89% (202)
Top-rated campgrounds
89% (202)
Top-rated campgrounds
Stories from the community
Chloe
November 2025
1 night at Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat
Wonderful stay! They thought of everything, plus homemade gifts! What really nice people too! Thank you so much for taking care of me on your beautiful land!
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Francesca
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat
We loved staying at Vega Vortex! Thaddeus and Mona were so sweet, giving us a tour of the property upon arrival. The tent was spacious. The beds kept us very comfy and warm at night. The bathrooms were very clean and well maintained. The property is beautiful!
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Amy
October 2025
3 nights at May's Luxury Farmstays
Everything at the yurt was so wonderful! We loved our spot under the trees (the other one was more out in the open so we chose well!). While we had initially thought about taking some day trips, we literally stayed all 3 days at the yurt and the grounds--feeding the fish and chickens and geese, walking around, sitting in the tub, etc. John was friendly and kind and would check in on if we needed anything restocked. (The Peppermint Bark liqueur was a favorite!) A fully stocked bar was really special, as was the view, and the feeling that we could wander and explore. A great sister trip to be sure and we will definitely, definitely be returning.
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Pei
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat
My friend and I stayed at the Bell Tent for one night. The site was so clean, cozy and inviting. Thaddeus and Mona were awesome hosts. They were warm and communicative and you could tell that they put a lot of thoughts and love into the camp site to make it as homey as possible. Highly recommend!
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Rajat
October 2025
With kids
Everything was so well done! We visited with our kiddos and absolutely loved it. The kids were occupied, and had loads of fun feeding the fish at the pond and in the hot tub.
We were especially grateful for the heater in the camp. The night was very windy and cold, but the heater kept us (ans esp the kids) warm and snug.
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Alex
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat
Thaddeus and Mona were great hosts and amazing folks. The garden and beautifully terraced hillside are expertly done and the amenities are top-tier— One of the best camping shower experiences ever. Woke up feeling refreshed and at ease. Thank you Mona and Thaddeus!
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Chris
October 2025
With kids
Love this place!!
Outdoor tub overlooks San Jose lights and is so relaxing
Koi pond on premises was really cool too
Downtown Saratoga was great to wander around and Santa Cruz isn’t too far either.
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Sasha
September 2025
2 nights at May's Luxury Farmstays
Had a wonderful time spending the weekend up in the mountains. The Yurt has everything you could ask for and more. Including complimentary drinks, a hot bath, an extremely responsive host and more. I highly recommend taking a trip up and experiencing Mary’s farm stays! The hosts will get you anything you need and provide a welcoming space. 10/10 recommend!
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Alec
September 2025
Weekend Trip to May's Luxury Farmstays
It was an amazing experience. I took my fiancée up there for her birthday and the entire scenery and weekend we had was amazing. Bed was comfortable and yurt was stocked with great stuff to use. Would definitely come again!
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cara
September 2025
2 nights at Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat
The bell tent was beautiful, Thaddeus and Mona were very generous and left little goodies for us when we arrived. Their property is beautiful, the garden leaves the whole place smelling amazing and the wind-chimes everywhere provide a relaxing ambiance. The property is smaller and closer to the main road than we were expecting. We were initially expecting a more secluded space, but Thaddeus and Mona were incredibly kind and left us to ourselves to enjoy the property they have clearly put much thought and effort into. Our added breakfast was delicious with vegetables and herbs from their garden, thank you both for our stay!
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Todd
September 2025
2 nights at May's Luxury Farmstays
They thought of everything. One of the nicest stays I have had off this platform. Really enjoyed the views, bird life, and accommodations. Nicely located to still make town reachable if needed while still feeling deep in the forest. I have never bothered to leave a review but this one exceeded all my expectations.
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Jacob
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat
Loved what Thaddeus and Mona have done with their land. They’re amazing hosts and I highly recommend staying at their place.
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Jesse
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat
Wow. Being welcomed by Thaddeus and Mona (arrived later than expected) helped make our stay there all the sweeter and more memorable. We had some lovely conversations and besides the welcoming gifts, Mona also dug up a plant from the property to give me for planting back at home!
The property itself is on a hillside and you'll need to traverse pathways up a hill to access bathroom/shower. There's native plants everywhere, with hummingbirds flitting about. There's also small farms in the neighborhood with goats (which I thoroughly enjoyed) but it's something to note if looking for absolute silence.
Highly recommend a stay here for anyone looking to feel connected to the land and community, and not just a place to park/sleep. Feels like home!
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Charlize
August 2025
Weekend Trip to May's Luxury Farmstays
We had a great time in their yurt. It was a little confusing for us coming up their road at first but once we were there they guided us to our space. They weren’t kidding about having everything we might need lol! It was also really nice of them to provide fresh eggs from their chickens. A small tip would be just like any trip, when in doubt, bring extra (of watever you’re bringing). It was very lovely view and just a great way to relax without having to go far from the Bay Area. Thank you guys!
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Peter
August 2025
1 night at May's Luxury Farmstays
Cannot express how amazing this site was, everything you could need was in the camp and the view in the morning was unreal, wish I could stay longer
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Sophia
August 2025
Weekend Trip to May's Luxury Farmstays
The yurt was awesome ! There is a lot of traffic on the road below, the property but it's quiet at night and the views are awesome.
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Darragi
August 2025
1 night at May's Luxury Farmstays
My husband and I recently spent a stay at a yurt on top in the mountains, and it was an unforgettable experience for his birthday. The location is incredibly quiet, with a charming small lake nearby. We stayed in a tent, and despite being surrounded by nature, we had all the comforts we needed. The fridge was fully stocked, and we had all the kitchen equipment for a perfect barbecue. There was even a fire outside and a heater inside to keep us warm. The outdoor bath was an absolute highlight—truly amazing!
One of the most magical parts of our stay was the night sky: we were there at the perfect time to catch a meteor shower, and around 2 a.m., we lay on a bench by the lake and saw an incredible number of meteors. It was truly extraordinary! There were also some friendly chickens and geese, adding to the charm. The only small downside was that the lake isn’t swimmable, but there were beautiful fish that we enjoyed feeding.
Overall, it was a wonderful escape to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature.
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Keanu
August 2025
3 nights at May's Luxury Farmstays
Very beautiful place with nice hosts. Everything worked and was as expected. The hosts are funny, kind and knowledgeable of the area. Would definitely stay here again.
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Joy
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat
We had a lovely stay at the bell tent at Vega Vortex. Thaddeus and Mona were so warm, inviting and communicative. They have created a very peaceful and beautiful environment. Everything was clean and well maintained and there were so many thoughtful little touches and amenities. The property is in farmland and there are roosters and other loud animals, nearby so I recommend bringing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
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yanina
August 2025
Weekend Trip to May's Luxury Farmstays
I stayed at the “yurt above it all” and it was awesome! Everything you think you can need you have it there (snacks, drinks with and without alcohol, wine, kitchen supplies and more!). The bathroom is super clean with a shower and a tub in the spot with hot water. The fresh eggs were such a plus! The only thing I would recommend is double check your reservation with the host due to overbooking sometimes, he would be happy to answer your call or text anytime! Definitely going back another time!
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The best bell tents near Watsonville guide
Where to go
Monterey Bay Beaches
There are two beach parks with campgrounds in Watsonville: Manresa State Beach and Sunset State Beach. Manresa has blufftop campsites overlooking the Pacific Ocean, while Sunset features sites that connect to the park’s 1.5 miles of beach. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings to keep you cozy after sundown, and both parks have day-use areas. For RV camping with full hookups, head north to Seacliff State Beach Campground.
Moss Landing
Just a few miles south of Sunrise, Moss Landing State Beach is another enjoyable day-use beach that’s especially popular among birders. Here, and at the adjacent Moss Landing Wildlife Area, snowy plover, harbor seals, and sea otters are frequently spotted.
Santa Cruz Mountains
After having your fill of the beach, head to the Santa Cruz Mountains—specifically, Mt. Madonna County Park, just 20 minutes from downtown Watsonville. Here campers can explore a towering redwood forest on foot or horseback to take in great views of Monterey Bay. For a deep dive into the region’s ecology and redwood forest regeneration, nearby Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is also a great option.
Pinnacles National Park
Small enough for a day trip but grand enough to blow your mind, Pinnacles National Park is a cathedral of rock in the Central Valley, about an hour’s drive from Watsonville. The park’s namesake pinnacles, made of andesite and rhyolite rock, tower over the surrounding chaparral, drawing hikers, rock climbers, and a large population of the endangered California condor. Courageous spelunkers can venture into the park’s talus caves, home to 14 species of bats, while those interested in history can stop in the town of San Juan Bautista on the drive in from Watsonville to Pinnacles.
When to go
Due to its coastal location, Watsonville’s summers are mild and pleasant compared to the triple-digit heat common in the nearby Central Valley. Winter temperatures are still very camp-able, averaging highs of 60 and lows of 40, but campers should come prepared for rain and fog, especially when tent camping.