Half Moon Bay

Cabin #16, awesome to hear the creek on the other side of the trees but very very muddy. I think it was the combination of low ground and water access close by.

Big Basin Tent Cabins

Cabin camping is great for traveling light. The cabins at Big Basin had wood burning stoves. 

Waking up to the magic of the redwoods with some yerba mate courtesy of my trusty little Swedish traveling companion.

See massive waves and giant pumpkins in this cozy <a href='/en-US/d/united-states/california/bay-area/camping/all'>Bay Area</a> beach town.

Find & reserve the best cabins near Half Moon Bay, California with pets. Tent, cabin & RV camp on private & State Parks, on local farms, vineyards & nature preserves.

The best dog-friendly cabin rentals near Half Moon Bay, California

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The Secret Gardens by the Bay

✨ The Secret Gardens ✨

Once upon a time, hidden just beyond the whispers of the ocean breeze, there was a secret place where roses stretched toward the sky, dahlias painted the land with color, and lavender cascaded like purple waterfalls. No one quite knew how to find it—until they stumbled upon it. Here, hearts opened with ease, carried by birdsong, the sway of ancient oaks, the fragrance of woodsmoke, and the laughter that seemed to live in the very air.

The Secret Gardens unfurls across 11 acres of enchanted redwoods and noble oaks, where each campsite bears a name drawn straight from the pages of Alice in Wonderland. Guests often tell us: “One night is never enough.” And indeed, when you step out of your car, words and pictures fail—there is only the Wow.

In true secret-garden spirit, we share just enough glimpses to spark curiosity. The real magic is revealed only when you arrive.

Just one mile from Seascape Beach and a short stroll to Seascape Village—with its quaint cafés, market, spa, and more—our haven balances wild wonder with simple comforts.

🌿 The Realms of the Secret Gardens

🌲 Tulgey Woods

Nestled beneath towering redwoods, this woodland hosts RV and tent sites, along with Dodo’s Glamp and the Secret Wagon. Here you’ll find showers, bathrooms, a communal kitchen, a campfire circle, and outdoor dining spaces. It’s perfect for families, car campers, and adventurers with roomy tents.

♟️ Chessboard Land

Where play and comfort intertwine: cabins, a communal lounge, a sprawling kitchen, living-wall showers, cozy firepits, and even a projector screen for starlit cinema nights. This is the social heart of the gardens.

🐇 Rabbit Holes (open late spring through summer)

Two primitive hideaways—Tweedledee and Tweedledum—await in the wilder reaches of the land. Here, no cars intrude; instead, we whisk your belongings by ATV to these tucked-away forest nooks.

🌸 Private Group Groves

Three secluded enclaves designed for gatherings, each with its own bathroom, shower, grill, and sink:

	•	Cheshire Grove

	•	The Horseshoe

	•	Wonderland

⸻

🌟 What Awaits You

	•	Cozy cabins, Dodo’s Glamp, and the Secret Wagon—complete with bedding, heaters, and access to Chessboard Land’s wonders.

	•	Communal spaces alive with warmth: kitchen, fire pits and trail

The Olive Farm

Excellent Group Site! We only host one group at a time so you can be with your family and friends in a large, flat and private space. We listed the site for up to 12 campers but feel free to reach out if your group is bigger. 
Please check out the newest addition of our cabin bunkhouse. Take a look at the pictures - you can add it to your stay as an extra when you book!
The land was originally purchased in the 1980's. Since then, it has been used by four generations of the family as a place to gather, relax, camp and even celebrate. I had my wedding on the property in 2010. For a few years we held an annual music festival with the very inventive name of Samapalooza. Up to 400 people would attend the day filled with live music, food and drinks. You will still find the stage and bar we built as an outdoor kitchen and dining area.
Around 2008, my father and I planted our first olive trees. Many have been planted since which has gifted the land the timeless sense of purpose it deserves. My father dedicated his last years to tending the young trees and now I have taken the mantle to carry the farm forward.
'The Property', as it is known amongst family and friends has always been a place to camp. I have sat around the same fire ring for decades, rain or shine. I hope that fellow hipcampers can find the joy that my family and I have experienced here.
This is a very private camp on a small olive farm. Geographically close to highways and the town of Novato, Sonoma and Napa wine country, this camp feels remote and secluded. Only one camp on the property to keep it private and special. You basically have your run of the land.  We have just updated the land and made some nice improvements. Located on ten acres, you will drive past a small olive grove before reaching the spacious and open campground.
Just up the hill from the camp is a private pond where you can fish, take out a small boat or just sit and watch the birds. It can be great swimming on hot summer days.
This spot has been used by the family for decades and is now open to share with fellow nature lovers.
Just a note: While the majority of the time you can expect complete privacy, this is a working olive farm. From time to time you may run into me (Sam) or someone else associated with the land. We will always do our best to respect your space.

If you want morning & late afternoon light away from the camp overlooking the pond, this spot wasn't too bad.

Drinking water available at the sink on the platform as well as at the hose to the left (bottom of the hill!)

