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% (2.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

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% (2.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Swallowtail Historic Art Studio

97%

(333)

48mi from Moss Beach · 4 sites · Lodging · Petaluma, CA

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."

2. Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

100%

(9)

50mi from Moss Beach · 3 sites · Lodging · Watsonville, CA

We only book one group at a time so whether you are a couple or a large group, you get the whole place privately to yourself. Our home is a short distance away in case you need anything. Located an hour drive from the bay area, Camp Cruz is a year-round glamping retreat in the redwoods ideal for people who want a private outdoor getaway in the forest without giving up basic living comforts. It is a perfect destination to unwind, recharge, and create special memories in nature. We are also only 30 minutes from Monterey/Santa Cruz for guests who want to enjoy the coastal cities. We offer guests 2 private bedrooms: the Raven’s Nest (an aircrete dome) and/or the Owl’s Nest (a yurt). More guests are welcome if you bring your own camping tents. There is a fully equipped covered kitchen with stove, fridge, barbecue grill, electric coffee maker, tables and chairs, and more. The kitchen also has a ping pong table. There is also a large geodome furnished as a game room with couches, a lounge area, pool table, foosball table, a stereo, games, and music equipment. There are clean composting toilets, hot showers, a propane fire pit, heaters for the cold, a hammock bungalow, a meditation pagoda, a deck overlooking a creek, and disc golf baskets. With a fair balance of sunlight and shade, we have a garden, some outdoor play equipment, and lots of open space to spread out and relax. Free wifi is available. We run a nonprofit outdoor education camp for underprivileged youth, and your stay supports our work. Winter lodging.... It can get seasonably cold in the Santa Cruz Mountains during the winter. If visiting in the winter, rest assured we have everything covered to enjoy your stay. We have propane heaters in all main spaces for your comfort. If the power goes out, we have a standby generator that will power up camp provided we are home to turn it on. We have a woodstoves in the Owl's Nest and Eagle's Nest. We provide a fire starter log for each woodstove for each night of your stay, and guests are responsible for bringing firewood to keep the woodstoves going for continued warmth throughout each evening.

3. Happy Valley Haven

100%

(49)

44mi from Moss Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz Getaway! Close to town, yet quaintly situated in a rural homestead surrounded by gardens, redwood forest, alpacas, and natural beauty. * Full-sized outdoor kitchen stocked with amenities * 12 minutes to town / 15 minutes to beaches * Redwood sun & yoga deck * Outdoor shower & cast iron tub (hot water) * Infrared sauna (featured extra) * Private composting toilet * 3 minutes from the world-famous Mystery Spot. * 10 minutes from world-famous Delaveaga Disc Golf course. * Herb garden with goats, chickens, dogs, cats, and alpacas * Nearby hiking and biking trails * Charming and romantic! * WiFi and Parking ~200ft from site Full-size memory foam bed. Private. No pets, no guests please.

4. Redwood Basin

99%

(128)

