Camping near Salinas, California with hiking
Salinas is a nature lover's portal to the Old West, Monterey Bay, and Big Sur.
- Salinas
96% (22848 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Salinas
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top campgrounds near Salinas with hiking
91%
(274)
SMR Carmel Camping
29 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents89 acres · Del Rey Oaks, Monterey
Welcome to Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV and Campground!
We are located on 89 acres of forest land off Carmel Valley Road, just 5 miles from HWY 1. Nestled within oaks, Monterey pines, and redwoods, Saddle Mountain offers a great family friendly getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life.
PLEASE NOTE, our RV and tent sites are pet friendly but YOU MUST ADD THE PET FEE EXTRA WHEN MAKING YOUR BOOKING. Our glamping stays are NOT pet-friendly aside from one of our luxury tents.
We charge $5 per pet and you can bring a maximum of 2 pets.
On site seasonally heated pool (Mid May through Oct).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
*Please continue reviewing/monitoring California Travel guidelines as they may change and affect your reservation*
On site seasonally heated pool (seasonally), private hiking trail, playground, Foosball table and more. No refund for inclement weather during the Winter months.
We provide complementary Wi-Fi in designated areas of the park. We ask that there is no streaming at the Park so we can share Wi-Fi with all our guests.
Thank you!
from
$36
/ night
86%
(2479)
The Enchanted Forest Retreat
54 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents45 acres · Los Gatos, Santa Cruz
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.
We have 18 campsites, 3 Glamping Tents, 2 Tiny Houses and 2 Guest Suites in the house.
Our campground has running water from a natural spring, Men and Women's Restrooms each with 2 toilets and 1 hot water shower and plugs for charging phones, laundry shed with sink and hot water, one shared BBQ grill by the fence up above the creek, and an outdoor amphitheater.
25 minutes to Silicon Valley - 25 minutes to Santa Cruz Boardwalk we're centrally located in the south bay. Dogs and kids are welcome - dogs must be picked up after and kept on a leash if other campers are present.
Please note: This is camping - there may be bugs, critters, dirt, unpredictable weather (pack for the cold, just in case - we get surprise fog often!), early sunrise, no cell data, etc etc. It's not the Hilton - but it is gorgeous. ;)
Shopping such as Safeway, Costco and the big box stores are 20 minutes away in Soquel; however, we have a charming little market (Summit Center) 3.5 miles away that has a great selection of groceries, drinks and hot foods, etc.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we'll help however we can!
from
$80
/ night
100%
(113)
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
2 sites · Tents9 acres · Aptos, Santa Cruz
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.
***************
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.
***************
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.
***************
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.
from
$65
/ night
100%
(4)
Peace Mountain Retreat Center
4 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Zayante, Santa Cruz
This location is a private home, turned retreat center in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We are cradled by Mother Nature, in the middle of a Redwood forest, with fresh air and California sun, work together to create an environment that will insulate you from the chaos of today’s hectic lifestyles. Besides camping or overnight stays, we offer retreats to soothe your weary soul.
from
$40
/ night
100%
(7)
Skyview
2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents23 acres · Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz
With 23 gorgeous acres, Skyview is the perfect place to enjoy nature and the elements. You can hike our ridge trail for spectacular views of the Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz mountains. You can relax in one of our Skypods and take a nap or read a book beneath a 200 year old oak tree. Go swimming in our huge pond and do yoga/meditate/journal on the adjoining beach. There's a grandmother (old-growth) redwood tree to visit plus a wonderful diversity of wildflowers and native plants to study and appreciate. Birds soar in the skies above (hawks, ravens, vultures) while the calls of morning doves and owls gently fill the air at dawn and dusk. And our sunsets...wow!!
from
$65
/ night
100%
(571)
Windsor Family Farm
1 site · Lodging1 acre · San Martin, Santa Clara
We are a small farm in Silicon Valley. We are basically a petting zoo and kid-friendly destination! You can stay in our "Flying Pig" cabin (sleeps up to 5), or our "Room with a view of a Ewe" (sleeps 3)....or brings friends 'n' family - and reserve both :-)
We provide a continental breakfast for free or you can add on a hot breakfast. Wake up to sheep and goats outside your door with a view of the pasture.
Please PLEASE read further for more information!
and read again just before you come :-)
** To assure you of our cleanliness standards,
I clean and air out the cabin, clean the restroom thoroughly,
wash bedding and towels and sanitize every surface.
The restroom (in the main house) is yours exclusively (morning and evening)
when you stay here; I clean it every day, between every group or guest.
One mile away is Harvey Bear County Park, with trails for bikes, horses or walking. We are 5 minutes from the Gilroy Outlets, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle! Come, relax and enjoy nature!
