Discover the best private beach campgrounds in California

United States
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California

99% (483 reviews)

Popular camping styles for California

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top beach campgrounds in California

98%

(57)

Lacey S.’s Land

1 site · RV5 acres · Malibu, CA

Moonstone Ranch (SEASCAPES)

1 site · Lodging100 acres · Cambria, CA

Located on the south side of world famous Big Sur, our property has easy access to Hearst Castle and hugs the California coast off Route 1. There are ocean views and scenic forest. We are sharing our family style ranch with you to enjoy the outdoors. There are plenty of private beaches near by and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, surfing, and more. So just let us know what you enjoy and we will do our best to advise you on where to go.

Private sunny forest near the coast

1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Albion, CA

Learn more about this land: The site is in a forested area with short pine and manzanita trees, so its nice and sunny, just out of the daily fog zone that blankets the coast, but only 3 miles from the coast. The neighborhood is super quiet and you can walk right from here to the Pygmy State Park trail system or just on the gravel neighborhood road. There is a main tent site and another tent site and places for 2 cars or more or a small travel trailer. There's a place for at least 2-3 tents and there is a table with 3 chairs provided. Also a metal box to keep your food away from bears that might come by (haven't had that happen yet). No campfires please but propane/gas cook stoves are fine. 50 gallons of potable water is provided from a tank. Please conserve water. Keep all food in your vehicle as there are bears and forest critters around. Outhouse with new, clean composting toilet, environmentally friendly! There has been an ornery squirrel that keeps ripping up the toilet paper so please bring your own. Use this lat/long as Google Maps doesn't like my address- 39.2581451131371, -123.723920996094. Brief directions- coming from the coast on Little River Airport Rd, turn right on "Posted Rd. 18/Sundew Lane" sign, stay right at the fork, first driveway on the right (funky oval painted sign as pictured).

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.

Redwood Basin

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Soquel, CA

Family-owned since the 1960's my parents chose this ridgetop location on 10 acres for its beauty, serenity, bio-diversity, and amazing peaceful healing energy. The main house is called Rainbow Ridge where a double rainbow appears across the skyline on occasion. We have decided to share this land with conscious folks who want to retreat to the woods from the hustle and bustle but be close to all the action and have all the creature comforts of home with a camping vibe. We have one private site with a glamorous A Frame cabin and a modern tiny home and a tiny retro trailer. The site comes as one single package and is exclusive to you and your group! Nestled on its own private 3-acre redwood and oak forest, leading down to a creek. The site is located just 4 miles (10 min drive ) from Soquel Village and just 5 miles from the beach at Capitola. The site offers: - A 20ft modern container home with one queen sofa bed, large screen with Apple TV, kitchen, patio, fridge, microwave, cooktop, shower, and toilet. - A custom, outdoor kitchen, and bar for entertaining with gas BBQ, fridge freezer, sink with hot and cold filtered water, Sonos sound system. - Large gas fire pit and seating area. - One A Frame eco cabin with option for one king size day bed OR two singles, A twin mattress can also fit in the cabin when in the two singles configuration. The cabin has electricity, fan and heating for colder nights. - One very cute retro airstream style 1950's trailer with a twin bed for a couple or one person. - Space for 1-2 additional tents. For groups of 8 or more and special events please contact us so we can discuss the possibilities. - Onsite you should find all the basic amenities from home including all bedding, towels, kitchenware, cooking utensils, dining ware, herbs and spices, cleaning products, gas for the BBQ and fire pit is included etc. There are a few things you should bring: Food, drinks, ice and fun! The site looks down into a private and secluded redwood and oak forest with trails for small hikes into the redwood fairy circles or all the way down to the creek. The glamping site is on a sunny flat area surrounded by steep terrain up to a ridgeline and down to the creek. The creek is accessible although the final route requires a rope down so may not be suitable for everyone. Within 15-20 min drive you will find almost all major attractions in the Santa Cruz area including The Mistery Spot, Nisene Marks State Forest, Capitola Pier, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and many famous surf breaks from Capitola to The Point, The Hook, Steamer Lane and many more., as well as many amazing mountain bike trails. There are also several Santa Cruz Mountain wineries to explore in a 3- 5 mile radius. Further afield you will find Monterey Bay Aquarium and the coastal beaches north up to San Francisco Bay ( 1 hour 30 mins north) and down to Big Sur about 1 hour 20 mins south. We ask all our visitors to be respectful of the environment, our wildlife, and our neighbors. Please drive slowly and respect the quiet times: between 9.30 pm and 8.30 am. We check all our guests in and provide a quick tour. We can offer a number of additional amenities and services including shopping, stocking up on your favorite supplies, catering, romantic packages and special picnics on the Rainbow Ridge, and much more, so please just ask about all the possibilities.

