The best camping in Moss Landing State Beach, CA

Name: Moss Landing State Beach
Address: Moss Landing State Beach

Wildlife, surf, and picnics are the big draws at this dune-backed Monterey Coast beach.

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Moss Landing State Beach adventure.

Top-rated campsites near Moss Landing State Beach

Elkhorn Ranch

1. Elkhorn Ranch

96%

(344)

3.8mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Five minutes from the beach, Elkhorn Ranch is home to goats, sheep, wild chickens followed by their baby chicks, and a couple of cows, dogs, and sheep. In addition to the animals there is a greenhouse and an acre of pumpkins, corn, and beans. A small fruit orchard borders the chicken coop. Anybody who enjoys small farm life and activity will find this place enchanting. Norris and Roberta are incredible hosts and inclusive to any guests that want to participate in farm life. Close to restaurants and the cute harbor town of Moss Landing, 30 minutes from Carmel and Santa Cruz, Elkhorn Ranch can be a place to relax or a gateway to explore Big Sur and all the amazing hidden gems of the Central California Coast. After your stay here if you would like to continue your exploration of the coast, we have a partner who does surfing tours between Santa Cruz and San Francisco. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566796147238 Thanks and hope to see you soon!

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Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

2. Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

100%

(38)

7.2mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging

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 3 campsites: Tent Spot (#1) 10'x10', Tent Spot (#2) 8'x8' or an onsite Bell tent. The Bell tent contains carpeted padded flooring, camp lights, shelving, 2 bed frames each with a memory foam mattress plus bedding. All sites have shaded areas, and picnic tables. A shower and a compost toilet are available for all campers. Enjoy a designated smoking/vaping spot, multiple benches, 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 (small camp stoves are ok). 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, salve, a bottle of infused olive oil or another healing product curated from the Vega Vortex!

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Salty Fox Retreat @ Peaceful Valley

3. Salty Fox Retreat @ Peaceful Valley

94%

(66)

7.9mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Peaceful Valley Glamping Near the Beach & Redwoods Welcome to our peaceful slice of paradise—tucked away in a quiet valley just one street over from one of North America’s top-ranked KOAs and less than a mile from the beach (with a walking path to get you there!). Surrounded by state parks, beaches, and scenic trails, our property offers the perfect mix of convenience and serenity. The land is a mostly flat, open field bordered by a redwood tree line and adjacent to a national wildlife reserve. Neighboring properties have horses and sheep, giving the area a tranquil, rural charm. It truly is a hidden gem—and we're excited to now share it with campers after years of hosting only weddings and private events. Great destination if you want to be close to hikes in the redwoods, access to to some of the most beautiful beaches on the central coast and more. Great fishing along the beaches for striper and perch along with some great surf spots just a few minutes a way. 🏕 The Campsites: 4 available sites – book solo or with friends. Site can accommodate large groups but price set for up to 4 people. These sites are close. Equipped with a fire pit, string lights, bocce ball, horseshoes, and more PLEASE NOTE: Fire ban can come into effect at anytime w/o notice if there is windy weather making it dangerous. Well water available (for fire safety and non-potable uses) One clean, regularly serviced porta-potty Sites are primarily self-contained, so please come prepared 🐎 The Vibe: Our venue is occasionally used for weddings and events, and we can host up to 300 guests if you're looking for a retreat or celebration space. Tables, benches, bars, and decor are available for special bookings—reach out if you'd like to plan something big! 🏡 About Your Host: The host lives on-site but values privacy and keeps a low profile. You likely won’t run into them during your stay unless you need something. 🐾 Pet Policy: Friendly, well-behaved pets are welcome—just check with us first. We ask that you fully clean up after them and ensure they get along with other animals and guests. 🔇 Quiet Hours: Please respect quiet hours starting at 9 PM (Santa Cruz County noise ordinance begins at 10 PM). Be courteous to fellow campers and nearby residents.

