- Camping with pets allowed
The best dog-friendly camping near Stanford
95% (4.7K) • 283 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Stanford
Redwood Paradise
1. Redwood Paradise
94%
(133)
28mi from Stanford · 5 sites
40 Acres of majestic redwoods bordering Wilder Ranch State Park gives you access to thousands of acres of excellent hiking and mountain biking right from your campsite. Miles of single-track and fire roads in this world-class mountain bike destination lead you through the redwoods to sunny meadows with sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Bay.
Conveniently located above the westside of Santa Cruz, our site will give you easy access to scenic Westcliff Drive, Natural Bridges State Beach, downtown Santa Cruz, quaint Felton, Henry Cowell Redwoods state park as well as incredibly scenic & private North Coast beaches.
Please note tent camping is a rain-or-shine activity. :)
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic table
from
$44
/ night
Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat
2. Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat
94%
(293)
32mi from Stanford · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Experience everything the Bay Area has to offer from this mountain top site. Roughly 50 minutes to any city in the Bay Area, this site is ideal for any person looking for an adventurous getaway retreat.
The Serenity and privacy make this an uncommon, yet ideal romantic place to stay. This site is sheltered by the manzanitas and pines of this chaparral community.
Adventure seekers will find paradise here! Mount Madonna Park with miles of trails is 20 minutes down the road. You can dump your septic there as well! Horseback riding rentals are located near the park as well as an archery range.
Demonstration forest is 15 minutes down the road, with miles of mountain biking. Spend a day at one of the beaches in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Rio Del Mar, Davenport, Half Moon Bay, Monterey, or Carmel and return to your private oasis. Or Explore Silicon Valley from this centrally located parcel.
Kim Son Meditation Center and Mount Madonna Center are approximately 15 minutes away. There are also wonderful wineries throughout the mountains here.
The trip to the site will begin with a three mile drive on a private dirt road. Being on the very top of a mountain brings more seasonality than the surrounding cities. Please be prepared for any kind of extreme weather. Summer: Shade is highly recommended it can get into triple digits. *Spring/fall: Temperatures are generally mild but high winds are possible. *Winter: Typically cold and windy. *During rainy/muddy conditions 4x4/AWD is highly recommended. It is possible for it to get windy, foggy, rainy, hot and sunny, and even sometimes snowy.
Please note: the nearest grocer is 30 minutes from this site. Emergency supplies are available for delivery to your campsite. Cell phone reception is good on most carriers. Pets are allowed. Enjoy your time howling at the moon, star gazing, bird watching/wildlife viewing, or relaxing with your favorite libation.
Don't forget your camera!
Since this is our first year renting our land we have found that August is a high wasp season time in the mountains. We are doing everything humanly possible to hunt down each and every Wasp for your enjoyment. With this in mind we ask you use the provided bug repellent, keep the lid to the trash closed, and do not pour grease anywhere you do not want wasps.
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$75
/ night
Beautiful Sunrise & Sunset RV
3. Beautiful Sunrise & Sunset RV
97%
(18)
33mi from Stanford · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
All about Amy’s place
Have the urge to get away glamp without the hassles and long drive? Escape to an isolated, breathtaking ridge-top in Morgan Territory Regional Preserve where panoramic four seasons views reveal Mount Diablo to the west, Mount St. Helena to the north and the snow-covered Sierra to the east. Lowland valleys cradle the sparkle. Everyday beautiful sunrise and sunset viewing. At night the beautiful city light surrounding you!
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
from
$116
/ night
Beach RV Pleasure Point
4. Beach RV Pleasure Point
93%
(29)
34mi from Stanford · 24 sites
Nestled between Rodeo Creek and Corcoran Lagoon in the legendary surf neighborhood of Pleasure Point lies a hidden gem—a real RV park with full-hookup spots, just a 10 minute walk to multiple eastside beaches and surf spots.
Our snug, mostly-gravel, creekside spaces accommodate RVs up to 40', with nightly or weekly stay options. Stay like a local, right in the mix of the best Santa Cruz has to offer. Beach RV Pleasure Point is the only park between the Harbor and Aptos, and we're minutes from the The Hook, Capitola, downtown Santa Cruz, and the Boardwalk.
Our sites are snug and perfect for Hipcampers with RVs of all shapes and sizes! Sorry, we do not allow tent camping.
Full hookups
from
$135
/ night
The Secret Gardens by the Bay
5. The Secret Gardens by the Bay
98%
(330)
37mi from Stanford · 43 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
✨ The Secret Gardens ✨
Once upon a time, hidden just beyond the whispers of the ocean breeze, there was a secret place where roses stretched toward the sky, dahlias painted the land with color, and lavender cascaded like purple waterfalls. No one quite knew how to find it—until they stumbled upon it. Here, hearts opened with ease, carried by birdsong, the sway of ancient oaks, the fragrance of woodsmoke, and the laughter that seemed to live in the very air.