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(7)

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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(26)

Lassen Glampsite (No Electricity)

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Old Station, CA

Enjoy the beauty and wonder of Lassen National Park while staying at our cozy, comfortable summer vacation glampsite located in Lassen National Forest. The cabin has no electricity, but is like a glamp-site and has all the camping essentials, including drinking water, flush toilet, propane stove for cooking, comfortable beds and wood-burning fireplace to stay warm and night.

100%

(14)

Roseman Creek Ranch

2 sites · LodgingAnchor Bay, CA

You can pick veggies, or fruit from our large garden. Or sneak a couple of eggs from our chickens. I usually have a loaf of organic naturally leavened bread to purchase. There is a walk down the hill to a tunnel under the highway that takes you to a small pond above the ocean. Many creeks and remote walks.

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(4)

The River Haven House

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Bakersfield, CA

The River Haven House, nestled on a unique 2.5-acre property on Kern River with private river access, perfect for couples or small families. A beautifully updated Spanish-style home welcomes you with a fully stocked kitchen, wood-burning fireplace, and a cozy yet spacious patio area for barbecue & entertaining. Perfect for nature lovers! A true oasis awaits! Surrounded by mature trees, green lawns, fruit & nut trees within a privately gated space, this property is all about the outdoors! You are sure to realize that once you arrive. Upon entering through the private gate, you are greeted by a large, welcoming driveway with the main home and garage to your right. Slow down time as you walk around the property and take it all in. Enjoy the well-maintained landscaping, lush gardens and the private river access. The beautiful Spanish-style home includes a full kitchen, living room, dining room and main bedroom. The bedroom is furnished with a King size bed and includes a walk-in closet & full bathroom. Just outside the main home is the attached, extra-large garage where you will find the second bedroom. This bedroom also houses a King size bed, but also includes a comfortably sized bunk bed with two full mattresses and a single trundle pullout. This space also has a full bathroom and laundry room. The large garage makes for a great hang out area where you will find comfy sofas, a wood-burning fireplace, kids play area, TV and games. The main home exits to the patio area where you will find multiple cooking options: a propane Weber grill, a Big Green Egg grill & smoker, a pizza oven, a and charcoal grill and to toast your hands & feet, a built-in outdoor fireplace. Enjoy the night sky as you sit out under the stars with romantic string lights draped overhead and enjoy the fresh air while the fireplace or fire pit keep you warm. The property has direct and exclusive access to the Kern River where you can swim, tube, sunbathe and fish. You are welcome to pitch a tent by the river; however, we ask that you please notify us as the lawn irrigation is fully sprinkler operated. Just on the other side of the river you will find the California Living Museum (local zoo), Lake Ming, Kern River Golf Course, multiple riverfront picnic spots, Miracle Hot Springs up the mountain, hiking trails, nature walks. and more! Less than an hour up the road are wilderness camp sites and Lake Isabella. Continuing onward is the Sequoia National Forest where you can visit for the day knowing a comfortable & safe home will be welcoming your return. *No parties or events allowed (Please, no music or loud noises allowed outside of the home). This is a extremely quiet neighbrohood and noise travels fast & easily. Quiet hours are 10pm-8am. The property is equiped with noise monitoring devices and occupancy count devices, we will be notified if noise levels exceed a certain level. Additionally we will be notified if occupancy count exceeds the number of guests booked on site. *Smoking allowed outdoors only. *Shoes off inside the house. *Children MUST be supervised and monitored at all times. *No surprise guests, only those accounted for and registered can enter the property. *No firearms *Please do not put grease or solid food down the kitchen sink. Septik tank is sensitive *Please do no flush wipes, paper or feminine products down the toilet as the septik tank is sensitive. *This is a rural property and as such, there is wildlife which includes: rabbits, squirrels, rats, mice, coyotes, snakes, lizards, birds, bugs, and spiders, to name a few. *Please keep the doors closed to prevent the above wildlife from joining you in the home during your stay. *There are five secuirty cameras on the property for safety reasons. One at the main gate, one at the main home, one at the corner of the garage, one at the carport and one by the river. NONE in the house. *The canvas bell tent can also be booked for camping by the river, which could sleep 3-6 people, inquire within. *Pets are allowed on the property (fee's apply), however must be monitored at all times and not left alone. Pets must be kept close to owners at all times to avoid issues with wildlife, no pets on the furniture and beds. A fine will be applied if pets have been lounging on bedding and furniture.

