98% (493)
Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Cruz
98% (493)
Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Cruz
Camper favorites near Santa Cruz
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Joey
3 weeks ago
16 ft car
Absolutely stunning campsite. Perfectly flat, spacious, and surrounded by incredible Redwood-lined ridges — plus a panorama of one of the most beautiful peninsulas on Earth. Easy to find, easy to settle into. Rebecca was super accommodating. Could not recommend it more. We’ll definitely be back.
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Lauren
3 weeks ago
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!
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Cath
November 2025
Tent
With pets
We really enjoyed our stay here! The campsite is spacious, private, and wonderfully quiet — exactly what we were looking for. Our anxious dog actually slept better here than at any other campsite we’ve been to, which says a lot. He didn’t wake up every few minutes to check the surroundings; he was completely at peace.
A couple of things to note: the kitchen area could use a bit of attention. Also, make sure to arrive before dark. The driveway is very steep, but my 2WD was able to make it with careful driving.
Overall, a beautiful and peaceful spot, and we would definitely come back!
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Alison
November 2025
With pets
This site is absolutely beautiful! The view is gorgeous. The Airstream is comfortably outfitted. The hosts are lovely and communicative. My Labrador and I had a great stay!
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Janice and Gary
November 2025
2 nights at Tunitas Beach Overlook - Airstream
It’s very special, quiet, and peaceful. Very small make sure you like each other. Definitely going to return.
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Inna
November 2025
With pets
Just the most perfect escape. Location 10/10. Communication 10/10. We loved it!
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Andrew
November 2025
2 nights at Tunitas Beach Overlook - Airstream
Incredible location and views, would definitely go back. The airstream was great and Deano was super helpful with all instructions / logistics.
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Nick
November 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
Great quiet spot! The drive up had me take a very narrow road that I had to back up on so opposing traffic could pass- on my way out it took me on a wider road- just be aware if you’re on the narrow road to go slow and if on weekend be prepared to see tons of cyclists. I’m surprised time went by so quickly! I messed up and thought I booked a second night and it didn’t go through, so the hipcamper who came and Rebecca the host were very gracious about it and let me stay a second night anyways (thank you both!). Would definitely come back again. I didn’t use the porta potty- but it’s great that they offer it! The weather was beautiful and clear, warm even towards the end of November. Very damp at night as others have said, so kept things inside that can’t get wet. Had a great, peaceful time!
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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!
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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.
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Douglas
November 2025
2 nights at Tunitas Beach Overlook - Airstream
Absolutely stunnigly beautiful! Bad storm epic moved in overnight cut our stay short! Will be back!!
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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.
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Mike
November 2025
Tent
Beautiful view at sunrise. Whether you come up from the Los Gatos or the Morgan Hill/Gilroy side, it will go off road but you just have to take it slow and the average car would do just fine. Great spot tho, perfect space for tent camping.
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C
Cam
November 2025
Group trip
Insane views and sufficient privacy between sites.
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dustin
November 2025
18 ft campervan
perfect spot. one of my favorite parts of hipcamp is the option to search for more private spots. if you’re looking for a quiet & private retreat for a few nights…this one is wonderful. spacious spot with an absolutely stunning sunrise. will definitely be back!
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Da Da
November 2025
With pets
Amazing place, the most amazing views - truly took our breath away. We will be coming back for sure!
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Chase
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
We really love the idea that this space was in a lot of nature, but also had just enough amenities to keep our big group from having to work too hard on our relaxing weekend away
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Genevieve
November 2025
Tent
With pets
This is an incredibly peaceful site, where the only sound at night is the ocean and the only reminder that you are close to a major city are the planes flying in and out of SFO in the distance. We saw lots of wildlife like a family of quails hanging around the edge of the site. Our dog loved exploring the area. We were hoping to hike on the redwood forest trail that ends near the site, but realized dogs are not allowed there, so we just walked down the road from the site instead and enjoyed the beautiful valley views until we could see the ocean. It definitely would be more of a primitive camping experience if not for the pristine Porta-potty, which we didn’t mind. The picnic table and chairs were a nice bonus, though the umbrellas were missing some parts. As others have mentioned and the host shared with us, things will be quite wet in the morning. Rebecca gave us super helpful recommendations on which nearby beaches we could take our dog
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Stephanie
October 2025
12 ft pop-up camper
Wonderful spot!! So quiet and spacious with a lovely view.
The mornings here are glorious!
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alejandrina
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Great stay! The host provided clear and accurate info for accessing the property and using all the amenities. This is an excellent spot for families, swings, zip line, ropes, beautiful views, fire pits, BBQ, lounge chairs, and picnic tables. The place is spacious and peaceful. Just note that a 4x4 vehicle is definitely needed to get there. Would stay again!
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The best pets off leash camping near Santa Cruz guide
Where to go
Big Basin Redwoods
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is home to a 2,000-year-old Redwood named Mother of the Forest, which stands 300 feet tall. The protected groves of coast redwoods in Big Basin and neighboring Little Basin are among the state’s most magnificent—and resilient. Once recovered from wildfires and reopened to the public, these camps will again offer tent spots and cabins for rent.
Felton
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park covers 40 acres of old-growth redwood trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Henry Cowell boasts a popular swimming hole known as the Garden of Eden, as well as trails for hiking and horseback riding. Next door in Felton is Roaring Camp Railroads, where you can ride a steam locomotive through the forest.
Capitola
New Brighton State Beach sits on a bluff surrounded by eucalyptus trees. In addition to tent sites, the campground has RV sites with hookups, but trailers looking for an RV park should check Seacliff State Beach. Sunset State Beach Campground, which lies further south along Monterey Bay, overlooks a quiet, uncrowded beach near Pajaro Dunes. Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA isn't far if you're looking for family camping with lots of amenities.
Monterey
Follow Highway 1 around the bay all the way to Monterey, home to a state-of-the-art aquarium. En route, it’s worth a stop at Elkhorn Slough—part of the Moss Landing State Wildlife Area—where campers can rent a kayak and paddle among the sea otters.
When to go
Summertime in Santa Cruz attracts crowds, and the beaches and campsites tend to fill up. Book ahead and plan your trip well ahead of time, or explore during the off-season. Autumn and spring are typically temperate, while cooler months may require preparations for rain. From December to February, thousands of monarch butterflies overwinter in Monarch Grove, a natural preserve at Natural Bridges State Beach where you can visit tidepools year-round.
Know before you go
- Some parks and forest trails may remain closed due to dangerous conditions or fire damage.
- Dogs are allowed in some campsites, picnic areas, and select trails in California state parks.
- Participate in the Crumb Clean Campaign to protect the marbled murrelet, an endangered seabird that nests in the forest canopy.
- Surfboards and equipment, including wetsuits, can be rented at Cowell Beach on the Santa Cruz Wharf.
- Felton features a historic downtown where campers can purchase provisions at a natural foods store, find delicious eats, and enjoy wine tasting and craft beers.