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  4. Gualala

Essene Acres of Gualala Ocean View -Walking Distance to Town

Hosted by Rick · Gualala, California
3 sites · Tent, Lodging · 10 acres
100%
·
10 reviews
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Rick is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Private sites
100% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
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 [xxxxxxxx]), 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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Tent-only sites

1 site
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Site for Tent and Great for Bike-In

100%
(4)
Tent site · Sleeps 2
This is a great private site to set up your tent. If you are biking on the coast, it's the perfect bike-in site. You will be five minutes from the town of Gualala (on a bicycle, it's two minutes). It is almost adjacent to Highway one which is the major road. This is a 10-acre ocean view site but you might be the only ones. This site is next to a watercourse. that along with the sound of the ocean waves, will lull you to sleep. There is more than enough space in a flat area for one small tent, possibly two . There is a rustic outhouse with composting toilet. There will be potable water but no running water. Please ask any questions that you have.
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table

Lodging

2 sites
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Ocean View Tear Drop Trailer w Tent

100%
(3)
Onsite RV/trailer · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
This site is on flat ground and includes the 5 foot wide little guy trailer plus an attached 5 X 7 foot screened porch-like tent, giving you plenty of room plus a cozy sleeping pod. The back of the tear drop opens and there is a kitchen with sink (not operational at this time) and stove. This is located next to a sitting area with umbrella, picnic table and prep area. Ocean view. And you get lulled to sleep by the waves crashing nearby. There is a compostable toilet in an outhouse nearby. Note: If you are taller than 6 feet 2 inches, this little trailer/sleeping pod might not work for you. It is a small space. If for some reason you have more than 2 people, please let us know as there is an extra fee, and we need to make sure that there is room for a small tent
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table
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Bell Tent W Queen Futon Ocean View

100%
(2)
Bell tent · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed
This site is situated on a knoll, on a palette deck platform, and includes a private 16 foot bell tent with furnishings, including a queen size futon/couch. It is adjacent to a hammock in which you can while away your time. There is an ocean view from inside the tent and out on the deck. The tent is spacious and has vent holes to allow the breezes to pass through and keep it aerated. There is a communal composting toilet and potable water. No hookups on this site. Located within walking distance to the town of Gualala which is just over a 5 minute walk. The Gualala Arts Center is just a few minutes walk away.
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table

Reviews

100% Recommend11 ratings · 10 reviews
Recommends
· July 2026
Camping in the Redwoods!
Ocean View Tear Drop Trailer w Tent
I loved staying in the little guy! My partner and I were nice and cozy. The little guy had two burners, which was perfect for us to cook. The location was so close to town, but when on site it felt super serene and tucked off with a beautiful view of the ocean! Rick and Jill were very welcoming and gave great recommendations for what to do in town. Definitely would come back!
Avatar
Camielle O.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2026
Bell Tent W Queen Futon Ocean View
We absolutely loved our stay at Rick and Jill's place and are already planning our next weekend escape. The location strikes the perfect balance of private and quiet, nestled under the trees with ocean views, while just a 5 min walk to town. The grounds are thoughtfully laid out with multiple viewpoints, a hammock, and fun art pieces to discover. We stayed in the tent, which was super comfortable, warm and equipped with everything we needed, including a queen futon and a cool vintage-style CD player. Listening to their great music collection while drinking coffee outside the tent was a highlight of our mornings. Everything was exceptionally clean and straightforward, with easy parking right by the site. Rick and Jill were fantastic hosts who are super communicative, friendly, and accommodating. They warmly greeted us and shared excellent local tips. You really cannot beat the location. Despite feeling so secluded, it is an easy walk into Gualala to enjoy the Saturday farmer's market, the beach, and restaurants. We also loved exploring Cooks Beach just down the road and nearby Sea Ranch. If you are looking for a peaceful, well-equipped, and perfectly located coastal getaway, I highly recommend staying here!
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Amanda A.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2026
Base camp for GAC art class
Bell Tent W Queen Futon Ocean View
Lovely space with thoughtful hosts. Lots of added amenities and everything was clean.
K
Kim A.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent ·
Site for Tent and Great for Bike-In
Rick and Jill are such accommodating hosts! The site itself was great and equipped with a tarp already and a great table and chairs. Really appreciated the access to the outhouse as well! It was a quick walk to town and the river which made our stay so exciting both on the property and off. Very attentive and communicative hosts leading up to and during the stay, we will definitely be back!
K
Kaya D.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2026
Incredible hosts and campsite!
Ocean View Tear Drop Trailer w Tent
Our trip completely exceeded expectations. Rick and Jill were accommodating and hospitable from the first message between us. They also made sure to come greet us and show us the ropes. Beyond that, we even had quite a bit in common! To top it off, Rick and Jill made sure we had everything we needed, messaged us with updates and tips, and had everything working in tip top shape. From the nice camper to the fresh water ready for us to the beautiful landscape, this was an amazing and relaxing night. Thank you both so much!! 10/10 recommend for anyone looking to see Gualala!
C
Cooper W.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Perfect Getaway
Ocean View Tear Drop Trailer w Tent
This spot was the perfect getaway! Even though we arrived to our campsite much later than expected at 9pm, Rick and Jill still gave us a warm greeting and showed us around the campsite. They had hot tea sitting in a thermos for us upon our arrival and they showed us how to turn all of the lights on in the trailer. They also gave us great recommendations for things to do in the area. The campsite was equipped with everything we needed for a wonderful stay with an ocean view. The teardrop trailer was comfortable and it was really nice to have the tent attached to be able to change our clothes. My favorite part of the campsite was the views. The site was in the trees with multiple areas to relax in while enjoying the view. Overall, it was very relaxing. We are so glad we found this gem of a campsite, and we will definitely be back!
A
Amy D.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
Amazing campsite! Would come back!!
Tent ·
Site for Tent and Great for Bike-In
My wife and I had the most amazing time at Rick’s campsite in Gualala. We had been meaning to visit Gualala for some time now and Rick and his wife were so welcoming and made sure to check in with us on the drive up just so that we were safe and could find our way to their campsite, which is really accessible. When we arrived, Rick and his wife gave us a tour of the campgrounds and recommendations for hikes to do in the area. We would definitely come back and anyone considering booking a couple of days with Rick should instantly do it!! Thanks so much again Rick and Jill!
Y
Yash C.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
A great experience in Gualala
Tent ·
Site for Tent and Great for Bike-In
We loved camping here! Rick and Jill were very hospitable. When we arrived they gave us a tour of the campsite, a jug of water and a bunch of wonderful recommendations of things to do in the area, which we ended up loving! The facilities at the campsite were great as well. Would highly recommend.
M
Marco G.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
Awesome Campsites off Hwy 1!
Tent ·
Site for Tent and Great for Bike-In
Just returned from a rejuvenating stay at this tucked-away campsite nestled deep in Gualala’s stunning redwood forest. The natural beauty surrounding the site is nothing short of magical—towering trees, crisp air, and an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and soak it all in. The sounds of ocean waves will lull you to sleep at night. Rick and Jill, the hosts, were warm, welcoming, and incredibly accommodating, which made settling in a breeze. The site’s location is also a major plus: just a short drive to town and conveniently close to the nearby state park, perfect for those looking to explore without straying far. A big jug of potable water is provided at each site and the outhouse with a compost toilet and little handwashing sink is a short walk from the campsite. There was a bit of road noise at times, but it didn’t overshadow the peaceful forest vibes and bubbling brook. If you're looking for a tranquil escape with kind hosts and easy access to both nature and small-town charm, this spot is a great find.
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Jona J.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
Bell Tent W Queen Futon Ocean View
Rick’s camp site was incredible, can’t recommend this spot enough. Within easy reach of a creek, river, and ocean. Walking distance from Gualala but still feels serene and remote. Plenty of amenities and a beautiful forest to explore, plus the tent was cozy and comfortable!
B
Bradley V.
1 year on Hipcamp

Location

Gualala, Mendocino County, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Rick C.

Joined in June 2025
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 3 hours

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