Coastal camping near Pajaro Dunes
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96% (2330 reviews)
- Pajaro Dunes
96% (2330 reviews)
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12 top coastal campgrounds near Pajaro Dunes
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The Enchanted Forest Retreat
54 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents45 acres · Los Gatos, CA
Welcome to the Enchanted Forest Retreat! We are a meditation retreat center with 45 acres of some of the most gorgeous redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains to enjoy hiking, creeks and small water fall exploration, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, star gazing, relaxation, meditation and more.
Our campground has running water from a natural spring, Men and Women's Restrooms each with 2 toilets and 1 hot water shower, laundry shed with sink and hot water, and an outdoor amphitheater, (the kitchen and washer/dryer is Staff Only not for campers). We have meditation teaching at the amphitheater and campers are welcomed to attend for free.
4-6 guests maximum with 1 car included in the nightly rate. Each additional vehicle is $15 per day and will be added at checkout once you add the correct number of vehicles you will be bringing. You can bring a maximum of 2 cars.
PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a trash service on site, we require all campers to PACK OUT THEIR GARBAGE with them!
Pets are $10 per day, 1 pet per group ONLY. Please add this as an extra at the time of booking, you will see the option to add extras once you begin the checkout process. Dogs must be on leash at all times!
Quiet hours are 10pm-8am. No drugs of any kind including marijuana allowed. No loud music allowed. This is a private property so no visitors are allowed, only paid guests. Our onsite staff will go around and enforce the rules.
NOTICE REGARDING RVs and TRAILERS: While we can not offer hookups, theoretically we have no problem with RVs, the road is steep in a couple of places getting down to the campground and VERY narrow in one spot (10ft). If you feel you're willing to take this risk (we won't be held liable), you're welcome to reach out to us and we can see if the site is good for RV/trailers.
Only sites 8, 12 and 5 are good for trailers. No vehicle can drive into Site 7, 9, 10 and 11 (the parking area is separate). Other sites may be ok with small trailers. Check with the host. Any trailer larger than 20ft, take your own risk, there is a narrow point only 9ft wide.
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Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
2 sites · Tents9 acres · Aptos, CA
Nestled in a canopy of redwoods, less than 10 miles from the beach sits a private and cozy campground. Fern Ridge Flats combines the best of Santa Cruz county. Abundant trees and misty mornings await you at our property in Aptos. Equipped with electricity, water, and a picnic table for your convenience. There are trails on the land for you to explore, animals, and nature to dive into.
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Smoking and the use of drugs are strictly prohibited. This is a safe and quiet neighborhood with many families including my own. Please do not request to book if you have the intention of partying or using illegal substances. If these rules are violated, local authorities will be called and you will be removed from the campsite.
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The campsite is less than a 5 minute walk from the parking spot but is relatively steep. Although it is paved it is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues.
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As an added precaution to protect the lush landscape, the firepit at the campsite utilizes clean burning propane. We chose a burner that closely replicates the size and heat of a wood to enhance our campers' experience.
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$65
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99%
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Whiskey Hill Barn and Camp
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Watsonville, CA
Stay within minutes of Manresa, Sand Dollar, and Sunset State beaches. There are excellent biking and hiking opportunities on the Watsonville and Elkhorn sloughs, or commune with the redwoods in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. The air is amazing here, between the salt sea and redwood forest. We welcome you to relax and refresh on the Monterey Bay coast.