Sewage Hookup

Masoods Lodge

Masoods Lodge, located in the beautiful redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains! Perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful spot to relax close to nature. The year-round ideal climate makes this charming, enchanted property the perfect weekend getaway.

Enjoy peace and quiet with great views from furnished individual cottages surrounded by redwood trees and sparkling mountain stream providing a full nature experience. Sit out and enjoy the stars at night. This property offers an abundance of fern and wildflowers showcasing their natural beauty.

Masoods lodge has a "log cabin feel", with a stylish flair, and features wood paneling, open beam ceilings, and cozy fireplaces. Imagine relaxing on your private deck, enjoying a BBQ with family and friends, surrounded by redwood trees, either in sunny summers or during cold winters.

All large units – living room, bedroom, kitchen - that accommodate from two to four persons. All units come with a ﬁreplace and electric heat, and are completely equipped for your every need. Also included are spacious single rooms with morning coffee, a microwave oven, and a small refrigerator, with complete privacy.

Planning a wedding, retreat, family reunion, or another special event? Masoods lodge can host your next event. The possibilities are endless. If you have an idea to host your next event and would like to utilize the lodge, we would love to help coordinate and host your event!

The lodge is a 30-minute drive away from Santa Cruz beaches, a 45-minute drive from Silicon Valley, and a one-hour drive from San Francisco. There are many hiking trails, parks, and attractions close by.

Cooking equipment

Venture Retreat Center

Nestled among ancient redwoods at the end of winding Eden West Road, along the edge of Little Butano Creek, Venture is a NorCal hidden gem. Our roots are in the 1960s counterculture movement and we've long served as a haven for spiritual exploration, self-discovery, and personal growth. Just an hour’s drive from San Francisco, San Jose, and Santa Cruz, our special spot is the most serene escape when you're seeking respite, relaxation, or reconnection with nature.

The campus offers a mix of dispersed charming cabins, a serene yurt, camping sites, and glamping tents. You can immerse yourself in the lush forest that surrounds us, soak up the sun, and explore creek-side beauty. Gather around the warmth of an evening fire or drum circle and enjoy the dusk and starshine coming on.

Just down the street is Pescadero proper. A sweet little spot (nine hundred strong) and California coast perfection. You'll find gorgeous scenery, local food and drink, neat landmarks, beautiful places to hike and explore, fun galleries, and really, really good people. Ask us for our favorite spots, we’re more than happy to share!

Picnic table

Misthaven Ranch Nature Retreat

Nestled in the serene redwood forests of Gilroy, our 6-acre ranch offers an unforgettable escape into nature. Wake up to the soothing sounds of our rooster’s call and start your day with a sense of peace and excitement.

Our ranch is packed with fun-filled activities for all ages. Fly through the trees on our zipline, bounce away your stress on the trampoline, or challenge yourself with archery and axe throwing. Wander along our scenic hiking trails, follow the bubbling creek, and soak in breathtaking views from the mountaintop.

Animal lovers will be in heaven at our charming petting zoo, home to our friendly goat, sheep, kunekune pigs, chickens, ducks, and bunnies. Get up close and enjoy interacting with these adorable creatures.

As the day winds down, fire up the BBQ grill for a delicious outdoor meal, then gather around the campfire for a night of s’mores and stories under the stars. Our ranch offers incredible stargazing opportunities, with clear skies that often reveal the awe-inspiring Milky Way.

Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this unique experience will help you reconnect with nature, breathe in the fresh forest air, and leave with unforgettable memories. Book your stay today and unlock your wild side on our one-of-a-kind ranch!

*All activities are free except zipline.

Waldhaus Redwood Retreat

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.”  

Entry to bathrooms on left side of the building, outdoor dining area

Fireplace fires allowed! Perfect for hangouts and s'mores

Enjoying the hammock in the main clearing

Driveway on left leading to main building and hwy

Next to the yurts are wooden platforms you can set your tent up. 

Lupin Lodge

Lupin Lodge is a family-friendly, clothing-optional destination resort located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Our yurts are fully furnished with a queen-sized bed, heater, fan, electricity, and Wi-Fi. Alternatively, guests may choose to car camp or rent a campsite during their stay. Shared bathroom facilities, showers, and the Community Kitchen are located nearby and available to guests 24/7. Our property highlights include scenic hiking trails, our pool and hot tub area, sauna, tennis court, lounge area, and our Clubhouse Restaurant that serves Saturday night dinner. At Lupin, guests enjoy a quiet, comfortable escape into nature while remaining conveniently accessible by car, just 10 minutes from downtown Los Gatos. 

Tent option when you book through Hipcamp

Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch

Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all.

