The best waterfall camping near Moss Beach

50mi from Moss Beach · 3 sites · Lodging

(10)

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. Orion Observatory

80%

(5)

35mi from Moss Beach · 1 site · Tent

Orion Camp Observatory Perched above Boulder Creek in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Orion Camp Observatory is a sanctuary for nature lovers, stargazers, and off-grid adventurers. With sweeping views, private swimming holes, and the sound of the forest all around, it offers a rare chance to connect deeply with the land. Just a short drive from town — but a world away from the noise. 🌲 Whether you’re looking for a stunning, peaceful location to pitch a tent for the night or a jump-off point for exploring Big Basin, Castle Rock, or the surrounding redwood trails, Orion Camp can be what you make it. 🌿 For those interested in going deeper, we also offer classes and consulting in cannabis cultivation — from beginner gardening basics to advanced horticulture methods. These experiences are by inquiry only and provide a private way to learn hands-on skills in a professional and supportive setting. ⚡ Beyond the plants, Orion Camp is being built as a living classroom for sustainability and decentralized living. We’re integrating solar, wind, and off-grid systems that demonstrate what’s possible for the future of self-reliance. We’re also actively seeking relationships with tiny home and ADU companies, using units on-site as both offices and showcases for a future brokerage or dealership. 💧 Now is the time to visit. The rainy season is on the horizon — which means spectacular waterfalls on the property — but also more challenging roads. A 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended. In some cases, you may be able to park partway up the ridge and hike in, and we can help arrange transport when needed. ✨ Above all, Orion Camp Observatory is a place of peace, reflection, and healing. Come to disconnect, recharge, and reconnect with what really matters — beneath the stars, by the creek, and within the stillness of the mountains.

4. Mount Tamalpais State Park

96%

(207)

50 sites · Stinson Beach, California

See redwoods, trail run, and climb the Bay Area’s second tallest peak.

Pets

274 sites · Boulder Creek, California

5. Big Basin Redwoods State Park

98%

(362)

Soak up the shade of old growth redwood trees & take some selfies with banana slugs!

Pets

65 sites · Inverness, California

6. Point Reyes National Seashore

99%

(326)

Foggy mornings add to the ambiance and mystique of this gorgeous coastal area.

111 sites · Diablo, California

Potable water

7. Mount Diablo State Park

86%

(41)

Discover Mount Diablo State Park's scenic vistas and diverse trails.

Pets

Public campgrounds near Moss Beach

25mi from Moss Beach · 1 site · in Mount Tamalpais State Park

(4)

Frank Valley Group Horse Campground

97%

(119)

Steep Ravine Cabins and Campground

26mi from Moss Beach · 16 sites · in Mount Tamalpais State Park

27mi from Moss Beach · 2 sites · in Mount Tamalpais State Park

(15)

Alice Eastwood Group Campground

94%

(48)

Pantoll Campground

27mi from Moss Beach · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mount Tamalpais State Park

88%

(21)

Bootjack Campground

28mi from Moss Beach · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mount Tamalpais State Park

28mi from Moss Beach · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

(29)

Sequoia Group Camps

98%

(27)

Sky Meadow Group Camps

29mi from Moss Beach · 2 sites · in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

92%

(12)

Wastahi Campground

29mi from Moss Beach · 26 sites · in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Campsite 60, complete with a picnic table, fire pit, and storage container. The trees were beautiful to look at and protected us from the torrential downpour.

96%

(153)

Huckleberry Campground

29mi from Moss Beach · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

97%

(15)

Blooms Creek Campground

29mi from Moss Beach · 142 sites · Tents, RVs · in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

99%

(57)

Sempervirens Campground

29mi from Moss Beach · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

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.

99%

(69)

Big Basin Tent Cabins

29mi from Moss Beach · 36 sites · in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

The outdoor kitchen with Eagle’s Nest/Game Dome in the background

F

Fiona

November 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

We loved camping at Camp Cruz! We had a wonderful weekend in the peaceful woods and were able to spend amazing quality time together <3. This property was incredible in ways we couldn't have imagined! Thank you for having us for Renee's 30th birthday.

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!

M

Matt

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Orion Observatory

I camped here one night on a clear night and loved the sunset and star gazing. You'll definitely need a decent off road capable vehicle with some clearance as the access road is a bit rough. My stock Audi q3 made it but it felt close to it's limits (or mine as a driver, I'm not sure). The site is about 1500ft of elevation so mostly out of the marine layer, but not completely - my gear was very dewy for part of the night. If you want a polished glamping site then this isn't for you, but if you want some excellent views and don't mind a mini adventure off-roading up past old weed farms, check it out. I'd go again.

A

Alex

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Orion Observatory

Great little spot , we really enjoyed ourselves here. Josh was a big help with very detailed direction's on getting there .

