99% (1.6K) • 21 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near El Cerrito
Salmon Creek Ranch
1. Salmon Creek Ranch
97%
(3543)
49mi from El Cerrito · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located within 45 minutes of the wine country and 2 miles from the coast, our property is 400 acres of rolling hills and redwood groves, with a creek running along its base. With miles of trails meandering through quiet woods and meadows, you will be able to revel in the tranquility of a private preserve, without sacrificing easy access to some of Sonoma County's most famous attractions. A hundred years ago, this land was used to graze sheep. Remnants of the old fence lines can still be seen in places, along with old cement troughs. Since then, the land has been left to its own devices, passing through many hands, most famously owned by two brothers in the 1980's who built a truly amazing tree house in the forest which has been featured in several magazine articles. It was revamped and updated in 2016 by a master craftsman, using fallen redwood logs found on the property and is now a unique structural work of art, available for overnight stays. We produce 100% grass fed, dry-aged beef on our certified organic pastures and have a store on site if you would like to purchase delicious steaks, ribs, ground beef for hamburgers or some roasts to take home. Our cattle graze on the native grasses, never grain, and drink only water produced from our own springs. We also raise Kiko meat goats and produce pastured, certified organic duck eggs on a commercial basis. Whether it's surfing at sandy beaches, award-winning clam chowder, a wine tour, horseback riding or a hot air balloon ride you're after, you won't have far to drive if you make our ranch your base camp. You may see a family of deer appear suddenly, or a few Scottish Highland cows which we allow to roam freely over the property. There are over twenty species of wild birds that grace this protected spot, so bring your binoculars! A portion of your fee goes towards protecting native flora and fauna as part of our private wildlife preservation program. A limited number of private, widely spaced camp spots are available for visitors. The Eagles' Nest Treehouse (mentioned above) is very isolated and you may or may not even be aware that there are other people within miles of you. For those who value nature, seclusion, quiet and the artistry of old growth redwood, this is the place for you.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$120
/ night
Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
2. Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
97%
(334)
29mi from El Cerrito · 4 sites · Lodging
Antique Indonesian teakwood cottage, private deck with hot tub and very special, large, artistic bathroom/sitting room, private for cottage guests only.. Beautifully rural, yet just 6 minutes from historic downtown Petaluma and fine restaurants and shops. A short trip to the Pacific coast and the fabulous Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Tomales and Bodega Bays and towns, excellent vineyards and breweries, and San Francisco! WE FOLLOW THE CLEANING AND DISINFECTING GUIDELINES ISSUED BY AIRBNB.
The space
The antique Indonesian cottage is made of beautifully hand carved and hand colored teak wood, and is quiet, cozy and romantic with lovely views. It abuts a large private deck and hot tub. Just a few steps across the deck is the very large, luxurious, art filled, centrally heated private bathroom and sitting area. The cottage itself is unheated although there is a premium electric mattress pad with separate controls on the California King bed. That and the hot tub make for cozy sleeping on chilly winter nights
Guest access
Aside from the private deck, hot tub and bathroom/sitting room (with 6' tub and shower), guests can access 2.5 peaceful acres, woods and fields and Helen Putnam Regional Park one mile down the road for spectacular hiking.
Other things to note
In the 1970's this property was Swallowtail Studios, a famous glass blowers cooperative. The Grateful Dead played in the barn and hung out here...their manager lived just down the road. The barn is redwood, quite large and beautiful, with stained glass windows."
