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Camping near Sea Ranch

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On the coast of Sonoma County, the California community of Sea Ranch is known for its unusual architecture, some of which has been designed by world-famous architects. Perhaps the most interesting attraction in town is the Sea Ranch Chapel, a non-denominational prayer room with colorful stained-glass windows and an asymmetrical roof that resembles a cross between a seashell and a wild mushroom. While some campers simply pass through, there are plenty of camping and lodging options around town, from ranch houses and cabins to tent and RV sites surrounded by beautiful stretches of forest. Even better, most all are within easy reach of area beaches. If you can't find Sea Ranch camping, check out to see what's available in nearby Gualala and Anchor Bay, both only a few minutes' drive from Sea Ranch.

95% (13.9K) 2,693 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Sea Ranch

Essene Acres of Gualala Ocean View -Walking Distance to Town

1. Essene Acres of Gualala Ocean View -Walking Distance to Town

100%
(15)
2.9mi from Sea Ranch · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Gualala (pronounced Wa La La) comes from an indigenous word for "water coming down place", where the river meets the sea. And indeed that is what we have. It's 10 private forested acres of historical logging land, located just steps from downtown Gualala, (a 5 minute easy walk) where you will find shopping, restaurants. ATM and gas stations. You can walk to the Gualala Center of the Arts - a must see art gallery, concert and event space. It's a short drive to local beaches, the county park and more. Kayaking is available at the Gualala River from our friend Efi at River Bend Kayaks, just two minutes away. Hiking at Gualala Regional Park, the Bluff Trail, The Sea Ranch public access beaches, Stump Beach, Salt Point Park with a petrified forest, Bowling Ball Beach with its amazing natural formations (can only be seen fully at low tide of more than -0.2m), Moat Creek just south of Point Arena, Manchester State Beach, Elk Beach, and more. Our friend Efi has River Bend Kayaks (2 minutes away) and if you mention Rick or Jill, you get 10% off. There is more than one site and easy access if you have a self-contained vehicle. No tent? No problem, as 2 of our sites: The Little Guy trailer and the Bell Tent have sleeping space for you. Just bring some bedding. There is the potential of having us set up a tent for you at the Bike-In site for an extra fee. Rustic and forested with an ocean view. A small piece of heaven. Check in: 1:00 PM - 5 PM (make arrangements for other timing) Check out: Before 12:00 PM On arrival: Meet with Host (so it's best to let us know when we can expect you) Please text when leaving your home and also when service returns when you pass Two Fish Bakery or The Sea Ranch Lodge. No pets of any kind, as there are wild animals that live in the forest. Directions to this easy to get to spot will be sent directly to you, once you book.
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Thanktuary Retreat

2. Thanktuary Retreat

94%
(126)
5.3mi from Sea Ranch · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land: The winds whisper through the redwood trees and provide respite from the hot sun. Here on the ridge above Gualala, lies nestled a lovely and serene campground called Thanktuary Retreat. Skunks, jackrabbits, deer, foxes and very rarely a mountain lion or bear can be found on our 5 acres of forested land. There is a fishpond with water lilies, mini golf course and pétanque court (both with equipment in a useful shed close by), a horse shoe ring and beautiful, natural secluded spots in the redwoods perfect for meditation and vision questing. Huckleberry bushes and ferns grow abundantly. The place lends itself to self-reflection and introspection. There is space for 1 RV with a patio table and chairs and some sun loungers. There are also 2 tent sites available on the property, located in one large area, further away from the RV sites. Barely 7 minutes away is downtown Gualala, with amenities such as 2 supermarkets, pharmacy, bakery, restaurants and more. There is a beautiful holistic gift store, The Sea Trader, Four Eyed Frog Bookstore, and some lovely art galleries in town.   Kayaking is available at the Gualala River. Hiking at Gualala Regional Park, the Bluff Trail, The Sea Ranch public access beaches, Stump Beach, Salt Point Park with a petrified forest, Bowling Ball Beach with its amazing natural formations (can only be seen fully at low tide of more than -0.2m), Manchester State Beach, Elk Beach, and more. Swimming at the Navarro River, and various bays. It is a place of incredible scenic beauty all along CA 1. Watch whales spouting during whale season. (Gray whales and orcas is December to May. For humpbacks, visit May through November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay between July and October). Bower Park, just 0.5 miles away with a lovely lake, tennis courts, a baseball field, a basketball court, and two separate playgrounds. Play disc golf or hike along the nature trail/fitness course. Anchor Bay is 5 miles up CA 1, with a supermarket, a few cafes, restaurants (including a great Thai place!) laundromat, hair salon, and more. The quaint town of Point Arena is 12 miles north, with a supermarket, Frannie's Cup And Saucer, The Bird Cafe, a beautiful historic lighthouse, a theater, a pier, a mini-safari park (B Bryan Preserve with zebras, giraffes and more. Tours need to be booked in advance). Also visit Roots, a natural pharmacy for herbs, teas and supplements.  There are also spots like Occidental, Bodega Bay, Jenner (with the Russian River to kayak and swim) and Timber Cove, all on the way to Gualala from the south. Bodega Bay has lovely spots to eat, with clam chowder, fish and chips. Enjoy wind and water sports, and walk on the pier.
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Private Ocean View Among the Trees

3. Private Ocean View Among the Trees

97%
(15)
5.5mi from Sea Ranch · 1 site · Tent, RV
Before you read about this amazing spot - be sure to be ready to describe your plan to pack out your own waste. Sorry but poor players ruined it for others! . Beautiful ocean-view property all to yourself, just one street up from Highway 1. There's an ocean view and plenty of trees. This stunning spot has a clearing large enough for three tents or two vans. I love falling asleep here to the sound of the ocean, the rain, or the wind in the trees. There are even a few redwoods on the property, with more on the adjacent property (though there are no paths or flat areas for walking). Enjoy your morning coffee in the fresh air, or relax with a drink while watching the sun set over the ocean. I bought this gorgeous spot to enjoy these simple pleasures, and I look forward to sharing it with you! This property is in Gualala, in the "banana belt" of Highway 1. There are no guarantees because it's the Pacific, but this area is often where the fog burns off first and rolls in last. Cook's dog-friendly beach is about a 15-minute walk away, and the delicious food and drinks at Saint Orres are also about a 15-minute walk from the property.* It's a 5-minute drive to town for groceries, restaurants, and a pretty great bookstore. The driveway is steep and won't accommodate a large trailer. Trailers should have high-profile tires. If you're wondering whether your trailer will fit, send me a photo, and I'll let you know. I've had no issues with a low-profile car, and no one has ever had a problem with a van. There is one fairly narrow section, so trailers longer than 22 feet won't work. Because this property is in a residential area, you'll need to pack out everything. No digging a hole, sorry. Wag bags, buckets, or your own blackwater containment system are required. Doing otherwise could put my property at risk, so please don't be that person. Wildlife! Ravens, turkeys, deer—oh my! And yes, there are also occasional black bear and mountain lion sightings. I've never had an issue, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings. *If I'm in town, I'll show you how to use the easement for a shortcut to Cook's Beach. I sometimes stay in a trailer on the property, but you'll know this before your booking is confirmed.
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Salt Point State Park

4. Salt Point State Park

98%
(132)
State park 13mi from Sea Ranch · 192 sites
This rugged stretch of California coast has sweet views and plenty to do. There are rocky promontories, coastal forests, and kelp-dotted beaches to explore. The dramatic cliffs here are sandstone that has been eroded and shaped by the sea. You might see cave-like features called tafoni. Tafoni is formed when the ocean deposits salt on the sandstone. The salt interacts with the sandstone, hardening parts of it and forming the signature honeycomb features. It also gives this park its name. All these features make Salt Point a great place for climbing. Where else can you lead an overhanging roof while looking out over the Pacific? Make sure you check the tide tables, some routes are underwater at low tide!There is also plenty of hiking in the area. Trails wind through Douglas Fir and Coastal Redwood forests before spitting you out on rocky beaches. If it’s been raining, hike the Bluff Trail to find a hidden waterfall that spills directly into the ocean. Camping can be had at the nearby Gerstle Cove and Woodside Campgrounds. Spots here fill up fast and need to be reserved ahead of time. If they are booked up, we’ve got you covered. Hit up Hipcamp for other accommodations.
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Fort Ross State Historic Park

5. Fort Ross State Historic Park

State park 20mi from Sea Ranch · 1 site
Fort Ross State Historic Park brings attention to the varied stories that have occurred here through the centuries, including the long formation of the coastal natural history, the centuries past and present of resident Kashia Pomo people, the Russian colonization periods (1812-1842), the Ranch era (1842-1972), and the over one hundred year era of this area as a protected resource as a State Historic Park.  The park's Visitor Center is an excellent place to start a tour of Fort Ross to become acquainted with the rich natural and cultural history of the area. Fort Ross was a thriving Russian-American Company settlement from 1812 to 1841. This commercial company chartered by Russia's tsarist government controlled all Russian exploration, trade and settlement in the North Pacific, and established permanent settlements in Alaska and California. Fort Ross was the southernmost settlement in the Russian colonization of the North American continent, and was established as an agricultural base to supply Alaska. It was the site of California's first windmills and shipbuilding, and Russian scientists were among the first to record California’s cultural and natural history. Fort Ross was a successfully functioning multi-cultural settlement for some thirty years. Settlers included Russians, Native Alaskans and Californians, and Creoles (individuals of mixed Russian and native ancestry.) Today, the Fort itself consists of several buildings surrounded by stockade walls.  The structure of most historical interest is the Rotchev house, an existing building renovated about 1836 for Alexander Rotchev, the last manager of Ross.  This is thought to be one of the only remaining original buildings from the Russian period.  Several other Russian-era buildings have been reconstructed: the first Russian Orthodox chapel south of Alaska, the stockade, the Kuskov House, the Officials Barracks,  the Magazin (Fur Warehouse), and two corner blockhouses.  A replica of one of the Russian windmills was also added to the park grounds in 2012.  Following the Russian period, the area was a working ranch with diverse interests in agriculture, livestock, and shipping.  Butter and apples were primary exports during the ranch era, and there are tangible relics of this period to be seen at the park today such as the Call House, built in 1878.
Pickle Barrel Cabin and Camp

6. Pickle Barrel Cabin and Camp

98%
(169)
9.8mi from Sea Ranch · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This 10 acre property is located on the coastal ridge, often above the fog. You will be on the Pacific plate looking across to the North American plate, looking down on the San Andreas fault! Near artsy, coastal towns. Wonderful location for relaxing after a day of hiking and exploring beaches and forests.. In the winter months, it can provide a peaceful retreat and often dramatic storm watching. Peaceful, security-gated property with a campsite for RV's/tent camping for maximum of 6, and the charming, rustic, Pickle Barrel cabin for 2 is available. You can book either one or both. Either way, you will have the entire site for your stay. Outside wood campfires are allowed unless there is a fire ban, propane fire pits are allowed year round. Hot showers are available 15 minutes away with purchase of a day pass and quarters. The owners and their dog live on site about 50 yards away. You may see us doing our walks. Centrally located. 10 minutes from beaches, rivers, state parks, Stornetta Lands National Monument, and towns, i.e., Gualala, Point Arena, or Anchor Bay.
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Illumisea Farm