The Secret Gardens unfurls across 11 acres of enchanted redwoods and noble oaks, where each campsite bears a name drawn straight from the pages of Alice in Wonderland. Guests often tell us: “One night is never enough.” And indeed, when you step out of your car, words and pictures fail—there is only the Wow.
In true secret-garden spirit, we share just enough glimpses to spark curiosity. The real magic is revealed only when you arrive.
Just one mile from Seascape Beach and a short stroll to Seascape Village—with its quaint cafés, market, spa, and more—our haven balances wild wonder with simple comforts.
🌿 The Realms of the Secret Gardens
🌲 Tulgey Woods
Nestled beneath towering redwoods, this woodland hosts RV and tent sites, along with Dodo’s Glamp and the Secret Wagon. Here you’ll find showers, bathrooms, a communal kitchen, a campfire circle, and outdoor dining spaces. It’s perfect for families, car campers, and adventurers with roomy tents.
♟️ Chessboard Land
Where play and comfort intertwine: cabins, a communal lounge, a sprawling kitchen, living-wall showers, cozy firepits, and even a projector screen for starlit cinema nights. This is the social heart of the gardens.
🐇 Rabbit Holes (open late spring through summer)
Two primitive hideaways—Tweedledee and Tweedledum—await in the wilder reaches of the land. Here, no cars intrude; instead, we whisk your belongings by ATV to these tucked-away forest nooks.
🌸 Private Group Groves
Three secluded enclaves designed for gatherings, each with its own bathroom, shower, grill, and sink:
• Cheshire Grove
• The Horseshoe
• Wonderland
⸻
🌟 What Awaits You
• Cozy cabins, Dodo’s Glamp, and the Secret Wagon—complete with bedding, heaters, and access to Chessboard Land’s wonders.
• Communal spaces alive with warmth: kitchen, fire pits and trail
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$99
/ night
95% (4.7K) • 283 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Stanford
Redwood Paradise
1. Redwood Paradise
94%
(133)
28mi from Stanford · 5 sites
40 Acres of majestic redwoods bordering Wilder Ranch State Park gives you access to thousands of acres of excellent hiking and mountain biking right from your campsite. Miles of single-track and fire roads in this world-class mountain bike destination lead you through the redwoods to sunny meadows with sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Bay.
Conveniently located above the westside of Santa Cruz, our site will give you easy access to scenic Westcliff Drive, Natural Bridges State Beach, downtown Santa Cruz, quaint Felton, Henry Cowell Redwoods state park as well as incredibly scenic & private North Coast beaches.
Please note tent camping is a rain-or-shine activity. :)
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic table
from
$44
/ night
Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat
2. Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat
94%
(293)
32mi from Stanford · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Experience everything the Bay Area has to offer from this mountain top site. Roughly 50 minutes to any city in the Bay Area, this site is ideal for any person looking for an adventurous getaway retreat.
The Serenity and privacy make this an uncommon, yet ideal romantic place to stay. This site is sheltered by the manzanitas and pines of this chaparral community.
Adventure seekers will find paradise here! Mount Madonna Park with miles of trails is 20 minutes down the road. You can dump your septic there as well! Horseback riding rentals are located near the park as well as an archery range.
Demonstration forest is 15 minutes down the road, with miles of mountain biking. Spend a day at one of the beaches in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Rio Del Mar, Davenport, Half Moon Bay, Monterey, or Carmel and return to your private oasis. Or Explore Silicon Valley from this centrally located parcel.
Kim Son Meditation Center and Mount Madonna Center are approximately 15 minutes away. There are also wonderful wineries throughout the mountains here.
The trip to the site will begin with a three mile drive on a private dirt road. Being on the very top of a mountain brings more seasonality than the surrounding cities. Please be prepared for any kind of extreme weather. Summer: Shade is highly recommended it can get into triple digits. *Spring/fall: Temperatures are generally mild but high winds are possible. *Winter: Typically cold and windy. *During rainy/muddy conditions 4x4/AWD is highly recommended. It is possible for it to get windy, foggy, rainy, hot and sunny, and even sometimes snowy.
Please note: the nearest grocer is 30 minutes from this site. Emergency supplies are available for delivery to your campsite. Cell phone reception is good on most carriers. Pets are allowed. Enjoy your time howling at the moon, star gazing, bird watching/wildlife viewing, or relaxing with your favorite libation.
Don't forget your camera!
Since this is our first year renting our land we have found that August is a high wasp season time in the mountains. We are doing everything humanly possible to hunt down each and every Wasp for your enjoyment. With this in mind we ask you use the provided bug repellent, keep the lid to the trash closed, and do not pour grease anywhere you do not want wasps.
