The best dog-friendly glamping near Santa Cruz, California

Looking for a camping experience near Santa Cruz, California that's pet-friendly and a little more luxurious? Hipcamp offers over 340 options for glamping with pets in the area, with prices ranging from $36 to an average of $149 per night. Some of the top-rated sites include The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), Windsor Family Farm (404 reviews), and Swallowtail Historic Art Studio (252 reviews). Popular amenities include potable water, pets, and campfires, while the area offers a range of activities from historic sites to wind sports and surfing.

95% (1.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Cruz

Looking for a camping experience near Santa Cruz, California that's pet-friendly and a little more luxurious? Hipcamp offers over 340 options for glamping with pets in the area, with prices ranging from $36 to an average of $149 per night. Some of the top-rated sites include The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), Windsor Family Farm (404 reviews), and Swallowtail Historic Art Studio (252 reviews). Popular amenities include potable water, pets, and campfires, while the area offers a range of activities from historic sites to wind sports and surfing.

95% (1.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Cruz

1. Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping

98%

(176)

41mi from Santa Cruz · 38 sites · Lodging

The Camp was started in 1925 by Mrs. Douglas as a girls camp to teach young girls the beautiful wonders of the outdoors including horseback riding, swimming, archery, and camping. She felt that boys had plenty of opportunity to explore Mother Nature but at the time, girls had no such camp to attend. This 115 acre, beautiful, rolling hills ranch has been a camp ever since and now offers camping for the young and old, girls and boys, families and singles…. You name it… a camp for everyone. Located on 115 acres historic boys and girls summer camp complete with pool, tennis, and hiking in Carmel Valley, CA. Re-connect to nature and nostalgia! There is plenty to do at the Camp as well as surrounding areas. 2.5 miles from Carmel Village known for its many wine tasting rooms, restaurants and galleries. 14.5 miles inland from Carmel by-the-sea and Carmel Beach. Perfect locations for day excursion to Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur. Individual Glamping sessions are available on select dates. Breakfast included in the stay. Length of stay may be required. We highly recommend you stay for more than one day as it is difficult to take part in all activities when at the camp for only one day. Imagine! your own private off the grid cabin where you can enjoy tent camping without the hassle of setting up a tent. Numerous activities for you to take advantage of or simple step outside your cabin and wonder on our 115 acres and connect to nature. Welcome to The Camp. CABINS Solstice and Sunrise cabins recently re-built cabins have one queen bed and two twin beds (max 4 ppl) and are located near a shared communal bathhouses. Sunset village cabins have access to a bathhouse with designated full baths with private shower and bathroom for each cabin. Each cabin has power and one queen bed and two twin beds (max 4 ppl) Like tent camping without the hassle of having to set up a tent. You bring your sleeping bag, bedding and towels. Or we can provide you with a bedding/towel pack for an extra cost. POWER All cabins and bathhouses have power Wi-Fi Free wi-fi in central camp not at cabins. FOOD and DRINK 2024 Glamping Includes breakfast. Lunch and Dinner optional at an additional cost. ACTIVITIES Self guided activities include: Pool, pool deck, basketball half court, tennis courts, yard games, hiking trails and many areas to connect to nature. Guided activities: Hosted campfire nightly, Yoga, Archery and Tie Dye sessions available on Saturday. (holiday weekends additional sessions available) FIRE No individual fires. We do offer hosted campfires nightly. DOG Two dogs are welcome per cabin $50 per dog. MUSIC No speakers, amplification or radios. Acoustic instruments are allowed. RESERVATIONS Glamping weekends may require multiple night stays. Check-in is between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. We will send you an email prior to arrival with additional information. Please note Hipcamp site assignments do not correspond to the actual cabin you will be assigned. Our Camp cabin names and assignments are a little different. If you are reserving multiple cabins please let us know so we can try and assign you near each other. Parking is a short walk away from the Cabins. The Camp is private property and for registered guests only. Gate is closed 9PM-7PM. Campers are free to come and go as these please between 7AM-PM, but all Campers must be back onsite before 9PM. WHAT TO BRING: Sleeping Bag or bedding or rent linen pack Towels and Toiletries Flashlight Water Bottle

2. Buddha Room RV glamping, Redwoods

100%

(1)