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
$156
/ night
Waldhaus Redwood Retreat
3. Waldhaus Redwood Retreat
100%
(19)
45mi from El Cerrito · 1 site · Lodging
Tucked away in the Portola Redwoods, you will find your very own bohemian grove. Designed by prominent architect in San Francisco, your will find 4 comfortable cabins, modern open kitchen and spa-like bathrooms. Less than an hour away from the Silicon Valley, this is our weekend sanctuary. Like John Muir once said - “Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$900
/ night
Mount Tamalpais State Park
4. Mount Tamalpais State Park
96%
(207)
50 sites · Stinson Beach, California
See redwoods, trail run, and climb the Bay Area’s second tallest peak.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
5. Samuel P. Taylor State Park
94%
(167)
68 sites · Lagunitas Forest Knolls, California
Romp in an untouched wilderness where ancient trees guide your explorations.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
6. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
87%
(23)
99 sites · Kenwood, California
Hiking, rock climbing, and family adventures in the California wilderness
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
7. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
98%
(42)
54 sites · Deer Park, California
Escape to the woods in the heart of the Napa Valley wine country.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Portola Redwoods State Park
8. Portola Redwoods State Park
97%
(72)
59 sites · La Honda, California
Explore the otherworldly beauty of old-growth redwoods—a tranquil sanctuary and ideal getaway.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Castle Rock State Park
9. Castle Rock State Park
93%
(22)
52 sites · Saratoga, California
Hikers and climbers love Castle Rock State Park.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
99% (1.6K) • 21 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near El Cerrito
Salmon Creek Ranch
1. Salmon Creek Ranch
97%
(3543)
49mi from El Cerrito · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located within 45 minutes of the wine country and 2 miles from the coast, our property is 400 acres of rolling hills and redwood groves, with a creek running along its base. With miles of trails meandering through quiet woods and meadows, you will be able to revel in the tranquility of a private preserve, without sacrificing easy access to some of Sonoma County's most famous attractions. A hundred years ago, this land was used to graze sheep. Remnants of the old fence lines can still be seen in places, along with old cement troughs. Since then, the land has been left to its own devices, passing through many hands, most famously owned by two brothers in the 1980's who built a truly amazing tree house in the forest which has been featured in several magazine articles. It was revamped and updated in 2016 by a master craftsman, using fallen redwood logs found on the property and is now a unique structural work of art, available for overnight stays. We produce 100% grass fed, dry-aged beef on our certified organic pastures and have a store on site if you would like to purchase delicious steaks, ribs, ground beef for hamburgers or some roasts to take home. Our cattle graze on the native grasses, never grain, and drink only water produced from our own springs. We also raise Kiko meat goats and produce pastured, certified organic duck eggs on a commercial basis. Whether it's surfing at sandy beaches, award-winning clam chowder, a wine tour, horseback riding or a hot air balloon ride you're after, you won't have far to drive if you make our ranch your base camp. You may see a family of deer appear suddenly, or a few Scottish Highland cows which we allow to roam freely over the property. There are over twenty species of wild birds that grace this protected spot, so bring your binoculars! A portion of your fee goes towards protecting native flora and fauna as part of our private wildlife preservation program. A limited number of private, widely spaced camp spots are available for visitors. The Eagles' Nest Treehouse (mentioned above) is very isolated and you may or may not even be aware that there are other people within miles of you. For those who value nature, seclusion, quiet and the artistry of old growth redwood, this is the place for you.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$120
/ night
Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
2. Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
97%
(334)
29mi from El Cerrito · 4 sites · Lodging
Antique Indonesian teakwood cottage, private deck with hot tub and very special, large, artistic bathroom/sitting room, private for cottage guests only.. Beautifully rural, yet just 6 minutes from historic downtown Petaluma and fine restaurants and shops. A short trip to the Pacific coast and the fabulous Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Tomales and Bodega Bays and towns, excellent vineyards and breweries, and San Francisco! WE FOLLOW THE CLEANING AND DISINFECTING GUIDELINES ISSUED BY AIRBNB.
The space
The antique Indonesian cottage is made of beautifully hand carved and hand colored teak wood, and is quiet, cozy and romantic with lovely views. It abuts a large private deck and hot tub. Just a few steps across the deck is the very large, luxurious, art filled, centrally heated private bathroom and sitting area. The cottage itself is unheated although there is a premium electric mattress pad with separate controls on the California King bed. That and the hot tub make for cozy sleeping on chilly winter nights
Guest access
Aside from the private deck, hot tub and bathroom/sitting room (with 6' tub and shower), guests can access 2.5 peaceful acres, woods and fields and Helen Putnam Regional Park one mile down the road for spectacular hiking.