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Lost Coast Tower

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Petrolia, CA

The Tower is hidden away on top of a hill in the Mattole Valley, a steep 500-foot switchback hike through Douglas firs on a trail built especially to reach it. It is set within its own hilltop meadow. The property is about 2 acres all in all, with the main house just down below at the bottom of the trail where I live. More about the trail up (as the Tower is not just about destination, it's about how you get there and turning everything into an adventure): A series of large ceramic sculptures punctuate the trail up. My father, whose idea the tower was, commissioned Jim Danisch, a great potter who lived in the Mattole, to build a series of sculptures for the Millennium. That New Year, hundreds of people from around the area came to the Tower and climbed up the hill to celebrate with a fireworks display people still talk about. Greg Smith, one of the craftsmen who built the tower, tells the story of how his 95 year old ailing mother walked proudly to the top and died a week later after achieving her final ascent. A special booklet compiled by Dansich is in the Tower for perusal, so you can read about what each sculpture represents (they are symbolic of life in the valley thousands of years ago) and how you might contemplate their significance in your life. The property was designed in collaboration with local craftspeople by my late father, a radical journalist who wandered into the valley in 1990 and stayed. When he bought the house, the land it came with included a big hill behind the house. How he got up there in the first place to have the idea for the Tower, I don't know, but he did, and the result is a totally unique embodiment of a vision. My father thought that in general people were a bit timid and conservative about expressing themselves through their properties, and that a place could be an expression of your personality. He was a 'Why Not?' type of guy - why shouldn't the place you live in express your loves and interests, as far as possible? For example, his identity as a writer and as a writer from a family of writers is announced by his father's Remington typewriter atop a totem pole near the entrance to the Tower trail - you might miss it, but it's there, happily rusting for eternity. Reliefs on the Cider house, a square terracotta structure with a gold-leafed domed roof, depict his life there. He championed originality, and you can feel his indelible spirit in every detail of the Tower and surrounding property. Learn more about this land:Enjoy total seclusion and privacy in this unusual Lost Coast hideaway. Accessible only by a STEEP 500-ft trail, you must be fairly fit to appreciate this remote spot. The climb will take you to a two-storey 'tower' built around two water tanks. The Mattole River is just over the road below. Enjoy the spectacular bird life. The remote Mattole Beach is just six miles away and makes for great hiking and beachcombing. **Important Check-in info** The Tower is a property that preferably needs a guide to show you up there initially. It is hidden, and you’ll benefit from a quick orientation up there. Check-in before dark, please, due to the trail.The upper storey of the Tower has a small double Murphy bed which measures 4 ft wide. It is 6.5 ft long from headboard to footboard, and has a foam mattress on a wooden board. If you are quite tall it may not be comfortable due to the footboard. This room also has a long sofa, Deco chairs, redwood window seats and a long cherrywood table. The Tower is on two floors, connected by an outside staircase. So *PLEASE NOTE* that as the bathroom is on the lower floor you will need to go down the *outside* stairs to the bathroom. Downstairs is the bathroom, shower and kitchen in one open plan room. The kitchen area includes a Wedgewood stove. There is also a sink upstairs for easy teeth brushing etc. The spring water is excellent for drinking. The lower storey also houses water tanks, wrapped in canvas painted by a local artist.Relax beneath the stars in the outdoor in-ground copper bath tub, with plenty of space for two and a small surrounding deck for glasses of wine, or take a shower outside, looking out onto the hills. Enjoy ceramicist Jim Danisch's sculptures punctuating the trail. In collaboration with Petrolia's craftspeople, the Tower was designed by my father, a writer and lover of art. For groceries, the local Petrolia store has most basics (including a gas pump) but its provisions are limited so please bring your own special groceries if you want more than basic. Please note there are ZERO bars and restaurants in Petrolia. Bear in mind that the Petrolia Store closes at 5.30pm, so be sure to bring groceries with you if you're arriving later than that, especially for that first night's dinner! At the bottom of the hill is the main house, where I will be on hand to help out as best I can with any queries and extra conveniences. Details and directions upon booking. To enable a real break and total relaxation, there is no WiFi! There is very limited cell service in Petrolia. There is a landline available for your private use in the Tower. Petrolia is off the beaten track and lies at the end of a very winding, rugged road with potholes a-plenty. Ordinary cars can make it, but if you are hiring a car you will be better off hiring an all wheel car that is not too low off the ground. Be prepared for a real rural retreat. The tower is right in the wilderness atop a hill, so be prepared to hear and see animals around.Please note that I have been hosting on another platform for 7 years with many happy guests. Please google The Lost Coast Tower to see those reviews, to get a sense of the place from a guest's perspective . Thank you!

