Discover the best private sites beach campgrounds in California

United States
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California

99% (678 reviews)

Popular camping styles for California

Dog-friendly getaways

10 top beach campgrounds in California

98%

(570)

River Ridge Ranch -722 acres

14 sites · Lodging, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA

Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.

Dreamy California Coast Airstreams

4 sites · Lodging30 acres · Pescadero, CA

This is private 30 acres property overlooking the stunning Tunitas Beach and Pacific ocean from a breathtaking ocean cliff view. Stunning sunrise and sunset greet you in these fully equipped Airstreams. Fully loaded with all the amenities to make your glamping experience perfect. Fire pit, BBQ, Pizza oven, A/C, Heater, full kitchen with all necessary cookware and serving dishes to cook inside the airstream or on the BBQ or Pizza oven outside. Comes will full bathroom with hot shower. Truly a rare and memorable experience, located within 9 mins of Half Moon Bay shopping. Beach access short walk or drive.

Rollins Lake Retreats with A/C!!!

3 sites · Lodging31 acres · Colfax, CA

Attn: The only boat ramp open at the moment is Orchard Springs, 5 minutes away. We live lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax. We live over 30 beautiful acres with footpath access to Rollins Lake. (3 minute walk from the dome or house and 10-15 minutes from the cabin) where most summer days here are spent swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing ect., down at the water. The remarkable property is very hilly with pines and oaks. You can follow our driveway to the bottom and access the beginning of The Bear River which has a nice hiking trail alongside it or 8 minutes to the nearest boat ramp and 10 minutes to the town of Colfax where you will find gas, groceries, and restaurants. We have a beautiful spot where you will not see any neighbors so it is peaceful and private with gorgeous 360-degree views. It is also very safe! Bask in nature, quiet, and privacy! We have 3 accommodations on the property -A GUEST SUITE (lakeside), -A CABIN (15 min walk or 3 min drive/5 min walk, -A GLAMPING DOME with an additional tent site (lakeside)! We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent.

Wild Plumas California

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Greenville, CA

🌲Large, spread out, campsites 🌲Shady Meadows 🌲Whispering Pines 🌲Bubbling Creek with Sandy Beaches 🌲Minutes away from 2 lakes 🌲Trails on site 🌲Hot outdoor showers 🌲Natural Spring Water on site 🌲Restroom Facilities 🌲Glamping Tents 🌲Tiny Homes 🌲Primitive Campsites Welcome to Wild Plumas! The campground has new stewards, but all of the original goodness. We've also been working hard to add amenities and finishing touches that we think you'll enjoy! We'll be adding new sights and amenities all season. So check back often to see what else we've cooked up for your pleasure! 🐝 the Wasps and Hornets are bad this year in the Sierras. We have traps out, but be cautious and aware! 🔥 For the foreseeable future of 2024, there is a burn ban. No campfires or charcoal grills. The glampsites have propane fire pits with 1 tank provided. Basic campsites can have them provided for a small fee. 🚂 Trains are part of being in the mountains. You’ll get to hear them during the day (and night). Their whistle can be loud, most people get used to it quickly.

Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

7 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Murphys, CA

Thank you Hipcamper's for many great years of support. The sculpture garden and campground features, continue to grow. We will be closed for the winter, October 28 through April 4. New art installations and outdoor shower will be completed, while closed. Historic Brice Station 100 acres, was a horse stop on the Ebbetts Pass stage line. Horses were fed, watered and swapped here, over 100 years ago. Today, Brice station hosts a ceramics gallery and school, vineyard and tasting room, Blacksmith school, Concert series, Shakespeare performances and Master artist, Michel Olson's, Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden and campground. Born in Berlin, Germany, he has spent much of his life performing, guiding, studying, while travelling and becoming an accomplished artist in wood, stone and iron. Two of his gypsy rigs and several large art installations, are in the meadow next to the forested 6 site campground. Installation include, 100 ft sacred circle, yin/yang, sun dial and calendar. Quadruple Branch Arch. Avenue of art. Glass and Brass over Grass. Stone stage with two bell racks. Wheels of time. Florence the Freightliner. Glass henge. Chain henge. Family altar. Double sand box. Stone spiral Each, of the 6 campsites, have art installations as well. Site 1 is spacious with multiple tent sites, art Steel TeePee, and nice shade oak. Picnic table and some chairs. Parking for 4 cars. Sites 1 and 6 together, with kitchen area, makes a great group site. Site 2, is our largest single site. Multiple tent sites. 2 tables. Branch arch way. Parking for 6 cars. Hammock friendly trees. Site 3, is our cozy site. Multiple tent sites. Wood wizard and frog carving. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars Site 4, has our second metal TeePee, with melted bottle suncatchers. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars Site 5, has Wood Henge, made from one enormous tree. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars. Site 6, has a burningman bicycle fence, and ski lift chair swing. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars. Brice Station Winery, tasting room. Open Fri. - Sun. 12 to 6pm .Quyle Kilns Pottery Gallery, School and ceramic art studio Wed thru Sunday 10am to 6pm Paul Quyle Blacksmith school. C.B.A. member. First and third Sat 9am. Brice Station Vineyard, tasting room and concerts bricestation.com Simply put, art, nature camping, with a hint of history, at its best. Children are full price and must be attended to. No trailers over 14 ft. No campsite open fires June thru Oct. Communal kitchen/crafts area with large tables, BBQ and cook top available. Propane fire rings and counter top stoves allowed in campsite. Leashed dogs welcome, please pick up after. Please no extra loud music or voices.

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Lost Coast

2 sites · Lodging11 acres · Petrolia, CA

Welcome to The Lost Coast in Petrolia, CA- WE HAVE TWO SITES-The Garden Cabin AND The Abalone RV. Discover your peaceful retreat nestled just 4 miles from the pristine Lost Coast of California. Situated in the remote and unspoiled wilderness of the National King Range, this area boasts 35 miles of undeveloped coastline and the renowned Lost Coast Trail, perfect for hiking and enjoying the serene beachfront. Surrounded by abundant wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty, The Lost Coast offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're seeking solitude in nature or adventurous exploration along the rugged coastline, this remote area provides endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Nearby amenities include a quaint Sunday morning cafe, a small store, and a post office, ensuring that you have access to the essentials while still enjoying the wide-open spaces and pristine wilderness of this hidden gem. Come experience the tranquility and beauty of the Lost Coast at the Garden Cabin – it truly is heaven on earth.

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Strange Ranch - River and Gold

3 sites · RVs, Tents117 acres · Wilseyville, CA

Secluded and private river camping in a forest and oak woodland on the South Fork Mokelumne River. The site boasts a private, pristine gold-bearing trout stream with mining history and wildlife preserve located in the gold country of the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern Calaveras County. This unique property is adjacent to over 900 acres of public land that includes over 2 miles of private stream for exploring. With a total of only 3 campsites, it is a great location for a group to reserve the entire campground. Guests will enjoy the privacy while wildlife viewing, swimming, gold panning, stream exploring, fishing for wild trout, hiking, spelunking, forest immersion, or simply relaxing in a breathtaking environment – come fall in love with this special private ranch. After one stay, you will be a repeat guest. PLEASE NOTE: A 4-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive vehicle is needed to access the campsites due to the incline and rock and gravel road. All sites have beautiful open views of the property and river with natural shade in the morning and late afternoon. At this time, please provide your own portable shade structure(s) at each of the campsites during late morning and afternoon as the direct sun in the late morning and afternoon can be an inconvenience. The owners are professional fish and wildlife biologists and have decided to share this special place for others to enjoy. The property hosts a variety of wildlife species that might be observed during your stay. PLEASE be aware that some wildlife species including rattlesnakes and mountain lions have been observed on the 120-acre property and could potentially be observed near the campsites. The Ranch property supports a state and locally licensed commercial medical cannabis farm (South Fork River Holdings). The gardens and related operations are on the northern portion of the property and well removed from campsite locations. No portions of the cannabis farming operations interfere with, or are visible when camping on the property. Cannabis farm tours are available via the Hipcamp app to interested campers aged 21 years and older, or campers 18 years and older with a physician's recommendation. The property and amenities will evolve over time. Day trips are possible to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, public caverns, Calaveras and Amador wine tasting, and local historic gold towns.