Other things to note
In the 1970's this property was Swallowtail Studios, a famous glass blowers cooperative. The Grateful Dead played in the barn and hung out here...their manager lived just down the road. The barn is redwood, quite large and beautiful, with stained glass windows."
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
$156
/ night
Waldhaus Redwood Retreat
3. Waldhaus Redwood Retreat
100%
(19)
45mi from El Cerrito · 1 site · Lodging
Tucked away in the Portola Redwoods, you will find your very own bohemian grove. Designed by prominent architect in San Francisco, your will find 4 comfortable cabins, modern open kitchen and spa-like bathrooms. Less than an hour away from the Silicon Valley, this is our weekend sanctuary. Like John Muir once said - “Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$900
/ night
Mount Tamalpais State Park
4. Mount Tamalpais State Park
96%
(207)
50 sites · Stinson Beach, California
See redwoods, trail run, and climb the Bay Area’s second tallest peak.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
5. Samuel P. Taylor State Park
94%
(167)
68 sites · Lagunitas Forest Knolls, California
Romp in an untouched wilderness where ancient trees guide your explorations.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
6. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
87%
(23)
99 sites · Kenwood, California
Hiking, rock climbing, and family adventures in the California wilderness
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
7. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
98%
(42)
54 sites · Deer Park, California
Escape to the woods in the heart of the Napa Valley wine country.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Portola Redwoods State Park
8. Portola Redwoods State Park
97%
(72)
59 sites · La Honda, California
Explore the otherworldly beauty of old-growth redwoods—a tranquil sanctuary and ideal getaway.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Castle Rock State Park
9. Castle Rock State Park
93%
(22)
52 sites · Saratoga, California
Hikers and climbers love Castle Rock State Park.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Maddie
1 week ago
1 night at Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
Beautiful little hideaway in Petaluma. Conveniently located and great hosts.
See more
L
Lyderic
December 2025
2 nights at Salmon Creek Ranch
This was our second time at the treehouse and it did not disappoint. From the surrounding forest and trails to the cozy amenities and feel of the treehouse, this cannot be beat. We can't wait to continue coming again in the future!
See more
Eavan
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Beautiful campsite. We stayed at Redwood #1 and it was very shady and secluded. We were able to see other camp sites and campers in the distance but it was spacious and clean. Would recommend!
See moreJ
Jess
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
We had a wonderful stay and would recommend anyone stay here!
See more
A
Amanda
November 2025
2 nights at Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
Bill’s land was one of the best hip camps I have ever stayed at! The Indonesian bedroom was so serene and I slept like a baby with the heated bed. The bathroom was so beautifully decorated with ornate paintings, little treasures, and the stained glass window was intricately stunning. The hot tub was a bonus and it was extremely close to the town of Petaluma and hiking trails. You definitely should stay here for a romantic getaway!
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Kris
November 2025
Tent
Loved this campsite! Surrounded by beautiful redwoods, quiet, and very peaceful.. Felt safe the whole time during my solo car-camping trip. Perfect place to relax, read by the fire, make coffee, and enjoy the quiet of nature. Would definitely come back!
See moreR
Robert
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Gorgeous property, great hosts, authentic experience.
Many banana slug were spotted
See more
m
michelle
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Loved camping in the redwood groves! We had a large group and the hosts were super accommodating to help us get the right setup for our party. A couple of things to note:
1 - the redwood grove campsites ABSOLUTELY require a 4WD or AWD. there is a very bumping/steep road that descends down into the meadow.
2 - the creekside campsites are essentially just parking areas for an RV. we were so lucky that the creek was low so we were able to cross by foot and enjoy the rest of the property on the other side.
3 - don't skip the redwood walking trails on the property!! super beautiful and green area. lots of banana slugs and newts to spot. bonus activity: spot the laurel bay leaf trees!
4 - there is a LOT of poison ivy around the creekside camping sites. make sure your party knows what it looks like, bring cortisone as backup, and do your best to avoid brushing against the edge of the campsite! (worst case, soap and water will help)
See morem
michelle
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Loved camping in the redwood groves! We had a large group and the hosts were super accommodating to help us get the right setup for our party. A couple of things to note:
1 - the redwood grove campsites ABSOLUTELY require a 4WD or AWD. there is a very bumping/steep road that descends down into the meadow.