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Little Arnold A-Frame

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Arnold, CA

Arnold is well-located for a weekend getaway (~2.5 hours from the East Bay and ~3 hours from SF) and as a convenient base for your adventures in the Sierras. If you haven't been to Arnold and Gold Country, there is so much to explore! The cabin is on a small parcel in a quiet neighborhood, removed but close to town. We're just a 5-minute walk to the Arnold Rim Trail (with 30+ miles of hiking), 10-minute drive to Big Trees State Park, 15 minutes to the town of Murphys (great wineries, pubs and dining), 40 minutes to Bear Valley Ski Resort, 10 minutes to White Pines Lake, 45 minutes to Lake Alpine. We’re happy to recommend our favorite spots for hiking and swimming. If your trip is taking you farther afield, we’re 2 hours from Yosemite, and 2.5 hours from Lake Tahoe via the less-traveled Highway 4 in warmer months. Or you can can always just relax with a view in the cabin. Learn more about this land: Our classic 1970s A-frame cabin offers a simple space of retreat with lovely light, view of the trees and uncluttered decor. Great for couples and also solo travelers! Please note there is a 2 night minimum on weekends (if overlaps with a Fri or Sat) and a 3 night minimum for holiday weekends. We're well-located for a weekend getaway (~2.5 hours from the East Bay and ~3 hours from SF) and as a base for your adventures in the Sierras. There's lots to explore nearby with Big Trees State Park and Stanislaus National Forest within minutes, lakes, skiing, mountain towns and wine-tasting, or just relax at the cabin and take in the view. The cabin is on a small parcel in a quiet neighborhood, removed but close to town. We're a 5-minute walk to the Stanislaus National Forest/Arnold Rim Trail (we provide a custom map for nearby hikes), 10-minute drive to Big Trees State Park, 15 minutes to the town of Murphys (great wineries, pubs and dining), 40 minutes to Bear Valley Ski Resort, 10 minutes to White Pines Lake, 45 minutes to Lake Alpine and Utica and Union lakes. We’re happy to recommend our favorite spots for hiking and swimming. If your trip is taking you farther afield, we’re ~2 hours from Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance, and 2.5 hours from Lake Tahoe via the less-traveled Highway 4 in warmer months. We do our best here to strike a balance between simple amenities and comfort. A reminder that we are in the country, so the cabin is best suited to those who like a more rustic getaway. There is no AC, television, or microwave. We've gone without a TV and landline, but WiFi means you can stream to your own devices and make WiFi calls on your cell. We have loads of board games and puzzles. The kitchen has pots/pans/kettle, toaster, mini waffle iron, Brita pitcher, and rice cooker. For coffee drinkers, we have a coffee grinder, french press and pour over dripper. Help yourself to organic coffee and tea! The cabin is mainly heated by a gas fireplace (looks like a wood stove, but does not need wood). We recommend bringing layers and slippers in the winter while the cabin warms up. Like most cabins in the area, there is no AC, but we provide room fans. Cell reception is unreliable throughout the Sierras except for Verizon, however at the cabin, WiFi calls are available through all carriers --to make calls, enable the setting on your cell phone. The cabin comfortably fits 4 people, with 1 bedroom, a sleeping loft (no door) and 1.5 bathrooms. The downstairs bedroom has a queen bed, and the loft has a full-size mattress and its own half bathroom. We have a flat parking pad instead of a driveway, which makes things easier in the winter months. The rental rate covers a professional cleaning fee and linens and towels! Guests will need to take their garbage and recycling with them to the local refuse center which is on the way out.