Samir

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Orion Observatory

The coolest hipcamp I have stayed at thus far. Joshua gave very clear directions and was very helpful. The property is massive and views are extraordinary. Definitely need 4x4 with higher clearance, but the top is so worth it. Will be coming back when I am in the area again.

Noah

September 2025

1 night at Orion Observatory

Beautiful view and lots of privacy. Definitely need a high clearance 4x4/AWD vehicle to get to the spot. Perfect for a Jeep or something similar. Great host. Great communication. Truly a hidden gem.

C

Cindy

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

This is a really cool place and the kids had tons of fun. So much to explore for them - they loved the variety. It was a great joy to see them covered in mud and laughing loudly in the middle of the trees. The facilities are very functional and convenient. We don’t have to pack much and it is a very smooth camping experience. It is definitely on the pricier side; we will come back with a larger group to optimize the experience next time! Thank you for having us!

A

Addie

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Swallowtail Historic Art Studio

Bill had the most beautiful property in the rolling hills of Petaluma. My friend and I felt we had everything we needed and more! I loved hearing about the history of the property and finding out about the art continuing to be made here. Such a magical place! Thank you.

S

Shivata

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

Our glamping stay was absolutely wonderful! The place was serene and peaceful, with the meditation area being my personal favorite spot to unwind. The host was amazing—warm, attentive, and thoughtful, with a personal touch to every detail. We felt so well taken care of and truly relaxed. We loved every moment of our stay and would definitely recommend it to friends and family.

Lorena

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

We had the most amazing stay! My son celebrated his 14 birthday with his closest friends. Our group of nine (plus a small dog) couldn’t have asked for a better setting. My son and his friends pitched a huge tent in the center of the property, my daughter and her friend stayed in and loved the adorable dome, and I enjoyed the cozy comfort of the yurt! Ismael was a wonderful host - even uncovered his drum set for them in the geo-dome! The entire property was perfect for our group - teens played pool, ping pong, grilled up great food. The outdoor kitchen was fully stocked too! It’s just a great place, but what really made the experience special was the way it brought everyone together - these young people got to hang out and make memories they’ll never forget. Ismael rocks, and we can’t wait to come back next year!

K

Kaitlin

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

Our two family group loved this site. The space was impeccable and had just the right amount of space for our little kids to play and explore. The propane fire pit was such a wonderful addition, that allowed adults some relaxing time after the kids went to bed, with enough proximity to feel comfortable. The creek was definitely the highlight of the stay — the shade, shallow running water, and abundance of banana slugs made it a trip we’ll never forget. Thank you for sharing your magical space with us! ♥️

Jeff

July 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

Fantastic for our group of 13 + a small dog! We'd love to visit again in the future The kitchen was fully stocked with everything we needed, we just had to bring the food. We comfortably fit multiple tents across the property while the folks who rented the yurt and dome felt very cozy as well. Showers worked well with hot water, and bathroom was functional (between a port-o-potty and an outdoor toilet - a bit of a smell but you're out in the wild!) Be sure to bring bug spray, though they have some as well. Host was super communitive before and during our stay - you're in great hands!

J

Josiah

July 2025

The art studio was an incredibly unique and enjoyable experience. At first glance at the listing and the communications it might feel like there’s a lot of instructions. But once you are in the space it all makes sense, and you want to protect and respect the beauty Bill has created. There were so many sweet, and special touches. Fresh cut flowers, coffee and treats in the morning. While the room you sleep is cold and uninsulated, the bed is one of the most comfortable ones I’ve slept in away from home with a heated mattress and the most luxurious linen sheets. We loved the hot tub, the grounds and all the unique decor and structures. You will not regret booking your stay.

A

Angela

June 2025

The Indonesian wood cabin was adorable and in amazing shape as a true antique building. It was a step back in time where people lived more simply. The bed was very comfortable. The hot tub was relaxing and clean with a scenic view off the deck. The artistic touches throughout were beautiful and interesting to look at. The host Bill was very sweet and accommodating. I would love to see what the other structures on the property are like inside. Very unique and salt of the earth experience. Close to town but rural enough to hear the owls and coyotes at night.

Maggie

April 2025

What a gorgeous and special place! The rooms are beautifully designed with endless interesting anrt and books to check out. The hot tub with a view is the perfect way to unwind, and I was lucky enough to hear great horned owls at night. Coffee and breakfast in the morning were an unexpected and lovely treat. Absolutely great place to stay!

J

Juan

April 2025

We had an amazing time! The place is peaceful with stunning views all around. The Antic Room is absolutely gorgeous, and the bathroom feels like its own little art gallery—such a unique and beautiful space where you can also just hang out and relax. The hot tub is perfectly placed to soak in the surrounding nature, and at night, you can enjoy the stars from there—truly magical. Bill was super helpful and kind, and waking up to delicious coffee, fresh fruits, and cake was such a lovely touch. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.

T

Tommaso

March 2025