4.7mi from Santa Cruz · 1 site · Lodging

This is a peaceful space centrally located in Felton. The Buddha room comes with an outdoor kitchen, a living room, and a shower under the Redwoods under covered patios and pergola. The entrance covered porch can sleep one (in the blow up bed) and is a reading/mediation nook and the 1/2 bath. This entrance has a smart lock code, that you will get in a message. The room is attached to the house on the back end with your own entrance through (covered porch) and sleeps two in the cozy sofa bed. Sheets and pillows are stored in the sofa, lift up the long side and pull out the other to create a bed. You have shared use of the whole back property. The spa studio is locked and has a clientele booked during the day. But if not in use you can lounge in there if you ask or book some healing treatments. . The spa also uses the 1/2 bath on the covered porch. Melissa will give you times when you arrive. Best Solo/Staycation trip This property has been Melissa’s private practice for over two decades. Award-winning private day spa and the most unique experience you will find in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This is going to be an amazing experience and could be life-changing. Want to learn meditation 🧘 Yoga 🧘‍♂️ Get some body or energy work. Get yourself in balance and on the right track. You can sign up for The Key To Life Is Balance course to have these tools after you check out. You will have access to the Buddha Room at the back end of the house. With your own code entrance and room, you have a key. When you walk in, you are in the house's back porch with a breakfast nook and half bath. The bedroom door has its own lock and key, a sofa sleeper, a DVD screen TV with DVDs of 80s and 90s movies and sitcoms. Yoga and meditation DVDs and CDs with a CD player, and massage tools. Outdoor kitchen, living space, and outdoor shower. It’s like glamping but sleeping in a room. See the Spa‘s website for add-ons to spa packages. The neighborhood has a park that is across the street, a great walking loop, and a pool. The pool is only open during the Summer and when a lifeguard is present. You will need me to walk you in. Just let me know if you want to float in our neighborhood pool. Melissa may or may not greet you at arrival.

3. The Coastal Redwood Cabin | Creek

100%

(1)

7.6mi from Santa Cruz · 1 site · Lodging

Welcome to our cozy cabin nestled in the serene beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains! Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the towering redwoods surrounding our charming studio-style cabin. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled retreat, our cabin offers the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. We welcome one small pet (dogs only) to join in on the fun! THE SPACE The cabin, tucked under the coastal redwoods, features a comfortable queen bed, a bathroom with a hot shower, and a compact kitchenette for your convenience. A small fold-up desk and strong Wi-Fi are available if you need to work remotely during your stay. Step outside and enjoy multiple lounge areas where you can relax amidst nature’s embrace, or fire up the BBQ for a delightful outdoor dining experience. A hot tub under a gazebo adds the perfect touch of luxury. Guests also have access to a private creek directly behind the cabin. One parking spot is available for guest use. If additional parking is needed, please inquire. The property is shared with a primary home, separated by a gate. The cabin is set back behind the primary home, and its outdoor space abuts the home’s backyard, divided by a fence and plants. You may see into the backyard, and you might occasionally hear the occupants if they’re outside. But the real highlight of your stay? Our private section of the creek, where you can dip your toes, bask in the sun, or simply savor the soothing sounds of flowing water.

4. Amaya Creek Redwood Campground

78%

(155)

11mi from Santa Cruz · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Welcome to the Amaya Creek Redwood Campground! We are deep in the Santa Cruz mountains and it’s rustic so be prepared! The road is all paved but it can be narrow, bumpy and steep in some areas. Be sure to follow our directions to bypass the road closure! There is no cell phone service in some areas. PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a trash service for the campground, we require all campers to PACK OUT THEIR TRASH with them! We have 40 acres of redwood forest and two creeks running through including the Amaya Creek which serves the boundary of our property at the end of Amayak Creek Trail. There’s also a small waterfall off the Amaya Creek Trail, but it may dry out during the summer. Enjoy hiking, creeks and small waterfall exploration, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, star gazing, relaxation, meditation and more. Our campground has running water from a natural spring, Men and Women's Restrooms each with 2 toilets and 1 FREE hot water shower, utility shed with sink and hot water, and an outdoor amphitheater. The kitchen and washer/dryer is Staff Only not for campers. . Most campsites allow 4-6 guests maximum with 1 car included in the nightly rate. Each additional vehicle is $15 per day and will be added at checkout once you add the correct number of vehicles you will be bringing. Pets are $10 per day, 1 pet per group ONLY. Please add this as an extra at the time of booking, you will see the option to add extras once you begin the checkout process. Dogs must be on leash at all times! Quiet hours are 10pm-8am. No drugs of any kind including marijuana allowed. No loud music allowed. This is a private property so no visitors are allowed, only paid guests. Our onsite staff will go around and enforce the rules. No hookup for RV and trailer, check each site description to see if RV/trailer is ok for that site.

5. Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

100%

(8)

11mi from Santa Cruz · 1 site · Lodging

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this serene retreat is surrounded by natural beauty and offers the perfect escape into nature. Conveniently located between Downtown Los Gatos and Downtown Santa Cruz—just 25 minutes from each—you’ll have easy access to the best of both mountain charm and coastal energy. Outdoor enthusiasts will love being just minutes from the renowned mountain biking trails of Demonstration Forest, scenic hiking routes, and the beloved Summit Store for local provisions. Note that no open fires are allowed by our county but guests are allowed to have a gas or propane stove for cooking. Water is 125' front tent. Toilet is 100' front tent. Power plug is 140' from tent to charge your phone, etc. This time of year, please consider this COLD CAMPING. Our tent has 4 extra blankets but you should be prepared to keep yourself warm and prepared for winter weather. The river near the tent is rushing so if you enjoy the sound of rain on the tent roof or a rushing river, please come see our tent. In January, you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in Henry Cowell Redwoods, walking along West Cliff Drive, and visiting Natural Bridges State Beach. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is open year-round, offering a chance to experience it with fewer crowds and more deals. You can also visit local attractions like the Mystery Spot, the Santa Cruz Wharf, and the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Shadowbrook Restaurant, Located in charming Capitola, 4-miles south of Santa Cruz, the world-famous Shadowbrook opened in October of 1947 with the theme of Romance in Dining. Shadowbrook today is not only the most romantic place to dine in northern California but was designated as one of the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in all of America by the 5 million voters of Open Table.

Public campgrounds near Santa Cruz

Cabin #16, awesome to hear the creek on the other side of the trees but very very muddy. I think it was the combination of low ground and water access close by.

99%

(69)

Big Basin Tent Cabins

17mi from Santa Cruz · 36 sites · in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

N

Noah

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

The tent and bed were very spacious. The view of the stars at night and the mountains in the mornings was beautiful. In November it was very cold at night as expected but it was much easier to stay comfortable and warm here than in a regular tent.

C

Christine

November 2025

Weekend Trip to The Coastal Redwood Cabin | Creek

This is a lovely place to go for a little R&R! Easy to get to, serene location nestled within the redwoods. There's stairs that lead you to the river. Comfortable bed and good quality bedding, complimentary snacks and coffee. We went in November so the hottub was perfect for the cool nights. Close by Capitola, which we love to visit and did some hiking at Nisene Mark's State Park. We recommend this spot and may be back next year.

S

Sophia

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

cute stay. it was clean and easy to get to for the weekend visiting santa cruz.

J

Jeff

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

Easy in, easy out. Bedroom was made nicely. Property manager was very kind.

Lisa

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

Very clean site with a beautiful view. Instructions were clear making it easy to find. One of the best hipcamp sites I've stayed at so far.

C

Cristina

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping

The Safari Rustic Tent exceeded my expectations. Impeccably clean and excellent creature comforts like a shower and bathroom. Hosts are informative and made the location easy to find. The property is gated and feels safe. Thank you so much!

Bethany

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

This is a great getaway for anyone looking for a peaceful private retreat! The land has some beautiful views and the glamping setup is clean and simple! Shelly is also a very welcoming host, she came down to the campsite to check on me and we ended up chatting for a long time. This little hideaway in the mountains is a place I’d love to come back to! Bonus - I saw deer on my drive out two mornings in a row!

K

Kelsey

September 2025

With kids

1 night at Buddha Room RV glamping, Redwoods

Kids had a wonderful time and the space was really beautiful, relaxing, and fun! Thank you so much

R

Ruben

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

So comfortable and peaceful. Bed and pillows were better than my own 😂. Would definitely stay again! More than one night next time

P

Paul

July 2025

With kids

1 night at Amaya Creek Redwood Campground

Really beautiful area; plenty of redwood trees. The big tent was great. My ten month old son had plenty of space to play.

R

Robert

July 2025

1 night at Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping

Quiet, cozy camping spot. Hosts were extremely responsive and accommodating.

Home away From home (p.s. loved that the lights were solar and on automatic timers!)

A

Alexis

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping

Wow! What a location. The tent itself was so beautiful and well-cared for- adjustable window ventilation, wood floors, lockable door and personal pit. Not to mention the (twin) beds were as comfortable as any hotel bed I’ve slept on. I requested the linen bed set and it was also of great quality- inclusive of 2 blankets, sheeting and a pillow. I was very comfortable during our stay but imagine colder months would require a heavier blanket and/or very warm pajamas. The bathroom was immaculately cleaned and maintained too. Housekeepers do a 10/10 job here. The shower and kitchen were both stocked with soap / shampoo etc too. I couldn’t figure out how to get hot water in the shower but our trio was quick enough that we didn’t bother to ask…. The host went above and beyond to make up our beds ahead of our stay, ship back forgotten items and text back at lightening speeds. We clearly appreciated the hospitality and will be sharing with all of our friends! Looking forward to using the grill and games with a big group next time. Thank you!