River, stream, or creek camping near Santa Cruz

Redwoods and crashing waves are the backdrop of this seaside city by the mountains.

94% (1481 reviews)
94% (1481 reviews)

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12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Santa Cruz

91%
(170)

Hidden Spring Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Santa Cruz, CA
Magical 6 acre permaculture ranch just a few minutes to town, beaches and restaurants. Take a bath under a clear night sky, enjoy the morning birdsong and take a stroll on or off the property. We have free ranging chickens, a hidden spring surrounded by two creeks and wild plums. Happy Valley is a secret little gem of Santa Cruz. Plenty of space for relaxing, and amazing location for both convenience and adventures. (2 of the 3 sites have the tubs please read individual descriptions to find out if the one you chose has one)
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$55
 / night
98%
(81)

Up Shit Creek

7 sites · Lodging, Tents12 acres · Boulder Creek, CA
12 Acres in the Redwoods. Creekside. We have a private driveway with lots of secluded Space. lots of chickens usually an endless supply of eggs for breakfast. Small campfires available. Cabin renters have access to Hot showers, wood-burning stove, kitchen amenities and running water. Porta potty only The cabins are located Away from our living area. Main cabin is overlooking the creek and the tent sites, creekside cabin is down near the swimming hole and tent sites. Tent sites are located next to the creek or up near the community fire pit. This is our home, it is private, eclectic and filled with natural beauty. That being said, it is by no means pristine. We have the occasional junk pile like most off grid homesteaders do. We do not throw out some things that others would. We try to find a use for old and weathered equipment and materials. Our cabin is built completely with recycled and reclaimed materials. Like I said, we do not like to waste anything, so you may notice a few parts and pieces laying around.
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$65
 / night
92%
(59)

Bella Foret (beautiful forest)

8 sites · Tents2 acres · Portola Valley, CA
Bella Foret, “beautiful forest” A Gem Nestled along La Honda creek between San Francisco and Half Moon Bay . Dog and other friendly, attached hiking trails to waterfalls, creek from property. Owner lives on site. some sites allow fires in permitted fire pits. (local wood only!) All inclusive campsites including toilet, outdoor shower and kitchen. Electricity and potable water provided. Sites limited to 2-3 person tent and quiet hours are strictly adhered.
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$85
 / night
93%
(190)

Redwood Paradise Camping

15 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · CA
PLEASE READ Hello all! If you're looking for some glamping with creature comforts, while just being 10 minutes away from restaurants. This is the place for you. We are a 5 acre property and home surrounded by tall redwood and oak trees. Very green and lots of shade. These are the amenities/facilities you will have free access to: Pool, Pool chairs and umbrellas, Deck area with sunset view, Trampolines, and hammocks. There is not cooking allowed by or at any of the common areas, due to flies and critters. Cooking and eating is only allowed by your sites and not in any common areas: Hammocks, Trampolines, Pool Area, tables, sink, and deck please follow this rule because we want to prevent our shared areas to be fly and bug infested. We are still working on ridding the flies and cleaning. (please try to bring prepackaged food or something easy. If anything you can drive 10 minutes to nearby food and grocery). In the past we let people cook and eat around the pool but now our whole property is fly infested and I find scattered leftovers on the ground. Thanks for understanding. THERE IS A 1-2 MINUTE HIKE TO THE CAMPSITES 1-5! Poolside campsites are closer to the parking and are bigger. FOR ALL CAMPSITES Free coffee in the mornings on the deck! If you have pets make sure to include the extra fee per pet please! We are very near the Lost Empire Hiking trail less than a mile away! We ask you to please let us know your ETA 30 minutes before coming as there is spotty connection. FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE NOT POTTY TRAINED POOL DIAPERS ARE REQUIRED. WE DO NOT SHARE ELECTRICITY! CHECK OUT OUR NEW LODGING: This property is my home that I live in with my 2 kids. It is a rustic and homey vibe, definitely not a hotel. We want you to come knowing what to expect. Our property offers a pool, and trampolines for the kids. We have a deck patio area that overlooks an amazing view of the redwood forest. Most of our guests are those that come from foreign countries and they all LOVE the property. I love leaving a great impression of our area. RULES: Pack your trash. Rinse your feet before entering the pool. No floaties and pool toys of any type allowed. Do not leave children unsupervised. Do not sit on the edge of the reclinable chairs. Do not sit along the edge of the pool or on the pool cover box. All tables are solely for drinking, cooking is only available on the stumps or on tables brought by the camper. Be mindful of the area, do not litter or toss food anywhere except your trash bag. No dogs by the pool area. Dogs must be on leash at all times and clean up after them. No eating inside rooms or the cabin. Come to the deck to check-out. No smoking. (With exception of vapes, do not smoke in common areas) No campfires or any grills with a large open flame PROPANE ONLY!:) Thank you!:)
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$90
 / night
99%
(112)

Whiskey Hill Barn and Camp

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Watsonville, CA
Stay within minutes of Manresa, Sand Dollar, and Sunset State beaches. There are excellent biking and hiking opportunities on the Watsonville and Elkhorn sloughs, or commune with the redwoods in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. The air is amazing here, between the salt sea and redwood forest. We welcome you to relax and refresh on the Monterey Bay coast.
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$75
 / night
98%
(125)

Mission Ranch "Mi Querida"

