kind staff, clean space. Great stop to regroup- bathroom facilities, laundry.

Daniel

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rancho de Granville

Has a really nice time camping at The Ford. The site is large and has lots of shaded, usable space. Tons of greenery and birds. It is close to a road and cars can be loud at night. Bring white noise or earplugs. The chickens were really fun to have nearby, and the frogs and crickets go crazy at night. Bugs are present, but not aggressive. Had a really nice stay.

W

Walter

August 2025

33 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Beach RV Pleasure Point

Great location and personnel was very friendly. It's a small spot and RVs are tight together but felt safe. Nice to walk to cafes and the beach from site. Would stay and recommend.

M

Marquita

August 2025

15 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Rancho de Granville

Perfect little camp. Nice location close Ojai and Ventura. Also near the Ojai - Ventura Bike Path, great for biking and walking/running. If wildfire conditions weren’t so bad we could have enjoyed a camp fire. Friendly horses and a dog. A rooster will wake you up in the early morning. I would visit here again.

S

Shenandoah

August 2025

12 ft campervan

1 night at Beach RV Pleasure Point

Spot is located only a mile from a great surf spot, clean facilities, nice hot shower, and management is extremely kind. They even came out and moved us to a spot that gave us more room and was nicer. We will stay here again next time we are in Santa Cruz.

J

Jerome

August 2025

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Beach RV Pleasure Point

Excellent service from the managers who were very accommodating. Also, the bathrooms were very clean. Highly recommending!

D

Dean

August 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Beach RV Pleasure Point

Everything was great! Staff was very nice and helpful. Clean grounds and bathrooms. Thanks.

s

shannie

August 2025

10 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Rancho de Granville

Catherine was a lovely host! We stayed at the Ford tractor, which was beside a clear creek with tons of wild watercress. The sound of crickets and frogs at night was so soothing. Just to note: expect cell service to be limited, although we didn't mind unplugging for a few days. Will definitely be coming back!

Jessica

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rancho de Granville

Catherine was warm and hospitable. She let our little ones help with the chickens and the horses. They loved visiting the creek too! It was a special weekend.

P

Patricia

July 2025

18 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Beach RV Pleasure Point

Convenient location - tight sites but manageable..

A

Ann

July 2025

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Standing Sun Winery

We appreciated the location & quiet spot for the evening. It was great! Would recommend it for sure!

Ginger

July 2025

16 ft campervan

1 night at Beach RV Pleasure Point

Great location and easy to find. Used to live in Santa Cruz and passed by where this is now many times. Convenient to get pretty much anywhere in the area for food, entertainment, surfing, etc.. Smaller spaces but several larger rVs parked just fine. I had a 16.5’ campervan and plenty of room. Two bathroom stalls and a private nice hot shower available as well! Full hook ups, which were convenient as I was in an electric vehicle! There were some other open spots which I would’ve preferred to the one that they put me in – but it was no big deal and I’m sure if I asked when I got there they would have. One of those hidden gem places to stay in Santa Cruz other than the always booked state parks! Pet friendly too! We’ll be back again!

A

Angela

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Rancho de Granville

Catherine was the most accommodating host. I had a hard time getting my stakes to stay in the ground and so she graciously allowed me to set up at her other campsite on her property. Her ranch is beautifully maintained and having a bathroom made it super convenient. Also ranch dog Kierra was the best welcoming committee, beware if you pet her she won’t want you to stop!

Bud

July 2025

20 ft campervan

3 nights at Standing Sun Winery

Owner was great. Close to 101 yet quite. Just minutes from Solvang

John

July 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Beach RV Pleasure Point

Great location, maintain beautifully, it is our second visit and we will be back.

P

Page

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rancho de Granville

Great large flat camping spot with horses, chickens, and nighttime nature sounds. Catherine was friendly and helpful.

E

Edward

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Rancho de Granville

Very peaceful place to lay your head. Was able to sleep at night to the sounds of frogs, owls, and other wildlife. Woke up to some deer and a few woodpeckers. No noise from people and the nearby road can’t really be heard. Host was very kind and helpful, gave me a tour of the grounds, gave me tips on nearby experiences, and was very welcoming.