95% (3.7K) • 315 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat
1. Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat
94%
(293)
15mi from Santa Cruz · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$75
/ night
Elkhorn Ranch
2. Elkhorn Ranch
96%
(339)
21mi from Santa Cruz · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Five minutes from the beach, Elkhorn Ranch is home to goats, sheep, wild chickens followed by their baby chicks, and a couple of cows, dogs, and sheep.
In addition to the animals there is a greenhouse and an acre of pumpkins, corn, and beans. A small fruit orchard borders the chicken coop.
Anybody who enjoys small farm life and activity will find this place enchanting. Norris and Roberta are incredible hosts and inclusive to any guests that want to participate in farm life.
Close to restaurants and the cute harbor town of Moss Landing, 30 minutes from Carmel and Santa Cruz, Elkhorn Ranch can be a place to relax or a gateway to explore Big Sur and all the amazing hidden gems of the Central California Coast.
After your stay here if you would like to continue your exploration of the coast, we have a partner who does surfing tours between Santa Cruz and San Francisco.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566796147238
Thanks and hope to see you soon!
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic table
from
$80
/ night
Terra Cultura
3. Terra Cultura
95%
(225)
24mi from Santa Cruz · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging
Our farm is nestled in the scenic hills of Aromas, CA, just 15 minutes away from the ocean. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip along California’s majestic coast, or looking to spend some time getting to know the lush landscape of the Central Coast, we welcome you with open arms!
We are a nonprofit educational eco-arts farm and your booking supports environmental stewardship and arts education for underserved communities. Thank you for your support!
We place the highest value on respect--for the land, and for the people, plants, and animals that call this area home. While you are here, please consider yourself a partner in stewarding this place.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$89
/ night
Saddle Mountain Carmel
4. Saddle Mountain Carmel
91%
(564)
33mi from Santa Cruz · 68 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Saddle Mountain, RV and Campground!
We are located on 89 acres of forest land off Carmel Valley Road, just 5 miles from HWY 1. Nestled within oaks, Monterey pines, and redwoods, Saddle Mountain offers a great family friendly getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life.
PLEASE NOTE, our RV and tent sites are pet friendly but YOU MUST ADD THE PET FEE EXTRA WHEN MAKING YOUR BOOKING.
We charge $15 per pet and you can bring a maximum of 2 pets.
On site seasonally heated pool (Mid May through Oct).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
*Please continue reviewing/monitoring California Travel guidelines as they may change and affect your reservation*
On site seasonally heated pool (seasonally), private hiking trail, playground, Foosball table and more. No refund for inclement weather during the Winter months.
We provide complementary Wi-Fi in designated areas of the park. We ask that there is no streaming at the Park so we can share Wi-Fi with all our guests.
Thank you!
Toilets
Showers
Full hookups
from
$63
/ night
Dreamy California Coast Airstreams
5. Dreamy California Coast Airstreams
98%
(98)
33mi from Santa Cruz · 4 sites · Lodging
This is private 30 acres property overlooking the stunning Tunitas Beach and Pacific ocean from a breathtaking ocean cliff view. Stunning sunrise and sunset greet you in these fully equipped Airstreams. Fully loaded with all the amenities to make your glamping experience perfect. Fire pit, BBQ, Pizza oven, A/C, Heater, full kitchen with all necessary cookware and serving dishes to cook inside the airstream or on the BBQ or Pizza oven outside. Comes will full bathroom with hot shower. Truly a rare and memorable experience, located within 9 mins of Half Moon Bay shopping. Beach access short walk or drive.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$199
/ night
95% (3.7K) • 315 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat
1. Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat
94%
(293)
15mi from Santa Cruz · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$75
/ night
Elkhorn Ranch
2. Elkhorn Ranch
96%
(339)
21mi from Santa Cruz · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Five minutes from the beach, Elkhorn Ranch is home to goats, sheep, wild chickens followed by their baby chicks, and a couple of cows, dogs, and sheep.
In addition to the animals there is a greenhouse and an acre of pumpkins, corn, and beans. A small fruit orchard borders the chicken coop.
Anybody who enjoys small farm life and activity will find this place enchanting. Norris and Roberta are incredible hosts and inclusive to any guests that want to participate in farm life.
Close to restaurants and the cute harbor town of Moss Landing, 30 minutes from Carmel and Santa Cruz, Elkhorn Ranch can be a place to relax or a gateway to explore Big Sur and all the amazing hidden gems of the Central California Coast.