Situated on top of a ridge with expansive redwood forest and coastal views, the Audrey Edna&nbsp;Cabin provides a completely private&nbsp;gathering place and destination for visitors with reservations. The cabin&nbsp;has spectacular views of forest, sky, ocean and the Butano ridgeline. It's a short hike to 8000+ acres of county parkland where you can hike, bike and ride horses (though please note, there are no facilities for horse boarding at the cabin.)&nbsp;The cabin is located at Alpine Ranch, a property adjacent to Sam McDonald County Park that was protected by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).&nbsp;

Whether you are looking for an active experience or just want to relax in a peaceful, remote setting, there's something here for everyone.

This is a rustic hike-in cabin designed for a introductory pack-in experience.&nbsp;Bedding is not provided. It is about a 1.7-mile hike on a rolling dirt road from the Sam McDonald County Park parking lot, with about 650 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers can reach the cabin in an hour or less.&nbsp;Guests should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before sunset, and pack water and&nbsp;flashlights or headlamps. Guests with limited mobility, please contact us for information regarding accommodations that will allow you to access this shared resource.

*A note about reservation availability: On the weekends, POST offers priority reservations for the&nbsp;cabin to our partners at the San Mateo County Health Department and Park Rx to provide patients with&nbsp;equitable access to the benefits of nature. Occasionally, we have last-minute public weekend reservation availability due to cancellations. The cabin is reservable up to 3 months in advance, on a rolling basis.

Love the idea of a hike-in cabin, but unable to visit us Sunday-Thursday? Check out the nearby Sierra Club Hiker's Hut in Sam McDonald County Park.&nbsp;

Property History: 

At one time, the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains was a thriving center for trade between tribes of the coast and the bay, which we still find evidence of today in cultural sites and artifacts throughout the region. Native people have cared for this land since time immemorial, including the local Muwekma and Ramaytush Ohlone who are still active in the area today. This property specifically is host to a tributary to one of just a handful of waterways that support salmonids in this region, which are a species of tremendous importance to native people. 

Over 1000 acres here were eventually purchased by entrepreneur Ridgeway Rowley, who built a home on the ranch in the 1880s as part of an unsuccessful wedding proposal to Fannie Page, daughter of a local mill owner (ever heard of Page Mill Road?) After being rejected by Fannie, Rowley operated the ranch for a decade in conjunction with his work as District Attorney and publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, before eventually returning to his hometown of Cortland, NY, where he lived as a bachelor until his death. Over the course of the 20th century, the ranch was divided, some parts of which became Pescadero Creek County Park. POST purchased the 350 acre home property, now called Alpine Ranch, in 2012 through our Heart of the Redwoods campaign, an initiative to protect 20,000 acres of Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Alpine Ranch borders Pescadero Creek County Park and Sam McDonald County Park, adding to the area’s protected open space and containing more than a mile of tributaries to Pescadero Creek, which flows year-round and is a major spawning stream for steelhead trout.

The Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch is situated at one of the property's most scenic overlooks. The cabin was built in the early 1900's, and completely reconstructed up to modern building codes by POST in 2018 so that all could enjoy this special place.

Morning view from bedroom 1 (french doors open to a cute deck)

Bedroom 1 (single bed on the left not pictured)

Santa Cruz Mountains Staycation

Located in the peaceful, forested Chemeketa Park neighborhood, our Airstream Caravel is situated in a perfect resting spot for road cyclists, mountain bikers, Santa Cruz surfers, and winery fans looking to recharge before their next adventure! The Airstream is conveniently located on our driveway property, so you'll have easy access to-and-from the quaint and cute downtown area of Los Gatos, nearby hiking trails, and scenic routes along Highway 17.

Moon Crest Valley Ranch

Join us to host your next getaway at the beautiful Moon Crest Valley Ranch. A perfect spot for intimate get togethers that immerse you in nature and offer breathtaking views and countless activities on over 45 acres. This is a magical spot for our family and we can’t wait to share it with yours.  You will be the exclusive campers on the property after booking and the owners will reside in their house.
Potential activities on site include Private Hiking Trails, Breathtaking Ocean Views, Bocce Ball, Wiffle Ball, Golf Chipping, Soccer, and more...
Guests are responsible for bringing their own camping gear.  Of note, the main campsite is 1/2 mile hike from parking and has a portable camping toilet setup.  
One of our favorite spaces is the barn area which has a fire pit, multiple seating areas with views, an oversized picnic table, bocce ball, a grill and even a TV.  This is a must hangout spot during the evenings for many guests before they hike back up to the campsite to retire for the night.  There is also a portable toilet at the barn for guest convenience.
Moon Crest Valley Ranch is located less than 10 minutes from the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay and 15 minutes from scenic Main Street Half Moon Bay.
We are also only 1/2 mile away from the Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve Trailhead that has an additional 30+ miles of gorgeous trails to explore. Bring your hiking shoes or bike!


Hiking from the campground back down to the barn.  Beautiful views down the canyon at the campsite.

Enjoy a fun game of soccer during your stay.

A view down the Purisima Creek Canyon from the campsite up top on the property.

Overhead drone shot of the campground which includes a golf chipping range, small soccer field and wiffle ball field.

The golf chipping range is the host's personal favorite.  Work on your chips from 13 and 31 yards!

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