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Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

Hosted by Thaddeus/Mona · Royal Oaks, California

3 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 1.5 acres

100%

Thaddeus/Mona is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Looking for a place to relax, recharge or explore surrounding areas of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties? Vega Vortex is home to the Gaia Health Retreat and possesses vortex energy! Expect a warm greeting upon arrival. To find us, an unmarked road, listed on maps as "Country Lane" (we call it Vega Vortex Rd). Parking is close to our Vega Vortex sign and a short walk to your tent. Filtered potable water, electricity, shower/toilet with an "on demand" hot/cold water are available. Instructions for use are available and should you need assistance - we are here for you! Experience 2 campsites, BYOT (bring your own tent or rent one from us) or an onsite Bell tent. The Bell tent contains carpeted padded flooring, camp lights, shelving, 2 cots with bedding, plus a memory foam camping mattress! The BYOT site's measurement is 10' x 10' . Both sites have shaded areas, and picnic tables. A shower and a compost toilet are available. Enjoy a designated smoking/vaping spot, multiple benches, and swings, a "grounding" spot, birding, water fountains and art. A no noise policy by the county occurs at 9 pm. Due to a high risk fire zone, no open fires. Due to the proximity of the tents right next to Vega Rd, sounds from vehicles can be heard. We are situated in a rural neighborhood setting, with sounds of sheep, goats, chickens, wild turkeys, dogs and many birds nestled between both counties. For enhanced protection we ask that a waiver be signed. Security cameras are on site. While respecting your privacy, we can be seen improving the property. The terrain is hilly and staying on paths limits poison oak exposure. Vega Vortex has been called a Park and Machu Picchu due to the amphitheater landscaping of terracing. Practicing permaculture, a diversity of pollinating plants/ flowers, organic garden and art features exist. Minutes away from National Parks, the Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz Beach Board Walk, Roaring Camp Train, Monterey Bay Aquarium, National Steinbeck Center, Moss Landing, Elkhorn Slough/Canoe/Kayak, Estuaries (bird watching), golfing and multiple beaches. As a gift for staying here, you may receive either a bottle of "structured" water, a healing tincture or salve, or a bottle of infused olive oil, curated from the Vega Vortex!

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$45

/ night

3 sites

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Tent-only sites

1 site

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BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent)

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(10)

Tent site · Sleeps 4

Vega Vortex is home to the Gaia Health Retreat and possesses vortex energy! Expect a warm greeting upon arrival. To find us, an unmarked road, listed on maps is "Country Lane" (we call it Vega Vortex Rd). Parking will be a short walk to your tent. Mostly shaded with a dedicated picnic table. The site measurement is 10' x 10' . A shower and a compost toilet are available with an "on demand" hot/cold water and can be found in the shower and sink in the bathroom. Filtered drinking water is available outside of the shower. Should you need assistance - we are here for you! Enjoy nearby electricity, a designated smoking/vaping spot, multiple swings and benches, a "grounding" spot, birding, water fountains, and the surrounding landscaping to enhance the vortex ambiance. A no noise policy, by the county, occurs at 9 pm. Due to a high risk fire zone, no open fires or cooking available. Due to the proximity of the tent to Vega Rd, sounds and lights from cars can be experienced (earplugs are provided for added comfort). For enhanced protection we ask that a waiver be signed and security cameras are on site. We're situated in a rural setting, (think sounds of horses, sheep, goats, chickens, wild turkeys and many birds) nestled between Santa Cruz, Ca and Monterey, Ca. Minutes away from National Parks, the Mystery Spot, the Board Walk, the Skunk Train, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Estuaries, and the Beach. Vega Vortex has been called a Park and Machu Picchu due to the amphitheater landscaping of terracing, and under the title of Permaculture/Regenerative farming, a diversity of pollinating plants/ flowers, organic garden and art features. As a gift for staying with us, receive a bottle of "structured" water, a healing tincture or salve of your choice curated from the Vega Vortex!