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Yuba River Retreat

4 sites · Lodging1500 acres · Nevada City, CA

This special land is part of a multi-parcel wildlife corridor, helping to provide valuable habitat between the state parks, along the creek and river. Out your doorstep, you'll find more than 15-miles of private, groomed, hiking, biking and horseback riding trails and have an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Our solar-powered farmhouse overlooks the mountains and an organic orchard and garden, with two queen bedrooms lined with hand-milled sugar pine from the land, strong wifi/tv, waterfalls, and private network of trails to hike or bike. Walk to refreshing creek swimming hole or private Yuba river swimming access available at certain times. Included in your stay is seasonal organic produce to gather out your doorstep in our family's organic garden and hammocks to relax in under the fruit treas and at the creek. The two bedrooms downstairs have queen beds handcrafted of sugar pine milled from downed trees from the land and are fitted with organic sheets. Downstairs has a bathroom with tub and shower, living room with mid-century furniture, views of the orchard and a tv for cozy movie nights. Upstairs is a fully-stocked kitchen with gas stove, oven, and all chef's amenities, foldout queen sleeper, bathroom with shower and outdoor table for a sunset dinner. Cool mountain air refreshes your nights or feel the luxury of air conditioning on a hot summer afternoon. After a relaxing day in the mountains, perhaps star gaze from the patio or orchard. To get to the sandy beach and creek spot, called Barkhouse Beach, take an easy stroll through the forest. The nearby Barkhouse, close to the creek, is a reconstruction of a typical Maidu Indian dwelling. Walk inside to experience the traditional history of this land. Or cool off in the Yuba River at the South Yuba River State Park, just a 5-minute drive from the farmhouse. Ask about accommodating additional guests.

Private beach camping in California guide

Overview

Golden coasts. Redwood forests. Fiery desert canyons. Alpine lakes framed by snowy peaks. But the best memories are in the details—seeing a gray whale breach off the rugged north coast, feeling the sun on your face on a Southern California shore, or maybe enjoying s’mores beside the crystal waters of Lake Tahoe. Trails climb from campgrounds to immense granite domes in Yosemite while Joshua trees beckon for attention in the eastern deserts. The best part? There’s somewhere amazing to camp year-round.

Where to go

North Coast

Camping beneath redwoods—the tallest trees in the world—is a hard-to-beat highlight of the north coast. The majestic groves scattered across Redwood National & State Parks are an excellent choice for first-timers. Further south, from Eureka to Mendocino and eventually San Francisco, you’ll find a string of private and state park campgrounds tucked along rugged coastlines marked by bluffs, coves, dunes, and tidepools.

Central Coast

Stretching from Monterey south to Santa Barbara, the Central Coast scores points for scenery and variety. Plus, it’s a convenient escape from the urban hassles of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Redwoods, waterfalls, and windswept bluffs border Highway 1 in Big Sur, while waves crash beside state parks north of Santa Barbara. For a remote camping experience, campsites at Channel Islands National Park off the coast of Santa Barbara can oblige.

SoCal Beaches: Los Angeles to San Diego

The golden beaches of Southern California are the stuff of lazy days and pop songs. And fantastic camping for those inclined. The best campsites line-up beside the coast between Newport Beach and Dana Point in Orange County, with a few more perched on coastal bluffs north of San Diego. Not surprisingly, these oceanfront sites fill fast, so book early.

Sierra Nevada Mountains

Granite domes and lush Alpine meadows border campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, while enormous sequoias are the draw in Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks. Campgrounds beside alpine lakes and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe are always postcard-pretty.

Southern Deserts

For surreal sunsets, striking rock formations, restless sand dunes, and spring wildflowers, head east. Nine campgrounds and plenty more right outside await at Death Valley National Park, home to the lowest spot in the U.S. Joshua trees and picturesque boulders keep Hipcampers happy at Joshua Tree National Park while Anza-Borrego Desert State Park serves up fantastic desert hiking outside San Diego. High season is late fall through spring, when temperatures are pleasant.