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Charcoal Springs Camp & Cabin

100%

· Watsonville, Santa Cruz, California

40 acres hosted by Johnny N.

1 lodging site · 3 tent sites

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Johnny is a Star Host

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

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

Welcome to our serene retreat at Charcoal Springs, overlooking the Monterey Bay! Nestled amidst the picturesque Santa Cruz mountains of California, our property offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday urban life, with beautiful views of the ocean, redwood forest, and stunning sunrise/sunsets. Our property is above the redwoods, and more often than not, above the fog line! We've spent the last year pouring our love into this mountaintop retreat and we are happy to share it with you! Our spacious camping area provides ample room for you to set up your tent or camper van (no RVs, trailers or 5th wheels) ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. Outdoor activities: leisurely stroll along our scenic little trail + surrounding wilderness: we are right next to the north entrance of the Soquel Demonstration Forest for world class mountain biking. If you are interested in hosting a larger group, in organizing a retreat, and in booking out all our sites, please get in touch! ATTENTION: MAY-OCTOBER - FIRE BAN PENDING WEATHER/WIND DAY-OF KITCHEN/BBQ AT PANORAMA CONTAINER CAMP: Propane is $25/tank, WE DO NOT PROVIDE PLATES, CUPS, UTENSILS, OR COOKING SUPPLIES AT CONTAINER CAMP! Container Camp Kitchen has a BBQ, tongs and brush for the BBQ, a 3 burner camp stove, sink, covered trash/recycling cans, miscellaneous pots/pans (see picture with utensils on site). There is NO REFRIGERATOR at Container Camp, so bring your coolers! KITCHEN AT THE COOP (NO BBQ): The Coop is equipped with most kitchenware that one would need (4 cu ft refrigerator, pots, pans, 4 x plates, bowls, and cups, mugs, knives, silverware, salad bowl, french-press coffee pot, kettle…) with a two burner electric hot plate and the woodstove with a cooktop on it. The Coop does NOT have a BBQ. PLEASE KEEP FOOD IN SEALED CONTAINERS OR COOLERS! Also, remember to keep the volume down, as most people come here precisely for the piece and quiet:) Grocery shopping: We are 25 minutes from the Summit store, and Corralitos meat market down Eureka Canyon. All sites have access to: -electricity, -hot showers, -composting toilet (Sun-Mar Excel), -industrial sink (also with hot water), -partially equipped kitchen (with mini fridge and electric hot plates in 'The Coop' / propane stove/BBQ at the container camp in covered kitchen area), -Fire places: wood stove in The Coop, and seasonal fire-pits (bring your own wood - or buy $15 a bundle from us) (Please bring your own SHEETS, TOWELS and BIODEGRADABLE soap - Dr. Bronner's. If you're camping, for an extra comfy night's sleep, we can provide 2 custom double bed sized camping mattresses - for $25 a mattress per night). After a day of exploration, you can use our designated fire pits (seasonally/weather permitting) and share stories under the stars with your fellow travelers. At Charcoal Springs, you can expect a peaceful retreat far from the city, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you traverse the rugged terrain and enjoy the view. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply craving a moment of calm, our property offers the perfect escape for your next outdoor getaway. We look forward to welcoming you to our slice of paradise! Johnny and Jeanne (Profile pic from artist Pedro Gomes: https://pedrogo.com/)

Natural features

Forest

Coastal

Mountainous

100%

36 ratings · 29 reviews

David K.recommends

September 25, 2024

Panorama Container Camp

Great view, better host

The view in person is as advertised and everything was in good, clean working order upon arrival. Johnny is an attentive and helpful host. Upon arrival he greeted us and gave us a tour of the property, answering any questions that we had. He went out of his way to check in again in the morning after to ensure that everything was to our satisfaction. The site itself is clean and clear. Your starry nights are blissfully mosquito free as you are not near an open water source. Depending where you are and the direction the wind is blowing you may at times get a hint of the composting toilet, but that is rare. This site is excellent for a couple or a small group of friends looking to spend a night underneath the stars. It's definitely one to check out!

Tina C.recommends

September 24, 2024

Panorama Container Camp

The highlight of this place is the views! This campground is tucked away and requires a drive up long, windy roads. Would recommend an SUV or truck as some of the road is not paved and there is a steep section getting to the campground itself upon arrival. I was lucky to have had the entire camp to myself and found it quite peaceful! For those who enjoy privacy, I would recommend the little guesthouse as the campground that allows for 3 reservations is small and does not allow for much privacy between parties and also share the kitchen area. Cell reception is spotty but there is wifi available once you arrive. Johnny was friendly and was eager to be helpful.

Cory N.recommends

September 21, 2024

Panorama Container Camp

Glorious view and perfect amenities

Perfect spot, great view, excellent amenities (running water, sink, grill, toilet, shower). Other two groups were cool / friendly. Johnny was extremely communicative and accommodating. Would totally stay again!

Erin H.recommends

September 15, 2024

Panorama Container Camp

Book it!

Wow wow wow! This place has everything you need to have a relaxing and peaceful weekend. Unparalleled views, close to Santa Cruz and Capitola, great hikes and wineries nearby, clean and spacious. Don’t sleep on this one! It was a wonderful escape from city life and we’ll definitely be back. Thank you Johnny and Jeanne!

Van V.recommends

September 15, 2024

Panorama Container Camp

Lovely land with a friendly host

My partner, dog, and I loved our trip to Johnny's land in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The trees and fog were gorgeous and there was plenty of space to stretch out. The amenities--shower, composting toilet, sink, outdoor kitchen--were all incredibly convenient. Johnny himself was kind, friendly, and communicative, and even let us check in later than the regular time to accommodate our work schedules. We would definitely recommend this spot to future campers!

Isaac O.recommends

September 6, 2024

The Coop

My friends and I loved our stay. Johnny has one of the most striking panoramic views of Monterey Bay; it is a unique sight. The Coop itself is cozy with all the basic tools needed to comfortably spend the night. Highly recommend!

Location

Watsonville, Santa Cruz, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun), Ohlone, Awaswas, and Muwekma First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking