The best camping near Montara with swimming

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Looking for the perfect camping experience near Montara, California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With 682 options available in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your accommodation preference, activity/terrain preference, and budget. Whether you're a climber, whitewater paddler, or boating enthusiast, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your adventurous spirit. And don't worry about roughing it too much - popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and toilets are available at many campsites. For the top-rated campsites in the area, be sure to check out Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), and The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews). So grab your gear and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors!

97% (1.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Montara

3. The Olive Farm

99%
(366)
39mi from Montara · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$126
 / night

8. Redwood Paradise Camping

91%
(283)
39mi from Montara · 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!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$105
 / night

14. Swallowtail Historic Art Studio

97%
(333)
47mi from Montara · 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

15. Bay View "Tree House"

100%
(11)
30mi from Montara · 1 site · Lodging
This is a beautiful, 20-sided shingled cottage set on 2 acres of oak trees, with views of the San Francisco Bay through the trees. The property is gated with off-street parking. This unique guest house offers one bedroom with a queen bed, and a full size sofa bed in the living room. Windows in every room look out into the oaks, where you can see deer, squirrels, hummingbirds, and occasional rabbits. For its location, it feels incredibly private! The cottage is just 2 miles from charming downtown San Rafael, and just 1 mile to mountain biking, hiking, and picnicking at China Camp State Park. San Rafael is the perfect location for day trips to San Francisco, Mt. Tamalpais, and all of Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties. The cottage was built with the finest materials, including slate roof with copper gutters, bamboo and slate floors, granite counter tops, tumbled marble shower, and maple cabinets. A deck with glass railing encircles the entire house. There is a full kitchen, wireless high speed Internet, and cable. The only other other structure on the property is our main home. The hot tub, which hipcampers are welcome to use upon request, is on the deck of the main house.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
$205
 / night

16. Venture Retreat Center

100%
(2)
24mi from Montara · 12 sites · Tents, Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$207
 / night

17. Redwoods Mountain Getaway

97%
(150)
40mi from Montara · 2 sites · Lodging
Our property sits on 2 acres of pristine mix of redwoods, madrone, and oak trees. Amazing valley views, gate access from yard to hiking trails, and very quiet at night. Neighborhood overview Felton/Santa Cruz is full of things to do:The Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad is a 3 ft narrow-gauge tourist railroad.Henry Cowell State Park, most famous for the 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees.Mystery Spot: Experience gravity-defying demonstrations on the short but steep uphill walk.Garden of Eden: Secret swimming hole with lots of fun boulders to jump off and swim around. We will fill you in on how to get there.Cruise on bikes down West Cliff DriveHang out at beach and relax..And of course, world famous surfing in Santa Cruz. We have a two-night minimum on weekends.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$180
 / night

20. Cotillion Gardens RV Park

100%
(2)
43mi from Montara · 2 sites
Campers looking to explore the Santa Cruz Mountain redwoods can spend their nights at Cotillion Gardens RV Park, a rare spot bordering Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park off of Highway 9. Here, you’ll find an array of pet-friendly RV sites, San Lorenzo River-front camping cabins (bring your own bedding!), and four designated tent camping sites with wooden platforms, fire pits, and picnic tables. Take advantage of direct state park access to discover beautiful Redwood Grove Loop Trail and other hiking trails, home to some of California’s oldest redwood trees. RV sites can accommodate up to 6 guests in travel trailers, big rigs, and fifth-wheel trailers up to 36 feet, with options ranging from 30-amp electrical service to full hookups and sewer connections. Standout amenities include a heated swimming pool (May to October), laundry facilities, redwood forest horseshoe pits, and for the kids, a playground and clubhouse filled with games. Choose site #68 if you need pull-through access—also, look out for offseason discounts and even extended-stay RV sites.

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Montara, California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With 682 options available in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your accommodation preference, activity/terrain preference, and budget. Whether you're a climber, whitewater paddler, or boating enthusiast, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your adventurous spirit. And don't worry about roughing it too much - popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and toilets are available at many campsites. For the top-rated campsites in the area, be sure to check out Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), and The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews). So grab your gear and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors!

97% (1.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Montara

3. The Olive Farm

99%
(366)
39mi from Montara · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$126
 / night

8. Redwood Paradise Camping

91%
(283)
39mi from Montara · 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!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$105
 / night

14. Swallowtail Historic Art Studio

97%
(333)
47mi from Montara · 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

15. Bay View "Tree House"

100%
(11)
30mi from Montara · 1 site · Lodging
This is a beautiful, 20-sided shingled cottage set on 2 acres of oak trees, with views of the San Francisco Bay through the trees. The property is gated with off-street parking. This unique guest house offers one bedroom with a queen bed, and a full size sofa bed in the living room. Windows in every room look out into the oaks, where you can see deer, squirrels, hummingbirds, and occasional rabbits. For its location, it feels incredibly private! The cottage is just 2 miles from charming downtown San Rafael, and just 1 mile to mountain biking, hiking, and picnicking at China Camp State Park. San Rafael is the perfect location for day trips to San Francisco, Mt. Tamalpais, and all of Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties. The cottage was built with the finest materials, including slate roof with copper gutters, bamboo and slate floors, granite counter tops, tumbled marble shower, and maple cabinets. A deck with glass railing encircles the entire house. There is a full kitchen, wireless high speed Internet, and cable. The only other other structure on the property is our main home. The hot tub, which hipcampers are welcome to use upon request, is on the deck of the main house.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
$205
 / night

16. Venture Retreat Center

100%
(2)
24mi from Montara · 12 sites · Tents, Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$207
 / night

17. Redwoods Mountain Getaway

97%
(150)
40mi from Montara · 2 sites · Lodging
Our property sits on 2 acres of pristine mix of redwoods, madrone, and oak trees. Amazing valley views, gate access from yard to hiking trails, and very quiet at night. Neighborhood overview Felton/Santa Cruz is full of things to do:The Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad is a 3 ft narrow-gauge tourist railroad.Henry Cowell State Park, most famous for the 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees.Mystery Spot: Experience gravity-defying demonstrations on the short but steep uphill walk.Garden of Eden: Secret swimming hole with lots of fun boulders to jump off and swim around. We will fill you in on how to get there.Cruise on bikes down West Cliff DriveHang out at beach and relax..And of course, world famous surfing in Santa Cruz. We have a two-night minimum on weekends.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$180
 / night

20. Cotillion Gardens RV Park

100%
(2)
43mi from Montara · 2 sites
Campers looking to explore the Santa Cruz Mountain redwoods can spend their nights at Cotillion Gardens RV Park, a rare spot bordering Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park off of Highway 9. Here, you’ll find an array of pet-friendly RV sites, San Lorenzo River-front camping cabins (bring your own bedding!), and four designated tent camping sites with wooden platforms, fire pits, and picnic tables. Take advantage of direct state park access to discover beautiful Redwood Grove Loop Trail and other hiking trails, home to some of California’s oldest redwood trees. RV sites can accommodate up to 6 guests in travel trailers, big rigs, and fifth-wheel trailers up to 36 feet, with options ranging from 30-amp electrical service to full hookups and sewer connections. Standout amenities include a heated swimming pool (May to October), laundry facilities, redwood forest horseshoe pits, and for the kids, a playground and clubhouse filled with games. Choose site #68 if you need pull-through access—also, look out for offseason discounts and even extended-stay RV sites.

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Value Prop
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field