The best family-friendly glamping near Santa Maria

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The largest city in Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria draws wine enthusiasts looking for a base for exploring area wineries and easy access to the nearby Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. While wine is the big draw, the city is also known for its style of barbecue, unusual for a West Coast destination. While you won't find public campgrounds in Santa Maria, there are campgrounds in Los Padres National Forest nearby and at Pismo State Beach. Plenty of Hipcamps and a few privately run camping options also sit within a short drive of the city.

98% (2.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Hazel Homestead- Central Coast Farm

1. Hazel Homestead- Central Coast Farm

100%
(98)
6.8mi from Santa Maria · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging · Nipomo, CA
We are a small farm on a 1 acre gated property that has two RV spots and a bar shed. We have full hookups in both sites. Our town is rural but it's still close to HWY 101. We do live on the property, close enough if you need anything but far enough for privacy. We host happy hour for campers who are interested. Although the hours depend on arrival and our availability. We have a common area between the two sites that offered a nice fire pit. Our farm has 3 goats, 2 pot bellied pigs and 20 chickens that lay fresh eggs daily. We LOVE animals but we CANNOT ALLOW PETS. Also, sorry no tent camping. RV's only. We do not provide bathrooms or showers on site. Don’t have an RV? RENT OURS! We have everything you need for your family. Enjoy a weekend on the farm and glamp in our RV. We have all the amenities of home. Coming to enjoy the area? The property is just a few mins off the 101 freeway on the Central Coast. We are only 15 mins South of Pismo Beach, 30 mins south of San Luis Obispo and an hour North of Santa Barbara. The beach, wineries and shopping are all very close. Or if you are looking for a quiet retreat with some super sweet farm animals stay here and enjoy the farm. We do rent both sites out at the same time so if it’s privacy you are looking for please message us. Or If you would like to camp with friends or family we can accommodate two additional trailers. Again please message us to arrange this. Come stay awhile! It doesn't get any better than this!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

3. Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

99%
(1133)
29mi from Santa Maria · 38 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Gaviota, CA
Howdy, campers, We removed our 10-paragraph description, our reviews and photos say it all. Feel free to ask any questions, we will get back to you ASAP. Before you ask: Yes, we have two outdoor showers. Yes, you can use a propane camp stove or cook at our common area bbq in front of the barn where we light a real wood fire for campers to socialize with us, other campers and visit our speakeasy. Yes, we provide propane for the propane fire pits. Yes, your dog can run off-leash. Yes, each site has a picnic table, umbrella, propane fire pit. Most sites have a hammock and hammock stand. Please pack your trash out there is a dumpster at the front gate entrance/exit for your trash. Please close your umbrella when your not at the site, especially when it's windy. We have lost far to many very expensive solar light umbrellas due to the wind when it picks up. Please support our farm by buying eggs, hats, stickers, and other items, all for sale in the barn. We look forward to hosting you. Sincerely, Sierra, Darin, and The Freedog Crew!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$75
 / night
Cuyama Oaks Ranch

4. Cuyama Oaks Ranch

99%
(769)
36mi from Santa Maria · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · CA
Hello! Our names are Ricky and Nathan. We own and operate an 80 acre ranch that is great for family's, kids, romantic getaways, and LGBTQIA+ safe. We cannot wait to host you and your group! We're excited to share our property with those who appreciate nature and what seclusion in the mountains has to offer. Located deep in the Cuyama Valley, close to wine country, and booming local vineyards (1.25 hrs past Ojai and 45 minutes past Santa Maria) our ranch promises the getaway experience you've been looking for. The Ranch is 80 acres with majestic mountain views and vast canyons for hiking and trail access. During the spring and summer months imagine sitting in your own personal cowboy pooltub looking up at the stars. Smell the sage and wildflowers in the air while you sip wine. Surrounded by the Los Padres Mountains and located deep within the hidden valley of enchantment, this ranch gives the visitor the high-desert glamping/camping experience of their dreams. For the hikers and explorers out there, the ranch offers trails and within 30 min in every direction there are local trails. . There is a designated area for tent camping and for RV's, Trailers, Vans, and tiny homes (no electric yet for RVs). We also offer glamping sites and all inclusive yurts. The ranch is completely private and secluded, off HWY 166. We welcome all animals, big and small. We are farm! We have pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, turkeys and more!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$68
 / night
Harmony's Glamping

