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Private camping near Santa Cruz

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If you're looking for a camping experience near Santa Cruz, California, Hipcamp has over 58 private sites to choose from. Whether you prefer a secluded retreat or a bustling campground, there's something for everyone. Prices range from as low as $35 to an average of $199 per night. Some of the top campsites, with rave reviews, include Hideaway Oaks (104 reviews), Roads End, Bradley Lockwood (86 reviews), and BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS (59 reviews). Popular amenities like potable water, showers, and cooking equipment are available, and you can enjoy activities such as horseback riding, whitewater paddling, and exploring historic sites. Embrace the great outdoors with a memorable camping experience!

99% (641) 41 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Cruz

BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

1. BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

97%
(241)
9.4mi from Santa Cruz · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Purchased from the original owner in 1998. Doug has been clearing and improving the ranch for over 20 years. After surviving the CZU Fire in the summer of 2020, the clearing is continuing and the green growth is thriving all over the ranch. Come revive and energize your soul as you experience the the magic of this private redwood forest. Feel the soothing sound and atmosphere of the pristine creek and its' endless flow as it meanders through the ranch. The seclusion and calmness of this place is addicting! PITCH YOUR TENT UNDER THE MAJESTIC REDWOODS ON THE OLDTIMERS SKID LANDING AND ENJOY THE PRIVACY, SERENITY AND THE SOUNDS OF NATURE ALL AROUND YOU. EASY WALKING ON OUR PRIVATE LOGGING ROADS. SEE THE RESULTS OF THE CZU FIRE AS YOUR HIKE DOWN TO THE PRISTINE AND BEAUTIFUL YEAR ROUND CREEK THAT RUNS THOUGH THE RANCH.
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Sacred Earth Retreat (SER)

2. Sacred Earth Retreat (SER)

97%
(86)
11mi from Santa Cruz · 4 sites
For over 40 years, Sacred Earth has been cherished by many as an example of sustainable off-grid living immersed in nature. While it is just 12 minutes drive from the village of Ben Lomond, 30 from Santa Cruz beaches, and 90 minutes to Berkeley, this valley feels as though you are deep in the wilds, complete with old growth Redwoods you can stand inside and far- reaching majestic Madrones. The land is home to the headwaters of Love Creek, with springs to be found in fern gullies and gentle babbling brooks. The breathtaking ridgetop has expansive views down the San Lorenzo Valley southeast and westerly views to Ben Lomond Mountain, the final hill between this place and the Pacific. Don’t miss the sunrise with meandering mist rising off the valley. Large sites allow for family and group gatherings/activities, while small tucked in tent sites provide hidden nooks. Hiking trails (open in dry season only) encircle the land and allow for moderate walks throughout its mostly vertical terrain. What is truly dynamic about Sacred Earth is the sheer diversity of plant and animal species combined with its proximity to world-class surfing, sailing, scuba, mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching, etc. Make your stay in Santa Cruz Mountains at SER.
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Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

3. Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

100%
(22)
14mi from Santa Cruz · 3 sites
Please note we only book one group at a time so whether you are a couple or a large group, you get the whole place privately to yourself. Prices fluctuate based on group size. Our home is nearby on the land in case you need anything. Located an hour drive from the bay area, Camp Cruz is a year-round glamping retreat in the redwoods ideal for people who want a private outdoor getaway in the forest without giving up basic living comforts. It's a perfect destination to unwind, recharge, and create special memories in nature. We are also only 30 minutes from Monterey/Santa Cruz for guests who want to enjoy the beaches and coastal cities. We offer guests 2 private bedrooms: the Raven’s Nest (an aircrete dome) and the Owl’s Nest (a yurt). Larger groups are welcome, and should bring camping gear such as tents and sleeping bags for extra people. We have plenty of great camping spots! There is a fully equipped kitchen with stove, fridge, barbecue grill, electric coffee maker, tables and chairs, and more. The kitchen also has a ping pong table. There is a large geodome furnished as a game room with couches, a lounge area, pool table, foosball table, a bluetooth speaker, games, and music equipment. There are clean composting toilets, hot showers, a wood-burning fire pit, heaters for the cold, a hammock bungalow, a meditation pagoda, a deck overlooking a creek, and disc golf baskets. Guests are responsible for bringing their own firewood or may purchase firewood from us under "EXTRAS". With a fair balance of sunlight and shade, we have a garden and lots of open space to spread out and relax. Free wifi is available. We run a nonprofit outdoor education camp for underprivileged youth, so your stay supports our work to get youth outdoors. Winter lodging.... It can get seasonably cold in the Santa Cruz Mountains during the winter. If visiting in the winter, rest assured we have everything covered to enjoy your stay. We have propane heaters for warmth and comfort. If the power goes out, we have a standby generator that will power up camp provided we are home to turn it on. We have woodstoves in the Owl's Nest and Eagle's Nest. We provide fire starters for the woodstoves; guests are responsible for bringing firewood to keep the woodstoves going or purcchasing it from us under "EXTRAS".
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Double Bear