**NOTE : we are exceptionally cautious with camp fires. If it is particularly hot and windy, there will be no fires. We now have a gas fire pit where you can create smores or just enjoy the campfire ambiance.
We will make this a special day for you! Let us know if you are celebrating an event :-). Currently we only have one listing so you get VIP treatment!
**Starting in 2024, we will have the "Room with a view of a Ewe" as a separate listing. You can reserve both or either. Check back for more info in January 2024!
CHECK-IN is after 4:00pm and please give us a 30 min heads-up before your arrival. CHECK OUT is 10am, unless previous arrangements have been made.
Please be as specific as you can regarding your arrival time (so I can make the temp in there as comfortable as possible, turn on lights as needed, etc.)
** We are a "Bed and Breakfast";
most days we have other day-guests and events here, so please respect the arrival and check-out times. If you stay 2 nights, please be aware that you most likely won't have the whole farm to yourselves during the day.
This is an animal farm. If you love new animal experiences, this is the place for you! If you are scared of or allergic to cats or dogs, this might not be the place for you! If you can't handle new smells and sounds, this might not be the place for you. You will feed and enjoy the animals; please respect their space, no chasing and no going into their enclosures.
There is dirt, dust and various country critters.
If you are adventurous and love animals and want a unique experience, come check us out!
Restroom available in the main house (short walk from the cabin).
Small fridge and microwave next to the restroom.
There is no kitchen/oven/stove available.
Gas Fire pit available ; there is no BBQ.
Price is $150 for first 3 people and it is $25 per person for additional people for the Flying Pig (up to 5 total).
If you have extended family or friends, you can add on our "Room with a View of a Ewe" for $85. This fee covers 3 people, per night. (Double bed and pull out couch twin-size bed).
Another option (as an add-on): you can pitch a tent for $50.
"The Flying Pig" has a queen bed, bunk beds twin size, and a loft with a twin mattress, all bedding included.
You are not just paying for a place to sleep; you are paying for an experience and the enjoyment of our property :-).
We serve a continental breakfast (free) or hot breakfast ($25/cabin) between 8-9am.
(we can accommodate vegetarian and dairy free diets; let us know before you come).
We provide bedding and towels. There is A/C and a plug-in heater in The Flying Pig. Please do not bring additional things to plug in except for chargers for phone/electronic devices.
We are approximately 1 1/2 hours south of San Francisco,
30 min south of San Jose (without traffic).
Gilroy Gardens is 15 min away; Harvey Bear County park is 1 mile away; Monterey and Santa Cruz and the Pinnacles National Park are approximately 1 hour away.
We recommend bringing dinner or eating before arrival to maximize your evening.
In the area: Amazing experience available at the Royal T Ranch nearby, but must book well in advance. They have a camel, ostriches, emus, a cow, mini horses, etc. Also Gilroy Gardens is just 15 minutes away.
Contact us for more info.
If you want to celebrate a birthday and bring friends for the evening, there is an additional fee for parties. (Please contact us about this).
If you want to bring a few friends just to enjoy the evening, we now have that as an add-on.
SPECIAL PACKAGES :-). Must be PRE-ordered and paid thru Hipcamp or upon arrival
~
*smore's kit (Everything -- including use of our gas fire pit -- that you will need to create amazing roasted marshmallows and smores sandwiches!) $20
*Child Birthday package: small gift and special treat $10
*use of fire pit (propane expense) $10
from
$150
/ night
95%
(438)
DABUDAGE
6 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Monterey
A place to stay in southern Big Sur with camp sites and accommodations.
Before sending an inquiry please read the listings.
Also available as a host your own retreat venue starting at 250 per night
from
$45
/ night
91%
(131)
Hidden Spring Ranch
5 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz
Magical 6 acre permaculture ranch just a few minutes to town, beaches and restaurants. Take a bath under a clear night sky, enjoy the morning birdsong and take a stroll on or off the property. We have free ranging chickens, a hidden spring surrounded by two creeks and wild plums. Happy Valley is a secret little gem of Santa Cruz. Plenty of space for relaxing, and amazing location for both convenience and adventures. (2 of the 3 sites have the tubs please read individual descriptions to find out if the one you chose has one)
from
$65
/ night
98%
(198)
Star Route
1 site · Lodging3 acres · Carmel Valley, Monterey
The original owner, of this property, Varisto, was a happy go lucky bootlegger back in the day, that welcomed many to try his brew and listen to a song or two on the accordion. He's good neighbor, a famous cowboy artist, Jack Swanson, and he used to have fun fishing out of the river, and sharing a glass or two. One day as Jack was herding his cattle through the area, past Princess Camp, located across the street, he spend a little too long here at Star Route, and to his surprise, the cattle had made their way into Princess Camp startling a few campers outside their airstreams.The Esselen Indians settled just up the road at the Cachagua Community Park back in the 1800's right by the Carmel River, which has an old stone house above the river, and many places to sit and reflect.
from
$100
/ night
100%
(38)
Strawberry Fields Forever
3 sites · RVs5 acres · Watsonville, Santa Cruz
Walk to the Beach!