After your stay here if you would like to continue your exploration of the coast, we have a partner who does surfing tours between Santa Cruz and San Francisco.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566796147238
Thanks and hope to see you soon!
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic table
from
$80
/ night
Terra Cultura
3. Terra Cultura
95%
(225)
24mi from Santa Cruz · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging
Our farm is nestled in the scenic hills of Aromas, CA, just 15 minutes away from the ocean. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip along California’s majestic coast, or looking to spend some time getting to know the lush landscape of the Central Coast, we welcome you with open arms!
We are a nonprofit educational eco-arts farm and your booking supports environmental stewardship and arts education for underserved communities. Thank you for your support!
We place the highest value on respect--for the land, and for the people, plants, and animals that call this area home. While you are here, please consider yourself a partner in stewarding this place.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$89
/ night
Saddle Mountain Carmel
4. Saddle Mountain Carmel
91%
(564)
33mi from Santa Cruz · 68 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Saddle Mountain, RV and Campground!
We are located on 89 acres of forest land off Carmel Valley Road, just 5 miles from HWY 1. Nestled within oaks, Monterey pines, and redwoods, Saddle Mountain offers a great family friendly getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life.
PLEASE NOTE, our RV and tent sites are pet friendly but YOU MUST ADD THE PET FEE EXTRA WHEN MAKING YOUR BOOKING.
We charge $15 per pet and you can bring a maximum of 2 pets.
On site seasonally heated pool (Mid May through Oct).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
*Please continue reviewing/monitoring California Travel guidelines as they may change and affect your reservation*
On site seasonally heated pool (seasonally), private hiking trail, playground, Foosball table and more. No refund for inclement weather during the Winter months.
We provide complementary Wi-Fi in designated areas of the park. We ask that there is no streaming at the Park so we can share Wi-Fi with all our guests.
Thank you!
Toilets
Showers
Full hookups
from
$63
/ night
Dreamy California Coast Airstreams
5. Dreamy California Coast Airstreams
98%
(98)
33mi from Santa Cruz · 4 sites · Lodging
This is private 30 acres property overlooking the stunning Tunitas Beach and Pacific ocean from a breathtaking ocean cliff view. Stunning sunrise and sunset greet you in these fully equipped Airstreams. Fully loaded with all the amenities to make your glamping experience perfect. Fire pit, BBQ, Pizza oven, A/C, Heater, full kitchen with all necessary cookware and serving dishes to cook inside the airstream or on the BBQ or Pizza oven outside. Comes will full bathroom with hot shower. Truly a rare and memorable experience, located within 9 mins of Half Moon Bay shopping. Beach access short walk or drive.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$199
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Shaun
2 weeks ago
With pets
Amazing magical place. Super clean and very peaceful. Super core memory of our family
Thanks!
See more
A
Amy
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Dreamy California Coast Airstreams
The location on top of the bluffs overlooking the ocean is breathtaking. We were cozy and warm and had a lovely stay. We enjoyed the gorgeous sunsets and sunrises, sleeping to the sound of the waves and reading by the fire. Be sure to check your email right at check-in time for details regarding the gate code to enter.
See more
n
niamh
3 weeks ago
1 night at Saddle Mountain Carmel
Immaculate vibes, short drive into Carmel, private setting - I stayed in December and was super cozy and warm! Would return.
See more
J
Jennie
3 weeks ago
Group trip
Had a wonderful experience in this peaceful and amazing space, so much so that as soon as I left I was already looking into booking another experience in the future. . Big Sur accommodated exactly the needs I envisioned for my 30th birthday with my closest friends. We all adored the property so much and wish we could have extended. Though small, it definitely provided enough space and sleeping arrangements for my group. Thank you Saddle Mountain! Can’t wait to return ◡̈
See more
L
Lauren
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Dreamy California Coast Airstreams
What a fun and memorable experience! Airstream #1 was clean, cute and comfortable with all the necessities. We very much enjoyed using the fire pit and watching the waves roll in. The location was excellent too - just minutes from town, but on a secluded bluff. We do wish airstream #1 would have been slightly cheaper since it’s the same price as airstream #2 & #3, which both have unobstructed/ larger views and more land space. However, it was still incredibly gorgeous and unique. We really appreciated how communicative Mark was too! We would love to return with friends for more airstream living!