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$75
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Grey Oaks 2
3 sites · Tents20 acres · Aromas, CA
This is great option for those who like to bring all their own gear to camp, and don’t need or want all the extras, and save some money on booking rates in the process. Our new Primitive Adventures campsites are located on an established 5-star property. It’s a peaceful, secluded and private country estate. The 20 acre property starts out flat and then gentle to moderate sloped hillside with coast live oak trees, eucalyptus trees, pine trees, meadows, hiking trails and many interesting landscape features nestled between the vast farmlands North Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. We have a beautiful 45ft waterfall with a koi pond, too. Property faces a westerly direction so there are amazing sunset views depending on where you are on standing at the time on the property. We are 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The weather is usually mild here and we have cool evenings. We do get days that are in the 90s sometimes in the summer and early fall, but we also have lots of shade with all the trees, and a swimming pool to cool off in as well. There is wildlife like turkeys and owls and so much more (see our listing or our website). We have horses and hens, separate from the campsites, so no flies or smell from them. Hot showers, toilets, and swimming pool included. Forage the plentiful eucalyptus and oak firewood for free, or pre-cut pine is available for purchase. Most of our weekends are fully booked at our Rustic Campsites already, so here is another chance to have yourself a weekend camping trip at our new Primitive Adventures campsites. We hope to see you soon! :)
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$60
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Redwood Ranch with Sweeping View
8 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Gilroy, CA
Our 6+ acre ranch Misthaven sits in the redwood forest at Gilroy, just 20min from Gilroy downtown and 45min from San Jose. This ranch has huge space, lots of ranch amenities and many ranch related activities. If you are planning a short trip that you do not have to drive several hours to the busy lake Tahoe, Misthaven would be an ideal destination for family retreat, team building, or even a birthday party.
The ranch includes a 2,000 sq ft large barn with spacious indoor space, a 400 sq ft woodworking and crafts workshop, a 1,000 sq ft ranch center with microwave, oven and refrigerator, an amazing zipline, a shooting range for archery and BB gun under our staff guidance and supervision, a fenced petting zoo with goats, chicken, bunny and guinea pig, hammocks in the redwood forest and plenty of beautiful redwood trees.
With the ranch booking, you will have the access to:
- BBQ and fire pit usage (charcoal/propane with extra charge of $20)
- Fire-Roasted Golden Marshmallow Challenge (bring your own marshmallow or purchase with us, we provide skewers)
- Trampoline
- Hammock
- Tree climbing
- Petting zoo ($5/cup snack food for pets and animals)
- Edible garden
- 2,000 sq ft large barn indoor space
- 400 sq ft woodworking and crafts indoor space (woodworking activities need to be booked separately)
- Water gun
- 18ft inflatable Water slide
- Outdoor movie projector/screen
- Tables and folding chairs
There are plenty of ranch activities that you can book with us WITH A FEE separately during your stay. All will be supervised and guided by our professional instructors:
- archery
- Knife Throwing
- Learn survival techniques for lighting your campfire
- Spear making
- Water filtration in an outdoor environment
- Shelter building
- Tomahawks
- Outdoor BB gun arcade
- Camp Zipline and fun forest features.
- Woodworking such as Candy dispenser making, Bird feeder making, etc
- Pizza making and Ice cream making, butter churning
- and many others
20min to the Mt. Madonna County park.
20min to the Gilroy Garden theme park.
50min to Santa Cruz beach and the beautiful Capitola beach.
1hr to Monterey/Carmel.
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$70
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Charcoal Springs Camp & Cabin
4 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Watsonville, CA
Welcome to our serene retreat at Charcoal Springs, overlooking the Monterey Bay! Nestled amidst the picturesque Santa Cruz mountains of California, our property offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday urban life.
NEW LISTING! We've spent the last year pouring our love into this mountaintop retreat and we can't wait to share it with you!
As you arrive, you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of the ocean, redwood forest, and stunning sunrise/sunsets. Our spacious camping area provides ample room for you to set up your tent or camper van (no RVs, trailers or 5th wheels) ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.
Nature enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of outdoor activities available right at their fingertips. Take a leisurely stroll along our scenic trails and explore the beauty of the surrounding wilderness: we are right next to the north entrance of the Soquel Demonstration Forest for world class mountain biking. Our property is above the redwoods, and more often than not, above the fog line!
If you are interested in hosting a larger group, in organizing a retreat, and in booking out all our sites, please get in touch!
(Side remark: we are also renting our house on this very property, from June 19th til the end of July - please let us know if you're interested! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ckKCDzkscPth15ydrW4J2c7_3_L1w-jfDYHmZ0qXInw/edit?usp=sharing)
Grocery shopping:
We are 25 minutes from the Summit store, and Corralitos meat market down Eureka Canyon.