44mi from Moss Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Soquel, CA

Family-owned since the 1960's my parents chose this ridgetop location on 10 acres for its beauty, serenity, bio-diversity, and amazing peaceful healing energy. The main house is called Rainbow Ridge where a double rainbow appears across the skyline on occasion. We have decided to share this land with conscious folks who want to retreat to the woods from the hustle and bustle but be close to all the action and have all the creature comforts of home with a camping vibe. We have one private site with a glamorous A Frame cabin and a modern tiny home and a tiny retro trailer. The site comes as one single package and is exclusive to you and your group! Nestled on its own private 3-acre redwood and oak forest, leading down to a creek. The site is located just 4 miles (10 min drive ) from Soquel Village and just 5 miles from the beach at Capitola. The site offers: - A 20ft modern container home with one queen sofa bed, large screen with Apple TV, kitchen, patio, fridge, microwave, cooktop, shower, and toilet. - A custom, outdoor kitchen, and bar for entertaining with gas BBQ, fridge freezer, sink with hot and cold filtered water, Sonos sound system. - Large gas fire pit and seating area. - One A Frame eco cabin with option for one king size day bed OR two singles, A twin mattress can also fit in the cabin when in the two singles configuration. The cabin has electricity, fan and heating for colder nights. - One very cute retro airstream style 1950's trailer with a twin bed for a couple or one person. - Space for 1-2 additional tents. For groups of 8 or more and special events please contact us so we can discuss the possibilities. - Onsite you should find all the basic amenities from home including all bedding, towels, kitchenware, cooking utensils, dining ware, herbs and spices, cleaning products, gas for the BBQ and fire pit is included etc. There are a few things you should bring: Food, drinks, ice and fun! The site looks down into a private and secluded redwood and oak forest with trails for small hikes into the redwood fairy circles or all the way down to the creek. The glamping site is on a sunny flat area surrounded by steep terrain up to a ridgeline and down to the creek. The creek is accessible although the final route requires a rope down so may not be suitable for everyone. Within 15-20 min drive you will find almost all major attractions in the Santa Cruz area including The Mistery Spot, Nisene Marks State Forest, Capitola Pier, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and many famous surf breaks from Capitola to The Point, The Hook, Steamer Lane and many more., as well as many amazing mountain bike trails. There are also several Santa Cruz Mountain wineries to explore in a 3- 5 mile radius. Further afield you will find Monterey Bay Aquarium and the coastal beaches north up to San Francisco Bay ( 1 hour 30 mins north) and down to Big Sur about 1 hour 20 mins south. We ask all our visitors to be respectful of the environment, our wildlife, and our neighbors. Please drive slowly and respect the quiet times: between 9.30 pm and 8.30 am. We check all our guests in and provide a quick tour. We can offer a number of additional amenities and services including shopping, stocking up on your favorite supplies, catering, romantic packages and special picnics on the Rainbow Ridge, and much more, so please just ask about all the possibilities.

5. Fern Ridge Camper

99%

(134)

49mi from Moss Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Aptos, CA

Come and camp like its 1949 in our retro Boles Aero trailer at Fern Ridge Camper. Much like Airstream, Boles Aero was building top of the line campers out of aircraft grade aluminum; providing chill vibes and highly functional spaces. Come enjoy our blast from the past in our completely original Boles Aero trailer. Apart from the camper itself, which sleeps two comfortably, our site comes equipped with outdoor dining, string lights, and a fire pit to enjoy the stars. Situated at the front of our property, the camper provides a private feel, while still being conveniently located. 10 minutes from town, 15 minutes from the closest beach, and 30 minutes from the beach boardwalk our site is close enough to all Santa Cruz has to offer, while secluded enough to enjoy the natural spaces unique to the Santa Cruz mountains.

Stories from the community

VeeVee

1 week ago

With pets

2 nights at Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

We had a wonderful time staying in the Owl's Nest yurt at Camp Cruz with our dog Ollie. My husband loves to cook so it was great to have a full outdoor kitchen to use. The land is beautiful and we had a fun and relaxing time. Thanks Ismael!

J

Joshua

1 week ago

2 nights at Fern Ridge Camper

Had an amazing time in this camper. Matt was very communicative and compensated when he addressed a minor issue before we even checked in! It was amazing being able to see the stars and wake up to the sunlight through the camper. The campfire was in a perfect spot to make s’mores. The portable bathroom was easy to use and we had a ton of privacy. Definitely would recommend.

Making + drinking afternoon tea while others nap

Franchesca

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Fern Ridge Camper

My wife and I had a great stay! It was very relaxing and private. We will definitely plan to stay again!

J

Jess

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Swallowtail Historic Art Studio

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

Raghavendra

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Happy Valley Haven

Came here to de stress from work. The peaceful environment surrounded with lush greenery and the sound of rain definitely helped. Highly recommend this retreat, especially with a short commute from South Bay. The host, Naomi, is very kind and welcoming and left a parting gift of pineapple guavas for my trip back home.