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Strawberry Fields+Walk to the Beach

4. Strawberry Fields+Walk to the Beach

97%

(291)

8.7mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Our property is an eight minute walk to the beach! We are pet friendly! Welcome to southern Santa Cruz County, home of some of the longest and most beautiful beaches in central California. Enjoy the peaceful view of 300 acres of strawberry fields across the valley. We are located in La Selva Beach, an eight-minute walk to Manresa State Beach. We are a small, working farm with vegetable and flower gardens, chickens and bees. There are many excellent places nearby to hike, walk, surf, swim, tide pool, kayak or just sit and enjoy the view. On site we have a basketball hoop, corn hole, lots of room for kites, frisbees etc. If we appear booked, please inquire anyway, we may have sites that can be opened. We can accommodate extra large rigs (no length constraints) even if not noted in our site listings. Please inquire. We can usually accommodate early and late check out, please inquire. We can be flexible with an extra tent, person(s) etc., please inquire. Our campsites include water and electric hookups. We welcome tents, RV’s, trailers etc. We have plenty of room for a second vehicle. We do offer a port-a potty and sinks; no shower facilities; good cell service. Our property is a great base camp for your Santa Cruz and Monterey County adventures! SFO is 90 minutes away depending on traffic. We regularly host international travelers and we are happy to help you get acquainted with your rig as you set out on your journey. We love to host guests and will happily provide you with information about things to do and see in on the central coast. We may loan our State Parks pass so that you can venture out to Point Lobos, Wilder Ranch, Sunset State Beach, Natural Bridges and more. There is a Dump station a few minutes down the road at the KOA (for a fee). Are you interested in renting a self contained camping unit? Want to spend a few days near the beach with a great view of the strawberry fields in your own little cozy retreat? We’ve got just the partner for you. Our partner lists on Outdoorsy and will deliver and set up a 26 foot Airstream trailer that sleeps 6. The unit is fully remodeled, super clean, with water and power hook ups and additional amenities as needed. Please let us know if interested and we will provide contact info for booking.

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Grey Oaks

5. Grey Oaks

99%

(476)

8.8mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Grey Oaks' Rustic Campsites, are a boutique camping experience with real old-timey style. We have 2 RV/tent campsites and currently 2 tent-only sites for hipcamp use. Grey Oaks is located on 20 acres of land, with multiple interesting and cool landscape features, hot water shower, and animals up by the house (1/4 mile from the campsites) that you can interact with during your stay here. ( 2 pasture horses, 1 Donkey, 2 friendly dogs, and 1 awesome cat). At the campsites, we have picnic tables, fire pits, bbqs, ice chests on request, and more. A clean and fresh well water hand/dishwashing station and two outhouses are conveniently located to the campsites. 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. Eucalyptus, oak, and/or pine firewood is provided free for you during your stay with us. It really is a beautiful and wonderful property. There is wildlife, and it is private and peaceful. It is very dark at night and the view of the stars, moon, and planets is amazing. There is poison oak on the property so please be aware. We will show you what it looks like, so you can easily avoid it.

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Grey Oaks 2

6. Grey Oaks 2

98%

(66)

8.9mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

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! :)

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Terra Cultura

7. Terra Cultura

95%

(225)

11mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging

Our farm is nestled in the scenic hills of Aromas, CA, just 15 minutes away from the ocean. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip along California’s majestic coast, or looking to spend some time getting to know the lush landscape of the Central Coast, we welcome you with open arms! We are a nonprofit educational eco-arts farm and your booking supports environmental stewardship and arts education for underserved communities. Thank you for your support! We place the highest value on respect--for the land, and for the people, plants, and animals that call this area home. While you are here, please consider yourself a partner in stewarding this place.

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Shiima koh

8. Shiima koh

92%

(132)

11mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Shííma koh is a beautiful space nestled in the Aptos hills. We are 15 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from town, all whilst being surrounded by redwoods. It’s a quiet place with a beautiful view of the valley and natural spring water. We are a family with a few dogs and livestock who live here. And welcome you to our home.

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Nearby Getaway -Dogs Welcome!