See moreR
Rory
November 2025
5 nights at Dreamy California Coast Airstreams
Incredible spot, very hard to beat! Kind and conscientious host. As shown in the photos!
See moreR
Rodolfo
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Dreamy California Coast Airstreams
I enjoyed a lovely weekend in Airstream 3. The setting offers incredible views of the Pacific and the California coastline, and the arrival instructions were very clear. The airstream is comfortable, well-appointed, and includes all expected amenities aside from food. The cozy interior and the sound of the rain contributed to a very relaxing atmosphere.
The only drawback is that Airstream 3 is outfitted with twin beds, which may not be ideal for couples. This wasn’t clearly noted in the online description, so it would be helpful to include that for future guests. Overall, a beautiful and memorable stay.
See more
Julian
November 2025
2 nights at Dreamy California Coast Airstreams
I'm a return Hipcamper to the Airstreams! One of the best coastal views in all of California.
See more
C
Cam
November 2025
Group trip
Insane views and sufficient privacy between sites.
See more
B
Billy
November 2025
Tent
I loved our drive-in tent spot. The accommodations were very nice. Really liked watching the sunset from our hillside spot.
See more
S
Shari
October 2025
Tent
With pets
This was my second time camping on Norris and Roberta’s land. They are both so welcoming, and I just love all their goats and sheep and chickens…and the new baby llama! My campsite was very private, making it easy for me to walk my dogs. This is my go-to HipCamp when I am in the area.
See moreJ
Jennifer
October 2025
With kids
Great Hipcamp stay! Very nice unit, good communication from host.
See moreM
MATT
October 2025
With kids
Amazing property. Really appreciated the views, the Adirondack and firepit setup, and pizza setup. The air streams were cozy and had the essentials. The sites are close together but you can either invite your friends or make new ones. I hope to go back!
See more
P
Patrick
October 2025
Tent
This place was so much fun. Great people to hang out with and the animals are so friendly.
See moreB
Beth
September 2025
13 ft Class C
With kids
Norris and Roberta were so welcoming and awesome. Our 6yr old LOVED all the animals and it was an easy trip into Moss Landing and Monterey!
See moreJ
Justin
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Norris and Roberta were the friendliest host. Our family had such a wonderful time at their site, exploring the farm. They welcomed us as if we were old friends and gave took our kids around to hang out with their animals, pick fresh fruits, and run around the property. Our kids loved their dogs too! Norris and Roberta took extra effort to make sure we were comfortable, which we greatly appreciated. The campsite we used was shaded and peaceful with plenty of space for a 6 person tent. Folding tables were available too. The communal fire-pit was nice with some mood string lighting around the area, and Norris/Roberta spent extra time making sure our kids were having fun. So grateful to them for opening up their home and hosting us!
See more
K
Kristen
September 2025
Tent
Loved this place!! Will definitely be back :) the hosts were so friendly and welcoming too
See moreC
Crystal
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Elkhorn Ranch HIP Camp is absolutely a hidden gem for families especially if kids are wild about animals. My children came home with stories about goats, lamas, sheep, cows, dogs, cats, and even the friendly farm dogs who take their sheep-protecting duties seriously (but only bark at night because those coyotes are out there somewhere, plotting a sheep heist!). During the day, those dogs were like gentle, furry tour guides, happy to let my kids snuggle and play.
The children hit the jackpot when the owner's grandkids showed up. They roamed from hay to sunflower patch, chasing each other in farm freedom. The owner, a super helpful and kind Jamaican gentleman, even made us feel like part of the family.
You can zip over to Moss Landing for some beach fun, and the apple farms in Watsonville or Salinas are just up the road, so picking fresh apples was the icing on our farm-fresh cake. We also took the Ottertunity to kayak in Elkhorn Slough to see the sea otters.
Our only “complaint” (if you can call it one) was a little nighttime puppy concert. The dogs only bark when the sheep need guarding, and it felt reassuring, like farm security on furry paws. I was annoyed at first because I was tired. Then he stopped and I was mostly reassured that there were not coyotes around us.
We’ll be back for more s’mores, sunflower selfies, and sheep serenades.
See morea
april
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Very nice host. Calm environment and fun for the kids.
See moreA
Alviel
September 2025
Group trip
Amazing site and stay. Brought my parents here for their first camping/glamping experience and we’re booking our next one already! Thanks, Mark. See you soon!
See more
