The best star host camping 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% (4.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Maria

2. Private Beach Farm

98%
(611)
43mi from Santa Maria · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
This is an incredibly historic site in Santa Barbara history. 2 tribes of Chumash Indians lived here for 10,000 years. This is where Spain landed and began colonizing the area. In the 1950's and 60's, this was the site of the World's largest orchid farm. There is a book called The Royal Rancho, if you are a history buff. We are a farm on the beach just North of Santa Barbara and Goleta, Ca. You will camp in a historic, glass greenhouse with incredible ocean views. Inside is a cob pizza oven that works awesome. (Bring your own firewood),,, a place to pitch tents and tiny artistic structures to explore. You will have a private bath and shower (Primitive, no electricity, but the hot shower has the best view in the world of any shower!) Bring your own toiletries and whatnot. Private beach access from our property. We have a barnyard with a multitude of farm animals. Limited electricity in greenhouse (A couple of extension chords). The fire ban is ONLY for open campfires. The pizza oven and YOUR bbq or propane flame is fine. If you are camping during the rain, be advised, it gets wet in the greenhouse. It's an antique after all!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$200
 / night

4. Wine Country Glamping

100%
(74)
47mi from Santa Maria · 2 sites · Lodging
This land has been in our family since the early 70's and is very special to us and we hope you will enjoy what is has to offer. You will be able to escape it all, yet still be close to amenities. Our property is surrounded by winery's and vineyard, so we encourage you to take a drive or a walk and do some tastings and indulge in some of the worlds best wine. There is a lot of wildlife near us. Deer pass through daily, owls howl at night and birds chirp all day long. Cozy, rustic, romantic accommodations that are completely renovated tucked away in the rolling hills of wine country. Peaceful setting, with many views of famous winery's and rolling hay fields. If your looking to be near winery's this is the place to stay. Right off scenic Highway 46 West. Owners live on property, but will give you your privacy. There are also a few ranch animal's and livestock. Welcome!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$200
 / night

5. Imagine Family Farm

100%
(10)
48mi from Santa Maria · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Imagine Family Farm is a working farm tucked into the scenic hills of Templeton and only 20 minutes from Cambria, just off Highway 46 West, surrounded by world-class wineries. Owned by a chef and a winemaker, the farm is a true labor of love that blends a passion for food, wine, and the land. We grow a seasonal bounty of fruit—apples, peaches, apricots, plums, cherries, and berries—alongside lush, fragrant peony flowers that brighten the spring. Visitors are invited to stay and camp under the stars, with optional wine tastings and thoughtfully curated events that celebrate the flavors and rhythms of the Central Coast. Every harvest is guided by a deep respect for flavor, sustainability, and quality. Whether you’re here to pick fruit, sip wine, enjoy the blooms, or simply take in the peaceful beauty of the countryside, Imagine Family Farm offers an authentic experience—rooted in soil, seasoned with experience, and shared with heart.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$60
 / 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% (4.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Maria

2. Private Beach Farm

98%
(611)
43mi from Santa Maria · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
This is an incredibly historic site in Santa Barbara history. 2 tribes of Chumash Indians lived here for 10,000 years. This is where Spain landed and began colonizing the area. In the 1950's and 60's, this was the site of the World's largest orchid farm. There is a book called The Royal Rancho, if you are a history buff. We are a farm on the beach just North of Santa Barbara and Goleta, Ca. You will camp in a historic, glass greenhouse with incredible ocean views. Inside is a cob pizza oven that works awesome. (Bring your own firewood),,, a place to pitch tents and tiny artistic structures to explore. You will have a private bath and shower (Primitive, no electricity, but the hot shower has the best view in the world of any shower!) Bring your own toiletries and whatnot. Private beach access from our property. We have a barnyard with a multitude of farm animals. Limited electricity in greenhouse (A couple of extension chords). The fire ban is ONLY for open campfires. The pizza oven and YOUR bbq or propane flame is fine. If you are camping during the rain, be advised, it gets wet in the greenhouse. It's an antique after all!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$200
 / night

4. Wine Country Glamping

100%
(74)
47mi from Santa Maria · 2 sites · Lodging
This land has been in our family since the early 70's and is very special to us and we hope you will enjoy what is has to offer. You will be able to escape it all, yet still be close to amenities. Our property is surrounded by winery's and vineyard, so we encourage you to take a drive or a walk and do some tastings and indulge in some of the worlds best wine. There is a lot of wildlife near us. Deer pass through daily, owls howl at night and birds chirp all day long. Cozy, rustic, romantic accommodations that are completely renovated tucked away in the rolling hills of wine country. Peaceful setting, with many views of famous winery's and rolling hay fields. If your looking to be near winery's this is the place to stay. Right off scenic Highway 46 West. Owners live on property, but will give you your privacy. There are also a few ranch animal's and livestock. Welcome!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$200
 / night

5. Imagine Family Farm

100%
(10)
48mi from Santa Maria · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Imagine Family Farm is a working farm tucked into the scenic hills of Templeton and only 20 minutes from Cambria, just off Highway 46 West, surrounded by world-class wineries. Owned by a chef and a winemaker, the farm is a true labor of love that blends a passion for food, wine, and the land. We grow a seasonal bounty of fruit—apples, peaches, apricots, plums, cherries, and berries—alongside lush, fragrant peony flowers that brighten the spring. Visitors are invited to stay and camp under the stars, with optional wine tastings and thoughtfully curated events that celebrate the flavors and rhythms of the Central Coast. Every harvest is guided by a deep respect for flavor, sustainability, and quality. Whether you’re here to pick fruit, sip wine, enjoy the blooms, or simply take in the peaceful beauty of the countryside, Imagine Family Farm offers an authentic experience—rooted in soil, seasoned with experience, and shared with heart.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night

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

The best star host camping 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.