All sites have access to:
-electricity,
-hot showers,
-composting toilet (Sun-Mar Excel),
-industrial sink (also with hot water),
-partially equipped kitchen (with mini fridge and electric hot plates in 'The Coop' / propane stove/BBQ at the container camp in covered kitchen area),
-Fire places: wood stove in The Coop, and seasonal fire-pits (bring your own wood - or buy $15 a bundle from us)
(Please bring your own SHEETS, TOWELS and BIODEGRADABLE soap - Dr. Bronner's. If you're camping, for an extra comfy night's sleep, we can provide 2 custom double bed sized camping mattresses - for $25 a mattress per night).
After a day of exploration, you can use our designated fire pits (seasonally/weather permitting) and share stories under the stars with your fellow travelers.
At Charcoal Springs, you can expect a peaceful retreat far from the city, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you traverse the rugged terrain and enjoy the view. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply craving a moment of serenity, our property offers the perfect escape for your next outdoor getaway.
We look forward to welcoming you to our slice of paradise!
Johnny and Jeanne
(Profile pic from artist Pedro Gomes: https://pedrogo.com/)
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$85
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Fern Ridge Camper
1 site · Lodging9 acres · 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.
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The Yard!
1 site · Lodging1 acre · La Selva Beach, CA
Welcome to our charming Casita. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventurous escape, our Casita offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.
Our Casita boasts a range of unique features that set it apart from the rest. From its cozy interior design to its modern amenities, every detail has been carefully curated to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Experience the joy of outdoor living without compromising on comfort.
Situated in a prime location, our Casita offers easy access to a variety of attractions and activities. Whether you're looking to explore nature trails, visit local landmarks, or simply relax by the beach, you'll find everything within reach.
Enjoy your morning coffee by the fire, soak up the sun in the lounge chairs, play a little basketball on the court or gather around the fire pit for a cozy evening under the stars.
We believe that a memorable vacation shouldn't break the bank. Our Casita offers affordable luxury, allowing you to enjoy a high-quality experience without compromising your budget. Experience the best of both worlds – comfort and affordability.
Casita is perfect for 2 Adults and 1 Child.
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$100
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Redwood Basin
1 site · Lodging10 acres · 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.
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$475
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The Hill Fort - Camelot
18 sites · RVs, Tents48 acres · Greenfield, CA
Camelot was founded on the Summer Solstice, in the year 2000, by a small group of like minded people as a peaceful refuge from the trappings and ills of society. The name "Camelot" was chosen because of the groups' belief in a round table approach to problem solving, and the desire to reach a unanimous group consensus in any course of action which might affect any one individual of the group. A pendragon was elected as the the lifetime group leader, or "first among equals". This position exists today, though the members of the original group have faded into history.
We are located a 45 minute drive from Carmel Valley, CA and 50 minutes from Pinnacles National Park. We have 15 tent and RV sites available.
We can only accommodate vehicles under 25 ft and there are no hookups.
No campfires allowed.
Wifi only works in certain areas of the property.
Pets are welcome but must be kept on leash.
We have a toilet and shower but campers must supply their own soap, shampoo and towels.
Please note, there are a lot of animals nearby so there will be noise at night.
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$45
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Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat
4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Day Valley, CA
Experience everything the Bay Area has to offer from this mountain top site. Roughly 50 minutes to any city in the Bay Area, this site is ideal for any person looking for an adventurous getaway retreat.
The Serenity and privacy make this an uncommon, yet ideal romantic place to stay. This site is sheltered by the manzanitas and pines of this chaparral community.
Adventure seekers will find paradise here! Mount Madonna Park with miles of trails is 20 minutes down the road. You can dump your septic there as well! Horseback riding rentals are located near the park as well as an archery range.
Demonstration forest is 15 minutes down the road, with miles of mountain biking. Spend a day at one of the beaches in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Rio Del Mar, Davenport, Half Moon Bay, Monterey, or Carmel and return to your private oasis. Or Explore Silicon Valley from this centrally located parcel.
Kim Son Meditation Center and Mount Madonna Center are approximately 15 minutes away. There are also wonderful wineries throughout the mountains here.
