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Best Hipcamps in California
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
Best tent campsites in the US
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
What to expect
Short walk to site
Tent site
5 guests max
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
No pets
Bins available
Picnic table present
Wifi available
No potable water
No showers
Cooking equipment absent
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent
No playground
Things to know
Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Check out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Meet with Host
Cancellation policy: Moderate
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 6 months out
Short walk
No wheelchair access
Max 1 vehicle
2WD accessible
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
Tent-only sites
1 site
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
99%
(320)Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Reviews
99% Recommend320 ratings · 274 reviews
Matt's campsite is a little piece of paradise! We loved staying here and would recommend it for a rustic camp stay that feels remote yet is close to town and activities and amenities. Matt is very helpful and friendly, the redwoods are magical, and the location is great. We would definitely stay here again!
E
Elan S.
2 reviews
Our family of four had a blast! Matt’s place is one of the most thoughtful and well kept hip camps we’ve experienced. It felt like staying at a park campsite, but without the crowd. We had everything we needed plus an incredible view. Matt was easy to communicate with and getting to his place was super easy. Highly recommend. 🏕️
Ly N.
3 reviews
Recommends
· June 2026
Site was as advertised. You can't really see anyone else from the campsite and was overall very private. Perfect for a getaway weekend from the world while still having the option for a short drive downtown or to the beach.
B
Brian L.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2026
We loved camping at Fern Ridge Flats! The views were incredible and Matt was a great host!
A
Alexandra A.
4 months on Hipcamp
Beautiful, peaceful wooded spot with super thoughtful amenities. The propane fire pit was especially nice. Matt is amazingly helpful and very quick to respond. Would definitely recommend.
C
Christopher W.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2026
Overall good experience. I think for the price, showers and an actual toilet would have been nice. I think it was a little pricy for just an okay campsite
M
Mierra H.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Loved staying at Matt’s site. Easy parking and unloading. Lovely site, super clean, flat spot for tent, great propane pit, composting toilet was great, soooo many birds. Definitely a birders paradise.
10/10 location. Super easy access to Capitola and SC. Best I’ve been on Hipcamp. Thanks Matt!
Toni R.
2 reviews
We had a great time at Matt's camp! He was extremely helpful with everything and it's a beautiful space. We even saw a banana slug which was unexpected. If you're a birder then this is a perfect place to visit!
Heather L.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Matt’s spot was awesome! Very private, nicely considered and a lovely host. Would recommend and revisit.
E
Elisha C.
3 reviews
This was such a smooth, peaceful, and good experience for us! Matt is super friendly, communicative, and helpful. The site is clean and cute, as well as private, yet accessible!
The experience and site was just as advertised, and I cannot recommend it enough :)
L
Lizzie D.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
This stay was so perfect for introducing my friends to camping !! we were immersed in nature & the stay had super convenient amenities!! the host was super kind & helpful throughout the entire process ! 10/10 would definitely recommend! thank you matt!!
K
Kyara B.
4 months on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· May 2026
Tent · With kids ·
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
Overall great stay beautiful landscape great host, but not as remote as expected not other campers, just really close to our host’s house, and You could hear cars driving on the road right above our tent all night long. Also we went to a beach nearby and there was dead birds every 20 feet and it smelled absolutely horrendous would not recommend going there.
D
Demetrius S.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Very much as described.
As with many spots on HipCamp, this isn't really the rustic boonies where you're getting away from it all -- you are essentially camping in a surburban backyard, albeit a very nice backyard with redwood trees and lots of birds, and the placement of the garage between the property and the campsite does make it quite private.
This would be an excellent campsite for families with small children since it has electricity (bring a power strip if you want to plug in multiple devices simultaneously), a handwashing station with (non-potable) water, a propane grill, and even wifi, and is only a 10 minute drive from the grocery store. Matt was very quick and responsive when the propane ran out and we needed a refill.
There are no trails accessible directly from the property, but it's about a 15 minute drive to the Forest of Nisene Marks or to the state beach.
Alex H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent · With kids ·
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
Great stay! The bathroom was convenient and the picnic table was sturdy. We enjoyed the lights lining the pathways.
Katie G.
6 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
girls trip with april showers
Tent · Group trip ·
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
Matt was super helpful with setting up the propane for us and communicative! The space was perfect for our 8 person tent (for 4 of us) and our canopy over the picnic table available. The trail on the land and access to the bathroom were a fun little walk away, nothing too challenging. The walk from parking the car with all the material was a little challenging as we packed heavy. We attempted to park on the lower level but it was a little risky so we stayed at the top for the remainder of the trip.
S
Shelby E.
3 reviews
Love the camping site. Very much private and it was a nice vacation
E
Emi H.
1 year on Hipcamp
This was our first experience camping. It went perfect! The site was private, clean, and had enough space for hanging out and tent setup. Everything about the space was well thought out. There was even an outlet, plug in string lights, a clean outhouse, a trash, and space for dishwashing with soap and clean water. Bring lanterns, a flashlight, plenty of bug spray, and binoculars if you want to enjoy the view! There’s also a grocery store down the road 15-20 minutes away which is great if you need to grab anything last minute. Matt was a great host and we loved the space.
P
Paris P.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent · With kids ·
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
We enjoyed our stay. The hosts were very nice and accommodating.
D
Derek M.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
We loved camping on Matt’s land under the Redwoods! Communication and directions were on point and made the whole experience very easy, convenient and stress free. Our only wish is that we could have stayed longer 🙂
H
Hilary S.
2 reviews
Our stay here was perfect! This campsite is amazing. The views are breathtaking the sunrise every morning couldn't be much better!
K
Kim S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
The site was perfect for what we wanted! We suggest a wagon to transport items up and down the driveway. Secret trail took about 10-15 minutes to walk and was nice. Would definitely recommend! Thank you.
X
Xavier M.
4 months on Hipcamp
Genuinely such a great experience. Matt was an awesome and most reliable host. Definitely worth the price and the added additions that we paid for made the trip even more enjoyable. 11/10 experience.
M
Marco S.
5 months on Hipcamp
Beautiful property, so quiet, very flat for a tent, so many birds!
I
Isabel T.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
we had an excellent stay! the site was cute and cozy with everything we needed! the hosts were communicative and helpful :) would love to stop by again!
M
Mckenna W.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
Fern Ridge Flats was a top spot for sure. Great campsite for a group of 4, not too many more. Beautiful trees and nice accommodations like the picnic table and propane fire pit. Loved it there.
O
Owen L.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2026
Beautiful campsite and incredible host! We stayed for one night and will be back.
N
Neerav G.
1 year on Hipcamp
LOVED this sweet spot in the mountains! Great hosts with lots of amenities available if needed. Potable Water, compost toilet, fire pit - they even provided the propane for the fire pit and a pop up tent for the rain. Highly recommend!
M
Madeleine S.
2 reviews
This was my second stay at Fern Ridge Campground, and it continues to be one of the most peaceful places I’ve camped.
I first stayed here in March 2025 during a healing trip shortly after my mom passed away. Returning again to celebrate my birthday with my family felt incredibly meaningful - like coming back to a place that already knew me.
Matt has created something truly special. His attention to detail is felt everywhere, from the beautiful lighted pathways to the picnic table setup and the convenience of add-on amenities like propane, which was amazing both visits. The site is small but absolutely perfect, comfortably fitting two tents.
The pit toilet is clean and well maintained, water is available on site, and the soft campground lighting creates a peaceful atmosphere at night. Both stays, I was woken up by an incredible chorus of birds - such a grounding and beautiful way to start the day.
Matt also sends clear photos and directions before arrival so Google doesn’t route you the wrong way, which is incredibly helpful.
Fern Ridge Campground won Best Hipcamp of 2024 and 2025, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it win again in 2026. An exceptional place for healing, connection, and time in nature. Highly recommend.
Monica M.
5 reviews
Beautiful place. Stayed one night driving up the coast and it worked out perfectly. Matt is very accommodating.
Highly recommend the hiking trails about 15 minutes away at the Forest of Nisene Marks.
D
David H.
3 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
Had a great overnight trip to Matt’s site. Had rain in the forecast and I was able to easily add the canopy and blackstone extras to help us out. Everything was set up when we got there, extra amenities were super great. Very clear directions and communication from Matt. We loved how private the site felt while still being close to the local towns. Site is clearly described in the listing, we had room for the pop-up canopy and a four person tent for the two of us. Even with a downpour, we had no issues with anything. We’ll definitely be back!
M
Maria A.
8 months on Hipcamp
Location
Aptos, Santa Cruz, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Matt B.
Joined in August 2022Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 4 hours
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