7. Illumisea Farm

98%
(28)
13mi from Sea Ranch · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
20 acres of beautiful forest with breathtaking ocean views. Watch the surf breaks before you head out to the waves. You can see the whales from your tent or from our gardens. The property is loaded with delicious huckleberry bushes, edible plants, and flowers. Interested in foraging for mushrooms? The season here is abundant for discovering these forest treasures and we can guide you in identifying them safely. Foraging season is September through February. Huckleberry Season typically begins in August. Numerous trails meander through a redwood valley, as well as pines, oaks, and madrones. The area boasts amazing beaches, many of which you can often have to yourself. Bowling Ball Beach during low tide gives access to a special spot on the north coast. Local rivers offer another perspective of the landscape, with towering redwoods and fern valleys—perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and hiking along the banks. The property is also small biodynamic organic farm and nursery. Sunsets here are extraordinary. Sit back, relax and take in the coast. Birdwatch by day and stargaze by night. During whale migrations, enjoy incredible whale watching right from your tent or RV. The property hosts dozens of birds, including woodpeckers, hawks, and occasional eagles soaring overhead. Explore the quaint nearby town of Point Arena, with its unique restaurants, bars, and theater offering live music shows. Don’t miss the Point Arena Lighthouse and the surrounding Stornetta lands, part of the National Monument.
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Huckleberry Haven

8. Huckleberry Haven

96%
(136)
13mi from Sea Ranch · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Huckleberry Haven currently features TWO sites: FIRST is the Camp Deck for your tents in the forest. Pitch your tent on a dry and flat redwood deck. Surrounded by huckleberries (in season July-Nov), fir, pine and redwood trees and adjacent to Salt Point State Park and Kruse Rhododendron State Preserve. Deck site has basic amenities: potable well water, fire ring (PROPANE only, bring your own fire ring, as we are now in fire season), picnic table, and an outhouse. SECOND is the small RV or teardop/Van camping parking spot. (no tents) This site is near the top of our grassy meadow, with glorious forest views, on dry gravel, and features a picnic table & outhouse. It does not have a campfire facility, nor water. You're welcome to bring your own propane fire & cooking source, but NO open wood fires due to grassy fire hazards. Property is situated at 800' above sea level (usually above the fog) across the road from the Stump Beach trailhead in Salt Point State Park - which, from our driveway, is a 2 mile hike or bike ride down to the beach. Enjoy quiet solitude of one of the most private and quiet places on the Sonoma Coast. Avoid the crowds of Salt Point, with all the basic amenities you expect. Birdwatch, play frisbee golf, hunt for mushrooms, basecamp your hikes, runs or mountain bike rides in Salt Point, or use Huckleberry Haven as the central spot to innumerable road bike rides on empty roads. The choice is yours! Special note: Huckleberry Haven is on the edge of some great wilderness! We have all sorts of wildlife sauntering by, and certainly have for decades. We recommend taking precautions to avoid interacting with curious/hungry wildlife - Don't sleep with your food in the tent, and keep camp tidy! We know there to be black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, racoons, skunks and so forth. Mountain Lions tend to avoid us, but you'll want to check on best practices to avoid bear interactions. This is one website we've found helpful: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-in-bear-country.html
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Raven's Nest

9. Raven's Nest

99%
(34)
14mi from Sea Ranch · 1 site
A clean, quiet, very private camping space suitable for self contained RVs, small trailers, camping vans. Surrounded by redwood, firs and pines. No close neighbors. (20 acres) Top of the ridge usually above the fog. Five minutes from Point Arena. No real "view" because you are nestled in the forest. But a great place to spend the night while enjoying all the benefits of the Gualala, Point Arena area.
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Manchester State Park

10. Manchester State Park

State park 20mi from Sea Ranch · 2 sites
Manchester State Park features a beach, sand dunes, and flat grasslands, with nearly 18,000 feet of ocean frontage. The beach line curves gently to form a "catch basin" for sea debris, which accounts for the volume of driftwood found here. Five miles of gentle, sandy beach stretches southward towards the Point Arena Lighthouse. One of the main attractions is the excellent steelhead fishing in the park’s two streams, Brush Creek and Alder Creek. The park features a variety of coastal wildflowers, including sea pinks, poppies, lupines, baby blue eyes and blue irises. The park provides habitat for tundra swans. The San Andreas Fault runs into the sea at the park. The park takes its name from the village of Manchester, which is located in Mendocino County on Coast Highway 1 about seven miles north of Point Arena. This is an area of rich grazing lands, flocks of sheep and herds of cattle which add a pastoral note to some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world.
Lake Sonoma Recreation Area