Campsites for RVs and trailers with water and electric hook ups. No size constraints on RVs or trailers. Tent camping may be approved on an exception basis - please ask.
We are located in La Selva Beach, a five minute walk to Manresa State Beach. The entire property backs up to 300 acres of strawberry fields. We have vegetable and flower gardens, lots of great walks and hiking from the house and nearby. Surfing is excellent at Manresa beach.
The camp sites include a fire pit and wood. Surf boards available for rent from the surf shop on site. Boogy boards available to borrow.
We are 15 minutes from the village of Capitola, 30 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz and 45 minutes to Monterey.
Dump station 5 minutes down the road at the KOA.
These sites are appropriate for a couple or small family. If you show up with more guests than you registered for, you may be turned away. Please be respectful of our property. We will try to work with you to accommodate your needs.
from
$85
/ night
100%
(134)
Redwood Cabins
5 sites · Lodging13 acres · Carmel Valley, Monterey
25 minute drive on a country road to Carmel Valley Village and all it's wineries and restaurants. Buy that perfect bottle of wine and enjoy it in your tent topped cabin, or redwood cabin.
Nothing but peace and quiet other than the crickets, birds, frogs, and the resident owl. Relax and recharge away from city life.
40 minutes to the coast, Carmel's shops and galleries and restaurants. A few more minutes puts you on the most beautiful golf courses in the world or take Highway #1 to Big Sur for the day.
Short drive and hike to Los Padres Dam . Fishing, rubber rafts, and a gorgeous spillway. Spend the night at the Redwood Cabin on your way to your adventure at Tassjarra.
Ride your mountain bike along scenic Cachagua rd with it's SEASONAL creek to Chews Ridge. Totally private and quiet. Off the power grid. 12v power supplied by solar and batteries. Unlimited hot water in the private bath house.
The bath house is a 40 step stroll through the oaks, No tv's or microwaves. AT&T cell service along with a few other small providers.
Guests love staying here "Really lovely little camp cabin. Has everything you need to elevate your camping experience while maintaining the outdoor feels. It was so nice to have a flush toilet and indoor sleeping area while being able to prepare food outdoors.The property is somewhat remote, tucked away from light pollution, providing excellent stargazing. I really enjoyed the peacefulness of this trip, and the hosts were excellent."
from
$149
/ night
80%
(25)
Top Of The Mountain Vineyard
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · Santa Cruz
Welcome to Hill Top Vineyard, nestled in the mountains of Santa Cruz; this breathtaking 30+ acre retreat is the ideal getaway.
We offer 3 RV/tent sites and 2 glamping domes. The glamping domes share a full bathroom equipped with a hot water shower and flushing toilet. There is no toilet available for the RV/tent sites so campers are required to bring their own.
Featuring four acres of vineyard, two acres of seasonal pond, winding trails, and sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains. Just imagine waking up slowly with a cup of coffee from one of the local coffee shops while you watch the wildlife come to life. Evenings are best spent enjoying the stunning sunsets in front of the 2 acre pond.
Located just 15 miles from the world-famous beaches of Santa Cruz that have some of the most sought-after surf breaks, and if beaches aren't your thing, Henry Cowell State park is less than ten miles away and has some of the gorgeous hikes in all of Santa Cruz County.
Big Basin State Park is a few towns over and is one of the few places in the
world where you can see coastal redwoods. The location also offers easy access to silicon valley and the greater bay area if you're interested in a day trip to the city.
Amenities include RV/oversized vehicle parking, private trails, and more!
Book your stay today at Hill Top Vineyard to experience the ultimate getaway, where you'll find peace in nature's embrace.
from
$90
/ night
Within one hour of Salinas
Star Hosts in Salinas
Available this weekend
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Salinas with hiking guide
Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking for a camping adventure near Salinas, California that's perfect for hiking? We've got you covered with over 630 options to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. And with options starting as low as $25 per night, camping has never been more affordable. Check out some of our top campsites that have received rave reviews from fellow campers: The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), Walden Ranch (418 reviews), and Windsor Family Farm (404 reviews). With amenities like trash disposal, showers, and campfire pits, you'll have everything you need to enjoy your camping trip. Plus, you can participate in popular activities like wildlife watching, off-roading (OHV), and surfing. So pack your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in Salinas, California!
Top cities near Salinas
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.