Camping in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

100% (2 reviews)

Behold natural wonders aplenty in the Forest of Nisene Marks.

Top camping in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. West Ridge Trail Camp

100%

(2)

2 sites · In The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

This park has a primitive campground with six sites that are reservable by phone only

100% (2 reviews)

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Stories from the community

Weekend Trip to Grey Oaks

I really liked the experience camping at Zak’s campsite. It was clean, well maintained and had all the amenities as described. The popcorn pot and popcorn were a fun touch. The location is conveniently located to a gas station but also very cozily tucked away such that you feel like you’re in wilderness similar to being in a state or national park. I would recommend.

3 nights at Grey Oaks 2

Camping on Zak's property was amazing. He and Kristen were friendly and responsive. I recommend paying the couple dollars to park on site instead of in the guest parking lot simply for convenience. Poison oak is all over the place, but they cleared out the main parts of the campsites really well, just don't go exploring in the woods. They did have a washing station and poison oak specific soap/scrub as well as some calamine which was great. Property is just far enough out that it feels private and not too far from town that you can't make a quick trip if needed. 10/10- would highly recommend staying here.

3 nights at Grey Oaks

Zak and team were very welcoming and supportive! We enjoyed our stay.

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Redwood Paradise is a magical place! The host, her son and dog were amazing and incredibly kind and welcoming. The mix of serene redwoods, classical piano music played by Marshall (host’s son), and Peruvian coffee in the morning make the ambience for this retreat truly unique. We were at site 2 which had beautiful evening lighting coming in just after 6 PM. Make sure your tent faces the west :) We highly recommend Redwood Paradise!

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Lovely stay and hospitality from Ruth and Marshall!

Heidi

6 days ago

1 night at Hilltop Vineyard Dome Glamping

This was my first time dome camping and it was really fun! The sky was clear that night and you could see stars from the dome. The host was great, thank you!

1 night at Windsor Family Farm

My 9 year old daughter and I had a wonderful stay at Kim’s farm. Everything was easy and we will definitely be back.

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

The location and hospitality were amazing. Hot tub at night, coffee put out for guests in the morning, and a very nice host. And beautiful setting in the redwoods.

Weekend Trip to Windsor Family Farm

Kids love everything in the farm! They didn't ask for tablets at all.

1 night at Redwood Paradise Camping

I had a great time camping here, the pool was nice and so was the atmosphere. I would definitely come back! Marshall was super great and helpful during my stay. Thank you!

2 nights at Amaya Creek Redwood Campground

We had an amazing time camping in the redwoods! We were visited by a doe, and her two spotted bonds, many turkey mamas, and their babies… Even saw a banana slug! Bathrooms were clean and there weren’t a lot of people so we enjoyed the quiet! Highly recommend and would definitely return!

1 night at Elkhorn Ranch

Was my first time Hip Camping and this place was awesome for a first timer! Roberta was so welcoming and educated us all about goats. Plenty of private spots to hangout, stargaze or to spend quality family time. Was actually cool to hear the goats in the background as we went to sleep, highly recommended.

1 night at Shiima koh

Good quiet spot for a quick night stay. The goats and friendly farm dog were up to welcome us in the morning, happy to have a few pats before we headed off. The site was nice and level, wood and a fire ring were available at the site.

monday

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to May's Luxury Farmstays

Place was well stocked for cooking and eating there! The pond of koi fish, ducks, and chickens were so wonderful to spend time. I wish we could have spent more time hanging out there, especially on the deck. It was near other places to stay on the land but felt private and so special. I would recommend if you want a cozy place to stay while exploring the bay area.