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · CA
Known to many in the Bay Area as the "Nearby Getaway" is a quick and easy 60 minute drive from the SF Bay Area. Come to relax in peace and quiet, pleasant outdoor. A short drive away but far from troubles you've left behind! Relax and rejuvenate. The weather is always temperate, sometimes the evening marine layer lavishly blankets the rolling hills like cotton. Evening campfires are cozy and safe. For the ultimate Nearby Getaway book the entire property and bring along your own selected guest list of friends or family. We invite private groups to exclusive use of the property for Getaways, family & friends picnics, celebrations, reunions, even weddings. Day use or overnite facilities. Groups of 1-100. Easy access to Highway 101 for "Nearby Getaways" or convenient stops along your travels. NEWS FLASH: Skip the long stopover at urban EV charging stations. Charge your EV overnite! Special rates for stopover charging! Easy off and on to Highway 101, 129. 156 and on your way! Come to your "Nearby Getaway" at Mi Querida - an easy drive from the SF Bay Area - for great sky views, and pleasant country walks, or step back in time to the Mission-era town of San Juan Bautista without commercialism! Well, we do have a gas station, a market, the active mission, of course, a step back in history, a few quaint restaurants, craft beer and local wines in our "one-horse" historical town. Host is a well-experienced event and tour planner. Simply ask for recommendations. Learn more about this land: This is a large flat site with rolling hills, lovely rural views, rolling oak studded pastureland, open views, lovely sunsets and beautiful mornings. Very quiet, private, peaceful and serene. Afternoon breezes while red tailed hawks ride the thermals, and woodpeckers work on their treasure hoarde. Spot the breeding pair of Bald Eagles who swoop down almost low enough to touch! Wildlife abounds. Easy access from Highway 101, yet private and secluded. Historic San Juan Bautista Mission and town nearby. Monterey/Carmel 30 minutes. Santa Cruz/Beaches 20 minutes. Hollister, Salinas, or Gilroy 20 minutes. Site will accommodate RV, Sprintervan, or trailer 50/30/20 amp service. Tents welcome too! Water. Ranch "outhouse" with flushable composting style toilet, running hot & cold water, shower and electricity. Bunkhouse rustic accommodations available. Contact Host for details. Tent and Car Top Tent sites also available. Contact Host for details. Beautiful peaceful historic San Juan Bautista. Quaint historic mission town nearby with restaurants. Hiking trails nearby Horseback riding woods & beach. Equine Facilities available. 20 min to beach or redwoods. Beautiful rural area. Weddings, anniversaries, celebrations of life; event camp; event site. Family groups and events always welcome! Call for more information. NOTE: This property is located in a very private country area. It is approximately 10 minutes from the small historic town of San Juan Bautista. We meet our first time guests at the Park & Ride as a welcome courtesy so you can easily follow us in and around the potholes on our rural roads! Let us know if we can assist you with any special interests or attractions in the Monterey Bay and Central Coast Area. As your hosts, our goal is that you will rest easy, enjoy the relaxation, peace and harmony for your "getaway."
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$115
 / night
100%
(19)

Gro 4 Gold Plant Studio

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Pescadero, CA
Come visit a magical agricultural space enriched by our most precious natural resources: land, animals, love and beauty. Situated in the most desirable mild Mediterranean climate of Pescadero, where the Pacific Ocean breezes moderate temperatures, and nestled in a valley of the Santa Cruz Mountains, we're under an hour from Silicon Valley, San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Level pasture land, creek access, majestic trees. RV parking, tent or hammock camping, and lots of room for spreading out. Bike into Downtown Pescadero, walk to Harley Farms and visit the goats, hike Butano Canyon, and you are only 3.334 miles from Pescadero State Beach.
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$75
 / night
98%
(136)

BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

2 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Santa Cruz, CA
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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$125
 / night
98%
(208)

Star Route

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Carmel Valley, CA
The original owner, of this property, Varisto,  was a happy go lucky bootlegger back in the day, that welcomed many to try his brew and listen to a song or two on the accordion.  He's good neighbor, a famous cowboy artist, Jack Swanson, and he used to have fun fishing out of the river, and sharing a glass or two.  One day as Jack was herding his cattle through the area, past Princess Camp, located across the street, he spend a little too long here at Star Route, and to his surprise, the cattle had made their way into Princess Camp startling a few campers outside their airstreams.The Esselen Indians settled just up the road at the Cachagua Community Park back in the 1800's right by the Carmel River, which has an old stone house above the river, and many places to sit and reflect.
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$100
 / night
99%
(163)

Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping

36 sites · Lodging112 acres · Carmel Valley, CA
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
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$179
 / night
98%
(20)

Sacred Earth Retreat (SER)

1 site · Tent50 acres · Boulder Creek, CA
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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$65
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79%
(65)

Skyview

14 sites · Tents23 acres · Boulder Creek, CA
With 23 gorgeous acres, Skyview is the perfect place to enjoy nature and the elements. You can hike our ridge trail for spectacular views of the Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz mountains. You can relax in one of our Skypods and take a nap or read a book beneath a 200 year old oak tree. Go swimming in our huge pond and do yoga/meditate/journal on the adjoining beach. There's a grandmother (old-growth) redwood tree to visit plus a wonderful diversity of wildflowers and native plants to study and appreciate. Birds soar in the skies above (hawks, ravens, vultures) while the calls of morning doves and owls gently fill the air at dawn and dusk. And our sunsets...wow!!
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$65
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River, stream, or creek camping near Santa Cruz guide

Overview

Looking to go camping near Santa Cruz, California and have a preference for being near a river? Look no further than The Enchanted Forest Retreat! With over 440 options in the area that offer river access, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're looking for a secluded retreat or a lively campground, Hipcamp has got you covered. Some of the top campsites in the area include The Meadows at Isleton and DABUDAGE. Plus, with popular amenities like campfires, showers, and potable water, you'll have all the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. Don't wait, start planning your camping trip today!

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