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Private River Oasis

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Lake Of The Pines, CA

If you're looking for a quiet and peaceful retreat, "Private River Oasis" is the perfect place for you. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo trip, this property offers everything you need for a comfortable and memorable stay. With its stunning natural surroundings and modern convenient amenities "Private River Oasis" promises to be your perfect camping experience! So why wait? Book your stay today and start planning your dream vacation! The Space: A 13 ft Bell tent is setup for you with one queen bed and one single bed inside (beds are made with sheets and comforters). The tent sits approximately 75 ft above the river with breathtaking views of the river and canyon. If you are coming with a group, there is over an acre of flat land which is perfect for any type of tent setup. At the tent site you’ll have access to a table and chairs, lounge chairs, picnic table, gas BBQ, basketball hoop and balls, rock campfire, kayaks, and a porta potty. A short 3-minute walk away from the tent you’ll find the shore of the Bear River. Guest access: The tent site is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles. If you do not have a 4-wheel drive vehicle there is parking for up to four vehicles at the house. The tent site is less than a quarter mile walk downhill from the house. River access: If you’d like to visit the river to hang out, swim, or fish you can follow the dirt road next to the tent down to the river (3-minute walk). The riverfront has lounge chairs, a picnic table, and kayak's. The riverbank has small pebbles and rocks so water shoes are highly suggested for comfort when going into the water (recommended but not needed). Come and enjoy the views of the river, forest, and wildlife! This is a private tent site with one other listing on the property which is located at the house. You may rarely see other guests during your stay. Check out is at 12pm. If you or anyone in your party stays past 12:30pm you will be charged for an extra night for your full party. For guests that come for the day but do not stay the night there is a $25 fee per guest(s). If your vehicle gets stuck on the property and you need a tow we may be able to accommodate for a $350 tow fee per vehicle.

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Beach Whimsical Cottage

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · El Segundo, CA

This is a sweet beach cottage with one or two bedrooms that is close to town and super close to the beach. I offer bikes, Jaccuzzi and parking for a small car. This is the place to rest after camping and waiting to take a flight from LAX or just relax at the beach. This is not a camp spot but a lush garden area with trees, vines and flowers. Also, this is a non smoking property for all types of smoke and no vaping.

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Glitter Cove Retreat

2 sites · Lodging55 acres · Coarsegold, CA

This beautiful property is situated on 55 secluded acres in the lovely foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Swimming, fishing, and hiking await you. 1 1/2 hours from Yosemite National Park. Reservations may be required. Experience the abundant wild life, the soothing sound of the Fresno River, put your feet in the sand and just unplug for a few days. Each season is uniquely beautiful. Spring hosts an abundance of green hills, wild flowers and cooler weather. The river is higher, faster and colder. New life pops up everywhere. Baby ducks, geese, quail and beaver frequent the river. Glitter Cove waterfall is in its full glory. Summer is the perfect time to swim and lounge in the river. As the days heat up, the river begins to slow and warms up to a comfortable yet refreshing temperature. New beaches emerge, just waiting to be explored. In late summer, early fall, there is a feeling of calm. The river slows significantly but still feels amazing to sit in. You can hear its gentle flow and soothing sound as it trickles over the rocks. This is a great time time to explore the river as it is mostly shallow. The nights can be cool, so come prepared. Most of the time it is very quiet. There is another camp down stream owned by a wonderful family. They are here a couple times per week, and also rent their camp. You may hear them having fun and engaging in target practice. The river is a shared space but it is rare to see anyone else. Noise travels in the canyon so you may hear occasional barking or other vehicles. Hearing coyotes sing at night is very common. There is abundant wildlife including rattle snakes, bob cats, cayotes, fox, mountain lions and bears. Although it is rare to see them, always be aware of your surroundings and watch where you are stepping. Please don't leave food outside overnight or if you plan to leave for the day. Hope to see you soon! Watch a video! https://youtu.be/QI_YsFr-kh8

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Private sites 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.