The trip to the site will begin with a three mile drive on a private dirt road. Being on the very top of a mountain brings more seasonality than the surrounding cities. Please be prepared for any kind of extreme weather. Summer: Shade is highly recommended it can get into triple digits. *Spring/fall: Temperatures are generally mild but high winds are possible. *Winter: Typically cold and windy. *During rainy/muddy conditions 4x4/AWD is highly recommended. It is possible for it to get windy, foggy, rainy, hot and sunny, and even sometimes snowy.
Please note: the nearest grocer is 30 minutes from this site. Emergency supplies are available for delivery to your campsite. Cell phone reception is good on most carriers. Pets are allowed. Enjoy your time howling at the moon, star gazing, bird watching/wildlife viewing, or relaxing with your favorite libation.
Don't forget your camera!
Since this is our first year renting our land we have found that August is a high wasp season time in the mountains. We are doing everything humanly possible to hunt down each and every Wasp for your enjoyment. With this in mind we ask you use the provided bug repellent, keep the lid to the trash closed, and do not pour grease anywhere you do not want wasps.
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Mission Ranch "Mi Querida"
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · CA
Annular Eclipse Saturday, October 14, 2023 Nearby SF Bay Area viewing 9:20am PDT (16:20 UDT)
The New Moon—on October 14—will coincide with the Great American Annular Eclipse, providing a fantastic opportunity to observe the “Ring of Fire” – an incredible thin ring of sunlight that is visible around the moon during this phenomenon.
The Nearby Second Best viewing opportunity is a quick and easy 60 minute drive from the SF Bay Area. At Mi Querida we will be viewing a 80% Annular Eclipse on Saturday morning 9:20am, while live streaming the full path of the eclipse from Mexico through Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and Oregon. Your booking includes a pair of safe solar viewing “eclipse glasses” for your safety. NEWS FLASH: Charge your EV on-site while watching the eclipse!
Come to your "Nearby Getaway" at Mi Querida - an easy drive from the SF Bay Area - for great Annular Eclipse views. Book today. Space is limited.
Contact Host for Special Daytime Eclipse Viewing rate.
Learn more about this land:
This is a large flat site with rolling hills, lovely rural views, rolling oak studded pastureland, open views, lovely sunsets and beautiful mornings. Very quiet, private, peaceful and serene. Afternoon breezes while red tailed hawks ride the thermals, and woodpeckers work on their treasure hoarde. Wildlife abounds.
Easy access from Highway 101, yet private and secluded. Historic San Juan Bautista Mission and town nearby. Monterey/Carmel 30 minutes. Santa Cruz/Beaches 30 minutes. Hollister, Salinas, or Gilroy 20 minutes.
Site will accommodate RV, Sprintervan, or trailer 50/30/20 amp service. Tents welcome too! Water. Ranch "outhouse" with flushable RV style toilet, running hot & cold water, shower and electricity.
Bunkhouse accommodations available. Contact Host for details.
Tent and Car Top Tent sites also available. Contact Host for details.
Beautiful peaceful historic San Juan Bautista. Quaint historic mission town nearby with restaurants. Hiking trails nearby Horseback riding woods & beach. Equine Facilities available. 20 min to beach or redwoods. Beautiful rural area. Weddings, anniversaries, celebrations of life; event camp; event site. Family groups and events always welcome! Call for more information.
NOTE: This property is located in a very private country area. It is approximately 10 minutes from the small historic town of San Juan Bautista. We meet our first time guests at the Park & Ride as a welcome courtesy so you can easily follow us in and around the potholes on our rural roads!
Let us know if we can assist you with any special interests or attractions in the Monterey Bay and Central Coast Area.
As your hosts, our goal is that you will rest easy, enjoy the relaxation, peace and harmony for your "getaway."
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Coastal camping near Pajaro Dunes guide
Overview
Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking for a coastal camping experience near Pajaro Dunes, California, we've got you covered with over 200 options to choose from. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, our campsites offer something for everyone. Looking for the best of the best? Check out top-rated campsites like The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews), and DABUDAGE (367 reviews). With popular amenities like cooking equipment, showers, and campfires, and activities ranging from horseback riding to hiking and snow sports, get ready for an unforgettable camping experience. The average price per night is $70, with options available for as low as $30. Happy camping!
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