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$75
/ night
Beautiful Sunrise & Sunset RV
3. Beautiful Sunrise & Sunset RV
97%
(18)
33mi from Stanford · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
All about Amy’s place
Have the urge to get away glamp without the hassles and long drive? Escape to an isolated, breathtaking ridge-top in Morgan Territory Regional Preserve where panoramic four seasons views reveal Mount Diablo to the west, Mount St. Helena to the north and the snow-covered Sierra to the east. Lowland valleys cradle the sparkle. Everyday beautiful sunrise and sunset viewing. At night the beautiful city light surrounding you!
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
from
$116
/ night
Beach RV Pleasure Point
4. Beach RV Pleasure Point
93%
(29)
34mi from Stanford · 24 sites
Nestled between Rodeo Creek and Corcoran Lagoon in the legendary surf neighborhood of Pleasure Point lies a hidden gem—a real RV park with full-hookup spots, just a 10 minute walk to multiple eastside beaches and surf spots.
Our snug, mostly-gravel, creekside spaces accommodate RVs up to 40', with nightly or weekly stay options. Stay like a local, right in the mix of the best Santa Cruz has to offer. Beach RV Pleasure Point is the only park between the Harbor and Aptos, and we're minutes from the The Hook, Capitola, downtown Santa Cruz, and the Boardwalk.
Our sites are snug and perfect for Hipcampers with RVs of all shapes and sizes! Sorry, we do not allow tent camping.
Full hookups
from
$135
/ night
The Secret Gardens by the Bay
5. The Secret Gardens by the Bay
98%
(330)
37mi from Stanford · 43 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
✨ The Secret Gardens ✨
Once upon a time, hidden just beyond the whispers of the ocean breeze, there was a secret place where roses stretched toward the sky, dahlias painted the land with color, and lavender cascaded like purple waterfalls. No one quite knew how to find it—until they stumbled upon it. Here, hearts opened with ease, carried by birdsong, the sway of ancient oaks, the fragrance of woodsmoke, and the laughter that seemed to live in the very air.
The Secret Gardens unfurls across 11 acres of enchanted redwoods and noble oaks, where each campsite bears a name drawn straight from the pages of Alice in Wonderland. Guests often tell us: “One night is never enough.” And indeed, when you step out of your car, words and pictures fail—there is only the Wow.
In true secret-garden spirit, we share just enough glimpses to spark curiosity. The real magic is revealed only when you arrive.
Just one mile from Seascape Beach and a short stroll to Seascape Village—with its quaint cafés, market, spa, and more—our haven balances wild wonder with simple comforts.
🌿 The Realms of the Secret Gardens
🌲 Tulgey Woods
Nestled beneath towering redwoods, this woodland hosts RV and tent sites, along with Dodo’s Glamp and the Secret Wagon. Here you’ll find showers, bathrooms, a communal kitchen, a campfire circle, and outdoor dining spaces. It’s perfect for families, car campers, and adventurers with roomy tents.
♟️ Chessboard Land
Where play and comfort intertwine: cabins, a communal lounge, a sprawling kitchen, living-wall showers, cozy firepits, and even a projector screen for starlit cinema nights. This is the social heart of the gardens.
🐇 Rabbit Holes (open late spring through summer)
Two primitive hideaways—Tweedledee and Tweedledum—await in the wilder reaches of the land. Here, no cars intrude; instead, we whisk your belongings by ATV to these tucked-away forest nooks.
🌸 Private Group Groves
Three secluded enclaves designed for gatherings, each with its own bathroom, shower, grill, and sink:
• Cheshire Grove
• The Horseshoe
• Wonderland
⸻
🌟 What Awaits You
• Cozy cabins, Dodo’s Glamp, and the Secret Wagon—complete with bedding, heaters, and access to Chessboard Land’s wonders.
• Communal spaces alive with warmth: kitchen, fire pits and trail
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$99
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Jon
2 weeks ago
With pets
Everything was perfect! I will be back and can’t wait.
See more
N
Nikita
3 weeks ago
Tent
I love camping in the forest, it was absolutely beautiful. Only downside like everybody says is that it’s a little rough getting down to the campsites. Scott is an incredible host and was very helpful in directing us to the campsite as we arrived later and had trouble finding it. Make sure to have four wheel drive if you do not want to walk back and forth from your campsite to your car. It’s a bit of a walk especially with stuff. If you have four wheel drive though, it will be awesome.
See more
G
Gerald
3 weeks ago
Tent
The place is amazing. The host was friendly and a great presence. There was even live music.
See more
G
Galina
3 weeks ago
Group trip
The host, Farbod, is so hospitable and generous! This place is a peaceful heaven! Also, it has anything you need for a comfortable stay!
