Private camping in Bay Area
From the fog-encased redwoods to the sandy shores along the Pacific Ocean, Bay Area camping has something special waiting for every camping enthusiast.
100% (221 reviews)
- Bay Area
100% (221 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Bay Area
11 top campgrounds in Bay Area
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Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
1 site · Lodging350 acres · Loma Mar, CA
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all.
Situated on top of a ridge with expansive redwood forest and coastal views, the Audrey Edna Cabin provides a completely private gathering place and destination for visitors with reservations. The cabin has spectacular views of forest, sky, ocean and the Butano ridgeline. It's a short hike to 8000+ acres of county parkland where you can hike, bike and ride horses (though please note, there are no facilities for horse boarding at the cabin.) The cabin is located at Alpine Ranch, a property adjacent to Sam McDonald County Park that was protected by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
Whether you are looking for an active experience or just want to relax in a peaceful, remote setting, there's something here for everyone.
This is a rustic hike-in cabin designed for a introductory pack-in experience. Bedding is not provided. It is about a 1.7-mile hike on a rolling dirt road from the Sam McDonald County Park parking lot, with about 650 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers can reach the cabin in an hour or less. Guests should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before sunset, and pack water and flashlights or headlamps. Guests with limited mobility, please contact us for information regarding accommodations that will allow you to access this shared resource.
*A note about reservation availability: On the weekends, POST offers priority reservations for the cabin to our partners at the San Mateo County Health Department and Park Rx to provide patients with equitable access to the benefits of nature. Occasionally, we have last-minute public weekend reservation availability due to cancellations. The cabin is reservable up to 3 months in advance, on a rolling basis.
Love the idea of a hike-in cabin, but unable to visit us Sunday-Thursday? Check out the nearby Sierra Club Hiker's Hut in Sam McDonald County Park.
Property History:
At one time, the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains was a thriving center for trade between tribes of the coast and the bay, which we still find evidence of today in cultural sites and artifacts throughout the region. Native people have cared for this land since time immemorial, including the local Muwekma and Ramaytush Ohlone who are still active in the area today. This property specifically is host to a tributary to one of just a handful of waterways that support salmonids in this region, which are a species of tremendous importance to native people.
Over 1000 acres here were eventually purchased by entrepreneur Ridgeway Rowley, who built a home on the ranch in the 1880s as part of an unsuccessful wedding proposal to Fannie Page, daughter of a local mill owner (ever heard of Page Mill Road?) After being rejected by Fannie, Rowley operated the ranch for a decade in conjunction with his work as District Attorney and publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, before eventually returning to his hometown of Cortland, NY, where he lived as a bachelor until his death. Over the course of the 20th century, the ranch was divided, some parts of which became Pescadero Creek County Park. POST purchased the 350 acre home property, now called Alpine Ranch, in 2012 through our Heart of the Redwoods campaign, an initiative to protect 20,000 acres of Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Alpine Ranch borders Pescadero Creek County Park and Sam McDonald County Park, adding to the area’s protected open space and containing more than a mile of tributaries to Pescadero Creek, which flows year-round and is a major spawning stream for steelhead trout.
The Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch is situated at one of the property's most scenic overlooks. The cabin was built in the early 1900's, and completely reconstructed up to modern building codes by POST in 2018 so that all could enjoy this special place.
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$100
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(22)
Camp Jaron
1 site · Lodging19 acres · CA
Completely private 19 acres to explore while only being 10 min from downtown Los Gatos (FYI has great cell reception). We have a small cabin that has a mattress that sleeps 2 and a futon below for 1. Also plenty of flat empty land to pitch tents. There is a compost toilet and an outdoor shower with running hot water. There is plenty of room to explore, half of the property is pretty dense wilderness but the main half has hammocks, slack line, fire pit, bbq, tables, etc.
*FYI due to the steep driveway (see pic) the property is only accessible by AWD or 4-wheel drive SUV or truck; cars, vans, or RVs will not be able to make it (if you are not sure please ask before booking).
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$120
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(59)
Delta Respite
1 site · Lodging5 acres · Sherman Island, CA
The perfect solo escape!
Treat yourself to a quiet getaway for one at this cozy, clean and comfortable cabin on our rural farm, between two rivers, on Sherman Island. Located in the eastern San Francisco Bay Area at the confluence of the San Joaquin River, Sacramento River, and the eastern terminus of San Francisco Bay, Sherman Island is known for its wildlife, sunrises, and sunsets, and its dark sky for stargazing opportunities.