4. Double Bear

100%
(27)
15mi from Santa Cruz · 4 sites
Double Bear is a rugged three yurt glamping escape in the Santa Cruz Mountains, a secluded setting on a 1.5 mile mountain dirt road among towering redwoods with sweeping views, just 30 minutes from Silicon Valley. It is designed for those who appreciate quiet beauty, a touch of adventure, and the feeling of being truly off the map without being far from it. Our camp features three sleeping yurts, a spacious shared kitchen yurt, and a bathhouse, all thoughtfully placed to let the landscape take center stage. The yurts, up to 30 feet in diameter, offer a unique sense of space and comfort in a natural setting. Soak in the hot tub beneath the trees, enjoy dinner on the pavilion terrace, gather around the fire, or wander the woods at your own pace. Privacy Up the hill sits a separate art house that is occasionally rented, while the owner lives about 10 minutes down the road and is available if needed. You also have the option to book the entire camp, three yurts with 16 plus beds, along with the kitchen yurt and bathhouse, for your group. Hiking / Biking The land is steep, rugged, and spans 83 acres of private forest. You are free to explore and discover hidden corners of the property. You may come across some remarkable surprises along the way. Getting around takes effort, and that is part of the experience. Surrounding area • Two highly rated wineries within a 10 minute drive • Groceries, breakfast, lunch, and dinner options about 15 minutes away • Castle Rock State Park and Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve approximately 20 minutes away Getting here is part of the adventure Double Bear is about a 30 minute drive from Los Gatos. The final stretch is a 1.2 mile drive up a steep dirt road, crossing Bear Creek and winding through the mountains. The road is suitable for 2WD vehicles, just be comfortable driving on dirt roads. Wi Fi Once you arrive, you will have access to reliable, low latency satellite Wi Fi around camp. Cell service can be limited, so we recommend downloading maps in advance. Our approach Double Bear is not built as a for profit venture, but as a place to share the land and its experience. We are just getting started, and your feedback is truly appreciated as we continue shaping it.
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Sacred Owl Land

5. Sacred Owl Land

99%
(63)
15mi from Santa Cruz · 4 sites
Welcome to Sacred Owl Land — A Sanctuary for the Soul Tucked into the serene hills of California’s central coast, Sacred Owl Land is a sacred, off-grid retreat space designed for rest, renewal, and reconnection with nature. We invite you to unwind in one of our two thoughtfully crafted cabana stays, each offering comfort, privacy, and expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Each cabana features: A beautiful queen-size bed or california King bed, loft style Private indoor sink and hot shower French press with coffee & tea (the tea is harvested from our land) and basic utensils Small fridge Large windows for stargazing or sunset watching from bed Access to a shared outdoor composting toilet Guests staying in either cabana also enjoy access to beautiful shared spaces, including: A hot tub under the stars A communal fire pit A BBQ area A peaceful outdoor yoga deck with ocean views Whether you're soaking in the tub, practicing morning yoga, or enjoying the stillness of the land, Sacred Owl Land offers a deeply nourishing experience for body and spirit. Located just 20 minutes from the beach and walking distance to a local winery, it's a perfect escape into simplicity and sacred beauty. For movement and mindfulness, we offer both an outdoor yoga deck with ocean views and an indoor yoga shala for quiet practice or group sessions. Sacred Owl Land is ideal for retreating, gathering, or simply being. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby walking trails and scenic hikes. More details will be shared after
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Camp Rewilding

6. Camp Rewilding

94%
(58)
15mi from Santa Cruz · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Secluded private campsites for those willing to make the trek up the mountain. Guests love the privacy, wildlife sightings, and beautiful mountain setting. Whether you’re exploring nearby hiking trails, visiting Gilroy Gardens, or taking a scenic drive to Santa Cruz, this is the perfect base for an outdoor getaway. Amenities include picnic tables, fire pits, and a clean pit toilet to make your rustic camping experience comfortable. Please note: the final few miles to camp are on a rustic mountain road with uneven terrain. The drive is part of the adventure!
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Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

7. Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

100%
(63)
19mi from Santa Cruz · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Looking for a place to relax, recharge or explore surrounding areas of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties? Vega Vortex is home to the Gaia Health Retreat which possesses vortex energy! Expect a warm greeting upon arrival. Parking is close to our Vega Vortex sign and a short walk to your tent. Filtered potable water, electricity, composting toilet, and shower with "on demand" hot/cold water are available. Instructions for use are available should you need assistance. Experience 3 campsites: BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent) Tent Site (#1) 10'x10', BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent) Site (#2) 8'x8' or an onsite Bell tent complete with carpeted padded flooring, camp lights, shelving, 2 bed frames each with a memory foam mattress plus bedding. All sites have shaded areas, and picnic tables. *A shower and a compost toilet are available for use to all campers. Enjoy a designated smoking/vaping spot, multiple benches, swings, a "grounding" spot, birding, water fountains and art. A no noise policy by the county occurs at 9 pm. Due to a high risk fire zone, no open fires (small camp stoves are ok). Due to the proximity of the tents right next to Vega Rd, sounds from vehicles can be heard. We are situated in a rural neighborhood setting, with sounds of sheep, goats, chickens, wild turkeys, dogs and many birds nestled between both counties. The terrain is hilly with a few gopher holes. Staying on paths limits poison oak exposure. While respecting your privacy, we can be seen improving the property. *For precautionary measures, we ask that you sign our waiver immediately after you book your reservation. The waiver is "REQUIRED" for you to be able to stay here at the Vega Vortex. Vega Vortex has been called a Park and Machu Picchu due to the amphitheater landscaping of terracing. Practicing permaculture, a diversity of pollinating plants/ flowers, organic garden and art features exist. Minutes away from National Parks, the Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz Beach Board Walk, Roaring Camp Train, Monterey Bay Aquarium, National Steinbeck Center, Moss Landing, Elkhorn Slough/Canoe/Kayak, Estuaries (bird watching), golfing and multiple beaches. As a gift for staying here, you may receive either a bottle of "structured" water, a healing tincture, salve, a bottle of infused olive oil or another healing product curated from the Vega Vortex!
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Red Dot Ranch

8. Red Dot Ranch

100%
(12)
27mi from Santa Cruz · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Red Dot Ranch offers a scenic, regenerative farm camping experience overlooking Pescadero and the Pacific Ocean. About the Land • The Vibe: The hillside has a gentle spirit with a glorious sunset golden hour over the Pacific, and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and watershed. Beyond the scenery, this is a space for curiosity and ecological innovation to remember that we don't just visit nature—we are part of it. • Our Mission: Red Dot Ranch is a working farm and foundation operating as a regenerative field station for food and shelter, moving good ideas from the lab to the land with a strategic focus on water. • Indigenous Land Acknowledgement: Red Dot Ranch is located on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone. We understand the inherent inconsistency in celebrating and learning our place in nature while pretending to own land which can never truly be owned and is part of us. We wish to recognize indigenous knowledge and pay our respects to the Ancestors, Elders, and Community of the Ramaytush and to affirm their sovereign rights as First Peoples. The Campsites and Amenities • The Sites: Open field campsites with sweeping ocean, mountain and valley views. • Parking and Access: Accessed via a steep, newly surfaced driveway with ample parking available. • Restrooms: One ADA-accessible porta-potty on site. • Showers: No showers available. On-Site Experiences and Features • Market Garden: Stroll the garden and book an add-on experience to harvest, cook, and eat with Co-Founder Mark Curtiss. • Farm Animals: Free range chickens and add-on experience to collect fresh eggs for your breakfast. Our rooster Wallace has his own enclosure and will let you know when it is morning. • Farm Meal: Book a private lunch or dinner prepared by Mark Curtiss. You can check our website for past dinner photos. • Wooded Trails: Meander along art-lined paths cut through the woods. • Picnic Area: Relax at picnic tables and seating with an ocean view, equipped with solar lights, grill facilities. Essential Camper Rules (Pack In, Pack Out) • Bring Water: No potable water is available on site. Please bring your own. • Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash. Pescadero has no municipal trash collection, so please do not leave your refuse in town. • Parking: Use designated areas so the soil does not get compacted. • Fire: No use of the fire pit.
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Windsor Family Farm