Amy

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to May's Luxury Farmstays

A Perfect Getaway: Beautiful Views, Cozy Cabin, and Wildlife Galore! We had an incredible stay at this charming log cabin at May’s log cabin studio farm! The setting is absolutely stunning, with breathtaking views that you can enjoy from sunrise to sunset. The property is alive with friendly chickens, ducks, geese, roosters, and even ravens — it felt like our own little wildlife sanctuary. One of our favorite features was the awesome fish pond filled with large koi and goldfish. The innkeeper thoughtfully provides packets of food so you can feed them, which was such a peaceful and fun experience. Definitely take the suggestion to bring along two heads of lettuce — feeding the chickens, ducks, roosters, and geese was an absolute delight and made the stay even more memorable! The cabin itself was cozy and thoughtfully stocked. The kitchen was amazing — it had everything we needed to cook plentiful Vegan meals without missing anything. The fridge was generously stocked, which was such a nice touch. The bathroom was a dream, featuring a wonderfully large shower. The awesome outdoor clawfoot tub made for a perfect end to long days of hiking - we used it every day during our stay! Speaking of hiking, there were fantastic trails nearby that offered both peaceful nature walks and more challenging hikes, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Overall, this stay exceeded our expectations — peaceful, scenic, and so well equipped. We can’t wait to come back! 🏕️🐓🛀🐠

Weekend Trip to Grey Oaks 2

Fantastic and private. Very friendly and helpful hosts. Good vibes.

Weekend Trip to The Ranch at Cross Road

Great instructions. Easy to get to. Would definitely come back again!

Weekend Trip to Patchen Christmas Tree Farm

Awesome spot, I pulled up parked and pitched a tent right next to my car, quiet and friendly space. I surf in Santa Cruz so it was 20 minutes from town. I’d recommend this to anyone who is simple and just needs a place to pop up a ten or sleep in their rig 🤙🏾

Weekend Trip to FEEL GOOD CAMP

I camped solo with my dog at Feel Good Camp and loved it! The communal kitchen was great, I was happy to not pack my camp kitchen gear. The vibe of the campground is very peaceful and comfortable. I can’t wait to go back!

Weekend Trip to #2 HMB Highway Overnight Rest Stop

My friends and I loved camping at Cynthia’s campsite. We had site #2 which was more private with a big tree blocking the view to the other sites. She was super kind and kept the sites very clean. The view was also amazing of the ocean and the flowers surrounding the sites were as well. Would 100% stay again!

Top-rated campgrounds near The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

97%

(577)

The Ranch at Cross Road

12 sites · RVs, Tents84 acres · Livermore, CA

Welcome to the ranch at cross road! We are a family owned organic farm in the heart of Livermore wine country. We have 10 camp sites spread across the property for you to choose from. The property is 15 minutes from Lake Del Valle and some of the best wineries and breweries California has to offer. Settle in and enjoy amazing sunsets every night with us! We accommodate tents,Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars. Our guests love us too! "I had a wonderful stay at Matt’s ranch! It was easy to find even as it was starting to get dark, and the campsites were well lit and easy to find. The ranch is beautiful. It was such a treat to stay here. I would definitely stay again."

97%

(211)

FEEL GOOD CAMP

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Watsonville, CA

This is camping made easy. No need to bring your cooking supplies, stoves, barbeque and dinnerwares ! We have them all. If you like to be social and have bonfire and have a nice chat with fellow campers , this is the place for you. We are committed to provide good beds and beddings because we know how important good sleep is (even when you camp!) so we just spent time, money and energy to replace all of our camping mattresses with memory foam mattresses!!! We had people swear that this is the best bed they ever slept in. 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. We're only 11 minutes away from Mount Madonna State Park and just 10 minutes from a local healthy grocery store and yoga studio. The beautiful Pajaro Dunes coastal area is just a 15-minute drive away, and the Santa Cruz Fairground is only two minutes away. Our location is surrounded by family friendly farms such as Gizdich ranch and nurseries, hence why it's considered the salad bowl of the United States. The Santa Cruz beaches are only 15-25 minutes away, while Monterey Bay Aquarium is just 30 minutes away and Gilroy Gardens is about 25 minutes away. The wine trail is also nearby. There are plenty of activities to enjoy nearby, including horseback riding at Mount Madonna Stable, Mount Madonna Retreat Center, hiking at Mount Madonna State Park, wine tastings at various wineries with stunning views, kayaking at Elkhorn Slough or any beaches, yoga at Watsonville Yoga or onsite, swimming, scuba diving in Monterey, visiting the Hanoman temple at Mount Madonna retreat center, and attending any events at the Santa Cruz Fairground. The property has 3 stalls for hot showers, 1 hand washing sink, 3 flushable toilettes, 1 communal outdoor kitchen with supplies of cookwares, dishes, mugs, glasses, utensils, pots and pans, coffee mugs, and 1 sink with hot water, 3 fire pits (2 of them is fire burning and 1 of them is propane), camping stoves, 1 gas barbeque and there is an electricity in the communal kitchen area. Propane for fireplace is included and Firewoods are available for sale. Board games, Books, Magazines, Lawn games are available as well as drawing papers and coloring pencils/markers/oil paint for our little artists. Your parking spot is within a very short walking distance and there is a wagon for you to use to haul your belongings to your camp site.

84%

(46)

Amaya Creek Redwood Campground

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Los Gatos, CA

Welcome to the Amaya Creek Redwood Campground! We are deep in the Santa Cruz mountains and it’s rustic so be prepared! The road is all paved but it can be narrow, bumpy and steep in some areas. Be sure to follow our directions to bypass the road closure! There is no cell phone service in some areas. PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a trash service for the campground, we require all campers to PACK OUT THEIR TRASH with them! We have 40 acres of redwood forest and two creeks running through including the Amaya Creek which serves the boundary of our property at the end of Amayak Creek Trail. There’s also a small waterfall off the Amaya Creek Trail, but it may dry out during the summer. Enjoy hiking, creeks and small waterfall exploration, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, star gazing, relaxation, meditation and more. Our campground has running water from a natural spring, Men and Women's Restrooms each with 2 toilets and 1 FREE hot water shower, utility shed with sink and hot water, and an outdoor amphitheater. The kitchen and washer/dryer is Staff Only not for campers. . Most campsites allow 4-6 guests maximum with 1 car included in the nightly rate. Each additional vehicle is $15 per day and will be added at checkout once you add the correct number of vehicles you will be bringing. Pets are $10 per day, 1 pet per group ONLY. Please add this as an extra at the time of booking, you will see the option to add extras once you begin the checkout process. Dogs must be on leash at all times! Quiet hours are 10pm-8am. No drugs of any kind including marijuana allowed. No loud music allowed. This is a private property so no visitors are allowed, only paid guests. Our onsite staff will go around and enforce the rules. No hookup for RV and trailer, check each site description to see if RV/trailer is ok for that site.

Booked 1 time

360 Moutain/City Views and Glamping

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · San Jose, CA

Immerse yourself in a breath-taking panoramic view of the Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay. Direct view of Silicon Valley's iconic landmarks like Levi's Stadium, Downtown San Jose, Google's Amphitheatre, Samsung's Headquarters...All with evergreen Santa Cruz Mountains in the background. At night, look up for a starry night sky or look forward for lively city lights and the never sleeping San Jose Downtown. On a Game day, enjoy the view of Levi's Stadium glowing vividly in front of the darker bay... Stay exclusively over this one acre, fenced private land extending over tens of acres of natural habitats with frequent sighting of chirping Birds, grazing Cows and occasional encounter with a flock of Turkeys or even a group of young Deers… Completely relax your mind and soul and break away from the hustle and bustle of the Silicon Valley. Bring your own food for a relaxing picnic while soaking up the nature and views. If desired, have a short nap or even watch a movie in a large tent prepared for your retreat. Yoga, Meditation, a couple holes of simple Golf or hiking near the Alum Rock Park, no matter what you choose to do here, we hope you can find tranquility and complete relaxation, not far away from the Silicon Valley.

94%

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Silicon Valley View

10 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Day Valley, CA

We created this space for everyone to enjoy.

84%

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#2 HMB Highway Overnight Rest Stop

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Half Moon Bay, CA

WELCOME PLEASE READ! Overnight parking and Rest Stop on South Highway One. ***Not zoned for big groups, meet ups, celebrations or parties*** 1-4 persons One vehicle per booking. Single car, trucks, campers vans or motorcycles are welcome. NO Towable Trailers or RVs. Gravel road. Follow directions given at booking, no signage is allowed on highway. Parking SITE IS MARKED ON TABLE TOP. ONE picnic table, a parking spot and a tent area. Site #1, 2 and 3. Site #1 and 3 are next to open grass area. Site #2 is more private and a favorite of camper vans or Inside sleeping. Private gravel road into parking area and grounds for overnight tent. Port-a potty, water hose and garbage in same area. No Charcoal stoves, Okay to use ‘PROPANE Bar-B-Que’ on gravel only. NO OPEN FIRE PITS allowed. Walk to beach bluffs 10 minutes west. Walk to town 10 minutes north. An abundance of seasonal wildflowers and wild berries year round. Observe rare. Species of birds. Next to FARM horses and chickens. Ocean may be loud. Highway may be heard. No pets please. Noise curfew is sundown.

94%

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Redwood Paradise

5 sites · Tents40 acres · Santa Cruz, CA

40 Acres of majestic redwoods bordering Wilder Ranch State Park gives you access to thousands of acres of excellent hiking and mountain biking right from your campsite. Miles of single-track and fire roads in this world-class mountain bike destination lead you through the redwoods to sunny meadows with sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Bay. Conveniently located above the westside of Santa Cruz, our site will give you easy access to scenic Westcliff Drive, Natural Bridges State Beach, downtown Santa Cruz, quaint Felton, Henry Cowell Redwoods state park as well as incredibly scenic & private North Coast beaches. Please note tent camping is a rain-or-shine activity. :)

95%

(477)

Felton Open Space Camp Sites

10 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Felton, CA

Next to Historic Winery in the heart of Santa Cruz Mountains in the quaint town of Felton. Located between two state parks, Henry Cowell and Fall Creek. Just 6 miles, up in the mountains, from the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Bay. Half a mile from the famous Roaring Camp Railway. Wine & Cider tasting next door at Hallcrest Vineyards; Dine in Felton, hiking, biking and local shops to explore. Please note when booking that each of the sites are limited to two adults only. Children are welcome.

91%

(238)

Redwood Paradise Camping

15 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · CA

PLEASE READ Hello all! If you're looking for some glamping with creature comforts, while just being 10 minutes away from restaurants. This is the place for you. We are a 5 acre property and home surrounded by tall redwood and oak trees. Very green and lots of shade. These are the amenities/facilities you will have free access to: Pool, Pool chairs and umbrellas, Deck area with sunset view, Trampolines, and hammocks. There is not cooking allowed by or at any of the common areas, due to flies and critters. Cooking and eating is only allowed by your sites and not in any common areas: Hammocks, Trampolines, Pool Area, tables, sink, and deck please follow this rule because we want to prevent our shared areas to be fly and bug infested. We are still working on ridding the flies and cleaning. (please try to bring prepackaged food or something easy. If anything you can drive 10 minutes to nearby food and grocery). In the past we let people cook and eat around the pool but now our whole property is fly infested and I find scattered leftovers on the ground. Thanks for understanding. THERE IS A 1-2 MINUTE HIKE TO THE CAMPSITES 1-5! Poolside campsites are closer to the parking and are bigger. CHECK OUT OUR NEW LODGING: This property is my home that I live in with my 2 kids. It is a rustic and homey vibe, definitely not a hotel. We want you to come knowing what to expect. Our property offers a pool, and trampolines for the kids. We have a deck patio area that overlooks an amazing view of the redwood forest. Most of our guests are those that come from foreign countries and they all LOVE the property. I love leaving a great impression of our area. CAMPGROUND GUIDELINES Pack out your trash. Rinse feet before using the pool. No pool toys or floaties. Always supervise kids. Don’t sit on chair edges or pool cover box. Use stumps or your own table for cooking (not ours). Keep the area clean—no food scraps on the ground. No dogs in the pool area; leashes and cleanup required. No eating in rooms or cabin. Check out on the deck. No smoking (vapes only, away from common areas). Propane grills only—no open flames or campfires. Thanks for helping us keep this place awesome!

93%

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May's Luxury Farmstays

5 sites · Lodging20 acres · Los Gatos, CA

Relax and recharge at our retreat in Los Gatos. Whether you’re here to reconnect with nature, hike the trails, camp under the stars, or explore the Bay Area, Harlan’s Retreat, has everything for a worry-free stay! With nature trails on-site and the Saratoga Gap down the road, you won’t have to go far, For fun drive into the city. Come home and admire the amazing views from your secluded glamp-site with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and Silicon Valley 2,800 feet below. This very private site offers breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay and the south bay. The views at night are transcendent. The Apple building and Moffet field are clearly visible. you look down from above the clouds to the valley floor 2,800 feet below.

96%

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Elkhorn Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · CA

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!

89%

(75)

Shiima koh

4 sites · Tents3 acres · Aptos Hills Larkin Valley, CA

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.

Camping in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park guide

Overview

About

This park has more than 30 miles of trails with 3,000 feet of elevation. This means tons of wildlife, breathtaking views, and a good workout climbing those hills. Mountain bikers and horseback riders will also be stoked on the extensive trail system.

This park is a monument to forest regeneration and conservation efforts. Looking at it today, you'd never guess that in the early 1900's, loggers cut down most of the gigantic redwoods. Don't miss maple falls, especially after a rain.

If you want to camp nearby, make your reservations early. There are just six rustic campsites in Nisene Marks and they are reservation only. No fires are allowed because of the constant wildfire threat. However, there are picnic tables for enjoying your meals. Side note: This park was the epicenter of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

When to go

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is a year-round destination, with each season offering its unique charm. Summer brings warm, dry days ideal for exploring the trails, while the cooler, wetter months can offer solitude and the beauty of the forest shrouded in mist. Avoid stormy periods when trails may be closed due to damage.

Know before you go

Check for trail closures due to erosion or maintenance before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Remember that dogs are welcome on specific trails, so bring your furry friend along for the adventure.
Accessibility is a priority, with features designed to accommodate all visitors.
Prepare for your visit by packing essentials like water and snacks, as amenities are limited within the park.
Connect with nature responsibly by adhering to the 'Crumb Clean' campaign to protect local wildlife.

100%

2 ratings · 9 reviews

Recommends

· September 2021

West Ridge Trail Camp

Great hiking trails in and around The Forest of Nisene Marks.

Christie K.

6 years on Hipcamp

January 2019

West Ridge Trail Camp

This listing is not correct. Fires and dogs/pets are prohibited. From the official website: "With a reservation, you can bike or backpack about six miles from the West Ridge trailhead to the park’s trail camp.... An outhouse and picnic tables are provided, but no water. Fires and dogs are prohibited. For more information or to reserve a site, call the park at 831-763-7063."

S B.

9 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2017

West Ridge Trail Camp

I live here, My writing retreat is a neighbor. This is my faveorite neighbor.

Christine C.

2 reviews

June 2015

West Ridge Trail Camp

bug spray. we had a magical hike over father's day weekend and ended at the campsite where we had forgotten not only our tent poles, but our bug spray as well. the camp, confusingly, as it is nowhere close to water, is mosquito central. bug spray is essential!