The best camping near San Ardo with hiking

·

In San Ardo, hikers have over 900 camping options to choose from, with trails that cut through oak-dotted hills and creek beds alive with wildlife. Campsites here start at $30 per night, with an average stay running about $75. Showers, toilets, and campfires are standard at most spots. You’ll find swimming holes, wildlife-watching, and even horseback riding within easy reach of your tent. The crowd favorites? Enney's Ranch (495 reviews) puts you on open range perfect for day-long hikes. Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths (472 reviews) lets you soak after a long trek. For a spot close to the Pinnacles, 40min to Pinn/Song of the Ancients (467 reviews) is hard to beat. Pack sturdy boots and plenty of water—San Ardo’s trails won’t walk themselves.

97% (4.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near San Ardo

1. dabudage Big Sur

95%
(725)
33mi from San Ardo · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging
DABUDAGE in southern Big Sur. ***READ THIS ENTIRE WRITTEN DESCRIPTION BEFORE REQUESTING TO BOOK!* And Format Request as Specified *. Disconnect from the virtual world and surround yourself in nature. At the base of a majestic canyon where steep mountains plunge to the ocean, along a flowing creek. Backed by redwood trees and surrounded by national forest is a minimalistic homestead with family, friends and animals. *The prices have been raised on hipcamp as Hipcamp now takes more than a 25% cut. Discounts and/or trades may be available if needed. You can visit our site on the web for more information at dabudage. *We currently only accept reservations for dates within the next 3 weeks*. You must Arrive Before Dark to find your site. There is no wi-fi, cell service or electricity. Hwy 1 is currently closed to the north of this land. The only access is through Cambria from the south or over the mountain from King City off of Hwy 101 There are two small communal guest kitchens, fresh water, a shower/bath and composting barrel poopers. A massive flood in Jan 2021 brought 100's of gigantic full sized redwood trees and boulders smashing down thru most of the land and previous structures. It is and will be in the process of rebuilding for many years to come. Children are welcome. Dogs are welcome off-leash. Alcohol is discouraged. No electronic music devices. Fires in designated pits only. Pack out trash. TO RESERVE A SITE - Please include a bit about yourself/party and where you’re coming from. *YOU MUST ALSO INCLUDE - “ My party and I have read the description” - IN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED Requests are usually checked once daily.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$90
 / night

6. Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

87%
(741)
31mi from San Ardo · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
We can accommodate tent campers or car campers. Each campsite fits 4-6 people. The price is $40/per person. Kids under 12 are free. Most campsites are accessible by car and all campsites are accessible by foot. PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a traditional check in procedure. Campsites are first come first serve. Expect a "self-check in process" most of the time. However, there are sometimes people working onsite that you may run into, that are happy to help and lead you in the right direction. You choose your own campsite so plan to arrive early. You can park and walk around. There is signage that says "CAMP" with Arrows. BYO water. We have sulfur spring water. Great for your skin, not good to drink! There's a couple outhouses on the property. One in the main camp zone, one at the far north end of the lower Redwood campsite. You can also bring a shovel and take a walk if you're in the more remote campsites. We have a dumpster outside the gate for your garbage. IMPORTANT INFO Please don't mind our farm junk/tools as you enterGate 1! We are slowly working on clean up and relocation of materials from the entry road and away from view. Before you arrive, have knowledge of poison oak because it is a native plant. The main photos in the listing are taken from Hipcamp Scouts back in 2018 and they are featuring our Original campsite. This is located past the mineral baths. It's the furthest one to reach, and accessible by foot. I will update photos to depict all the campsites, but please share your photos with us on Instagram and tag @charanspringsfarm to help future campers get a view of what the sites look like with a tent set up! SULFUR MINERAL BATHS Include in your experience the use of our sulfur mineral baths. It's $10 per person. PLEASE BOOK THIS AS AN EXTRA AT CHECKOUT. The mineral baths are 2 funky vintage clawfoot tubs that are pictured in the actual listing.The photos show an accurate description of the Mineral Baths. They are not located in the main camp zone. Please call ahead to book your time slot and get directions to the mineral baths. PLEASE DO NOT BOOK IF: You are looking for "Glamping," (Glamour Camping). It's primitive camping on a private property with bonuses like the garden, rustic baths, and beautiful nature. This property has been a working farm for decades, which has struggled with hard times. If farm yards/junk piles make you uncomfortable or give you a creepy feeling, don't book because our boneyard is adjacent to the entry road and it can't be ignored. Thank you for reading this whole description and we hope you have a good experience.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

