The best star host campgrounds near Moss Beach, California

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Moss Beach, California? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 680 options to choose from, you're bound to find the ideal campsite that suits your accommodation preference, whether it's tent camping, RV camping, or even glamping. And if you're all about the activities and terrain, you're in luck too! Enjoy snow sports, boating, or explore historic sites while camping in this beautiful location. Plus, you'll have access to top-rated campsites like Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), and The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews). So pack your bags, pitch your tent, and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure!

99% (1.7K) • 40 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Moss Beach

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Moss Beach, California? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 680 options to choose from, you're bound to find the ideal campsite that suits your accommodation preference, whether it's tent camping, RV camping, or even glamping. And if you're all about the activities and terrain, you're in luck too! Enjoy snow sports, boating, or explore historic sites while camping in this beautiful location. Plus, you'll have access to top-rated campsites like Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), and The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews). So pack your bags, pitch your tent, and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure!

99% (1.7K) • 40 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Moss Beach

1. Tunitas Beach Overlook - Airstream

99%

(81)

12mi from Moss Beach · 5 sites · Lodging

On 9 private acres overlooking the stunning Tunitas Beach and Pacific ocean from a breathtaking cliff top view. Stunning sunrises and sunset greet you in this fully equipped new 2023 Airstream. Fully loaded with all the amenities to make your glamping experience perfect. Fire pit, outside BBQ, outside griddle, A/C and fully stocked kitchen. Comes will full bathroom with shower. Truly a rare experience and located within 10 mins of Half Moon Bay shopping. Beach access short walk or drive.

2. Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

100%

(8)

43mi from Moss Beach · 1 site · Lodging

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. The river near the tent is rushing so if you enjoy the sound of rain on the tent roof or a rushing river, please come see our tent. In January, 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. Any Super Bowl Fans!!! Feb 8 at Levi's Stadium. Levi's is a 35 minute drive from tent. Any FIFA World Cup Soccer Fans!!! Games at Levi's Stadium on Jun 13, 16, 19, 22, 25 and July 1. Levi's Stadium in 35 minute drive from tent. Check Levi's Stadium for all events you might have intertest in such as concerts, sporting events, etc. 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.

3. Camp Jaron

99%

(38)

35mi from Moss Beach · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Completely private 19 acres to explore while only being 10 min from downtown Los Gatos (FYI has great cell reception). Plenty of flat empty land to pitch tents. There is a compost toilet and an outdoor shower with cold water. There is plenty of room to explore, half of the property is pretty dense wilderness but the main half has hammocks, slack line, fire pit, bbq, tables, etc. *FYI due to the steep driveway (see pic) the property is only accessible by AWD or 4-wheel drive SUV or truck; cars, vans, or RVs will not be able to make it (if you are not sure please ask before booking).

4. Swallowtail Historic Art Studio

97%

(334)

48mi from Moss Beach · 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."

5. Comfy Studio Near Trails & Beaches

100%

(5)

36mi from Moss Beach · 1 site · Lodging

Comfy and private freestanding studio with large deck. The studio is nestled in a grove of live oaks, and overlooks a quaint market flower garden. This is a bed and breakfast, offering coffee, tea, fresh fruit, oatmeal, granola, juice, milk, oat/almond milk etc. This fenced-in property, and large, private, covered deck provides safe storage for guest bikes and sporting equipment. Local trail maps provided for your hiking and biking adventures! -- The studio is located on a small farm located on the forest ridge of Mount Barnabe. The property has two acres fenced off from the wildlife creatures, such as deer, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc., that often wander behind the property. The studio is located in the center of the property surrounded by a grove of live oaks, privacy fences, curtains, and hedges, to provide the utmost privacy for our guests. The cottage across from the studio is where your hosts reside with their hens, roosters and Logan (the farm dog), where they are readily available to accommodate guest needs.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Maddie

6 days ago

1 night at Swallowtail Historic Art Studio

Beautiful little hideaway in Petaluma. Conveniently located and great hosts.

