Private camping in California

Hipcampers are spoiled for choice in California, where landscapes come supersized.

98% (5466 reviews)
98% (5466 reviews)

Popular camping styles for California

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12 top campgrounds in California

100%
(160)

Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping

2 sites · Tents9 acres · Aptos, CA
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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$65
 / night
100%
(316)

Five Fours Camp in Three Rivers

2 sites · Tents2 acres · Three Rivers, CA
This is essentially a private campsite with a million dollar view! We are no longer opening the bunkhouse campsite; so that spot is now another area for your group to hang out. We are animal friendly and don't charge extra for you to bring your dog(s) to camp. Please LET US KNOW YOU ARE BRINGING DOG(S), when you request to book. Our dog Ruby, is a Black Mouth Cur, and our boy Chance is a Husky Doberman mix. Both are friendly with other dogs large and small. They look forward to meeting you and yours! Although we welcome dogs, the park only allows them into the park BUT NOT ON ANY TRAILS!! Only the national forests allow dogs on trails, not national parks. We can be available to dog sit your dog(s) while you explore in the park for $7/hour. Please contact us ahead of time, if possible, so we can arrange to be available to dog sit on your chosen day(s). Three rivers, California is the lower gateway to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks; and has some unique restaurants, shops & even our own brewery! Our hillside property has great mountain views on 2.25 serene stepped acres. Our driveway turns directly off of Sierra drive, four miles past the town center (3R post office) and just 2 miles from the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks entrance - so it's conveniently located and easy to find! Five Fours Camp is up a private driveway, leaving the roadway below. You can't see it; but you can still hear the tranqual sound of the Kaweah River flowing across the street. Sorry, there is NO river access from this campsite. I know! We were heartbroken too when we found out we couldn't just cross the street and swim! You CAN go to Slick Rock and swim, boat, fish and more - about 8 miles away. My wife Elizabeth and I bought our log home in 2015 and we have been dreaming and building here ever since! Our beloved older dog Ruby was rescued shortly after we bought. Our boy Chance was rescued during the beginning of the pandemic. They chase all the fun wildlife off of their property! In addition to deer, we have seen fox, bob cats, an Ocelot, too many coyotes, wild turkeys and bear crossing an animal highway along our upper hillside property line. Hawks, hummingbirds, quail, blue birds, woodpeckers and Sime yellow bellied finches are regularly seen here all over as well. Owls have been heard; but not seen. We love our mountain views and look forward to sharing them with you!
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$67
 / night
100%
(14)

Sacred Earth Retreat (SER)

1 site · Tent50 acres · Boulder Creek, CA
For over 40 years, Sacred Earth has been cherished by many as an example of sustainable off-grid living immersed in nature. While it is just 12 minutes drive from the village of Ben Lomond, 30 from Santa Cruz beaches, and 90 minutes to Berkeley, this valley feels as though you are deep in the wilds, complete with old growth Redwoods you can stand inside and far- reaching majestic Madrones. The land is home to the headwaters of Love Creek, with springs to be found in fern gullies and gentle babbling brooks. The breathtaking ridgetop has expansive views down the San Lorenzo Valley southeast and westerly views to Ben Lomond Mountain, the final hill between this place and the Pacific. Don’t miss the sunrise with meandering mist rising off the valley. Large sites allow for family and group gatherings/activities, while small tucked in tent sites provide hidden nooks. Hiking trails (open in dry season only) encircle the land and allow for moderate walks throughout its mostly vertical terrain. What is truly dynamic about Sacred Earth is the sheer diversity of plant and animal species combined with its proximity to world-class surfing, sailing, scuba, mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching, etc. Make your stay in Santa Cruz Mountains at SER.
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$65
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(64)

160 Acres amidst National Forest

3 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Placerville, CA
Learn more about this land: Welcome to Slate Mountain where you have access to 160 acres of gated, private wilderness with 360 degree mountain views and exclusive waterfront year-round on Slab Creek. Bring your hiking boots or your off-road toys and explore 160 acres of secluded, magical forest filled with wildflowers, butterflies, ancient Pines and Cedars, wild berries, and wild game. Pitch a tent or park your RV at your choice of locations with amazing views and total seclusion. Spend the day relaxing, picnicking, and try your luck at gold panning on pristine Slab Creek where not a single human or road exists for miles. Pitch a tent next to Slab Creek and spend an entire night bathed in the sounds of the rushing water and enchanted forest surrounding you. Plan a retreat. Plan a family reunion. Plan a hunting trip with the boys. Bring your motorless watercraft and spend an afternoon at Stumpy Meadows, a beautiful mountain reservoir a 25 minute drive from the property. Apple Hill wineries and farms are a 40 minute drive. If you bring the off-road toys you also have access to miles of trails throughout hundreds of acres of national forest. Don’t feel like cooking? Frank’s Diner on Finnon reservoir in Swansboro is a quick 20 minute drive from the property. If you need supplies, a nice restaurant, or a day of wine tasting to break up the grit, Downtown Placerville and Georgetown are both a 45 minute scenic drive.  **Coming Spring 2024 there will be three sites available to book on the property: (1) a drive-in tent/RV site, (2) a drive-in furnished bell tent, and (3) a hike-in furnished wall tent. If you are booking the main site for spring 2024 onward, please be aware that there may be up to two additional parties camping on the property at that time. However, the three campsites are each in separate areas so you will likely not encounter the other parties except in passing on the road to/from the creek.** IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE:  1) For ease of access, and to get the most out of your experience, we highly recommend a 4WD vehicle with clearance. 2) The creek is at the bottom of the canyon, 1.3 miles from the gate at the entrance, and the road down is very steep in parts. We highly recommend an off-road vehicle/ATV for easy access to creek. If your vehicle is 4WD you can drive approximately 1 mile down, park and hike the remaining .3 mile to the creek.  3) Be aware you are in the middle of the forest and wildlife such as bear, rattlesnakes, etc have been spotted on the property. Poison Oak can also be spotted in certain areas.   4) The property has cell service on the upper quadrant, however once you drop below the tree line toward the creek there is no service.
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$75
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98%
(53)