A

Amanda

3 weeks ago

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!

L

Luke

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Fern Ridge Camper

Matt's camper was the best experience! I had such a wonderful night with my partner after a great dinner at the local park spot. We kept our night at the fire telling stories of our trip. Thank you Matt and hip camp for the greatest end of summer beginning of fall experience!

K

Katherine

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Happy Valley Haven

We enjoy our stay at happy valley haven, the room was very clean and cossy, we loved the outdoor kitchen and the sauna was great. This place is very quiet and surrounded by nature that creates a relaxing atmosphere.

E

Eman

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Happy Valley Haven

My friend and I loved our time in this beautiful beautiful space. It's serene and quiet and so lovely. Its really conveniently located — feels peaceful and removed but close to many of the places we wanted to visit (downtown Santa Cruz, point lobos, and Carmel). The outside kitchen was super cute to enjoy breakfast and dinner. And they have the cutest Alpacas!!!!!! That truly made our stay. The room was comfortable as well! The host was lovely and accommodating! We felt pretty taken care off! It was an overall great time!

Relaxing in the a-frame with a good book

N

Nick

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Redwood Basin

Great spot, well provisioned kitchen with cookware, utensils, coffee pot, etc. we enjoyed the hot tub, the stars, the redwood fairy ring.

Erin

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Fern Ridge Camper

Matt’s place is the perfect getaway! This is our second time visiting and we hope to come back again 🫶

K

Kelly

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Happy Valley Haven

My husband and I really enjoyed our stay. Everything is lovely and clean. Recommend!

N

Natalie

October 2025

1 night at Happy Valley Haven

The Haven is a peaceful, cozy gem (and a convenient for getting to the Soquel MTB trails). Naomi warmly welcomed me and my partner when we arrived and then we had plenty of privacy. The outdoor kitchen is absolutely delightful, the bedroom is comfortable and the bathroom is clean. Watching the sunset over the trees in the valley while winding down with a cup of tea was heavenly. Would absolutely return!

One of the two cats. Shower and tub are visible in the background - the shower is in the patio of the hosts’ house, but is screened off.

T

Theodore

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Happy Valley Haven

Naomi was a very kind and welcoming host. My wife and I enjoyed the location of the property - less than 15min from downtown Santa Cruz, but it felt very private and peaceful. The outdoor kitchen was very well built out, and we were able to use it for multiple meals. Worth noting that the HipCamp butts right up against the hosts’ house - though the windows were covered for privacy.

Sasha

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Fern Ridge Camper

Great spot for a short stay in Aptos. So beautiful and pretty close to everything. I had been camping at the city park but decided to treat myself on my last night. Really glad I did.

E

Elaine

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Redwood Basin

I’m so glad I had my first glamping experience here! We had such a great time, and the kids absolutely loved the A-frame cabin. It’s a beautiful spot for stargazing, very clean, and had all the essentials we needed. The host, Laura, was wonderful, she greeted us and walked us through everything when we arrived. The property felt safe and private, and the kids were thrilled to spot deer and even a banana slug!

N

Nicole

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Fern Ridge Camper

Cozy camper with everything we needed. Very peaceful with a nice view at sunrise/sunset. Easy check-in with good communication, would recommend!

T

Tom

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Happy Valley Haven

It was a cute spot and the hosts were super nice! They provided a fan to help us sleep better. :) Thank you!

K

Kimberly

September 2025

1 night at Happy Valley Haven

Such a sweet retreat! Naomi was super sweet and welcoming as well. Favorite features were the outdoor shower and the outdoor kitchen.

F

Fernando

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Happy Valley Haven

We loved the true “Zen” of this site! It was an amazing little area that has EVERYTHING and so much more than we imagined. The kitchenette was BEAUTIFUL. The room was cute, quiet, and comfortable. The bathroom and shower area was clean! This area is a hidden gem not too far away but perfect enough to feel private! Thank you so much for an amazing experience!