Bill

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tunitas Beach Overlook - Airstream

Loved this spot and lowkey don’t want to publicize it. But credit where credit is due. Best hipcamp ever. Props to the host Deano.

N

Nic

December 2025

1 night at Comfy Studio Near Trails & Beaches

A glamper’s dream! This tiny cottage had all the amenities of a full house—cooking, bathroom, TV, WiFi, and heaters. After a full day of exploring nearby Point Reyes, my friend and I were able to sleep in maximum comfort. Note, this cottage is in a residential area, so you will have drive to any outdoor adventures, but the cottage still has lovely outdoor seating that overlooks the flower garden.

Alison

November 2025

With pets

3 nights at Tunitas Beach Overlook - Airstream

This site is absolutely beautiful! The view is gorgeous. The Airstream is comfortably outfitted. The hosts are lovely and communicative. My Labrador and I had a great stay!

J

Janice and Gary

November 2025

2 nights at Tunitas Beach Overlook - Airstream

It’s very special, quiet, and peaceful. Very small make sure you like each other. Definitely going to return.

I

Inna

November 2025

With pets

2 nights at Tunitas Beach Overlook - Airstream

Just the most perfect escape. Location 10/10. Communication 10/10. We loved it!

A

Andrew

November 2025

2 nights at Tunitas Beach Overlook - Airstream

Incredible location and views, would definitely go back. The airstream was great and Deano was super helpful with all instructions / logistics.

N

Noah

November 2025

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.

J

Jess

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Swallowtail Historic Art Studio

We had a wonderful stay and would recommend anyone stay here!

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!

Douglas

November 2025

2 nights at Tunitas Beach Overlook - Airstream

Absolutely stunnigly beautiful! Bad storm epic moved in overnight cut our stay short! Will be back!!

D

Da Da

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tunitas Beach Overlook - Airstream

Amazing place, the most amazing views - truly took our breath away. We will be coming back for sure!

a

alejandrina

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Camp Jaron

Great stay! The host provided clear and accurate info for accessing the property and using all the amenities. This is an excellent spot for families, swings, zip line, ropes, beautiful views, fire pits, BBQ, lounge chairs, and picnic tables. The place is spacious and peaceful. Just note that a 4x4 vehicle is definitely needed to get there. Would stay again!

S

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.

Julian

October 2025

18 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Camp Jaron

Camp Jaron is a very quiet spot close to downtown Los Gatos. Pros: Hot shower, composting toilet, and mostly private (The neighbor's house has a direct line of sight on the main campsite area — further down the hill is more private) Neutral: Rough road to access property, 4x4/clearance required as described. Cons: Limited level ground for parking rig, I had to park directly under large branches which I try to avoid whenever possible, would recommend packing leveling blocks. Limited level & cleared space for tents — Expect overgrowth / leaves / mulch / poison oak.

J

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.

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!

K

Kathleen

September 2025

4 nights at Tunitas Beach Overlook - Airstream

A Truly Memorable Stay. This was a wonderful experience. The quiet and calm made it incredibly relaxing—even our dog was completely at ease. On our first day, we were lucky enough to watch humpback whales and sea lions hunting just off the coast. They were so close, we could easily see them from the cliff's edge. We were thrilled to see them return on two other afternoons during our stay. Wildlife was abundant throughout—hawks, a mother coyote, and even a golden eagle made appearances. Please remember to be respectful during your time in nature. These incredible animals depend on us to make the right choices and give them the space and peace they need. The nights were cool and rainy, but our Airstream was warm and cozy, offering the perfect shelter and adding to the charm of the trip. Our host, Dean, was fantastic—quick to respond to any questions while still giving us the privacy we were looking for. All in all, this was one of the best vacation experiences we've had in a long time. Highly recommend!

L

Lissa

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Tunitas Beach Overlook - Airstream

First impression?…. Speechless! You are greated with a smile from heaven just as soon as you turn off the road onto the parking area behind the trailer. The sun glistening off both the ocean and the airstream itself was simply breathtaking.