97% (364)
Top-rated campgrounds near San Mateo
97% (364)
Top-rated campgrounds near San Mateo
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
R
Richard
2 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
Beautiful place, it is truly a secret garden! Great location. Will be coming back with all our family and friends!
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Betsy
November 2025
Tent
Farbod and Yenyen's place is a gem! It has all the amenities that you'll need - whether you're pitching a tent, driving an RV, or staying in one of their charming cottages.
* Tent sites in Tugley Woods - each site is well maintained and each provides its own picnic table and shades from the trees. Like what others say, it is close to the street so you will hear the cars go by. During the busy season, this area also has its own restrooms and outdoor kitchen facilities
*Main kitchen / living room / fire place area - this is a beautiful area for everyone to hang out and enjoy the facilities, whether you're cooking up your best camp meal or just enjoying a sip of coffee in the seating areas, there is something for everyone.
* Rest of the secret garden - it's to be experienced in person b/c every corner has a little surprise since Farbod and Yenyen have put their heart and soul into making this place magical.
I encourage everyone who's looking for something fun and magical to check it out!
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Michelle
November 2025
25 ft Class C
With pets
It was awesome! You have to see it to believe it. Paradise found! There is so much. Wish we had been able to stay longer. Treasures everywhere!
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Ish
November 2025
19 ft campervan
Ive stayed at a ton of campsites and this is one of the best ones. Phenomenal. Cant wait to go back
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Amanda
November 2025
Tent
With pets
We loved our stay at The Secret Gardens! Everything about the property was so beautiful and peaceful. This is the best place to go for a getaway, especially for a birthday.
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Kelly
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Absolutely beautiful. We loved exploring the property during the day. Host was very accommodating.
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Lakyn
November 2025
12 ft campervan
With kids
You can’t put into words or pictures how wonderful this place is. It’s so amazing!!! If you book anywhere else, it’s a mistake. The property was so enchanting!! We had a surprise group camp trip here for my husbands 30th birthday & everyone (all very experienced campers) left saying it was the best campsite of their life. & we are already planning our return trip! So much effort and love and detail put into every inch of this absolutely stunning property. The owners came down and were so kind and easy going. Can’t wait to come back!!!
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Kevin
October 2025
15 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Epic in every way!
The Secret Enchanted Garden is hands-down the best campground retreat I’ve ever visited. Every detail from the lush, magical setting to the peaceful atmosphere feels like stepping into another world. You can tell the hosts have poured their heart into making this place special. It’s beautiful, serene, and truly one of a kind.
Deserves every single star of a five-star review.
I can’t wait to come back!
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Marrianne
October 2025
Tent
With pets
This hipcamp is beautiful!! And has the kindest and most hospitable hosts.
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Abigail
October 2025
Tent
With pets
The views/property was beautiful and the efficient campsite was set up with power, a table with two chairs, fire pit and wood chip base. The host was kind enough to bring us a battery powered light as well. Neighbors on both sides were quiet and respectful.
Bathrooms and showers were plenty and a short walk away.
No words for how much care and love have been poured into this property. It’s 11 acres of pure magic in every nook and cranny.
There was an event being held there during our stay which we were kindly invited to and did not cause much disturbance.
I wish we could have explored more, but the evening daylight is pretty limited now given the time of year.
Would definitely return!
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James
October 2025
20 ft Class B
With pets
The hosts were awesome. Yeyen met us the day we checked in around 5p. We were a bit late coming in since we traveled from San Diego, but Yeyen was super friendly and accommodating. Her husband was super cool and told us about the property and made us comfortable and welcomed. The camp site we reserved was next to the communal kitchen and bathroom which made our stay even better. The other camp sites we saw felt very whimsical and fun, sobwe'll definitely reserve one of those spots bext time. In addition to a fridge, sink, large table, and bbq grill, they even had a flat top grill! I didn't have to use my pan and kitchen utensils. The camp site, bathrooms, and kitchen was clean and since it was a private property, we felt safe.
Loved this place and will definitely visit again. Both Hosts even met us in the morning of check out to see us off and wish us safe travels. Love them!
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Sheri
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
I’m speechless for how amazing and tranquil this site is. The waterfall was not only nourishing to the soul but it also brought zen and peace. This site fully encompasses everything needed for a getaway. Kitchenette, shower, toilet, tables/chairs and a great fire pit. 🌟✨💕
I’ve never experienced a better campground and the hosts are simply amazing!! Wonderful people and so accommodating and kind.
I’m so grateful to have found this escape and I can’t wait to be back!
Thank you Farbod and Yeyen. 🦋
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C
Cindi
September 2025
16 ft car
It was such a magical experience staying at the secret gardens. When walking around the property, you just keep finding more and more magical spots that are so wonderful. There was a lot of attention to detail, creating a comfortable and welcoming space for solitude or community, which ever you are in the mood for. I really enjoyed my time there and look forward to coming back!
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I
Itzik
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Beautiful land, with great facilities and many sweet spots
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Arella
September 2025
16 ft car
Yeyen and Farbod’s property feels like something pulled straight out of a fairytale. From the moment you arrive, you can sense the care and imagination that has gone into creating a space that’s both magical and welcoming. The setting is lush, layered, and full of charm—it’s truly above and beyond incredible.
One of the most impressive features is the outdoor kitchen. This isn’t just a grill setup—it’s a fully stocked culinary haven that even a professional chef would be thrilled with. Every tool, pan, and surface you might need is there, making it easy to execute anything from a simple breakfast to a gourmet dinner. Cooking in that space is a serious treat.
The property is essentially a big hill, guests should come prepared. It’s probably not the best fit for those with limited mobility.
While there is an ocean view from the very top of the property, it’s partly blocked by hills. You’ll see water but won’t see the shoreline or waves directly.
For campers considering Tugley Wood, note that the sites are close to the road. It’s convenient, but you will definitely hear traffic from passing cars.
All in all, this property is enchanting and unforgettable—a unique blend of storybook magic and thoughtful design that makes for a one-of-a-kind stay.
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Michelle
September 2025
26 ft travel trailer
It’s truly impossible to explain what a magical and spectacular place this is so I won’t try. From the moment we arrived we felt like we were in a sacred place that reflects the beauty and warmth of the owners Farbod and Yeyen. Everything you could possibly want from a camping experience is yours to experience. We cannot wait to return. We had our travel trailer and stayed in the lower part of the property which is immaculate. But we walked the entire property a few times and just discovered such inviting and stunning spaces to sit and take it all in.
I would gladly stay in any of the accommodations - they are just really special and unique.
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Josh
September 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
With kids
Great place for a relaxing camping weekend. Beautiful/artistic grounds, super nice facilities (bathrooms, showers, communal kitchens). Will be back!
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H
Haimo
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Awesome experience, well exceeded our expectations from all aspects! Loved how flexible the hosts are, definitely coming back. The only downside is you probably won’t tolerate a lesser camping site after this;)
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Arshkit
August 2025
Tent
With kids
We had a truly memorable stay at this beautiful spot and would highly recommend it for families. Farbod and Yeyen are such thoughtful hosts - it’s clear they’ve poured their heart and soul into creating a warm, welcoming environment. We chose to bring our own tents and camp, and were impressed by the range of facilities available: a well-equipped communal kitchen, cozy fireplace, fridge, BBQ grill, and hot showers. The little touches made it even more special - breakfast was served one morning, and there was even a movie night for the kids, which they loved.
A couple of considerations worth mentioning: our campsite was located near the road, so there was some traffic noise at night. Additionally, we noticed cameras positioned near the open shower area. While this may have been intended for general security, clearer communication or signage would help reassure guests about privacy in such spaces.
Overall, the experience was wonderful, and we’d love to return in the future. With just a few adjustments, this already fantastic place could become truly perfect.
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Kellie
August 2025
23 ft travel trailer
With pets
Beautiful place to stay with all the amenities you could think of. Thanks for a great stay!
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The best luxury RV parks near San Mateo guide
Where to go
San Mateo Surrounds
For Bay Area nature excursions, check out Seal Point Park of Bair Island State Marine Park, renowned for kayaking and birdwatching. The closest mountain parks outside of San Mateo are the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve and Huddart Park in Woodside, both of which offer miles of forested hiking and mountain biking trails. RV campers can find RV parks with full hookups around San Mateo, as well as in nearby Redwood City and San Jose.
Half Moon Bay
Just 30 minutes from San Mateo, Half Moon Bay State Beach has four miles of coastline. This beach is popular with surfers, swimmers, beachcombers, and tide-poolers, many of whom stay at the tent and RV sites in the park’s Francis Beach area campground. Another solid beach camping site is the Sunset State Beach campground in Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Mountains
The Santa Cruz Mountains, to the east and southeast of San Mateo, are home to ancient redwoods and miles of peaceful forest trails with ferns, moss, and towering trees. Both Portola Redwoods State Park and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park have redwood groves to explore, while Memorial County Park and Butano State Park have campgrounds. Castle Rock State Park is another popular spot for hikers and rock climbers with its hike-in campsites.
When to go
Camping near San Mateo is possible year-round. Winter campers should prepare for rain and mildly cold temperatures, but this can also be a magical time to have parts of the beach or forest all to yourself. Summer is the busy season, so reserve well in advance. Spring visitors may be treated to powerful waterfalls and wildflowers in the area.