The best safari tent rentals near Monterey, California

On the edge of Monterey Bay, about an hour’s drive south of Santa Cruz and north of Big Sur, Monterey offers pretty sea views, lots of things to see, and oceanside camping. The city’s former sardine-packing district, Cannery Row is the main hub of tourism, featuring shops, restaurants, and the celebrated Monterey Bay Aquarium. There’s also plenty to experience in the surrounding area—tee off at one of the many golf courses around the Monterey Peninsula; explore the hiking trails of the Carmel Valley or Asilomar State Beach; make a wintertime visit to Pacific Grove's Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary; or motor along 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach to see the legendary Lone Cypress. While most camping options right in town are RV parks, you'll find plenty of Hipcamps and campgrounds offering tent camping just a bit inland, like in Salinas at its Laguna Seca Recreation Area, which welcomes tents and RVs even during race events.

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Top-rated campgrounds

On the edge of Monterey Bay, about an hour’s drive south of Santa Cruz and north of Big Sur, Monterey offers pretty sea views, lots of things to see, and oceanside camping. The city’s former sardine-packing district, Cannery Row is the main hub of tourism, featuring shops, restaurants, and the celebrated Monterey Bay Aquarium. There’s also plenty to experience in the surrounding area—tee off at one of the many golf courses around the Monterey Peninsula; explore the hiking trails of the Carmel Valley or Asilomar State Beach; make a wintertime visit to Pacific Grove's Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary; or motor along 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach to see the legendary Lone Cypress. While most camping options right in town are RV parks, you'll find plenty of Hipcamps and campgrounds offering tent camping just a bit inland, like in Salinas at its Laguna Seca Recreation Area, which welcomes tents and RVs even during race events.

99% (68)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

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35mi from Monterey · 1 site · Lodging · Lexington Hills, CA

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this serene retreat is surrounded by natural beauty and offers the perfect escape into nature. Conveniently located between Downtown Los Gatos and Downtown Santa Cruz—just 25 minutes from each—you’ll have easy access to the best of both mountain charm and coastal energy. Outdoor enthusiasts will love being just minutes from the renowned mountain biking trails of Demonstration Forest, scenic hiking routes, and the beloved Summit Store for local provisions. Note that no open fires are allowed by our county but guests are allowed to have a gas or propane stove for cooking. Water is 125' front tent. Toilet is 100' front tent. Power plug is 140' from tent to charge your phone, etc. This time of year, please consider this COLD CAMPING. Our tent has 4 extra blankets but you should be prepared to keep yourself warm and prepared for winter weather. In November, you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in Henry Cowell Redwoods, walking along West Cliff Drive, and visiting Natural Bridges State Beach. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is open year-round, offering a chance to experience it with fewer crowds and more deals. You can also visit local attractions like the Mystery Spot, the Santa Cruz Wharf, and the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Shadowbrook Restaurant, Located in charming Capitola, 4-miles south of Santa Cruz, the world-famous Shadowbrook opened in October of 1947 with the theme of Romance in Dining. Shadowbrook today is not only the most romantic place to dine in northern California but was designated as one of the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in all of America by the 5 million voters of Open Table.

2. Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping

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15mi from Monterey · 38 sites · Lodging · Carmel Valley, CA

The Camp was started in 1925 by Mrs. Douglas as a girls camp to teach young girls the beautiful wonders of the outdoors including horseback riding, swimming, archery, and camping. She felt that boys had plenty of opportunity to explore Mother Nature but at the time, girls had no such camp to attend. This 115 acre, beautiful, rolling hills ranch has been a camp ever since and now offers camping for the young and old, girls and boys, families and singles…. You name it… a camp for everyone. Located on 115 acres historic boys and girls summer camp complete with pool, tennis, and hiking in Carmel Valley, CA. Re-connect to nature and nostalgia! There is plenty to do at the Camp as well as surrounding areas. 2.5 miles from Carmel Village known for its many wine tasting rooms, restaurants and galleries. 14.5 miles inland from Carmel by-the-sea and Carmel Beach. Perfect locations for day excursion to Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur. Individual Glamping sessions are available on select dates. Breakfast included in the stay. Length of stay may be required. We highly recommend you stay for more than one day as it is difficult to take part in all activities when at the camp for only one day. Imagine! your own private off the grid cabin where you can enjoy tent camping without the hassle of setting up a tent. Numerous activities for you to take advantage of or simple step outside your cabin and wonder on our 115 acres and connect to nature. Welcome to The Camp. CABINS Solstice and Sunrise cabins recently re-built cabins have one queen bed and two twin beds (max 4 ppl) and are located near a shared communal bathhouses. Sunset village cabins have access to a bathhouse with designated full baths with private shower and bathroom for each cabin. Each cabin has power and one queen bed and two twin beds (max 4 ppl) Like tent camping without the hassle of having to set up a tent. You bring your sleeping bag, bedding and towels. Or we can provide you with a bedding/towel pack for an extra cost. POWER All cabins and bathhouses have power Wi-Fi Free wi-fi in central camp not at cabins. FOOD and DRINK 2024 Glamping Includes breakfast. Lunch and Dinner optional at an additional cost. ACTIVITIES Self guided activities include: Pool, pool deck, basketball half court, tennis courts, yard games, hiking trails and many areas to connect to nature. Guided activities: Hosted campfire nightly, Yoga, Archery and Tie Dye sessions available on Saturday. (holiday weekends additional sessions available) FIRE No individual fires. We do offer hosted campfires nightly. DOG Two dogs are welcome per cabin $50 per dog. MUSIC No speakers, amplification or radios. Acoustic instruments are allowed. RESERVATIONS Glamping weekends may require multiple night stays. Check-in is between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. We will send you an email prior to arrival with additional information. Please note Hipcamp site assignments do not correspond to the actual cabin you will be assigned. Our Camp cabin names and assignments are a little different. If you are reserving multiple cabins please let us know so we can try and assign you near each other. Parking is a short walk away from the Cabins. The Camp is private property and for registered guests only. Gate is closed 9PM-7PM. Campers are free to come and go as these please between 7AM-PM, but all Campers must be back onsite before 9PM. WHAT TO BRING: Sleeping Bag or bedding or rent linen pack Towels and Toiletries Flashlight Water Bottle