The property is surrounded by alfalfa fields, grazing cattle, sheep, and a wildland habitat populated with migratory and native birds, animals, and plants.
The one-room cabin has a bed and clawfoot bathtub with hot water offering a peaceful escape on our 5-acre tree-lined farm. Here you can listen to birdsong instead of the sounds of the city. This is an ideal cabin for birdwatchers, plein air painters, nature photographers, stargazing, windsurfers/kiteboarders, meditation, or some stress-free, peaceful reset time.
The private cottage has a refrigerator, microwave, compostable dinnerware, drinking water, and a coffeemaker with coffee. It is air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter.
Pets are welcome and free to enjoy being off-leash in the cabin's fenced yard. The hosts raise free-range chickens and bees on their farm and also conduct a nonprofit rescue and hospice for senior pets.
The property is in the Pacific Migratory Flyway, surrounded by a 1000-acre
state habitat/preserve populated by seasonal bird populations.
Downtown San Francisco and Sacramento are each about 55 miles away in opposite directions. Mount Diablo, viewed from the property, is about 15 miles south and offers hiking trails with stunning views and abundant wildlife.
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$135
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Beach View (Bliss)
1 site · Lodging10 acres · Half Moon Bay, CA
On 9 private acres overlooking the stunning Tunitas Beach and Pacific ocean from a breathtaking cliff top view. Stunning sunrises and sunset greet you in this fully equipped new 2023 Airstream. Fully loaded with all the amenities to make your glamping experience perfect. Fire pit, outside BBQ, outside griddle, A/C and fully stocked kitchen. Comes will full bathroom with shower. Truly a rare experience and located within 10 mins of Half Moon Bay shopping. Beach access short walk or drive.
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$299
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(6)
San Geronimo Creek Cabin
1 site · Lodging1 acre · San Geronimo, CA
Our property is .3 acres. It is on a semi rural street, private property in the midst of nature. The little cabin sits above a creek which flows and roars like a river in the winter. In the spring enjoy the beauty of the wild flowers and blossoming trees. The deer come in and out- it is difficult to maintain a vegetable garden! We are ten minutes from the Samuel P Taylor camp ground and 30 to 40 minutes from the coastal trails in the Point Reyes National sea shore. Nearby, hiking trails abound, There are trail maps in the cabin. Tomales bay is 30 minutes down the road.
Our property is home to a small grove of redwoods, one very large redwood, many fir trees and old ivy covered trees that line the creek. The fences on either side of the property crawl with wild grape vines and a large cherry tree stands next to the cabin. The bathroom is in the main house. This is a good home base for hiking, biking, resting and showering.
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$76
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(5)
Stunning Treehouse & Cabin
1 site · Lodging30 acres · Half Moon Bay, CA
A soulful and energetic paradise, beautiful, private, peaceful and wild surroundings complimented with modern luxuries and comfort.
A stunning, unique and unrivalled experience sure to impact you deeply. Soak in the outdoor tub while you plan your next adventure.
Just minutes from the beach, amazing hiking, views and biking.
Outfitted with organic latex mattresses, down comforters, top of the line appliances, smoking fast internet and a spectacular wifi sound system with world class acoustics.
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$650
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(30)
Wise Oak Farm
1 site · Lodging5 acres · Santa Rosa, CA
Welcome to Wise Oak Farm, a unique tiny house compound on 5 acres located between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. The stay area consists of four buildings, the main one being a super cozy tiny house built on a 16' trailer, filled with custom woodwork and unique details. It sleeps up to four and has a kitchen (sink, microwave/oven, mini fridge, and propane stove) and small dining area. Immediately adjacent is a luxury "outhouse" with full sized hot shower and a composting toilet. There is an additional converted farm shed with a pull out couch and TV to relax comfortably indoors (the "rec room"). The outdoor area consists of a breakfast patio and large barn with couches and dining table.
We are just starting to develop the property as a working farm. Currently we have a dozen chickens, 30+ fruit trees, and cows pasturing in the main field.
The location is fantastic for exploring the area. In the middle of wine country, it's only a thirty minute drive to the coast or to the redwoods, and one hour from San Francisco. Plus easy access to the bike path leading to both Santa Rosa and Sebastopol.
Weather issues: The tiny house has heating but no AC, which is not normally an issue unless daytime temperatures are in the mid 90s or higher. Summer nighttime temps are usually in the 50s and the space cools rapidly with windows open. The rec room has both heating and AC, which can be slept in in the case of extreme temperatures. In the winter, heavy rainfall can make the stay unpleasant as you need to move outside frequently between buildings.
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$150
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Tiny Home in the Redwoods!
1 site · Lodging1 acre · La Honda, CA
Our brand new beautiful tiny home in the redwoods is located in a private property nine miles to the beautiful beaches of the south coast of San Mateo County and 5 min to nature county and state parks, trails and cute coastal towns. This cute little home is perfect for nature lovers, hikers and bikers.
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$130
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(9)
Bay View "Tree House"
1 site · Lodging2 acres · San Rafael, CA
This is a beautiful, 20-sided shingled cottage set on 2 acres of oak trees, with views of the San Francisco Bay through the trees. The property is gated with off-street parking. This unique guest house offers one bedroom with a queen bed, and a full size sofa bed in the living room. Windows in every room look out into the oaks, where you can see deer, squirrels, hummingbirds, and occasional rabbits. For its location, it feels incredibly private!
The cottage is just 2 miles from charming downtown San Rafael, and just 1 mile to mountain biking, hiking, and picnicking at China Camp State Park. San Rafael is the perfect location for day trips to San Francisco, Mt. Tamalpais, and all of Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties.
The cottage was built with the finest materials, including slate roof with copper gutters, bamboo and slate floors, granite counter tops, tumbled marble shower, and maple cabinets. A deck with glass railing encircles the entire house. There is a full kitchen, wireless high speed Internet, and cable. The only other other structure on the property is our main home. The hot tub, which hipcampers are welcome to use upon request, is on the deck of the main house.
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$250
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(17)
Glamping Experiences Napa Valley
5 sites · Lodging1 acre · Napa, CA
My husband Guy and I have stewarded our park-like, private, creekside property in downtown Napa for 20 years. We are both high-profile, seasoned hospitality giants in Napa and we love to share and connect with others. We have lots of love on our property with 4 female Golden Retrievers! We look forward to welcoming you.
The property has a park-like feel and is just a 10-minute stroll to the heart of downtown Napa with lots of options for a fun time; dining, wine tasting, live music, brewery, kayaking and cycling.
First Class Glamping Experience. Set among the creekside Redwoods and the bountiful gardens. Enjoy evenings on your private patio in the rocking chairs, Adirondacks, hammock or picnic table with cafe string lights and an outdoor movie; and our new custom outdoor shower with on-demand HOT water!
Our property includes an outdoor compostable toilet and a hot water outdoor shower, providing you with the perfect blend of comfort and sustainability. You'll also have access to potable water to keep you refreshed during your stay.
Embark on wine-tasting adventures, sample local culinary delights, and indulge in the region's rich heritage of winemaking. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region while being surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills.
Our property is your gateway to an unforgettable experience in Napa Valley, where you can unwind, relax, and create beautiful memories in the heart of wine country.
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$250
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Waldhaus Redwood Retreat
1 site · Lodging40 acres · La Honda, CA
Tucked away in the Portola Redwoods, you will find your very own bohemian grove. Designed by prominent architect in San Francisco, your will find 4 comfortable cabins, modern open kitchen and spa-like bathrooms. Less than an hour away from the Silicon Valley, this is our weekend sanctuary. Like John Muir once said - “Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”
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$900
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Private camping in Bay Area guide
Overview
Looking for a private camping experience in the beautiful Bay Area? With over 23 options available on Hipcamp, you can find the perfect campsite to suit your preferences. From the tranquil BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS with 59 reviews, to the rustic charm of Stemple Creek Ranch with 13 reviews, and the serene Tru-Love Acres with 9 reviews, these top campsites offer a variety of amenities and activities to enhance your outdoor adventure. Whether you enjoy paddling, hiking, or climbing, you'll find plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning terrain. And with an average price per night of $95 and options as low as $45, camping in the Bay Area has never been more affordable. Plus, popular amenities like cooking equipment, potable water, and showers make your camping experience convenient and comfortable. So why wait? Start planning your unforgettable camping trip today!
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