No campfires

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

Picnic table

from

$45

/ night

for NaN guests

RV/tent sites

1 site

Instant book

Auto Camp

100%

(1)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 2 · Vehicles under 16 ft

Site has minimal incline (may need leveling supports). The space can accommodate 16'x8'. Campervans and cars are allowed. Water and electrical are close by. No sewage and TV hookups. Generators are not allowed. No Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, and Class B RVs. Space does not accommodate slideouts. The ground surface is compacted dirt and wood chips and is close to Vega Rd (at this point not much privacy ...earplugs are provided for added comfort). The Bell Tent is also in close proximity. On site compost toilet with hot/cold sink and hot/cold enclosed shower. Excluding the garden, you may enjoy the property with multiple swings, benches, grounding spot, bird watching and the Vega Vortex energy!

No campfires

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

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$67

/ night

for NaN guests

Lodging

1 site

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Bell Tent

100%

(9)

Bell tent · Sleeps 2 · 2 beds · 1 toilet

Expect a warm greeting upon arrival. To find us, an unmarked road, listed on maps is "Country Lane" (we call it Vega Vortex Rd). Parking will be a short walk to your tent. Nearby electricity will be available for devices. The Bell Tent - Rest on a secure leveled wooden platform. It is covered with a rain fly, for possible rain, and acts as an insulator for warmth. The Bell tent contains carpeted padded flooring, camp lights, shelving, 2 cots with memory foam camping mattresses. For enhanced convenience: bedding of cotton sheets, down comforter, and down pillows. Shade and sunlight can be experienced in the tent. A wall is situated outside of the tent to minimize, sounds and lights from cars on Vega Road (earplugs are provided for added comfort). Trash and Recycle receptacles and a dedicated picnic table are situated close to the tent. A shower and a compost toilet are available. An "on demand" hot/cold water can be found in the shower and sink in the bathroom. Filtered drinking water is available outside of the shower. Instructions for use are available and should you need assistance - we are here for you! A no noise policy by the county occurs at 9 pm. Due to a high risk fire zone, no open fires or cooking available. For enhanced protection we ask that a waiver be signed and security cameras are on site. Enjoy a designated smoking/vaping spot, multiple swings and benches, a "grounding" spot, birding, water fountains, yard art and the surrounding landscaping to enhance the vortex ambiance. Vega Vortex has been called a Park and Machu Picchu due to the amphitheater landscaping of terracing, and under the title of Permaculture, a diversity of pollinating plants/ flowers, organic garden and art features. It's situated in a rural setting, with sounds of sheep, goats, chickens, wild turkeys and many birds nestled between both counties. Minutes away from National Parks, the Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz Board Walk, the Skunk Train, Monterey Bay Aquarium, National Steinbeck Center, Moss Landing, Elkhorn slough/Canoe/Kayak, Estuaries (bird watching), golf course and multiple beaches. As a gift for staying with us, receive a bottle of "structured" water, a healing tincture or salve of your choice of farm to table from the Vega Vortex!

No campfires

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

Picnic table

from

$75

/ night

for NaN guests

from

$45

/ night

3 sites

Reviews

100% Recommend20 ratings · 19 reviews

Recommends

· November 2025

Bell Tent

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!

Chloe M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· November 2025

Hidden gem

16 ft campervan ·

Auto Camp

Thaddeus and Mona are the sweetest and their place is amazing! It’s a beautiful property and you can tell they take pride in it and put a lot of work into the guest experience. They really wanted feedback on how to keep improving but honestly I had no complaints- between the homemade welcome gift, hot shower, beautiful gardens, affordable price point, and clear communication, my stay was perfect :)

Sarah W.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2025

Bell Tent

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!

Francesca U.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2025

Bell Tent

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!

Pei L.

3 reviews

Recommends

· October 2025

Loved the vortex

Bell Tent

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!

Alex K.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Welcoming hosts, cozy camping

Tent ·

BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent)

What a perfect property for me to experience camping by myself. I am an avid camper but have always gone with others. I wanted to feel empowered by trying one night of camping on my own during a road trip. Mona and Thaddeus made me feel comfortable right away. My 4-person tent fit perfectly on the BYOT level pad and the composting toilet and shower system were very clean and in excellent condition. I hope to come back again with my family!