3. Venture Retreat Center

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50mi from Monterey · 12 sites · Tents, Lodging · Pescadero, CA

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!

Stories from the community

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Noah

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

The tent and bed were very spacious. The view of the stars at night and the mountains in the mornings was beautiful. In November it was very cold at night as expected but it was much easier to stay comfortable and warm here than in a regular tent.

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Anna

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Venture Retreat Center

The place is truly magical surrounded by nature. So many spots to relax, meditate, soak in a pool or hot tub or warm up by the fire pits. Our glamping tent was magical and had everything you need. We definitely will be back, but This time with a group of friends to enjoy the property with a group of friends.

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Sophia

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

cute stay. it was clean and easy to get to for the weekend visiting santa cruz.

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Jeff

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

Easy in, easy out. Bedroom was made nicely. Property manager was very kind.

Lisa

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

Very clean site with a beautiful view. Instructions were clear making it easy to find. One of the best hipcamp sites I've stayed at so far.

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Cristina

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping

The Safari Rustic Tent exceeded my expectations. Impeccably clean and excellent creature comforts like a shower and bathroom. Hosts are informative and made the location easy to find. The property is gated and feels safe. Thank you so much!

Bethany

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

This is a great getaway for anyone looking for a peaceful private retreat! The land has some beautiful views and the glamping setup is clean and simple! Shelly is also a very welcoming host, she came down to the campsite to check on me and we ended up chatting for a long time. This little hideaway in the mountains is a place I’d love to come back to! Bonus - I saw deer on my drive out two mornings in a row!

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Ruben

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

So comfortable and peaceful. Bed and pillows were better than my own 😂. Would definitely stay again! More than one night next time

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Robert

July 2025

1 night at Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping

Quiet, cozy camping spot. Hosts were extremely responsive and accommodating.

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Nikki

June 2025

1 night at Venture Retreat Center

So beautiful!! The bed on the majestic tent was truly like luxury with cozy sheets, comfy pillows, a heated blanket! I never wanted to get up. The land is so serene and peaceful, it’s rare to hear so that much bird song and see so much wildlife like a variety of bees, butterflies and more. The land was well taken care of and it was close to Pescadero, so lots to see and do. The accommodation was well designed and the outdoor kitchen was quite nice!

Home away From home (p.s. loved that the lights were solar and on automatic timers!)

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Alexis

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping

Wow! What a location. The tent itself was so beautiful and well-cared for- adjustable window ventilation, wood floors, lockable door and personal pit. Not to mention the (twin) beds were as comfortable as any hotel bed I’ve slept on. I requested the linen bed set and it was also of great quality- inclusive of 2 blankets, sheeting and a pillow. I was very comfortable during our stay but imagine colder months would require a heavier blanket and/or very warm pajamas. The bathroom was immaculately cleaned and maintained too. Housekeepers do a 10/10 job here. The shower and kitchen were both stocked with soap / shampoo etc too. I couldn’t figure out how to get hot water in the shower but our trio was quick enough that we didn’t bother to ask…. The host went above and beyond to make up our beds ahead of our stay, ship back forgotten items and text back at lightening speeds. We clearly appreciated the hospitality and will be sharing with all of our friends! Looking forward to using the grill and games with a big group next time. Thank you!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best safari tents near Monterey guide

Where to go

Monterey Peninsula

Jutting out into the sea west of Monterey, the Monterey Peninsula is home to pretty beaches, scenic viewpoints, and tons of golf courses. At its southern end, Carmel-by-the-Sea features whimsical architecture and a historic old mission.

San Francisco Peninsula

On the northern side of Monterey Bay, the San Francisco Peninsula features forests, sandy beaches, and a mix of public and private campgrounds, many surrounded by redwood trees. Popular spots include Half Moon Bay, a celebrated surfing destination, and Año Nuevo State Park, where you can see elephant seals throughout the year.

Big Sur

From Monterey, it's only a quick jaunt down Highway 1 before you reach the Big Sur coast, known for its beach views, ample camping and hiking opportunities, and artsy vibes. Popular public park destinations include Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, all three of which have campgrounds.

When to go

Monterey is a year-round destination, with mild, wet winters and dry summers that don't get too hot but do see crowds. Whale-watching opportunities are best between January and March, when migratory whales pass along Monterey’s coast. The fall and spring shoulder seasons are good times to visit for warm weather and fewer crowds, though the Monterey Jazz Festival—held the third full weekend of September—draws tons of visitors.