2 - the creekside campsites are essentially just parking areas for an RV. we were so lucky that the creek was low so we were able to cross by foot and enjoy the rest of the property on the other side.
3 - don't skip the redwood walking trails on the property!! super beautiful and green area. lots of banana slugs and newts to spot. bonus activity: spot the laurel bay leaf trees!
4 - there is a LOT of poison ivy around the creekside camping sites. make sure your party knows what it looks like, bring cortisone as backup, and do your best to avoid brushing against the edge of the campsite! (worst case, soap and water will help)
See moreA
Andrea
November 2025
With pets
The treehouse is a dream! We had a lovely time. It was quiet and gorgeous.
See more
G
Gladys
November 2025
17 ft pop-up camper
With pets
I had a great time camping at Creekside Camp #1. We had a tent and a rooftop tent set-up. The site is right next to the entrance / gate and next to the round, which made it easily accessible and non-4WD or AWD friendly. The road is relatively quiet with minimal cars driving through. The site is next to site #2, but appreciate that there were trees separating the two sites. You do have to walk through campsite #2 to go get to the toilet.
The creek had minimal water and there was a designated crossing area that was marked with signs. We enjoyed walking through all the trails in the property with our dog. The mercantile had a lot selection and the meat quality is very good.
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D
DONNA
November 2025
Tent
Lovely campsite in the trees and meadow. Nice platform for your tent and campfire ring and picnic table. Get the fresh duck eggs and cooked them over the campfire - wonderful!
See moreE
Ed
November 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
Beautiful, peaceful spot. John and Leslie are terrific hosts. Lots of hiking trails. Goats, ducks, and Salukis, oh my!
See moreK
Kimbel
October 2025
1 night at Salmon Creek Ranch
Fab elevated 360 view of redwood forest, excellent craftsmanship throughout. A must experience!
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B
Blair
October 2025
Tent
If you’re looking for serenity and quiet while camping on a beautiful property, Redwood Camp #1 at Salmon Creek Ranch is it. The campsite is perfectly nestled among the redwoods, just steps away from a peaceful meadow — offering tons of privacy and a truly magical setting.
We went when it was raining a bit, so an AWD was definitely helpful for getting to the site. Upon arriving at the ranch, we were welcomed by the cows they raise, and as we pulled into the visitor parking area to meet Lesley, we were greeted by friendly geese and goats — such a charming start to our stay!
The porta-potty was spotless, and we loved that we could purchase ranch-raised meats right from their mercantile — the ground beef, NY steaks, and skirt steaks all we can't wait to try!
Although we only stayed one night, we already can’t wait to go back. This place has quickly become our new favorite camping spot. Thank you, Lesley and John, for sharing your stunning property with us!
See moreW
William
October 2025
Tent
Incredible property. The AWD vehicle was definitely necessary. We cooked a steak from the ranch over the campfire, very cool and delicious experience!
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Amber
October 2025
With pets
John was extremely accommodating and friendly! The treehouse is so well made and peaceful. It's only a 10 minute drive into Bodega Bay.
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Andrew
October 2025
20 ft campervan
Group trip
Clean, quiet campground. Very friendly, communicative staff. We stayed in the Creekside spots. Sites were flat. Easy access to the creek, but you can only see the creek from Creekside #3. I also recommend the duck eggs and goat sausage from the mercantile!
See moreJ
Jamie
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Salmon Creek Ranch
Eagle's Nest Treehouse is truly magical! Lesley was such a kind, responsive, and accommodating host and made everything easy. We loved all the sights and sounds of the Highland cattle, geese, ducks, dogs, deer. We purchased meat and eggs from the ranch and made delicious burgers for dinner and scrambled eggs for breakfast. We roasted marshmallows and made s'mores around the fire pit. The treehouse itself is nestled in a beautiful and secluded wooded area, and is so well-appointed and cozy. I could not have asked for more and can't wait to come back.
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M
Marissa Timothy
October 2025
Tent
With kids
My family and I loved the campsite. Well maintained, private, and an easy drive to great food, hiking, and scenery.
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