Jennifer S.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Bell Tent

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!

Cara H.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent ·

BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent)

Lovely land and great amenities. Welcoming and helpful hosts :) and a beautiful thank you gift handed to us when we arrived!

Ryan B.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Bell Tent

Loved what Thaddeus and Mona have done with their land. They’re amazing hosts and I highly recommend staying at their place.

Jacob U.

5 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent ·

BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent)

The BYOL site had a soft built platform that was comfortable to set up a tent on, a clothing line to hang wet clothing, various benches and swings around the property to sit peacefully among gardens, and the cleanest shower and bathrooms I’ve ever seen (truly a shock)! Bonus that the property was only 6 mins drive away from highway 1. Would absolutely come back in a heartbeat.

Emily M.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Really special folks and land..

Bell Tent

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!

Jesse C.

4 reviews

Recommends

· August 2025

Tent ·

BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent)

Loved the stay with Thaddeus and Mona. Everything was very clean and thoughtful!

Garnett M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Respite in the coastal oaks

Tent ·

BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent)

This camping nook is located in a hilly neighborhood heavily wooded with coastal oaks. The property is thoughtfully and beautifully designed with a very positive energy. The hosts are happy and gracious people and wanted my stay to be comfortable. The site was well-tended. The facilities were clean and perfectly functional. The adjacent road was not busy at night and the neighborhood was quiet. Roosters and hound dogs from neighboring properties give a morning chorus. The trees on the property are filled with local birds: finches, sparrows, jays, doves, and hummingbirds. It was a 15 minute drive to Kirby Park on Elkhorn Slough where I put in my kayak for a morning paddle. I would absolutely stay here again, and I would look forward to another conversation with Thaddeus and Mona, who were such positive, wonderful hosts.

Bruce C.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Tent ·

BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent)

Really great and super clean site. Thaddeus and Mona were very kind and gave us a brief and informative tour of the grounds upon arrival. Great amenities with the shower and bathroom. Cannot recommend enough!

William F.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2025

Fantastic, warm and kind hosts!

Tent ·

BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent)

Wow, one of the best hip camps I've stayed at. Mona and Thaddeus when ABOVE and BEYOND with hospitality. Welcomed us when we arrived, showed us around. The bathroom was spotless, tent spot was level. Nice picnic bench for cooking. I recommend adding the garden tour, it was so fascinating to learn about what they're growing. There were sound animal sounds and surrounding farm sounds but could still get to sleep. It was a really great stay, would definitely come back!

Saturn M.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Bell Tent

Wow. Thaddeus and Mona are genuinely welcoming, warm, and wonderful. Their site is super special, and they have put a lot of care and attention to every detail. My son and I stayed in the bell tent and our stay was exceptional. In addition to our mattresses and bedding being so comfortable and lovely, there were fresh flowers, several other little gifts, and just too much to list here.

Autumn J.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2025

Tent ·

BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent)

Thaddeus and Mona were super welcoming and friendly. Their property is gorgeous and very well taken care of. Their shower and toilet situation worked great with hot water and plenty of privacy. 10/10 recommend, can't wait to come back!

Diego P.

5 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Bell Tent

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.

Joy W.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

The most wonderful gem!

Tent · Group trip ·

BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent)

Mona and Thaddeus were the most amazing hosts! They are so lovely and welcoming and made sure we had everything we needed. This spot is such a gem. The cleanest, nicest camp bathroom I have ever seen with anything you could need- shower etc. You simply must stay here! We cannot wait to come back.

Carson P.

6 years on Hipcamp

Location

Royal Oaks, Monterey, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Thaddeus/Mona J.

Joined in July 2021

Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

Select a site

Tent-only sites

BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent)

RV/tent sites

Auto Camp

Lodging

Bell Tent

Reviews

Location

Hosted by Thaddeus/Mona J.

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