99% (718)
Top-rated campgrounds near Salinas
99% (718)
Top-rated campgrounds near Salinas
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
C
Cath
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
We really enjoyed our stay here! The campsite is spacious, private, and wonderfully quiet — exactly what we were looking for. Our anxious dog actually slept better here than at any other campsite we’ve been to, which says a lot. He didn’t wake up every few minutes to check the surroundings; he was completely at peace.
A couple of things to note: the kitchen area could use a bit of attention. Also, make sure to arrive before dark. The driveway is very steep, but my 2WD was able to make it with careful driving.
Overall, a beautiful and peaceful spot, and we would definitely come back!
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M
Mike
November 2025
Tent
Beautiful view at sunrise. Whether you come up from the Los Gatos or the Morgan Hill/Gilroy side, it will go off road but you just have to take it slow and the average car would do just fine. Great spot tho, perfect space for tent camping.
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C
Chase
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
We really love the idea that this space was in a lot of nature, but also had just enough amenities to keep our big group from having to work too hard on our relaxing weekend away
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alejandrina
October 2025
Tent
With pets
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!
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I
Ian
October 2025
18 ft campervan
Beautiful spot. Definitely off grid - the last 3ish miles of the road are pretty gnarly but we saw Priuses at the top and we were just fine in our 2wd camper.
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J
Jennifer
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Nancy has truly thought of everything to make a stay at her place effortless and relaxing. From personally greeting you and guiding you to the site on your first visit, to pampering you with extra amenities, she goes above and beyond. Her property is stunning—exactly what I was hoping for, both for myself and my two high energy dogs. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and disconnect, all while staying conveniently close to town.
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Julian
October 2025
18 ft pop-up camper
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.
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S
Sebastian
October 2025
Tent
With pets
It was my puppy’s first time camping and this was the perfect spot. squirrels for her to chase, large fenced area for her to run around safely, a horse and donkey that she was obsessed with, comes with the perfect amenities for camping such a wonderful spot will be back soon
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啟榮
September 2025
Tent
With kids
It's really beautiful place, lovely and private, it's just 1 hours away from San Jose.
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Michael
September 2025
18 ft campervan
Spacious, private, with more outdoor amenities available than I’m used to. A beautiful, comfortable spot.
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O
Oliver
September 2025
10 ft pop-up camper
With kids
Nancy was a lovely host. The site is fairly basic but has a rustic charm
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Christopher
August 2025
20 ft Class B
Super easy to find, the road was not terrible coming in from 17. Little chalkboard sign on the left “Panoramic View”. Absolutely great spot! Great view of Monterey Bay and the town below. Walk across the site and you’re looking at the South end of San Jose. Beware of thorns and mind the dust.
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C
Chinh
August 2025
23 ft travel trailer
With pets
Our entire family loved Nancy’s ranch. Our kid enjoyed the Daisy the Donkey and Hannah the Horse; our dogs chased endless squirrels for miles, and we enjoyed the beautiful surroundings in a quiet area. We will definitely be back.
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Nicole
August 2025
Tent
With kids
My 11 year old decided he wanted a camping birthday, and this was an amazing place for kids around his age! They loved the trampoline, swings, slackline, and having plenty of wood for the firepit. The parents loved the convenience of the outdoor kitchen with warm water, and the flexibility in where to pitch tents. The hosts and friends were great. The woods were beautiful, and when it got hot midday we were very happy driving to a swimming hole nearby. Highly recommend!
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Sharon
August 2025
19 ft campervan
Loved having the whole site to ourselves. The location is beautiful and quiet - lots of wildlife to watch - birds, ground squirrels and in addition to the resident horse and donkey. Nancy was very welcoming and gave us the full rundown as well as recommendations for coffee and ice cream nearby. A very relaxing time
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Paul
July 2025
25 ft campervan
Great stay at this lovely Hipcamp. Host (Nancy) met me nearby and guided me in which was helpful - it is up a rather obscure road. Very private, in fact was lucky enough to have the whole thing to myself. Even with another group there would have been plenty of room. Very clean bathroom and a fun, old West looking outside area. Will repeat!
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D
Dani
July 2025
Tent
With pets
A beautiful and very peaceful place, loved the outdoor kitchen and flush toilet complete with bidet!
The very best part was the fully fenced property so my dog could be off leash the entire time.
Hannah the horse and Daisy the donkey were the icing on the cake.
Absolutely loved my stay here and would return in a heartbeat!
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Claire
July 2025
23 ft Class C
With kids
Nancy is a wonderful host and made us very welcome, the horse and donkey were a real hit with my children.
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L
Lisa
July 2025
13 ft travel trailer
With pets
Open space for the dogs to run unleashed! Everything you need!👍
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Ellen
July 2025
22 ft Class B
With pets
Wonderful warm welcome and great to spend an evening with Nancy at her wonderful ranch. We really enjoyed giving out carrots to her horse and donkey. Thanks for a wonderful stay
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The best pets off leash camping near Salinas guide
Where to go
Salinas Area
At the foot of Salinas, Toro County Park has 20 miles of trails through Coast Range foothills where you can reach epic views of the Salinas Valley on foot, mountain bike, or horseback. Several beach parks also sit just a few minutes from Salinas, including Fort Ord Dunes State Park and its four miles of beach, and the Salinas River State Beach.
Pinnacles National Park
Salinas is just 45 minutes from Pinnacles National Park, whose mesmerizing rock spires and talus caves can be explored by trail. Pinnacles is also a refuge for the endangered California condor, for which campers can keep an eye out.
Monterey
Salinas is 30 minutes away from Monterey, where the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman’s Wharf are classic family seaside spots. To explore a rocky section of shore, check out Asilomar State Beach.
Point Lobos
For emerald-green waters, kelp forests, and a rugged cliff-side shoreline, the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve makes for an awesome day trip for Salinas. It can be combined with a visit to the nearby Carmel River State Beach, which has easy access to a mile of amber sand beach.
Big Sur
South of Point Lobos, Big Sur is a stunning stretch of California’s Central Coast that lives up to its fame. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is an excellent campground in the heart of Big Sur, offering campsites that include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hot showers. RVs are welcome, but hookups are not available here.
When to go
Salinas has a mild climate that makes camping and outdoor adventure possible year-round. Winter visitors should prepare for the possibility of rain, fog, and cooler temperatures, but it can be a great time of year to get typically crowded parks and attractions all to yourself. (Summer reservations in Big Sur book up far in advance.) If planning to go camping in summer, Salinas has an annual rodeo and Steinbeck Festival to check out.