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Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping

100%

·

197 reviews

· Aptos, Santa Cruz, California · 9 acres

Hosted by Matt B.

Tent site

· 5 guests max

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Best tent-sites: 2nd place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Matt is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

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.Nestled in a canopy of redwoods, and only 5 miles from the beach and the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park 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 experience. While staying at the secluded Fern Ridge Flats, It’s easy to forget that only a 10 minute drive gets you to downtown Aptos with trendy new restaurants and coffee shops to enjoy. Get away from it all and reconnect with nature at Fern Ridge Flats.

What to expect

Tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

5 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firepit. Although we do not allow the burning of wood for the safety of our guests and neighborhood. Our campsite is outfitted with a beautiful, and clean burning, propane firepit.

Toilet available

Portable toilet, composting toilet

No pets

Bins available

Trash bin

Picnic table present

Wifi available

No potable water

Bring your own water, purify from spigot

No showers

Hot showers coming soon!

Cooking equipment absent

Laundry absent

Hot Tub absent

No playground

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Moderate

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 6 months out

Short walk

No wheelchair access

Max 1 vehicle

2WD accessible

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Blackstone Griddlerental

$20.00

17" Gas Griddle. Great for cooking just about anything!

Electric Grillrental

$15.00

Convenient and safe to use electric grill.

Butane Camp Stoverental

$10.00

Single burner stove for cooking and boiling.

Propane for firepitgood

$20.00

A full tank of propane will last about 8-10 hours.

Reviews

100% Recommend228 ratings · 197 reviews

C

Clara S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Tent

The camping spot is amazing, very quiet and private, nestled in the forest! Very unique experience.

K

Kei S.

4 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Absolutely beautiful place and so secluded! Has nice amenities for a camp site - spigot for washing, non-flush toilet, etc.

E

Erin H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Camp in the Trees

Tent · Group trip

The spot was nestled into the forest and the scenery was beautiful. Close to Aptos and a gorgeous hiking spot. The host was helpful and personable. Would book again.

M

Mary S.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Tent · Group trip

Cute lights and comfy camping, thanks for having us!

E

Erin T.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Tent

I loved staying at Fern Flats! It is a beautiful campsite tucked away in nature. We had a lovely time enjoying the campsite and exploring the area. I would definitely recommend this Hipcamp to anyone who wants a gorgeous place to relax.

T

Talisa H.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Fern Forest Flats

Tent

This place was absolutely wonderful! It was like stepping into a different country. The site is perfectly nestled in the trees, with a picnic table, fire pit and toilet easily accessible. The trail on the side of the site wasn’t very long but still very beautiful with mossy trees and a little creek! The owners were extremely friendly and not hovering whatsoever! Would definitely book here again and recommend it to everyone!

Location

Aptos, Santa Cruz, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun), Ohlone, and Awaswas First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking