Discover the best desert campgrounds near Santa Cruz, California

United States
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California
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Santa Cruz

94% (332 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Santa Cruz

3 top desert campgrounds near Santa Cruz

Dog-friendly getaways

95%

(143)

Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Day Valley, CA

Whenever we go on vacation it’s never as nice as home. This is that same experience as we get when we come home.

Rideout Adventures

5 sites · Tents30 acres · Santa Margarita, CA

Welcome to Rideout Adventures, Rideout Adventures consists of 30 acres is located within the Carrizo Plain National Monument which encompasses approximately 200,000 acres of grassland and three mountain ranges. The grasslands and mountain ranges are teaming with wildlife, black tailed jack rabbits, great horned owls, antelope ground squire's and prong horned antelope to name a few. This terrain is loved by artists and photographers alike. The Carrizo Plain is famous for it’s “Super Blume” which occurs in March, April and early May depending on spring rains. Rideout Adventures is camper friendly with gentle sloping grasslands and some low mountain range areas that hikers will love to explore. The Hideout has a small pond which is visited by wildlife in the surrounding area for their daily watering. There are (4) campsites with fire pits scattered around for a feeling of isolation and privacy. We hope to see you there, Tom and Darleen As a personal note, this land was inherited from my great uncle and has been in our family for over 100 years.

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.

Desert camping near Santa Cruz guide

Overview

Looking for a camping experience near Santa Cruz, California, with a desert terrain? Look no further than Hipcamp. With over 40 options available, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Looking for reviews? Check out Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat (179 reviews), Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat (100 reviews), and Christian M.'s Land (5 reviews) for top-rated campsites. Prices start as low as $36 per night, with an average price of $75 per night. Amenities like showers, cooking equipment, and toilets are popular among campers, and you'll have plenty of activities to choose from, including wildlife watching, surfing, and fall fun. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!