9. Nearby Getaway -Dogs Welcome!

98%

(190)

12mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Known to many in the Bay Area as the "Nearby Getaway," Mi Querida is a quick and easy drive from the SF Bay Area. Come to relax in peace and quiet, pleasant outdoor. A short drive away but far from troubles you've left behind! Relax and rejuvenate. The weather is always temperate, sometimes the evening marine layer lavishly blankets the rolling hills like cotton. Evening campfires are cozy and relaxing. Easy access to Highway 101 for "Nearby Getaways" or convenient stops along your travels. Nearby attractions include whale watching, Elkhorn Slough Safaris, fishing, Monterey Zoo, world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Big Sur, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and miles of beaches, redwoods, miles of bike trails from the new Coastline Trail to Fort Ord and Niscene Marks Redwoods, wine tasting and more. Host is a well-experienced event and tour planner. Simply ask for recommendations. Come to your "Nearby Getaway" at Mi Querida - an easy drive from the SF Bay Area - for great sky views, and pleasant country walks, or step back in time to the Mission-era town of San Juan Bautista without commercialism! Well, we do have a gas station, a market, the active mission, of course, a step back in history, a few quaint restaurants, craft beer and local wines in our "one-horse" historical town. For the ultimate Nearby Getaway book the entire property and bring along your own selected guest list of friends or family. We invite private groups to exclusive use of the property for Getaways, family & friends picnics, celebrations, reunions, even weddings. Day use or overnite facilities. Groups of 1-100. NEWS FLASH: Skip the long stopover at urban EV charging stations. Charge your EV overnite! Special rates for stopover charging! Easy off and on to Highway 101, 129. 156 and on your way! Learn more about this land: This is a large flat site with rolling hills, lovely rural views, rolling oak studded pastureland, open views, lovely sunsets and beautiful mornings. Very quiet, private, peaceful and serene. Afternoon breezes while red tailed hawks ride the thermals, and woodpeckers work on their treasure hoarde. Spot the breeding pair of Bald Eagles who swoop down almost low enough to touch! Wildlife abounds. Easy access from Highway 101, yet private and secluded. Historic San Juan Bautista Mission and town nearby. Monterey/Carmel 30 minutes. Santa Cruz/Beaches 20 minutes. Hollister, Salinas, or Gilroy 20 minutes. Site will accommodate RV, Sprintervan, or trailer 50/30/20 amp service. Tents welcome too! Water. Ranch "outhouse" with flushable composting style toilet, running hot & cold water, shower and electricity. Bunkhouse rustic accommodations available. Contact Host for details. Tent and Car Top Tent sites also available. Contact Host for details. Beautiful peaceful historic San Juan Bautista. Quaint historic mission town nearby with restaurants. Hiking trails nearby Horseback riding woods & beach. Equine Facilities available. 20 min to beach or redwoods. Beautiful rural area. Weddings, anniversaries, celebrations of life; event camp; event site. Family groups and events always welcome! Call for more information. NOTE: This property is located in a very private country area. It is approximately 8 minutes from the small historic town of San Juan Bautista. We meet our first time guests at the Park & Ride as a welcome courtesy so you can easily follow us in and around the potholes on our rural roads! Let us know if we can assist you with any special interests or attractions in the Monterey Bay and Central Coast Area. As your hosts, our goal is that you will rest easy, enjoy the relaxation, peace and harmony for your "getaway."

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The Hobbit Hideout

10. The Hobbit Hideout

96%

(297)

13mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 4 sites

This campground just god a major uplift. This used to be called Feel Good Camp and now we dedicate it to the natural green building and clean living. The Grand Opening will be the weekend of the 15th this year. We made our decision based on our love to create an inspiration for arts and creating beautiful buildings using materials that you can find around you such as pallets, clay, sands, straws, etc. Everything is made out of non toxic materials, we even made our own paint out of cooking flours! Being inside these cob buildings feels like being in the womb of Mother Earth: the scent, the calm, the grounding, etc. The woods come from one of our properties and we milled them ourselves. We upcycle almost everything: The tree barks, the branches, even the furnitures were secured from non-profit organizations. We'd like you to come to be inspired! One of the buildings is there as a demonstration site till its done and we'll have the cob builder to be there to show you around. Cob working party is held by a master cob builder. We made your Camping and Glamping experience easy. We provide clean showers, restrooms, toilet paper, paper towels, barbecue, camping stoves, utensils, plates, bowls, mugs, coffee maker, pots and pans, cutleries, etc. Yes, there is hot water as well with no coins needed. The campground is located in a serene oak grove area of the property. Its a peaceful getaway with an abundance of bird varieties and occasional wild turkeys passing through. Take a stroll around our 5-acre property and catch a breathtaking sunset from the hillside. The amenities are: Outdoor kitchen, 2 fire pits, outdoor showers and bathrooms, electricity in each cobin, Board games, Yard Games, dog park and an outdoor library for little ones to grown ups. In Winter 2026 we'll add sauna and outdoor tubs for warm winter experience. Your parking spot is within a very short walking distance and there are wagons for you to use to haul your belongings to your camp site.