9. Windsor Family Farm

100%
(789)
27mi from Santa Cruz · 2 sites
We are a small farm in Silicon Valley. We are basically a petting zoo and kid-friendly destination! You can stay in our "Flying Pig" cabin (sleeps up to 5), or our "Room with a view of a Ewe" (sleeps 3)....or bring friends 'n' family - and reserve both :-) Please PLEASE read further for more information! and read again just before you come :-) The guest restroom (outside entry in the main house) is shared with other guests. I clean it every day, between every group or guest. We have bikes for kids, playhouses, playground, so many kid activities....and of course, animals galore!! You can feed or pet many of them. Relax, the place is yours! One mile away is Harvey Bear County Park, with trails for bikes, horses or walking. We are 5 minutes from the Gilroy Outlets, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle! Come, relax and enjoy nature! Enjoy Gilroy Gardens (seasonally) or go hiking at a nearby State or County Park. Or just relax at the Farm. We will make this a special day for you! Let us know if you are celebrating an event * CHECK-IN is after 4:00pm and please give us a 30 min heads-up before your arrival. CHECK OUT is 10am, unless previous arrangements have been made. Please be as specific as you can regarding your arrival time (so I can make the temp in there as comfortable as possible, turn on lights as needed, etc.) ** We are a "Bed and Breakfast"; most days we have other day-guests and events here, so please respect the arrival and check-out times. If you stay 2 nights, please be aware that you most likely won't have the whole farm to yourselves during the day. This is an animal farm. If you love new animal experiences, this is the place for you! If you are scared of or allergic to cats or dogs, this might not be the place for you! If you can't handle new smells and sounds, this might not be the place for you. You will feed and enjoy the animals; please respect their space, no chasing and no going into their enclosures. There is dirt, dust and various country critters. We love Country Life!! If you are adventurous and love animals and want a unique experience, come check us out! Restroom available in the main house (short walk from the cabin). Small fridge and microwave next to the restroom. There is no kitchen/oven/stove available. Gas Fire pit available ; there is no BBQ. We are exceptionally cautious with camp fires. If it is particularly hot and windy, there will be no fires. We now have a gas fire pit where you can create smores or just enjoy the campfire ambiance. Price is $175 for the Flying Pig (up to 5 total). Another option (as an add-on): you can pitch a tent for $45. "The Flying Pig" has a queen bed, bunk beds twin size, and a loft with a twin mattress, all bedding included. You are not just paying for a place to sleep; you are paying for an experience and the enjoyment of our property :-). We serve a continental breakfast (free) or hot breakfast ($35/cabin) between 8-9am. (we can accommodate vegetarian and dairy free diets; let us know before you come). We provide bedding and towels. There is A/C and a plug-in heater in The Flying Pig. Please do not bring additional things to plug in except for chargers for phone/electronic devices. We are approximately 1 1/2 hours south of San Francisco, 30 min south of San Jose (without traffic). Gilroy Gardens is 15 min away; Harvey Bear County park is 1 mile away; Monterey and Santa Cruz and the Pinnacles National Park are approximately 1 hour away. We recommend bringing dinner or eating before arrival to maximize your evening. Contact us for more info. If you want to celebrate a birthday and bring friends for the evening, there is an additional fee for parties. (Please contact us about this). If you want to bring a few friends just to enjoy the evening, we now have that as an add-on. SPECIAL PACKAGES :-). Must be PRE-ordered and paid thru Hipcamp or upon arrival ~ *smore's kit (Everything -- including use of our gas fire pit -- that you will need to create amazing roasted marshmallows and smores sandwiches!) $20 *Child Birthday package: small gift and special treat $10 *use of fire pit (propane expense) $10
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Bear Gulch Hide Out

10. Bear Gulch Hide Out

99%
(209)
30mi from Santa Cruz · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This 60 acre property is located approximately 3 miles east of San Gregorio Beach in the San Gregorio area. There is no home here, only a travel trailer on the Upper Meadow. It is very peaceful, quiet and beautiful throughout the seasons. We are 5 minutes away from the San Gregorio General Store and cafe and 20 minutes from Alice's Restaurant. We have great cell coverage for Verizon, AT&T and Visible. Experience shows that T-Mobile does not work here and I don't know about the other internet providers. There are four campsites, each with easy 4WD access. Two of the sites offer total isolation with amazing views while the third site, while in a nice setting, is more useful for a quick overnight stay with no views of the ocean or canyon. Please note that five easy-going cows (no bulls) reside on this property. Dear winter and spring campers, please consider using "Sensible Weather" for your trip protection in the event of heavy rain or even high temperatures in the summer and fall. I have not used this insurance feature but the description makes it look worth considering, available when reserving on Hipcamp.
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Moon Crest Valley Ranch