8. 40min to Pinn/Song of the Ancients

97%
(1116)
43mi from San Ardo · 18 sites · Tents, RVs
35 miles to Pinnacles, and only 6 miles to Panoche Valley, a globally important migratory bird routes! Dark Skies at night for galaxy cruising and plenty of oak trees for cool shade. Warm sunny days and cool nights. Amazing and invigorating fall weather! Bring warm clothes and throws to wrap in while sitting by a roaring fire under dark skies streaming planets and galaxies. For daytime, dress in layers. In the oak studded world of the Diablo Mountain Range, the ocean influence sends gentle breezes winding their way through the oaks, offering days of dappled sunshine and nights crisp and cool. Use this as a home base and spend days at Pinnacles, Monterey, Carmel, the Central Valley, and so on or...you can rest and relax the world away, this is a place to regain your balance. Come with your cares leave clear and regenerated. A place to sing and dance, to talk late into the night as the night sky brims over with stars, and the campfire slowly dies. Perfect for group gatherings, and can accommodate your large party as easily and comfortably as we accommodate families, singles, and couples. What we provide is: outdoor hot shower, flush toilet, clean clear water from faucets, and at your campsite, a fire pit and grill to cook on, picnic table with benches, and the blue oak savanna. Firewood for $15/bundle, fire starters -first two free in the winter then $0.50/each. Our firewood is sustainably harvested from downed trees and branches. We sell it for a neighbor. No healthy live trees are harmed in order to produce firewood. No native trees are felled in order to plant fast growing hardwood for fire or anything else! Pitch your tent or park your camper amid the ancient Blue Oaks of California. Warm yourself by your campfire as you drink in the dark skies. Shake the dust off your work worn spirit. Let the celebration begin. Dance to the music in your heart sing along with the songs of the ancients. Regenerate. Breathe and hear yourself breathe. A safe place in the shade of the blue oaks. It's time to take time. Time to play and enjoy with friends and family. A place to bask in opulent starlight and absorb the sounds of darkness. Brought to you by wildfarmers/spif, an IRS designated 501c3 public charity.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night

9. Camp near Pinnacles National Park

98%
(474)
35mi from San Ardo · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Started in 2014 by Tim and Michelle Borland and their three kids, the Bar SZ Ranch is a true family business with a mission to help others “forge their legacy.” Set on 2200-acres in its own valley with iconic California oak trees and golden hills; views of the surrounding mountains and Pinnacles National Park; and painted, sunlit skies guests can't get enough of, this working ranch offers unique, getaway camping and glamping experiences for both new and seasoned campers. The Bar SZ Campground is near Pinnacles National Park but relatively remote from other services, which is part of what makes the area so special. It is a place to unplug, share stories and spend time with your family and friends, and explore the wilderness of California. From the ranch: Pinnacles National Park East entrance 6.6 miles Nearest Groceries and restaurants: Hollister 36 miles north King City 28.5 miles south Tres Pinos 29.2 miles north The nearest amenities (stores, restaurants, gas) are about 30 miles away so please plan ahead and bring the things you will need during your stay. We have great service for AT&T on the ranch. Do you have an even larger group? Message us if you have a larger event or are interested in a whole campsite/ranch rental.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$90
 / night

17. Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

97%
(712)
32mi from San Ardo · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Vinyl Vineyards – a 120-acre private ranch, working vineyard, and boutique glampground tucked along the scenic Union Road Wine Trail in Paso Robles, California. Our 10-site glamping retreat blends rustic charm with refined adventure. Unplug, recharge, and reconnect—with nature, with wine, friends and family. Hike private trails through vineyard rows, oak forests, and wildflower fields. Cool off with afternoon breezes and cool Paso nights, greet our alpacas and chickens, or nap in a hammock with the scent of lavender in the air. The property features: 26 acres of producing vineyard Outdoor kitchens, BBQ grills, and communal fire pits Sunset hilltops and dark-sky stargazing Frisbee golf, garden rows, and peaceful picnic spots Alpacas (yes, you can meet them), chickens, and bees Pet-friendly vibes with plenty of space to roam Guests are invited to book a complimentary "Sip & Spin" wine tasting in our private cellar—where the vinyl spins and our award winning wine flows. And we also deliver to your site. We’re just 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles and within walking distance to local wineries. A 5-minute drive puts you at Sensorio Field of Light, Vina Robles Amphitheatre, and Paso’s golf courses. Or stay put—there’s magic in staying still.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$90
 / night

18. Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

89%
(199)
25mi from San Ardo · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
Our 42 acres is located at the beginning of the award winning Adelaide Wine trail in Paso Robles. Our ranch was once home to a horse boarding and breeding ranch which bred Paso Fino horses, known for their beautiful gait. Having been a horse ranch, it left us with some nice trails that you can enjoy during your stay. We have some nice uphill walks to view your local surroundings while sitting to enjoy a glass of wine or you morning cup of coffee/tea. We are on a well out here so at times you may get a sulphur/mineral smell to the water. Please bring your own drinking/cooking water. It is safe to shower, my hair feels so much thicker! On the ranch you will see that we have 2 donkeys, Desi (black) and Lucy (light grey). Along with our donkeys we have to friendly goats, Fiona (brown) and Sadie (white), they love carrots. but please stick to one carrot a day each, we don't want to over feed them. We also have chickens which means have farm fresh eggs. $5 for 1/2 dozen. Up on the hill you will see Connie a cow and her buddy Samuel, the bull. they love carrots but please do not go into their pasture. She'll think you're bringing food and gets very dangerously excited. Please feel free to walk the property and become one with nature while observing the local indigenous floral and fauna.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$65
 / night

19. Private Campground in Wine Country

97%
(313)
28mi from San Ardo · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Barbara and Dan bought these 37 acres in 2005. It had no improvements. The only thing it had going for it was a 250-year-old oak tree, and its location in the heart of wine country. We would come up and camp under the tree, and plant. In 2007, we drilled a well. In 2008, Dan proposed under the tree, and we brought in power. We have continued to make improvements since. We built a little house, then we built a big house, we added farm animals, kids, fruit trees, a jam line, a pond, and more keep coming! So come up and enjoy the farm like we did in the good old days! See you at the Farm! Pitch your tent or park your RV on our 37-acre farm. The campground connects to a hiking trail that takes you to a 2-acre landscaped garden, along a dry creekside. You are a short drive to local wineries, or downtown nightlife. No power, or showers here, but the outhouse is one of those fancy solar powered deals with running water and a flushing toilet.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night

In San Ardo, hikers have over 900 camping options to choose from, with trails that cut through oak-dotted hills and creek beds alive with wildlife. Campsites here start at $30 per night, with an average stay running about $75. Showers, toilets, and campfires are standard at most spots. You’ll find swimming holes, wildlife-watching, and even horseback riding within easy reach of your tent. The crowd favorites? Enney's Ranch (495 reviews) puts you on open range perfect for day-long hikes. Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths (472 reviews) lets you soak after a long trek. For a spot close to the Pinnacles, 40min to Pinn/Song of the Ancients (467 reviews) is hard to beat. Pack sturdy boots and plenty of water—San Ardo’s trails won’t walk themselves.

97% (4.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near San Ardo

1. dabudage Big Sur

95%
(725)
33mi from San Ardo · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging
DABUDAGE in southern Big Sur. ***READ THIS ENTIRE WRITTEN DESCRIPTION BEFORE REQUESTING TO BOOK!* And Format Request as Specified *. Disconnect from the virtual world and surround yourself in nature. At the base of a majestic canyon where steep mountains plunge to the ocean, along a flowing creek. Backed by redwood trees and surrounded by national forest is a minimalistic homestead with family, friends and animals. *The prices have been raised on hipcamp as Hipcamp now takes more than a 25% cut. Discounts and/or trades may be available if needed. You can visit our site on the web for more information at dabudage. *We currently only accept reservations for dates within the next 3 weeks*. You must Arrive Before Dark to find your site. There is no wi-fi, cell service or electricity. Hwy 1 is currently closed to the north of this land. The only access is through Cambria from the south or over the mountain from King City off of Hwy 101 There are two small communal guest kitchens, fresh water, a shower/bath and composting barrel poopers. A massive flood in Jan 2021 brought 100's of gigantic full sized redwood trees and boulders smashing down thru most of the land and previous structures. It is and will be in the process of rebuilding for many years to come. Children are welcome. Dogs are welcome off-leash. Alcohol is discouraged. No electronic music devices. Fires in designated pits only. Pack out trash. TO RESERVE A SITE - Please include a bit about yourself/party and where you’re coming from. *YOU MUST ALSO INCLUDE - “ My party and I have read the description” - IN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED Requests are usually checked once daily.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$90
 / night

6. Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

87%
(741)
31mi from San Ardo · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
We can accommodate tent campers or car campers. Each campsite fits 4-6 people. The price is $40/per person. Kids under 12 are free. Most campsites are accessible by car and all campsites are accessible by foot. PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a traditional check in procedure. Campsites are first come first serve. Expect a "self-check in process" most of the time. However, there are sometimes people working onsite that you may run into, that are happy to help and lead you in the right direction. You choose your own campsite so plan to arrive early. You can park and walk around. There is signage that says "CAMP" with Arrows. BYO water. We have sulfur spring water. Great for your skin, not good to drink! There's a couple outhouses on the property. One in the main camp zone, one at the far north end of the lower Redwood campsite. You can also bring a shovel and take a walk if you're in the more remote campsites. We have a dumpster outside the gate for your garbage. IMPORTANT INFO Please don't mind our farm junk/tools as you enterGate 1! We are slowly working on clean up and relocation of materials from the entry road and away from view. Before you arrive, have knowledge of poison oak because it is a native plant. The main photos in the listing are taken from Hipcamp Scouts back in 2018 and they are featuring our Original campsite. This is located past the mineral baths. It's the furthest one to reach, and accessible by foot. I will update photos to depict all the campsites, but please share your photos with us on Instagram and tag @charanspringsfarm to help future campers get a view of what the sites look like with a tent set up! SULFUR MINERAL BATHS Include in your experience the use of our sulfur mineral baths. It's $10 per person. PLEASE BOOK THIS AS AN EXTRA AT CHECKOUT. The mineral baths are 2 funky vintage clawfoot tubs that are pictured in the actual listing.The photos show an accurate description of the Mineral Baths. They are not located in the main camp zone. Please call ahead to book your time slot and get directions to the mineral baths. PLEASE DO NOT BOOK IF: You are looking for "Glamping," (Glamour Camping). It's primitive camping on a private property with bonuses like the garden, rustic baths, and beautiful nature. This property has been a working farm for decades, which has struggled with hard times. If farm yards/junk piles make you uncomfortable or give you a creepy feeling, don't book because our boneyard is adjacent to the entry road and it can't be ignored. Thank you for reading this whole description and we hope you have a good experience.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

8. 40min to Pinn/Song of the Ancients

97%
(1116)
43mi from San Ardo · 18 sites · Tents, RVs
35 miles to Pinnacles, and only 6 miles to Panoche Valley, a globally important migratory bird routes! Dark Skies at night for galaxy cruising and plenty of oak trees for cool shade. Warm sunny days and cool nights. Amazing and invigorating fall weather! Bring warm clothes and throws to wrap in while sitting by a roaring fire under dark skies streaming planets and galaxies. For daytime, dress in layers. In the oak studded world of the Diablo Mountain Range, the ocean influence sends gentle breezes winding their way through the oaks, offering days of dappled sunshine and nights crisp and cool. Use this as a home base and spend days at Pinnacles, Monterey, Carmel, the Central Valley, and so on or...you can rest and relax the world away, this is a place to regain your balance. Come with your cares leave clear and regenerated. A place to sing and dance, to talk late into the night as the night sky brims over with stars, and the campfire slowly dies. Perfect for group gatherings, and can accommodate your large party as easily and comfortably as we accommodate families, singles, and couples. What we provide is: outdoor hot shower, flush toilet, clean clear water from faucets, and at your campsite, a fire pit and grill to cook on, picnic table with benches, and the blue oak savanna. Firewood for $15/bundle, fire starters -first two free in the winter then $0.50/each. Our firewood is sustainably harvested from downed trees and branches. We sell it for a neighbor. No healthy live trees are harmed in order to produce firewood. No native trees are felled in order to plant fast growing hardwood for fire or anything else! Pitch your tent or park your camper amid the ancient Blue Oaks of California. Warm yourself by your campfire as you drink in the dark skies. Shake the dust off your work worn spirit. Let the celebration begin. Dance to the music in your heart sing along with the songs of the ancients. Regenerate. Breathe and hear yourself breathe. A safe place in the shade of the blue oaks. It's time to take time. Time to play and enjoy with friends and family. A place to bask in opulent starlight and absorb the sounds of darkness. Brought to you by wildfarmers/spif, an IRS designated 501c3 public charity.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night