Foxfern Forest

1 site · Lodging8 acres · Mendocino, CA
A unique private home milled glamping cabin designed and built by the host. Tranquility on the edge of a whimsical forest full of Redwood trees, Pines, Oaks, Hemlocks, Rhododendrons, Ferns, wildflowers and mushrooms. The cabin is on our 8 acre property, only about 7 minutes to the historic village of Mendocino. Beaches and trails close by and waiting for you to explore! Hear the ocean waves crashing in the distance, if you listen closely you may even hear the seals chatting. In the spring see the tall brilliant pink rhododendrons bloom. Star gaze at night and listen to the trees talking through the costal breeze while keeping warm by the fire pit, and stay cozy inside the cabin by the mini wood burning stove. Use the tea kettle to brew up a delicious drink to sip. All while making memories to last!
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$180
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100%
(4)

Wandering Caboose Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Banning, CA
Wandering Caboose Ranch is the perfect getaway for nature lovers! We're located about 20 minutes from the Cabazon outlets, Morongo Casino and 25 minutes from Idyllwild! Come enjoy 20 acres of quiet green rolling hills and cool breezes. We have a designated hill top for your camping enjoyment. We can also provide a tent (fits up to 4 people) and queen size mattress if needed! Also included; BBQ grill, campfire and lawn chairs. We even have a privacy tent for toilet use. Pets are definitely allowed, feel free to walk your dogs on our dirt roads. You can even stop by for a visit with our goats, ducks and chickens. At night, you won't want to miss the incredible view of the stars and the colorful lights of the Morongo Casino! Come see for yourself! Feel free to reach out with any questions. Happy camping!
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$28
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96%
(82)

The Woods

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Willits, CA
Come relax and play in the trees at this magical Mendocino County compound. Located amidst 20 acres of second-growth redwood forest, this is the perfect place to unplug and take a break from everyday life. We live on the property in the main house, nearby is the yurt and campground. This is the ideal setting for anything ranging from a quiet artist retreat to romantic getaway.
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$50
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93%
(7)

rio vista

1 site · RV, Tent12 acres · Three Rivers, CA
Welcome to 12 acres beautiful mountain and river views! minutes away from sequoia national park entrance and mountain bike trails, swimming, hiking, Kaweah Lake, white water rafting, bird watching, and simply just relaxing. These are all activities that are nearby but there is a lot of hiking on the property. Check in anytime after 1pm and no later than 8pm.
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$50
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(13)

Faultline Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Manchester, CA
We are excited to share our peaceful place with panoramic views and distant ocean roar. There are two sites available on our 15 acre homestead: one for vans, small trailers and campers and a second with a pop-up tent trailer. We have a natural sag pond and coastal prairie landscape that is 2 miles from the nearest beach and the Point Arena lighthouse, and 10 minutes from Point Arena, a picturesque town with several restaurants, a bakery, an African animal preserve, a historic movie theater, and access to the Stornetta Lands National Coastal Monument.
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$45
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100%
(6)

The Ripe Choice Farm Stay

1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Lakeport, CA
6 acres with vineyard, orchard, commercial kitchen, barn loft (2night min), mini pigs, chickens, tortoise, dogs
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$20
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(20)

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.
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$150
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99%
(90)

Twisted Branch

1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Paso Robles, CA
We named our property the Twisted Branch after one of the big oak trees that sits on the site where you will camp with us! It's on a hilltop with amazing views in nearly all directions. The campsite faces South/West so sunsets are fantastic. We use no chemicals on the soil or annual grasses. It is very quiet and the night sky is always stunning. Owls hoot at night and Redtail Hawks hunt for ground squirrels during the day. We have alot of Acorn woodpeckers living in the oak trees, the ones with the bright red head feathers. April through June we see bright yellow Orioles. At night you will hear hundreds of little frogs in the nearby ponds, depending on the season. We are located in the heart of Wine Country and there are plenty of activities around us and in town.
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$70
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Private camping in California guide

Overview

Looking for a camping experience that's as unique as you are? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for private campsites in the United States. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, Hipcamp has over 900 options to choose from in California alone. From the stunning Cuyama Badlands with its 1681 rave reviews, to the eco-friendly Down-to-Earth Ecoshire with 552 reviews, and the picturesque Cosumnes River Ranch with 382 reviews, you'll find the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature. With popular amenities like trash disposal, pet-friendly sites, and modern toilets, and activities ranging from fishing and hiking to boating, your camping adventure awaits. And with prices starting as low as $15 and an average of $59 per night, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience with Hipcamp.

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