11. Lake Sonoma Recreation Area

93%
(42)
Park 22mi from Sea Ranch · 113 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Sonoma and its myriad outdoor activities.
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Hendy Woods State Park

12. Hendy Woods State Park

98%
(61)
State park 22mi from Sea Ranch · 90 sites
An inland wonderland with some of California's most breathtaking redwood groves.
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Sonoma Coast State Park

13. Sonoma Coast State Park

98%
(216)
State park 30mi from Sea Ranch · 241 sites
Take a break from exploring wine country to check out this beautiful 17-mile stretch of beaches.
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Locus Solus

14. Locus Solus

96%
(96)
17mi from Sea Ranch · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Tired of the scorching heat? Come chill out on the coast where it's always 20 degrees cooler than everywhere else. Located in the coastal prairie minutes from the Pacific Ocean and the town of Point Arena. Plenty of privacy to launch into day trips and other adventures in this special corner of the world. The Octagon and the campsite offer solitude, stunning views, bird watching, and walking trails on the property. We're 5 mins from town, the cove, various beaches, tide pools, the historic lighthouse, fishing spots, and the B Bryan Animal Preserve where you can view African animals and hand feed giraffes. Come find what you've been missing!
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Larkspurs Hollow - Camp & Garden

15. Larkspurs Hollow - Camp & Garden

98%
(32)
17mi from Sea Ranch · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Step into the magic of Larkspur’s Hollow! We welcome you from our peaceful campground under redwoods and pine, in our beautiful four acre backyard we are so pleased to be able to share with you! Just a mile from the ocean you'll find gorgeous beaches, scenic hiking, biking trails and more! Our camp is nestled at a temperate 1,000 feet, offering an ideal escape from the summer heat in a peaceful setting. Just a short drive and you can find a general store, gas station, local dining and more! Let your next camping adventure be a memorable one! We can’t wait to welcome you to Larkspur’s Hollow Campground and Fairy Gardens! Rules and FAQ: Leave No Trace is a general rule for all campgrounds, including ours. Pick up your trash and pick up after your pets, please. Pack-In, Pack-Out Policy means do not leave trash in our personal can or on the premises. This attracts wildlife and can pollute our campgrounds in turn. Note for Vehicles: For RV sites, we only allow vehicles 22 feet and under, please 4WD is recommended on our dirt road, but not required Fire safety: ONLY propane cooking stoves and propane fire pits are permitted. Your device MUST have a shutoff valve. No charcoal or traditional wood fires allowed. No fireworks, candles etc. No smoking please. Modern propane cooking stoves and propane fire pits are permitted if they are over 10' away from branches and are being carefully monitored. Regarding Wildlife: No mushroom hunting. Many wild mushrooms can be toxic and harvesting disrupts the ecosystem. Respect wildlife. Avoid feeding or disturbing animals, observe from a distance. Please stay on designated paths, stick to established trails and clearings. If soap is necessary, use biodegradable soap to avoid contaminating the land and underground water sources. Other Information: Quiet hours 9 PM to 7 AM and bright lights out after 10 PM (flashlights are fine and encouraged to navigate to restroom). Wi-Fi is available free of charge, password is located in your welcome message. Please do note that this is also where we live while we run our campground, so you may see us during the day working in the gardens or by our cabin but we do our best to leave you be.
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Oz Farm

16. Oz Farm

99%
(295)
17mi from Sea Ranch · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Originally purchased in the late 60's by "Redwood and Savatri", Oz Farm was initially a commune of sorts and is no doubt a very special place...heck, its even got it's own comic book! Here you can pick your poison, as the property is comprised of 7 rustic cabins, redwood campsites, and geodesic domes that would make Buckminster Fuller proud. The working farm is comprised of over 230 accessible acres of flowing meadows, redwood groves, prime agriculture, and is intersected by the beautiful Garcia River, which flows into the mighty pacific. One thing that is very apparent, is how clearly passionate the community at Oz Farm is about ecology and agriculture. Once you step foot onto Oz Farm, you'll begin to understand why. The property is open seasonally and frequently rented by full-camp retreats and events throughout the summer. Individual cabins open to rent one month in advance and are advertised through instagram @villageozfarm
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Faultline Farm