6. Harmony's Glamping

95%
(347)
49mi from Santa Maria · 11 sites · Lodging · Santa Barbara, CA
Nestled along a spring fed creek in the beautiful mountains of Santa Barbara. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors while staying cozy in a Yurt, or one of our Geo Domes. Each is secluded with a hot shower, propane fire pit, camp kitchen (stove and sink ) please bring pots/ pans and all necessary cooking supplies, and a comfortable queen bed. Wake up to the sound of the birds chirping and the creek rippling. Hike to our very own 30' ft waterfall where you can take a dip, lay out and catch some sunshine. The trail is rugged so be ready to boulder and use your hands in some places. Our wood burning hot tub is freshly filled every time, and right along the creek for a natural hot/cold plunge experience. We also offer morning yoga, and relaxing massages for a fully rejuvenating experience. We provide a list of things to explore off-site, but our on-site amenities include things like disc golf, corn hole, ping pong, puzzles in the yurts, books, and more! We do require a liability waiver to be signed, and by booking, you are agreeing to and signing to the waiver. We will also send you a waiver via your welcome message. Enjoy some nearby experiences all within 30 minutes: -Cold Springs Tavern, historical stagecoach stop, live music and delicious BBQ -Wine Tasting in Solvang or on Stearns Wharf -State Street, Downtown Shopping and Restaurants -Beaches, LedBetter, East Beach, Butterfly, Hendry's Beach (Dog Friendly) -Painted Cave, a cave full of Indian paintings -Hikes, SaddleRock, Lizards Mouth, Hot Springs Please note that a high clearance vehicle is recommended! This is a mountainous bumpy dirt road with steep sharp corners. A regular car can make it, just be warned you may bottom out a couple times. We are not liable for any damage to you or your vehicle when entering our property, so do so at your own risk. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions. Text or Call: 805-698-8623 IG:@harmonys_glamping
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$225
 / night

The largest city in Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria draws wine enthusiasts looking for a base for exploring area wineries and easy access to the nearby Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. While wine is the big draw, the city is also known for its style of barbecue, unusual for a West Coast destination. While you won't find public campgrounds in Santa Maria, there are campgrounds in Los Padres National Forest nearby and at Pismo State Beach. Plenty of Hipcamps and a few privately run camping options also sit within a short drive of the city.

98% (2.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Hazel Homestead- Central Coast Farm

1. Hazel Homestead- Central Coast Farm

100%
(98)
6.8mi from Santa Maria · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging · Nipomo, CA
We are a small farm on a 1 acre gated property that has two RV spots and a bar shed. We have full hookups in both sites. Our town is rural but it's still close to HWY 101. We do live on the property, close enough if you need anything but far enough for privacy. We host happy hour for campers who are interested. Although the hours depend on arrival and our availability. We have a common area between the two sites that offered a nice fire pit. Our farm has 3 goats, 2 pot bellied pigs and 20 chickens that lay fresh eggs daily. We LOVE animals but we CANNOT ALLOW PETS. Also, sorry no tent camping. RV's only. We do not provide bathrooms or showers on site. Don’t have an RV? RENT OURS! We have everything you need for your family. Enjoy a weekend on the farm and glamp in our RV. We have all the amenities of home. Coming to enjoy the area? The property is just a few mins off the 101 freeway on the Central Coast. We are only 15 mins South of Pismo Beach, 30 mins south of San Luis Obispo and an hour North of Santa Barbara. The beach, wineries and shopping are all very close. Or if you are looking for a quiet retreat with some super sweet farm animals stay here and enjoy the farm. We do rent both sites out at the same time so if it’s privacy you are looking for please message us. Or If you would like to camp with friends or family we can accommodate two additional trailers. Again please message us to arrange this. Come stay awhile! It doesn't get any better than this!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

3. Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

99%
(1133)
29mi from Santa Maria · 38 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Gaviota, CA
Howdy, campers, We removed our 10-paragraph description, our reviews and photos say it all. Feel free to ask any questions, we will get back to you ASAP. Before you ask: Yes, we have two outdoor showers. Yes, you can use a propane camp stove or cook at our common area bbq in front of the barn where we light a real wood fire for campers to socialize with us, other campers and visit our speakeasy. Yes, we provide propane for the propane fire pits. Yes, your dog can run off-leash. Yes, each site has a picnic table, umbrella, propane fire pit. Most sites have a hammock and hammock stand. Please pack your trash out there is a dumpster at the front gate entrance/exit for your trash. Please close your umbrella when your not at the site, especially when it's windy. We have lost far to many very expensive solar light umbrellas due to the wind when it picks up. Please support our farm by buying eggs, hats, stickers, and other items, all for sale in the barn. We look forward to hosting you. Sincerely, Sierra, Darin, and The Freedog Crew!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$75
 / night
Cuyama Oaks Ranch

