The best beach camping near Woodside

·

Camping near the beach in Woodside puts you right where the ocean meets the redwoods. With over 860 options focused on sandy access, you can pitch a tent or park a van just steps from hiking trails, surf spots, and tide pools. Average nightly rates hover around $114, but you’ll find places as low as $25 if you’re flexible. Most sites welcome pets and let you light a campfire after a day of swimming or chasing waves. Need a shower? That’s usually sorted. Standouts include Blackberry Farm (258 reviews), where campers rave about the creekside pitches, Redwoods Mountain Getaway (105 reviews) for its shady groves, and Dreamy California Coast Airstreams (46 reviews), which nails the comfort-meets-surf vibe. Sand, surf, and a campfire—Woodside’s beach camping keeps it simple and memorable.

93% (757)

Top-rated campgrounds

Dispersed tent-only camping in the "dome meadow"

1. Slide Ranch

96%
(156)
36mi from Woodside · 25 sites · Tents, Lodging · Muir Beach, CA
Slide Ranch is a nonprofit organization established in 1970, becoming one of the first Park Partners in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Slide Ranch is located on the Marin coast, on land that has a rich history in connecting people to food. The Coast Miwok once fished and foraged for food at this site, and in the late 19th century Portuguese dairy farmers purchased the land and produced milk and butter for residents of San Francisco. In 1969, 134 acres of this fertile coastline were rescued from commercial development. Slide Ranch camping fees directly fund scholarships for youth programs throughout the year. Slide Ranch is an unpaved ranch environment. Our trails and garden paths all consist of uneven, sloping terrain, often muddy or soft ground during the winter season, and may be challenging to access for visitors with significant mobility restrictions. Minors aged 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed; service animals are permitted. We do not have showering facilities or flush toilets. Water in all Slide Ranch taps is potable for refilling water bottles/jugs. Soap is provided for hand washing. Slide Ranch does not have any concessions on site. Camping is not supported by the on-site staff. Per current GGNRA regulations, campfires and open flames of any kind are not allowed.
Potable water
Toilets
Cooking equipment
from 
$50
 / night
Redwood Basin

6. Redwood Basin

99%
(128)
31mi from Woodside · 1 site · Lodging · Soquel, CA
Family-owned since the 1960's my parents chose this ridgetop location on 10 acres for its beauty, serenity, bio-diversity, and amazing peaceful healing energy. The main house is called Rainbow Ridge where a double rainbow appears across the skyline on occasion. We have decided to share this land with conscious folks who want to retreat to the woods from the hustle and bustle but be close to all the action and have all the creature comforts of home with a camping vibe. We have one private site with a glamorous A Frame cabin and a modern tiny home and a tiny retro trailer. The site comes as one single package and is exclusive to you and your group! Nestled on its own private 3-acre redwood and oak forest, leading down to a creek. The site is located just 4 miles (10 min drive ) from Soquel Village and just 5 miles from the beach at Capitola. The site offers: - A 20ft modern container home with one queen sofa bed, large screen with Apple TV, kitchen, patio, fridge, microwave, cooktop, shower, and toilet. - A custom, outdoor kitchen, and bar for entertaining with gas BBQ, fridge freezer, sink with hot and cold filtered water, Sonos sound system. - Large gas fire pit and seating area. - One A Frame eco cabin with option for one king size day bed OR two singles, A twin mattress can also fit in the cabin when in the two singles configuration. The cabin has electricity, fan and heating for colder nights. - One very cute retro airstream style 1950's trailer with a twin bed for a couple or one person. - Space for 1-2 additional tents. For groups of 8 or more and special events please contact us so we can discuss the possibilities. - Onsite you should find all the basic amenities from home including all bedding, towels, kitchenware, cooking utensils, dining ware, herbs and spices, cleaning products, gas for the BBQ and fire pit is included etc. There are a few things you should bring: Food, drinks, ice and fun! The site looks down into a private and secluded redwood and oak forest with trails for small hikes into the redwood fairy circles or all the way down to the creek. The glamping site is on a sunny flat area surrounded by steep terrain up to a ridgeline and down to the creek. The creek is accessible although the final route requires a rope down so may not be suitable for everyone. Within 15-20 min drive you will find almost all major attractions in the Santa Cruz area including The Mistery Spot, Nisene Marks State Forest, Capitola Pier, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and many famous surf breaks from Capitola to The Point, The Hook, Steamer Lane and many more., as well as many amazing mountain bike trails. There are also several Santa Cruz Mountain wineries to explore in a 3- 5 mile radius. Further afield you will find Monterey Bay Aquarium and the coastal beaches north up to San Francisco Bay ( 1 hour 30 mins north) and down to Big Sur about 1 hour 20 mins south. We ask all our visitors to be respectful of the environment, our wildlife, and our neighbors. Please drive slowly and respect the quiet times: between 9.30 pm and 8.30 am. We check all our guests in and provide a quick tour. We can offer a number of additional amenities and services including shopping, stocking up on your favorite supplies, catering, romantic packages and special picnics on the Rainbow Ridge, and much more, so please just ask about all the possibilities.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$473
 / night
Redwoods Mountain Getaway

9. Redwoods Mountain Getaway

97%
(150)
26mi from Woodside · 2 sites · Lodging · Ben Lomond, CA
Our property sits on 2 acres of pristine mix of redwoods, madrone, and oak trees. Amazing valley views, gate access from yard to hiking trails, and very quiet at night. Neighborhood overview Felton/Santa Cruz is full of things to do:The Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad is a 3 ft narrow-gauge tourist railroad.Henry Cowell State Park, most famous for the 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees.Mystery Spot: Experience gravity-defying demonstrations on the short but steep uphill walk.Garden of Eden: Secret swimming hole with lots of fun boulders to jump off and swim around. We will fill you in on how to get there.Cruise on bikes down West Cliff DriveHang out at beach and relax..And of course, world famous surfing in Santa Cruz. We have a two-night minimum on weekends.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
$180
 / night
Grey Oaks 2

14. Grey Oaks 2

98%
(62)
50mi from Woodside · 3 sites · Tents · Aromas, CA
This is great option for those who like to bring all their own gear to camp, and don’t need or want all the extras. Our new Primitive Adventures campsites are located on an established 5-star property. It’s a peaceful, secluded and private country estate. The 20 acre property starts out flat and then gentle to moderate sloped hillside with coastal live oak trees, eucalyptus trees, pine trees, meadows and many interesting landscape features nestled between the vast farmlands of North Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. We are 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The weather is usually mild here and we have cool evenings. We do get days that are in the 90s sometimes in the summer and early fall, but we also have lots of shade with all the trees. There is wildlife like deer, turkeys and owls and so much more. We have horses and a donkey, separate from the campsites, so no flies or smell from them. We provide one hot water shower and there are 3 outhouse style toilets on the grounds. There is NO running water at the sites so we suggest you bring your own drinking water. There will be limited water provided for hand/dish washing. We are a pack it in/pack it out campground so please, be mindful of waste as we ask that you take it out with you. You may forage for plentiful eucalyptus and oak firewood for free, or pre-cut pine is available for purchase. Most of our weekends are fully booked at our Rustic Campsites already, so here is another chance to have yourself a weekend camping trip at our new Primitive Adventures campsites. We hope to see you soon! :)
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
Redwood Ranch with Sweeping View

16. Redwood Ranch with Sweeping View

65%
(42)
39mi from Woodside · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging · Gilroy, CA
Our 6+ acre ranch Misthaven sits in the redwood forest at Gilroy, just 20min from Gilroy downtown and 45min from San Jose. This ranch has huge space, lots of ranch amenities and many ranch related activities. If you are planning a short trip that you do not have to drive several hours to the busy lake Tahoe, Misthaven would be an ideal destination for family retreat, team building, or even a birthday party. The ranch includes a 2,000 sq ft large barn with spacious indoor space, a 400 sq ft woodworking and crafts workshop, a 1,000 sq ft ranch center with microwave, oven and refrigerator, an amazing zipline, a shooting range for archery and BB gun under our staff guidance and supervision, a fenced petting zoo with goats, chicken, bunny and guinea pig, hammocks in the redwood forest and plenty of beautiful redwood trees. With the ranch booking, you will have the access to: - BBQ and fire pit usage (charcoal/propane with extra charge of $20) - Fire-Roasted Golden Marshmallow Challenge (bring your own marshmallow or purchase with us, we provide skewers) - Trampoline - Hammock - Tree climbing - Petting zoo ($5/cup snack food for pets and animals) - Edible garden - 2,000 sq ft large barn indoor space - 400 sq ft woodworking and crafts indoor space (woodworking activities need to be booked separately) - Water gun - 18ft inflatable Water slide - Outdoor movie projector/screen - Tables and folding chairs There are plenty of ranch activities that you can book with us WITH A FEE separately during your stay. All will be supervised and guided by our professional instructors: - archery - Knife Throwing - Learn survival techniques for lighting your campfire - Spear making - Water filtration in an outdoor environment - Shelter building - Tomahawks - Outdoor BB gun arcade - Camp Zipline and fun forest features. - Woodworking such as Candy dispenser making, Bird feeder making, etc - Pizza making and Ice cream making, butter churning - and many others 20min to the Mt. Madonna County park. 20min to the Gilroy Garden theme park. 50min to Santa Cruz beach and the beautiful Capitola beach. 1hr to Monterey/Carmel.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$63
 / night
Cotillion Gardens RV Park

17. Cotillion Gardens RV Park

100%
(2)
29mi from Woodside · 2 sites · Felton, CA
Campers looking to explore the Santa Cruz Mountain redwoods can spend their nights at Cotillion Gardens RV Park, a rare spot bordering Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park off of Highway 9. Here, you’ll find an array of pet-friendly RV sites, San Lorenzo River-front camping cabins (bring your own bedding!), and four designated tent camping sites with wooden platforms, fire pits, and picnic tables. Take advantage of direct state park access to discover beautiful Redwood Grove Loop Trail and other hiking trails, home to some of California’s oldest redwood trees. RV sites can accommodate up to 6 guests in travel trailers, big rigs, and fifth-wheel trailers up to 36 feet, with options ranging from 30-amp electrical service to full hookups and sewer connections. Standout amenities include a heated swimming pool (May to October), laundry facilities, redwood forest horseshoe pits, and for the kids, a playground and clubhouse filled with games. Choose site #68 if you need pull-through access—also, look out for offseason discounts and even extended-stay RV sites.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets

Camping near the beach in Woodside puts you right where the ocean meets the redwoods. With over 860 options focused on sandy access, you can pitch a tent or park a van just steps from hiking trails, surf spots, and tide pools. Average nightly rates hover around $114, but you’ll find places as low as $25 if you’re flexible. Most sites welcome pets and let you light a campfire after a day of swimming or chasing waves. Need a shower? That’s usually sorted. Standouts include Blackberry Farm (258 reviews), where campers rave about the creekside pitches, Redwoods Mountain Getaway (105 reviews) for its shady groves, and Dreamy California Coast Airstreams (46 reviews), which nails the comfort-meets-surf vibe. Sand, surf, and a campfire—Woodside’s beach camping keeps it simple and memorable.

93% (757)

Top-rated campgrounds

Dispersed tent-only camping in the "dome meadow"

1. Slide Ranch

96%
(156)
36mi from Woodside · 25 sites · Tents, Lodging · Muir Beach, CA
Slide Ranch is a nonprofit organization established in 1970, becoming one of the first Park Partners in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Slide Ranch is located on the Marin coast, on land that has a rich history in connecting people to food. The Coast Miwok once fished and foraged for food at this site, and in the late 19th century Portuguese dairy farmers purchased the land and produced milk and butter for residents of San Francisco. In 1969, 134 acres of this fertile coastline were rescued from commercial development. Slide Ranch camping fees directly fund scholarships for youth programs throughout the year. Slide Ranch is an unpaved ranch environment. Our trails and garden paths all consist of uneven, sloping terrain, often muddy or soft ground during the winter season, and may be challenging to access for visitors with significant mobility restrictions. Minors aged 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed; service animals are permitted. We do not have showering facilities or flush toilets. Water in all Slide Ranch taps is potable for refilling water bottles/jugs. Soap is provided for hand washing. Slide Ranch does not have any concessions on site. Camping is not supported by the on-site staff. Per current GGNRA regulations, campfires and open flames of any kind are not allowed.
Potable water
Toilets
Cooking equipment
from 
$50
 / night
Redwood Basin

6. Redwood Basin

99%
(128)
31mi from Woodside · 1 site · Lodging · Soquel, CA
Family-owned since the 1960's my parents chose this ridgetop location on 10 acres for its beauty, serenity, bio-diversity, and amazing peaceful healing energy. The main house is called Rainbow Ridge where a double rainbow appears across the skyline on occasion. We have decided to share this land with conscious folks who want to retreat to the woods from the hustle and bustle but be close to all the action and have all the creature comforts of home with a camping vibe. We have one private site with a glamorous A Frame cabin and a modern tiny home and a tiny retro trailer. The site comes as one single package and is exclusive to you and your group! Nestled on its own private 3-acre redwood and oak forest, leading down to a creek. The site is located just 4 miles (10 min drive ) from Soquel Village and just 5 miles from the beach at Capitola. The site offers: - A 20ft modern container home with one queen sofa bed, large screen with Apple TV, kitchen, patio, fridge, microwave, cooktop, shower, and toilet. - A custom, outdoor kitchen, and bar for entertaining with gas BBQ, fridge freezer, sink with hot and cold filtered water, Sonos sound system. - Large gas fire pit and seating area. - One A Frame eco cabin with option for one king size day bed OR two singles, A twin mattress can also fit in the cabin when in the two singles configuration. The cabin has electricity, fan and heating for colder nights. - One very cute retro airstream style 1950's trailer with a twin bed for a couple or one person. - Space for 1-2 additional tents. For groups of 8 or more and special events please contact us so we can discuss the possibilities. - Onsite you should find all the basic amenities from home including all bedding, towels, kitchenware, cooking utensils, dining ware, herbs and spices, cleaning products, gas for the BBQ and fire pit is included etc. There are a few things you should bring: Food, drinks, ice and fun! The site looks down into a private and secluded redwood and oak forest with trails for small hikes into the redwood fairy circles or all the way down to the creek. The glamping site is on a sunny flat area surrounded by steep terrain up to a ridgeline and down to the creek. The creek is accessible although the final route requires a rope down so may not be suitable for everyone. Within 15-20 min drive you will find almost all major attractions in the Santa Cruz area including The Mistery Spot, Nisene Marks State Forest, Capitola Pier, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and many famous surf breaks from Capitola to The Point, The Hook, Steamer Lane and many more., as well as many amazing mountain bike trails. There are also several Santa Cruz Mountain wineries to explore in a 3- 5 mile radius. Further afield you will find Monterey Bay Aquarium and the coastal beaches north up to San Francisco Bay ( 1 hour 30 mins north) and down to Big Sur about 1 hour 20 mins south. We ask all our visitors to be respectful of the environment, our wildlife, and our neighbors. Please drive slowly and respect the quiet times: between 9.30 pm and 8.30 am. We check all our guests in and provide a quick tour. We can offer a number of additional amenities and services including shopping, stocking up on your favorite supplies, catering, romantic packages and special picnics on the Rainbow Ridge, and much more, so please just ask about all the possibilities.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$473
 / night
Redwoods Mountain Getaway

9. Redwoods Mountain Getaway

97%
(150)
26mi from Woodside · 2 sites · Lodging · Ben Lomond, CA
Our property sits on 2 acres of pristine mix of redwoods, madrone, and oak trees. Amazing valley views, gate access from yard to hiking trails, and very quiet at night. Neighborhood overview Felton/Santa Cruz is full of things to do:The Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad is a 3 ft narrow-gauge tourist railroad.Henry Cowell State Park, most famous for the 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees.Mystery Spot: Experience gravity-defying demonstrations on the short but steep uphill walk.Garden of Eden: Secret swimming hole with lots of fun boulders to jump off and swim around. We will fill you in on how to get there.Cruise on bikes down West Cliff DriveHang out at beach and relax..And of course, world famous surfing in Santa Cruz. We have a two-night minimum on weekends.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
$180
 / night
Grey Oaks 2

14. Grey Oaks 2

98%
(62)
50mi from Woodside · 3 sites · Tents · Aromas, CA
This is great option for those who like to bring all their own gear to camp, and don’t need or want all the extras. Our new Primitive Adventures campsites are located on an established 5-star property. It’s a peaceful, secluded and private country estate. The 20 acre property starts out flat and then gentle to moderate sloped hillside with coastal live oak trees, eucalyptus trees, pine trees, meadows and many interesting landscape features nestled between the vast farmlands of North Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. We are 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The weather is usually mild here and we have cool evenings. We do get days that are in the 90s sometimes in the summer and early fall, but we also have lots of shade with all the trees. There is wildlife like deer, turkeys and owls and so much more. We have horses and a donkey, separate from the campsites, so no flies or smell from them. We provide one hot water shower and there are 3 outhouse style toilets on the grounds. There is NO running water at the sites so we suggest you bring your own drinking water. There will be limited water provided for hand/dish washing. We are a pack it in/pack it out campground so please, be mindful of waste as we ask that you take it out with you. You may forage for plentiful eucalyptus and oak firewood for free, or pre-cut pine is available for purchase. Most of our weekends are fully booked at our Rustic Campsites already, so here is another chance to have yourself a weekend camping trip at our new Primitive Adventures campsites. We hope to see you soon! :)
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
Redwood Ranch with Sweeping View

16. Redwood Ranch with Sweeping View

65%
(42)
39mi from Woodside · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging · Gilroy, CA
Our 6+ acre ranch Misthaven sits in the redwood forest at Gilroy, just 20min from Gilroy downtown and 45min from San Jose. This ranch has huge space, lots of ranch amenities and many ranch related activities. If you are planning a short trip that you do not have to drive several hours to the busy lake Tahoe, Misthaven would be an ideal destination for family retreat, team building, or even a birthday party. The ranch includes a 2,000 sq ft large barn with spacious indoor space, a 400 sq ft woodworking and crafts workshop, a 1,000 sq ft ranch center with microwave, oven and refrigerator, an amazing zipline, a shooting range for archery and BB gun under our staff guidance and supervision, a fenced petting zoo with goats, chicken, bunny and guinea pig, hammocks in the redwood forest and plenty of beautiful redwood trees. With the ranch booking, you will have the access to: - BBQ and fire pit usage (charcoal/propane with extra charge of $20) - Fire-Roasted Golden Marshmallow Challenge (bring your own marshmallow or purchase with us, we provide skewers) - Trampoline - Hammock - Tree climbing - Petting zoo ($5/cup snack food for pets and animals) - Edible garden - 2,000 sq ft large barn indoor space - 400 sq ft woodworking and crafts indoor space (woodworking activities need to be booked separately) - Water gun - 18ft inflatable Water slide - Outdoor movie projector/screen - Tables and folding chairs There are plenty of ranch activities that you can book with us WITH A FEE separately during your stay. All will be supervised and guided by our professional instructors: - archery - Knife Throwing - Learn survival techniques for lighting your campfire - Spear making - Water filtration in an outdoor environment - Shelter building - Tomahawks - Outdoor BB gun arcade - Camp Zipline and fun forest features. - Woodworking such as Candy dispenser making, Bird feeder making, etc - Pizza making and Ice cream making, butter churning - and many others 20min to the Mt. Madonna County park. 20min to the Gilroy Garden theme park. 50min to Santa Cruz beach and the beautiful Capitola beach. 1hr to Monterey/Carmel.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$63
 / night
Cotillion Gardens RV Park

17. Cotillion Gardens RV Park

100%
(2)
29mi from Woodside · 2 sites · Felton, CA
Campers looking to explore the Santa Cruz Mountain redwoods can spend their nights at Cotillion Gardens RV Park, a rare spot bordering Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park off of Highway 9. Here, you’ll find an array of pet-friendly RV sites, San Lorenzo River-front camping cabins (bring your own bedding!), and four designated tent camping sites with wooden platforms, fire pits, and picnic tables. Take advantage of direct state park access to discover beautiful Redwood Grove Loop Trail and other hiking trails, home to some of California’s oldest redwood trees. RV sites can accommodate up to 6 guests in travel trailers, big rigs, and fifth-wheel trailers up to 36 feet, with options ranging from 30-amp electrical service to full hookups and sewer connections. Standout amenities include a heated swimming pool (May to October), laundry facilities, redwood forest horseshoe pits, and for the kids, a playground and clubhouse filled with games. Choose site #68 if you need pull-through access—also, look out for offseason discounts and even extended-stay RV sites.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets

Camper favorites near Woodside

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near Woodside

Stories from the community

Other options near Woodside

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