17. Faultline Farm

99%
(91)
18mi from Sea Ranch · 1 site · Tent, RV
We are excited to share our peaceful place with panoramic views and distant ocean roar. There is one site available on our 15 acre homestead, suitable for tent camping, vans, and small trailers. We have a natural sag pond and coastal prairie landscape that is 2 miles from the nearest beach and the Point Arena lighthouse, and 10 minutes from Point Arena, a picturesque town with several restaurants, a bakery, an African animal preserve, a historic movie theater, and access to the Stornetta Lands National Coastal Monument.
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Timber Cove Campground

18. Timber Cove Campground

94%
(473)
18mi from Sea Ranch · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
Located right off coastal US highway 1, Timber Cove campground sits right at the edge of breathtaking, oceanside cliffs. We are situated on roughly two acres of land, with multiple campsites for tent/car camping or RV’s. Each bluff campsite has a picnic table, fire pit and water. Electricity is available to use for an extra fee. The beach and waterfall campsites do not have picnic tables so you might want to bring one if you’ve booked there. There is no garbage service so please pack your own garbage home with you. We have separate men’s and women’s flush bathrooms, with coin-operated hot showers. We have firewood with kindling for sale on site, payable with cash or Venmo.. Please take note of local fire bans, when in effect. Dog friendly, though be advised a leash is recommended as we are close to the road, but they can run leash-free down at the beach. We are located 30 minutes north of the town of Jenner, with Gualala 30 minutes to the north. Gualala has grocery stores, a post office, and some shops. Fort Ross Store is located one mile down the road, just before Timber Cove, and sells basic food necessities, drinks, sandwiches, ice and gas. Internet cell service can be spotty in our area, depending on your provider, so bring your own Starlink services if you have them. We also have access to the beach below, and offer beach camping as well. Take note that the road down to the beach is steep with uneven terrain. The weather can vary quickly here, so be sure to bring multiple layers of clothing and camp gear for various types of weather, and headlamps are useful for getting around the property at night! We hope you’ll come visit our little slice of heaven on the ocean cliffs, gaze at the stars, marvel at the sunsets, watch the harbor seals dozing on their rocks and the many bird species that inhabit our property. Bring your binoculars and watch out for whales too! We look forward to hosting you at Timber Cove. Please email with any questions about camping with us. Address: 21350 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450
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The 3 G Familia Farm

19. The 3 G Familia Farm

96%
(430)
19mi from Sea Ranch · 11 sites · Tents, RVs
This farm/ ranch had been in our family for nearly 100 years. During those years there have been events from farm bureau shows, rodeos, horse racing, barbecue events for functions, musical festival's, fund raisers, and tons of family fun. This property borders the Stornetta Lands which is a spectacular National Park. You'll find this destination a central hub for things to explore in this unchartered piece coastal area along mendocino county coast line.
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Poleeko's Best Kept Secret

20. Poleeko's Best Kept Secret

100%
(21)
23mi from Sea Ranch · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Poleeko Ranch is a 47-acre, 1200 organic fruit tree working farm that offers beautiful views, plenty of space and trails.  Five years in the making this beautiful property is owned and managed by friends that grew up in Northern California and would drive through the gorgeous Anderson Valley, 15 miles from the rugged Pacific coast and 22 miles from the quaint town of Mendocino. When this 3rd generation orchard became available between two of the best Pinot Noir wineries in the world, they jumped at the chance to start farming apples, pressing cider and exploring the profession of the first three U.S. presidents. We hope you enjoy Poleeko (Boontling for Philo) Ranch as much as we do!
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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