4. Cuyama Oaks Ranch

99%
(769)
36mi from Santa Maria · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · CA
Hello! Our names are Ricky and Nathan. We own and operate an 80 acre ranch that is great for family's, kids, romantic getaways, and LGBTQIA+ safe. We cannot wait to host you and your group! We're excited to share our property with those who appreciate nature and what seclusion in the mountains has to offer. Located deep in the Cuyama Valley, close to wine country, and booming local vineyards (1.25 hrs past Ojai and 45 minutes past Santa Maria) our ranch promises the getaway experience you've been looking for. The Ranch is 80 acres with majestic mountain views and vast canyons for hiking and trail access. During the spring and summer months imagine sitting in your own personal cowboy pooltub looking up at the stars. Smell the sage and wildflowers in the air while you sip wine. Surrounded by the Los Padres Mountains and located deep within the hidden valley of enchantment, this ranch gives the visitor the high-desert glamping/camping experience of their dreams. For the hikers and explorers out there, the ranch offers trails and within 30 min in every direction there are local trails. . There is a designated area for tent camping and for RV's, Trailers, Vans, and tiny homes (no electric yet for RVs). We also offer glamping sites and all inclusive yurts. The ranch is completely private and secluded, off HWY 166. We welcome all animals, big and small. We are farm! We have pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, turkeys and more!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$68
 / night
Harmony's Glamping

6. Harmony's Glamping

95%
(347)
49mi from Santa Maria · 11 sites · Lodging · Santa Barbara, CA
Nestled along a spring fed creek in the beautiful mountains of Santa Barbara. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors while staying cozy in a Yurt, or one of our Geo Domes. Each is secluded with a hot shower, propane fire pit, camp kitchen (stove and sink ) please bring pots/ pans and all necessary cooking supplies, and a comfortable queen bed. Wake up to the sound of the birds chirping and the creek rippling. Hike to our very own 30' ft waterfall where you can take a dip, lay out and catch some sunshine. The trail is rugged so be ready to boulder and use your hands in some places. Our wood burning hot tub is freshly filled every time, and right along the creek for a natural hot/cold plunge experience. We also offer morning yoga, and relaxing massages for a fully rejuvenating experience. We provide a list of things to explore off-site, but our on-site amenities include things like disc golf, corn hole, ping pong, puzzles in the yurts, books, and more! We do require a liability waiver to be signed, and by booking, you are agreeing to and signing to the waiver. We will also send you a waiver via your welcome message. Enjoy some nearby experiences all within 30 minutes: -Cold Springs Tavern, historical stagecoach stop, live music and delicious BBQ -Wine Tasting in Solvang or on Stearns Wharf -State Street, Downtown Shopping and Restaurants -Beaches, LedBetter, East Beach, Butterfly, Hendry's Beach (Dog Friendly) -Painted Cave, a cave full of Indian paintings -Hikes, SaddleRock, Lizards Mouth, Hot Springs Please note that a high clearance vehicle is recommended! This is a mountainous bumpy dirt road with steep sharp corners. A regular car can make it, just be warned you may bottom out a couple times. We are not liable for any damage to you or your vehicle when entering our property, so do so at your own risk. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions. Text or Call: 805-698-8623 IG:@harmonys_glamping
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$225
 / night

Stories from the community

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

The best family-friendly glamping near Santa Maria guide

Where to go

​California's Central Coast

The stretch of coastline between Ventura County and Monterey Bay offers some of the most fantastic scenery in the state, if not the country. Here you'll find sandy beaches, windswept rocky cliffs, and tons of little beach towns, plus miles of beach-facing and inland hiking trails.

The Santa Ynez Valley

If you're up for a bit of wine tasting, the Santa Ynez Valley won't disappoint. This area—located between the Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountains—is full of vineyards and tasting rooms, with the largest concentrations found in towns such as Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, and Solvang.

Ventura County

South of Santa Maria, Ventura County offers many public beaches—many of which have tent and RV sites. The county also encompasses the Channel Islands, five of which are protected as part of the Channel Islands National Park. Ventura County also features plenty of inland spots to visit, from the new-age town of Ojai to the rugged Simi Valley.

When to go

Santa Maria offers good camping weather year-round, with mild winters and hot summers. Temperatures are highest from June through September, but if you plan to spend much time at nearby beaches during this period, expect some summer crowds. If visiting in winter or early spring, it’s wise to be prepared for rain. Those who like strawberries should come in spring, when the annual berry harvest is celebrated with the Santa Maria Strawberry Festival.

Popular Santa Maria glamping styles