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Sacred Owl Land

11. Sacred Owl Land

100%

(37)

14mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 4 sites

Welcome to Sacred Owl Land — A Sanctuary for the Soul Tucked into the serene hills of California’s central coast, Sacred Owl Land is a sacred, off-grid retreat space designed for rest, renewal, and reconnection with nature. We invite you to unwind in one of our two thoughtfully crafted cabana stays, each offering comfort, privacy, and expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Each cabana features: A beautiful queen-size bed or california King bed, loft style Private indoor sink and hot shower French press with coffee & tea (the tea is harvested from our land) and basic utensils Small fridge Large windows for stargazing or sunset watching from bed Access to a shared outdoor composting toilet Guests staying in either cabana also enjoy access to beautiful shared spaces, including: A hot tub under the stars A communal fire pit A BBQ area A peaceful outdoor yoga deck with ocean views Whether you're soaking in the tub, practicing morning yoga, or enjoying the stillness of the land, Sacred Owl Land offers a deeply nourishing experience for body and spirit. Located just 20 minutes from the beach and walking distance to a local winery, it's a perfect escape into simplicity and sacred beauty. For movement and mindfulness, we offer both an outdoor yoga deck with ocean views and an indoor yoga shala for quiet practice or group sessions. Sacred Owl Land is ideal for retreating, gathering, or simply being. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby walking trails and scenic hikes. More details will be shared after

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Fern Ridge Camper

12. Fern Ridge Camper

98%

(148)

14mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 1 site

Come and camp like its 1949 in our retro Boles Aero trailer at Fern Ridge Camper. Much like Airstream, Boles Aero was building top of the line campers out of aircraft grade aluminum; providing chill vibes and highly functional spaces. Come enjoy our blast from the past in our completely original Boles Aero trailer. Apart from the camper itself, which sleeps two comfortably, our site comes equipped with outdoor dining, string lights, and a fire pit to enjoy the stars. Situated at the front of our property, the camper provides a private feel, while still being conveniently located. 10 minutes from town, 15 minutes from the closest beach, and 30 minutes from the beach boardwalk our site is close enough to all Santa Cruz has to offer, while secluded enough to enjoy the natural spaces unique to the Santa Cruz mountains.

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Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping

13. Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping

99%

(313)

14mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 1 site

Nestled in a canopy of redwoods, less than 10 miles from the beach sits a private and cozy campground. Fern Ridge Flats combines the best of Santa Cruz county. Abundant trees and misty mornings await you at our property in Aptos. Equipped with electricity, water, and a picnic table for your convenience. There are trails on the land for you to explore, animals, and nature to dive into. *************** Smoking and the use of drugs are strictly prohibited. This is a safe and quiet neighborhood with many families including my own. Please do not request to book if you have the intention of partying or using illegal substances. If these rules are violated, local authorities will be called and you will be removed from the campsite. *************** The campsite is less than a 5 minute walk from the parking spot but is relatively steep. Although it is paved it is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues. *************** As an added precaution to protect the lush landscape, the firepit at the campsite utilizes clean burning propane. We chose a burner that closely replicates the size and heat of a wood to enhance our campers' experience.

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Beach RV Pleasure Point

14. Beach RV Pleasure Point

93%

(37)

15mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 15 sites

Nestled between Rodeo Creek and Corcoran Lagoon in the legendary surf neighborhood of Pleasure Point lies a hidden gem—a real RV park with full-hookup spots, just a 10 minute walk to multiple eastside beaches and surf spots. Our snug, mostly-gravel, creekside spaces accommodate RVs up to 40', with nightly or weekly stay options. Stay like a local, right in the mix of the best Santa Cruz has to offer. Beach RV Pleasure Point is the only park between the Harbor and Aptos, and we're minutes from the The Hook, Capitola, downtown Santa Cruz, and the Boardwalk. Our sites are snug and perfect for Hipcampers with RVs of all shapes and sizes! Sorry, we do not allow tent camping.

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Redwood Grove

15. Redwood Grove

90%

(20)

15mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV

The camp site is on/next to an original logging road. So many activities within 25 miles! - View of Monterey Bay from the driveway - Next door to Mt. Madonna Stables (Offering horse/pony parties, lessons, training and trail rides through Mt Madonna County Park) We can provide you with the number if requested. - Within walking distance of Mount Madonna County Park (Extensive 14-mile hiking/horseback riding trail system, one-mile self-guided nature trail around the ruins of Henry Miller's summer home, Endless Redwood trees, reservation for weddings and other special functions available and picnicking) - 1.5 miles to Mount Madonna Center (Yoga classes) - 2.5 miles to the Tu Vien Kim Son Monastery - 9 miles to Gilroy Gardens Amusement Park - 12 miles to Gilroy - 16 miles to Morgan Hill - 25 miles to Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk and The Mystery Spot (Santa Cruz) About the site: - Multiple car parking short distance from camping site - Camp site surrounded by iconic redwoods - Area is adjacent to horse paddocks - Within sight, but not close to main house Amenities are: - Portable commode toilet - Trash can - Firepit (when weather permits)

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Leafy Lanes Tree House

16. Leafy Lanes Tree House

100%

(10)

16mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 1 site

Cozy Retreat Among the Trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains Escape to nature for a stay in our rustic and comfy ‘tree house’ nestled in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Features: •Unique, elevated cabin offering stunning views and the serenity of the redwood trees •Spacious deck for enjoying morning coffee or sunset views •Small kitchen, cozy living space, with comfortable twin (trifold) beds in the loft for a peaceful stay •WiFi for adventure planning (or work from the woods) Cyclist's Dream Location: •Situated extremely close to world-renowned redwood cycling trails, there are routes for all levels of rider from gentle forest roads to challenging mountain climbs Adventure Awaits: •The beauty of the Redwoods will surround you, and provide the perfect backdrop for your outdoor recreation actives whether it’s hiking, nature walks, cycling, bird-watching, etc. •Relaxing, recharging, and reconnecting with nature is almost effortless with lovely parks located nearby •The pleasures of stargazing (without all the light-pollution that’s so common in cities) can be a memorable experience, so don’t forget to turn your eyes to the skies after dark… and listening to the peaceful sounds of the forest can be really special. About: The area of Eureka Canyon Road and Highland Way is charming and quiet. A location surrounded by forest and quite close to some of the best cycling on the West Coast. The property itself is nestled adjacent to pristine Corralitos Creek with its serene sounds of flowing water and steelhead trout. The trees that tower all around have a quiet presence, and you’ll often be aware of the gentle murmur of the breeze through their leaves and branches. This is an ideal place to rest after a day of exploring, sightseeing, or simply experiencing everything the Santa Cruz Mountains and nearby town offer. The Tree House or "Wood Tent": This little home in the trees is unique and can be considered an alternative to camping. Features that combine both “tiny cabin" and "camping", there are plenty of the amenities that will make it feel like a comfy getaway spot. A ladder leads to loft which houses twin mattress.

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Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

17. Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

100%

(16)

16mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 3 sites

Please note we only book one group at a time so whether you are a couple or a large group, you get the whole place privately to yourself. Prices fluctuate based on group size. Our home is nearby on the land in case you need anything. Located an hour drive from the bay area, Camp Cruz is a year-round glamping retreat in the redwoods ideal for people who want a private outdoor getaway in the forest without giving up basic living comforts. It's a perfect destination to unwind, recharge, and create special memories in nature. We are also only 30 minutes from Monterey/Santa Cruz for guests who want to enjoy the beaches and coastal cities. We offer guests 2 private bedrooms: the Raven’s Nest (an aircrete dome) and the Owl’s Nest (a yurt). Larger groups are welcome, and should bring camping gear such as tents and sleeping bags for extra people. We have plenty of great camping spots! There is a fully equipped kitchen with stove, fridge, barbecue grill, electric coffee maker, tables and chairs, and more. The kitchen also has a ping pong table. There is a large geodome furnished as a game room with couches, a lounge area, pool table, foosball table, a bluetooth speaker, games, and music equipment. There are clean composting toilets, hot showers, a wood-burning fire pit, heaters for the cold, a hammock bungalow, a meditation pagoda, a deck overlooking a creek, and disc golf baskets. With a fair balance of sunlight and shade, we have a garden and lots of open space to spread out and relax. Free wifi is available. We run a nonprofit outdoor education camp for underprivileged youth, so your stay supports our work to get youth outdoors. Winter lodging.... It can get seasonably cold in the Santa Cruz Mountains during the winter. If visiting in the winter, rest assured we have everything covered to enjoy your stay. We have propane heaters for warmth and comfort. If the power goes out, we have a standby generator that will power up camp provided we are home to turn it on. We have woodstoves in the Owl's Nest and Eagle's Nest. We provide a fire starter log for each woodstove for each night of your stay, and guests are responsible for bringing firewood to keep the woodstoves going.

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Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat

18. Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat

94%

(293)

17mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Experience everything the Bay Area has to offer from this mountain top site. Roughly 50 minutes to any city in the Bay Area, this site is ideal for any person looking for an adventurous getaway retreat.   The Serenity and privacy make this an uncommon, yet ideal romantic place to stay. This site is sheltered by the manzanitas and pines of this chaparral community. Adventure seekers will find paradise here!  Mount Madonna Park with miles of trails is 20 minutes down the road. You can dump your septic there as well!  Horseback riding rentals are located near the park as well as an archery range.  Demonstration forest is 15 minutes down the road, with miles of mountain biking. Spend a day at one of the beaches in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Rio Del Mar, Davenport, Half Moon Bay, Monterey, or Carmel and return to your private oasis. Or Explore Silicon Valley from this centrally located parcel. Kim Son Meditation Center and Mount Madonna Center are approximately 15 minutes away. There are also wonderful wineries throughout the mountains here. The trip to the site will begin with a three mile drive on a private dirt road.  Being on the very top of a mountain brings more seasonality than the surrounding cities.   Please be prepared for any kind of extreme weather. Summer: Shade is highly recommended it can get into triple digits. *Spring/fall: Temperatures are generally mild but high winds are possible. *Winter: Typically cold and windy. *During rainy/muddy conditions 4x4/AWD is highly recommended.  It is possible for it to get windy, foggy, rainy, hot and sunny, and even sometimes snowy. Please note: the nearest grocer is 30 minutes from this site. Emergency supplies are available for delivery to your campsite. Cell phone reception is good on most carriers.  Pets are allowed.  Enjoy your time howling at the moon, star gazing, bird watching/wildlife viewing, or relaxing with your favorite libation. Don't forget your camera! Since this is our first year renting our land we have found that August is a high wasp season time in the mountains. We are doing everything humanly possible to hunt down each and every Wasp for your enjoyment. With this in mind we ask you use the provided bug repellent, keep the lid to the trash closed, and do not pour grease anywhere you do not want wasps.

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Santa Cruz Mountains with ocean 👁

19. Santa Cruz Mountains with ocean 👁

100%

(15)

17mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV

This is a great place to get away and come camp here in the Santa Cruz Mountains, a perfect location for tent camping or come park your trailer or Motorhome/Bus. We have great hiking in the near area and 5 miles away there is great mountain biking trails. A world renoun mountain bike spot with intermediate to experienced trails for riders of all levels. 5 miles down the road as well is buzzard lagoon and is a great Dirt biking/4-wheeling location. It is a fun spot for all off road inthusiast! Your camping site is on a flat plateu and is an ideal spot to park your trailer, motorhome or tent camp. With Complete privacy with views of the pacific ocean and South county's Monterey bay with a 180 degree view as well as San jose and Morgan Hill. For the wine inthusiast, Loma Prieta winery is 5.5 miles away along with Windy Oaks Winery that is 3.7 miles away that is located on the "Wine trail" that has alots of winerys to offer in a beautiful location. A Day of fun for the family at Gilroy Gardens that is 15.5 miles away. The beach is 30-40 minutes away with great surfing and body boarding up and down the coastline. When in route once you get off the paved road from north or south stay on the dirt road for 15-20 more minutes. The location is very private it is on its own parcel with a gate. If you leave the property please be mindful of staying off of other private properties. We will see you soon!

Pets

Campfires

Camp Rewilding

20. Camp Rewilding

93%

(38)

17mi from Moss Landing State Beach · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Escape to a peaceful private campsite in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Mt. Madonna County Park. Surrounded by trees and nature, our sites offer a quiet and secluded place to relax, watch the stars, and enjoy evenings around the fire pit. Guests love the privacy, wildlife sightings, and beautiful mountain setting. Whether you’re exploring nearby hiking trails, visiting Gilroy Gardens, or taking a scenic drive to Santa Cruz, this is the perfect base for an outdoor getaway. Amenities include picnic tables, fire pits, and a clean pit toilet to make your rustic camping experience comfortable. Please note: the final few miles to camp are on a rustic mountain road with uneven terrain. The drive is part of the adventure!

Pets

Toilets

Picnic table

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Marian

3 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Strawberry Fields+Walk to the Beach

What a great place! Was greeted with farm fresh eggs and a wheelbarrow full of firewood. Our hosts were incredibly flexible and made our stay as stress free and fun as possible. Beautiful location so so close to the beach. Absolutely recommend to anyone passing through the area or looking for a quiet beach getaway!

Courtney

3 days ago

23 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Strawberry Fields+Walk to the Beach

Beautiful scenery, peaceful, walking distance to the beach and close to restaurants make it a pretty perfect place to stay! We booked another stay here before we even left 🙂. Thank you, Robin!

Joanie

3 days ago

Weekend Trip to Sacred Owl Land

Had the absolute best time at Sacred Owl Land. The stay here for the weekend was nothing but peaceful, beautiful, quiet, and a perfect way to reset and recharge completely unplugged with nature. It was exactly what I needed. A beautiful yoga room to stretch, hammocks to relax, hot tub to unwind, a fire pit for s’mores, and of course we can’t forget the amazing view of all the beautiful trees! This is the place to be if you’re looking for a nice little quiet weekend getaway.

Vanessa

5 days ago

With pets

1 night at Leafy Lanes Tree House

Oh my gosh. If I’m ever driving up to San Fran or Berkeley again, I’m 1000% staying here again. My FAVORITE stay thus far. You have everything you need in this little tree house. Melissa was so sweet. I came to stay by myself with my small dog and I felt completely safe. It truly was the best little get away to disconnect. I couldn’t stop taking videos because of how cute and well thought out everything was. (Get familiar with the gotta go portable toilet before you arrive! lol)

Tory

1 week ago

21 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Strawberry Fields+Walk to the Beach

We stayed here in our 16ft travel trailer. Robin upgraded our site so that we would be farther from the street since she knew we were bringing our kids. We were greeted with fresh eggs! The campground was clean. Our site was nearly level. It felt like we were staying on a friend’s farm. Close to the beach, Seascape, Capitola and Santa Cruz. We would love to come back! No dump station on site. The nearby KOA charges $30 to dump.

Gisselle

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Sacred Owl Land

The SOL was the Memorial Day Weekend reset my best friend and I needed. Vaza was an amazing host and our only regret is not being able to talk to her more. We really enjoyed our stay in the cabana and the sunset views were amazing. The cabana was comfortable and so cute!! Vaza was easy to reach and communicate with, I definitely recommend staying here!

Vincent

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Sacred Owl Land

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the sky view cabana! Vaza, our host, and her husband were nothing short of kind and generous. There were very responsive to all our questions and helped our trip feel seamless. The cabana itself was soothing and very immersive in nature. We were offered many amenities and our view every night/morning was beautiful. We would definitely recommend for a nice, relaxing getaway. Make sure to plan ahead for directions, as wifi can get spotty, but overall we are so grateful to have had such a great experience! 5/5

Nathan

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

We loved the bell tent, it was incredibly spacious and thaddeus and Mona were so nice! Can’t recommend this enough!

The view of the strawberry fields from the camp sites

Alistair

1 week ago

22 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Strawberry Fields+Walk to the Beach

Amazing little spot for our first RV trip. Easy to get to. Ray and Robin were the perfect hosts. There when you needed them but out of sight when you didn’t. Let us check in a bit early, and always good communication. Power, water, washing up station, porta-potty, trash bins. A fire pit and firewood provided. And fresh eggs…like 1 day old fresh eggs!! The beach is a few mins walk away and even closer on bikes. I was sad to leave.

Gershon

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Sacred Owl Land

Our stay was wonderful. Vaza was kind, generous, and always available to help. The tent was private with a stunning view exactly like the photos. The jacuzzi and showers were excellent. Everything matched perfectly, and we highly recommend it - we will definitely be back! Vaza made us feel completely at home. Her warmth and care truly turned the stay into something special. There is also something very spiritual and peaceful about this land; it gave us the space to reconnect and create the kind of body-and-mind bond we really needed. G&H

Skip

1 week ago

2 nights at Leafy Lanes Tree House

The cabin was excellent. Super clean and very comfortable. Beautiful setting. Mel is an awesome host. She made me feel very welcome, and she is very responsive. Definitely hope to back again. I’d recommend the cabin to anyone.

Hollis

1 week ago

20 ft campervan

1 night at Strawberry Fields+Walk to the Beach

Nice spot. Beautiful view of the strawberry fields, very pastoral. Robin was out to great use and get us settled in, very friendly. Nice to have a wood fire… provided by the host!

Russ

1 week ago

15 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Strawberry Fields+Walk to the Beach

I enjoyed a 3 night stay with my 15' teardrop trailer. Robin and Ray are very friendly hosts. Very quiet with nice views. Everything was as described in the Hipcamp information. No problem finding the location and the access was easy. The fresh eggs were great!

Teri

2 weeks ago

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Strawberry Fields+Walk to the Beach

We had a great time at View 1, looking at the wildlife and strawberry fields. Robin & Ray we're great host, welcoming us we fresh eggs, firewood and comfy seats to enjoy the view. Would come back!

Cristine

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shiima koh

This place was so cool! I truly unique and magical experience to camp alongside so many different animals. Great camping spot with great views.

Alex

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Grove

It was a very peaceful and nice trip as usual. We have been back a few times now and always comfortable.

Clare

2 weeks ago

19 ft Class A

3 nights at Salty Fox Retreat @ Peaceful Valley

Beautiful spot, peaceful and much better in reality. Electric hook up, water, toilet. We aim to do a cheese tasting of the various cheeses made by the goats milk. Patty the host is a lovely person, super helpful and great to have met. Highly recommended.

Catherine

3 weeks ago

2 nights at Sacred Owl Land

SOL is truly a special place for finding serenity in nature. It has everything you need for a getaway and offers both comfort and seclusion, which is hard to way. Vaza and the family are amazing hosts who are always willing to help while giving guests space. Will definitely come back to this place again.

Lucas

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Camp Rewilding

Nice, private site! There’s no shade - so plan accordingly. The pit toilet is just down the road. The picnic table and tent platform were super nice. The road to the property is a dirt road and quite bumpy (4x4/high clearance vehicle recommended)

Devon

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Camp Rewilding

Bit of a rough dirt road to get there, and the entrance is steep to the Jay’s Perch campsite. But the site was perfect! Lots of room and the platform for the tent was nice. The pit toilet is just down the road. There isn’t any shade at this site - the sun can be quite intense! Another review mentioned someone speeding in a sedan - we saw him in the morning and he was driving quite fast and also yelling profanities. So just be careful and mindful when walking on the road

Moss Landing State Beach camping guide

Overview

About

Situated on a peninsula between the ocean and Bennett Slough, Moss Landing State Beach features a long sandy beach backed by sand dunes. Surfing, windsurfing, offshore fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding are popular activities here. Its proximity to Elkhorn Slough, one of California’s largest wetlands, also makes it a great destination for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, including sea otters, sea lions, and hundreds of bird species. Sheltered picnic spots offer great views of Monterey Bay. There’s no camping here, but plentiful options can be found along the Monterey Coast, including at Seacliff, New Brighton, Manresa, and Sunset state beaches.

When to go

Moss Landing is pleasant year round. Kayaking is better over the summer when the waters are calmer, while larger waves make winter ideal for surfing. In the spring, parts of the beach may be closed when snowy plovers are nesting. Spring is a good time to look for wildflowers in the dunes, and otter and seal pups in the slough. Look for migrating gray whales from December through May and humpback whales from March through December. The Elkhorn Slough reserve is open from Wednesdays through Sundays and free docent-led tours are offered on the weekends.

Know before you go

Strong rip currents, deep offshore drop-offs, and cold waters make water recreation dangerous. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Fishing licenses are required for anglers 16 and older. There are fishing restrictions at the nearby sloughs.
Dogs are not permitted on the beach or dunes. They are allowed on Jetty Road with a leash.
Horseback riding is limited to the beach’s wet sand portion at the waterline.
Vehicles and trailers over 21 feet are not permitted at the beach as there are very few areas to turn around.