See more
Y
Yadira
February 2026
15 ft campervan
The Secret Gardens was everything I never thought I needed. My husband and I felt so welcomed and taken care of. It’s a beautiful property with so many amenities. The property owners do a really good job of creating a tranquil space. We are 100% going back and telling our friends about it.
See moreJ
Jared
February 2026
Tent
Super quiet and peaceful. Awesome spot. Compost toilet could use a solid deep cleaning however.
See more
S
Sandra
February 2026
2 nights at The Secret Gardens by the Bay
It was a lovely setting in the hills. The host was very nice and helped us with any needs we had. What a beautiful place to get married ! It is a beautiful atmosphere. Thanks so much for your hospitality!
See more
T
Timothy
February 2026
21 ft travel trailer
Very special. Unforgettable. The workmanship and pure raw talent exhibited in the endless visually exhilarating structural genius is nothing short of a wide opened mouth that never shuts moment. I want this man, his hands and his abstract deep imbedded mind at my side in times of dire need and guiding me so that my hands and my meager mind can magically rise to the occasion he lives. I believe their cloud 9 come to life is what we just visited the last couple days. Most inspiring and impressive. Tim and Brandy.
See moreE
Eva
February 2026
Tent
Tent camping here was a blast! Beautiful land surrounded by redwoods. Close enough to drive into town or head to the beach, but secluded enough to make you feel disconnected from “everyday life”
See moreS
Samuel
February 2026
Tent
The campsite seemed very nice! I planned a trip with my best friend to visit UC Santa Cruz, and we chose to stay overnight there at the campground. We arrived extremely late, which is not recommended by him, but we planned it at the very last minute, so we didn't read the full instructions. Likely a mistake on our part, but the link to the location of the sight took us to the wrong spot at first. However, after going further up the road, we found the driveway entrance. When we were lost, Scott was incredibly helpful and understanding. I recommend you stay there if you want to camp a bit in Santa Cruz. It's a bit expensive, but a good spot.
See more
Alanna
January 2026
Tent
With pets
I had a wonderful experience staying at Tulgey Woods! On top of accepting my last minute booking request, Yeyen made sure I had everything I needed to be comfortable. The property and facilities are beautiful. I would love to return. Thank you, Yeyen!
See more
L
Lara
January 2026
Tent
I can see why everyone describes the camp as magical- it really is. So much love, thought and creativity has been poured into it.
It was beautiful, interesting and incredibly well appointed. Lots of toilets and the best outdoor kitchen I have ever seen!
Yeyen and Farbod are lovely people too. Very welcoming and accommodating.
Hopefully we can visit again soon :)
See moreB
Ben
January 2026
22 ft campervan
What an incredible space! My partner and I had an amazing time. It truly is a secret garden with so much to explore and see. It provided a much needed escape! You would not be disappointed here. The time, effort, and thought put into the grounds truly makes it magical
See more
A
Abigail
January 2026
Tent
Group trip
Such a magical place!!! We had the best time ever and will definitely be back
See moreJ
James
January 2026
25 ft campervan
With pets
Absolutely amazing space! Both vibrant and peaceful and 5-7 minutes from the beach... You will not regret booking this for a weekend getaway.
See moreS
Skylar
January 2026
Tent
We had a great time - the property is beautiful and the hosts are very welcoming. We plan to come back again!
See moreP
Patricia
January 2026
Tent
With pets
A truly magical place. Artistry and craftsmanship everywhere you turn. Incredibly generous hospitality. The shared kitchen is beyond well stocked. Communal spaces are spacious and beautiful. Yeyen was exceptionally responsive throughout. We’ll be back for sure.
See moreC
Carolina
January 2026
1 night at The Secret Gardens by the Bay
Mother Nature dumped buckets on us the entire time, BUT this spot was built for it! Boathouse was our cozy sanctuary, super comfortable bed, plenty of blankets, and has great lounge space. The covered firepit area and couch space saved us from soaking, and the kitchen had plenty of covered space for cooking.
Bathrooms and showers were clean and worked perfectly!! Only bummer: pizza oven was out of order.
Way too rainy to explore the rest of the property, and hikes but I'd come back when the sun decides to show up :)
See moreB
Brad
December 2025
16 ft travel trailer
With kids
Like the other reviewers have said, it’s hard to describe just how magical this place is! Breathtaking grounds and gardens make you feel like you’re in a spiritual retreat. Stunning facilities throughout. I can’t recommend it enough!
See more
B
Basit
December 2025
With kids
This was our first time visiting the secret garden with my kids and wife. It has an amazing view and too many stuff to explore truly it was a secret place and my kids had a lot of fun. Open big kitchen fully equipped, clean washrooms and hot shower, fire pit area is amazing and romantic. Overall great place to visit and spent time we will definitely visit again with friends and families.
How can I forget about friendly and welcoming hosts both husband and wife were amazing. Thanks again for the hospitality:)
See more