9. Camp near Pinnacles National Park

98%
(474)
35mi from San Ardo · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Started in 2014 by Tim and Michelle Borland and their three kids, the Bar SZ Ranch is a true family business with a mission to help others “forge their legacy.” Set on 2200-acres in its own valley with iconic California oak trees and golden hills; views of the surrounding mountains and Pinnacles National Park; and painted, sunlit skies guests can't get enough of, this working ranch offers unique, getaway camping and glamping experiences for both new and seasoned campers. The Bar SZ Campground is near Pinnacles National Park but relatively remote from other services, which is part of what makes the area so special. It is a place to unplug, share stories and spend time with your family and friends, and explore the wilderness of California. From the ranch: Pinnacles National Park East entrance 6.6 miles Nearest Groceries and restaurants: Hollister 36 miles north King City 28.5 miles south Tres Pinos 29.2 miles north The nearest amenities (stores, restaurants, gas) are about 30 miles away so please plan ahead and bring the things you will need during your stay. We have great service for AT&T on the ranch. Do you have an even larger group? Message us if you have a larger event or are interested in a whole campsite/ranch rental.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$90
 / night

17. Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

97%
(712)
32mi from San Ardo · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Vinyl Vineyards – a 120-acre private ranch, working vineyard, and boutique glampground tucked along the scenic Union Road Wine Trail in Paso Robles, California. Our 10-site glamping retreat blends rustic charm with refined adventure. Unplug, recharge, and reconnect—with nature, with wine, friends and family. Hike private trails through vineyard rows, oak forests, and wildflower fields. Cool off with afternoon breezes and cool Paso nights, greet our alpacas and chickens, or nap in a hammock with the scent of lavender in the air. The property features: 26 acres of producing vineyard Outdoor kitchens, BBQ grills, and communal fire pits Sunset hilltops and dark-sky stargazing Frisbee golf, garden rows, and peaceful picnic spots Alpacas (yes, you can meet them), chickens, and bees Pet-friendly vibes with plenty of space to roam Guests are invited to book a complimentary "Sip & Spin" wine tasting in our private cellar—where the vinyl spins and our award winning wine flows. And we also deliver to your site. We’re just 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles and within walking distance to local wineries. A 5-minute drive puts you at Sensorio Field of Light, Vina Robles Amphitheatre, and Paso’s golf courses. Or stay put—there’s magic in staying still.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$90
 / night

18. Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

89%
(199)
25mi from San Ardo · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
Our 42 acres is located at the beginning of the award winning Adelaide Wine trail in Paso Robles. Our ranch was once home to a horse boarding and breeding ranch which bred Paso Fino horses, known for their beautiful gait. Having been a horse ranch, it left us with some nice trails that you can enjoy during your stay. We have some nice uphill walks to view your local surroundings while sitting to enjoy a glass of wine or you morning cup of coffee/tea. We are on a well out here so at times you may get a sulphur/mineral smell to the water. Please bring your own drinking/cooking water. It is safe to shower, my hair feels so much thicker! On the ranch you will see that we have 2 donkeys, Desi (black) and Lucy (light grey). Along with our donkeys we have to friendly goats, Fiona (brown) and Sadie (white), they love carrots. but please stick to one carrot a day each, we don't want to over feed them. We also have chickens which means have farm fresh eggs. $5 for 1/2 dozen. Up on the hill you will see Connie a cow and her buddy Samuel, the bull. they love carrots but please do not go into their pasture. She'll think you're bringing food and gets very dangerously excited. Please feel free to walk the property and become one with nature while observing the local indigenous floral and fauna.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$65
 / night

19. Private Campground in Wine Country

97%
(313)
28mi from San Ardo · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Barbara and Dan bought these 37 acres in 2005. It had no improvements. The only thing it had going for it was a 250-year-old oak tree, and its location in the heart of wine country. We would come up and camp under the tree, and plant. In 2007, we drilled a well. In 2008, Dan proposed under the tree, and we brought in power. We have continued to make improvements since. We built a little house, then we built a big house, we added farm animals, kids, fruit trees, a jam line, a pond, and more keep coming! So come up and enjoy the farm like we did in the good old days! See you at the Farm! Pitch your tent or park your RV on our 37-acre farm. The campground connects to a hiking trail that takes you to a 2-acre landscaped garden, along a dry creekside. You are a short drive to local wineries, or downtown nightlife. No power, or showers here, but the outhouse is one of those fancy solar powered deals with running water and a flushing toilet.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night

Camper favorites near San Ardo

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near San Ardo

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

More campsites near San Ardo

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field