11. Moon Crest Valley Ranch

100%
(21)
37mi from Santa Cruz · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Join us to host your next getaway at the beautiful Moon Crest Valley Ranch. A perfect spot for intimate get togethers that immerse you in nature and offer breathtaking views and countless activities on over 45 acres. This is a magical spot for our family and we can’t wait to share it with yours. You will be the exclusive campers on the property after booking and the owners will reside in their house. Potential activities on site include Private Hiking Trails, Breathtaking Ocean Views, Bocce Ball, Wiffle Ball, Golf Chipping, Soccer, and more... Guests are responsible for bringing their own camping gear. Of note, the main campsite is 1/2 mile hike from parking and has a portable camping toilet setup. One of our favorite spaces is the barn area which has a fire pit, multiple seating areas with views, an oversized picnic table, bocce ball, a grill and even a TV. This is a must hangout spot during the evenings for many guests before they hike back up to the campsite to retire for the night. There is also a portable toilet at the barn for guest convenience. Moon Crest Valley Ranch is located less than 10 minutes from the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay and 15 minutes from scenic Main Street Half Moon Bay. We are also only 1/2 mile away from the Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve Trailhead that has an additional 30+ miles of gorgeous trails to explore. Bring your hiking shoes or bike!
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Kings Mountain Camp w/ ocean views

12. Kings Mountain Camp w/ ocean views

99%
(144)
37mi from Santa Cruz · 4 sites
Breathe deep in nature on our 10-acre property on Kings Mountain, California hillside. Our generously sized Safari-style tents offer a unique blend of comfort and adventure. Each tent has beds, down comforters, crisp cotton linens, lights, and more. Outdoor and indoor furniture and little touches that will make your stay unique. The property is located 30min from SFO, 40min from San Francisco, 30min from Palo Alto, 20 min from Half Moon Bay. Each tent is perched on a sturdy wooden platform and features a fully furnished deck, providing a cozy space to relax and soak in the breathtaking ocean (Half Moon Bay views) and forest views (Kings Mountain). All tents include a mini fridge and a stove, ideal for light cooking, intimate fireside storytelling, and warmth during cool days. We suggest you bring easy-to-prep food, drinks, warm clothes, hiking shoes, and a beanie, as it can get chilly without notice. Your designated parking space is a 6-minute walk from the campsite (downhill on arrival, then back uphill (steep) in the forest), so we recommend traveling light. Our Farm, Animals & Presence Fancy Camp shares the property with our small working farm, so you’re guaranteed to meet a few of our residents during your stay. You may also see us tending to the land and animals throughout the day—we always try to do so respectfully and as discreetly as possible. Messy & Salma, two of our dogs, keep watch over the chickens and goats. If you hear them barking at night, they’re simply doing their job protecting the land and its animals. Our chickens also get an early start, so they may occasionally provide your natural morning alarm. Our friendly goats roam the property during the day and may wander over for pets and nuzzles. They’re gentle and curious, but please don’t feed them or invite them inside your tent. The same goes for our cats and other dogs, no matter how convincing they may be! If you ever need assistance with any of the animals, please reach out to us before 8:00 pm. Recharge from the day with a hot shower. Grab your fresh towels from your tent and go to your outdoor allocated bathhouses, where you’ll find an indoor shower and well-appointed restrooms. They are nicely lit and stocked with bath products. A sink area is available for dish clean-up, a bbq/picnic area, fire pit & cedar wood hot tub (to be booked separately). KM is famous for its hiking and biking trails nestled amongst the redwoods. The closest is a 15-minute walk from our campsite, and others are within a 15-minute car ride. Tent 01 (180sqft) accommodates 3 people in a queen-size bed and a daybed. Tent 02 (210sqft) accommodates 4 people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a bunk bed and an outdoor suspended net Tent 03 (210sqft) accommodates 4 people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a twin bed + daybed and an outdoor propane stove, hangout deck Recently added: an apartment w a hot tub Kids under the age of 8 are not allowed. An adult must accompany minors under 21 YO.
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Mountain Paradise

13. Mountain Paradise

89%
(32)
42mi from Santa Cruz · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
New Location established 2026 January. Located on Cachagua Road in Carmel Valley. Cachagua means “hidden waters” in native and is inspired by the Carmel River and Cachagua Dam nearby. While 8 miles from Carmel valley village and 20 from Carmel by the Sea, our weather is consistently warm and sunny as we are tucked in the hills and in the Valley, surrounded by trees in Los Padres National Forest. Within a mile from the property you will have access to single track trails that connect via foot with Big Sur and the Ventana wilderness area in the Santa Lucia Mountains. On the property itself, you will have access to an electrical outlet and water hookup. 36 feet long by 18 feet wide lot... that means 36 feet long including trailer and towing vehicle. *Gate entry to site is 140 inches wide
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field