Best Tent Camping near Bonny Doon, CA

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Bonny Doon, look no further. Finding a place to camp in California with your tent has never been easier. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Bonny Doon, California's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Bonny Doon, CA (18)

    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park

    1. Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park

    18 Reviews
    46 Photos
    63 Saves
    Pescadero, California

    Ben Ries Campground

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    2. Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    8 Reviews
    18 Photos
    257 Saves
    Saratoga, California

    Castle Rock State Park is a land of sculpted sandstone, lush forests, and sweeping vistas. From one of the highest ridges in the Santa Cruz Mountains, park visitors enjoy hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. Rock climbers explore the park's caverns and rocks, including the namesake Castle Rock. Plant-lovers come for California black oaks, knobcone pines, and high-elevation coast redwoods. The park’s 34 miles of rugged trails conveniently connect to an extensive trail system that links the Santa Clara and San Lorenzo valleys to nearby Big Basin Redwoods State Park and open space preserves on the Skyline to the Sea Trail.

    The Castle Rock Trail Camp is open year round on a first-come, first-serve basis. The campground is a 2.5 mile (4 kilometer) hike from the parking area and you will have to carry all of your equipment into the camp. Castle Rock Trail Camp has trash receptacles, bathrooms, and 20 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Wood is available for sale during the wet season. Fires are not allowed during fire season.

    Camping is permitted only in designated camps. Campers are required to be in their campsites from sunset to 6 a.m.

    To register and pay your fees, check in at the Entrance Station at the Castle Rock parking lot. If you arrive when the station is not staffed, you can use the self-registration envelopes. Make sure you bring exact change or a check to use in case you must use the self-registration. Place your receipt on the dashboard in a visible place as proof of payment. Rangers will verify payment. For more information about camping and fire closure dates, please call Castle Rock State Park at (408) 867-2952. For more information and reservations for Waterman Gap Trail Camp, please visit the Santa Cruz Mountain State Parks Backcountry Trail Camp Page.

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water

    $8 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park

    3. Uvas Canyon County Park

    9 Reviews
    53 Photos
    304 Saves
    New Almaden, California

    Welcom​e to Uvas Canyon County Park. This lushly wooded park of 1,147 acres, is nestled in upper Uvas Canyon on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz

    Mountains. This mountain park offers hiking, camping and picnicking opportunities throughout most of the year. Enjoy your visit today and return often to experience the many features of Uvas Canyon County Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $34 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park

    4. Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park

    5 Reviews
    19 Photos
    200 Saves
    Boulder Creek, California

    CAMPGROUNDS CLOSED TEMPORARILY

    This park unit is partially open. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Seacliff State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Seacliff State Beach

    5. Seacliff State Beach

    7 Reviews
    2 Photos
    330 Saves
    Aptos, California
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach Campground

    6. Manresa State Beach Campground

    7 Reviews
    24 Photos
    282 Saves
    Freedom, California

    Manresa State Beach Camping is tents only, no RVs, mid-May through September. Parking for over 60 walk-in tent sites at Manresa Uplands is in a separate lot near the campground. Pets must not be left unattended in campsites. One vehicle is included in camping fees.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach Campground

    8. Sunset State Beach Campground

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    5 Saves
    Watsonville, California

    South Camp (sites 1-37)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $35 - $335 / night

    • No image available

      9. Towle Campground

      1 Review
      28 Saves
      Los Altos Hills, California
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table

      $40 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

      10. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

      4 Reviews
      26 Photos
      41 Saves
      Mount Hamilton, California

      Hikers and equestrians have access to an extensive 51 mile trail system. Mountain bikes are permitted on over 75% of the park's trails as designated. The diverse trail system at the park makes this a popular place to stage large-scale organized trail events such as equestrian endurance rides, mountain bike events and foot races. Dogs are also allowed on the trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds as long as they are on a 6 ft. leash.

      Shaded picnic areas are available on a first-come first-served basis. Campers can choose from almost forty (40) reservable family campsites. Hot showers are available with paid campsite use. Group picnic and youth camping areas are available by reservation. One large lake and several smaller ponds are accessible for warm water fishing. Fires are permitted in designated fire rings only. Do not gather wood. Extinguish fires when unattended. When posted "NO FIRES", only campstoves or gas grills are permitted. For further questions please call the park office: (408) 274-6121.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Equestrian

      $15 - $400 / night

    Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Bonny Doon

    606 Reviews of 18 Bonny Doon Campgrounds


    • michael D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
      Nov. 19, 2024

      Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

      We liked this extremely clean and well maintained Park.

      We stayed here for 12 days while visiting relatives in the Bay area. This campground, while in the heart of Fremont, feels remote and safe in spite of being close to town. Sites are not huge, but arranged in such a way as to feel private. It is in the Coyote hills regional Park. There are many many trails for hiking and biking, and wildlife is plentiful. Our RV is small and we used the showers and bathrooms quite a bit. They are cleaned daily and we're always in great shape. The laundry is run by an outside organization, and the change machine was always empty, but everything worked well.

    • Wendy S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Laguna Seca Recreation Area
      Nov. 18, 2024

      Laguna Seca Recreation Area

      Perfect for our needs!

      We were just traveling through since part of 1 is closed. Found this spot for $51 and it was great. It is hilly, which made it cool to walk around for views. The water is not potable, but bathrooms were very clean and the staff were so kind. There was not a race, but there were some cars running the track the next morning. Which was pretty cool!

    • UThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Valley RV Resort
      Oct. 16, 2024

      Coyote Valley RV Resort

      Buttoned up, formal atmosphere RV resort

      High priced. Nice people at desk. Damon who helped us park was very friendly. Almost entirely high-priced big rigs, some of whom seem settled here but it's clean, 'orderly,' very quiet. Rigid rules keep the order; nice that no political flags/signs allowed. 2 dog parks and lots of grassy areas to take for a walk. Showers in locker-room/bldg, bathrooms nice and clean. Green grass. Also has laundry with 2.50 wash and.25 dry for 8 min. Skunk wandered by site in the night. Cool train sounds from nearby tracks at night. Was probably the most convenient to San Jose, otherwise we likely would've been in mtns. and too far away from town for our needs at the time. Would not be a regular choice for us.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Salinas-Monterey KOA
      Oct. 8, 2024

      Salinas-Monterey KOA

      Parking lot with a pool

      Pretty basic place. Level, noisy highway. Very friendly staff clean. I enjoy more of the outdoors so not really my cup of tea. Very narrow spaces.

    • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from New Brighton State Beach Campground
      Sep. 30, 2024

      New Brighton State Beach Campground

      Love it here

      There are a ton of reviews for this place already so I will try to keep it short and only add info that I didn't see mentioned in previous reviews.

      Showers are $0.25 per min ($0.50 min to start).  You don't get to adjust water temp, but it was pleasantly hot. Showers are non-gendered and individual.

      Dump station is no longer free; all California State Parks are charging $10 to dump now, even for campers.  You pay at the dump site with a credit card. There are 4 dump holes and a potable water fill as well.

      We love staying here as it's so convenient to Capitola. We were able to park our RV in Capitola and walk to the shops. We got last minute reservations (it's really hard to book a site here in the summer), but had to move sites in between days, and so we used that 2 hour block between noon checkout and 2pm checkin to drive the RV to Capitola. It seemed like it would have been too much of a hassle to try and get to move to the new spot before checkin, so this worked out fine.

      We love all the state parks along the beach in California, and I'm sure we'll be back at some point.

    • Elizabeth S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach Campground
      Sep. 30, 2024

      Sunset State Beach Campground

      Quiet nice views

      Campground is quiet except those who run their generators all day and play the radio loud. It is spread out. (But still close, you do see your neighbors.) The camp ground is between fields and the ocean. Site 25 has amazing views but also can be breezy. Or windy. Old but clean bathrooms with coin showers. Water close to sites.

    • CJ S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat
      Sep. 8, 2024

      Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat

      Not great for the price

      The pictures here are very deceiving. Driving in, the first 4 campsites are occupied by broken down trailers, an overturned couch and broken BBQ pits. We stayed in site #6 which was probably one of the best sites. Great shade and car was able to be parked nearby (you walk down non-maintained "stairs" with rotted tree branches as the steps).  

      Overall, I had high hopes based on the description here especially reading: "Our onsite staff will go around and enforce the rules." but this is clearly a non-maintained campground that was probably very nice 45 years ago. No hiking trails are maintained, the bathrooms are "rustic" which is fine--nice to have running water when you've got little ones to clean. But the floors were rotted and I was afraid we'd step through the floorboards. 

      If you are a true car camper who can lock your doors at night, this is probably the spot for you. Running water, showers and washing machine. If you are a tent camper with small kids like me, this is not where you want to stay. I'm disappointed I paid the price I did to stay here, I'd pay $25/night because this is essentially a parking space in a poorly maintained campground.

    • Sean Z.
      Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
      Sep. 2, 2024

      Anthony Chabot Regional Park

      Great time inconvenienced by yellow jackets

      We love to camp here for barbecuing, mountain biking and hiking. We always do it during 7/4 holidays except for this year when the park canceled our reservation due to high heat. So we booked for the Labor Day weekend. Temperature was perfect and biking and hiking were enjoyable as usual. This year we had two new types of visitors to the the site. A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground. We were able to take a closeup look at them and they were beautiful birds with big eyes spotting tiny bits of crumbs. They come and go from one site to the next quietly and gently. Very cute and we took pictures with their presence. Then came the aggressive yellow jackets. We never had yellow jackets in our previous 7/4 outings here. Oh boy, they fought for the meat relentlessly. At the end of the outing, both my finger and my wife’s were stung. We reported the experience to the attendant at the gate when leaving. She said the park is looking for a solution. In the meantime, she suggested contacting them early on so they might be able to provide another site. Hopefully, next year, we won’t encounter so many nasties.

    • Jason M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park
      Aug. 25, 2024

      Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

      Great Layover

      We had a quick three-day trip here to visit family. The pool is small, yet well-kept and we had it to ourselves every time we went each day. The park was perfect for the kids biking around through the short- and long-term areas.

    • Michael O.
      Camper-submitted photo from Saddle Mountain Ranch
      Aug. 2, 2024

      Saddle Mountain Ranch

      In between camping and glamping, but somehow neither

      So, if you’re looking to be in nature and have a proper camping experience, this ain’t it. If you want a resort style vacation, this isn’t it either… yet somehow it’s a little of both. I wouldn’t recommend tent camping because you’re literally right next to your neighbor camping and isn’t really in the “woods”. Suggest you get a delux tent which includes a bed, fire pit and bbq. That’s why I’ve rated it high because it’s what I needed for one night. Plus the pull and games (corn hill, ping pong) are nice additions. Just know what you’re in for.

    • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
      Jul. 26, 2024

      Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

      Gorgeous - and so much poison oak

      This is a gorgeous campground! It's big and it's busy, but the sites are mostly very private and lush and green. Each site has a different configuration, but this place books up fast, so you have to look at photos online and the dimensions of the site and hope it works out.

      We were a little worried when we arrived in our 26ft class c, we worried that we wouldn't make it through the narrow roads and overhanging trees, but we were ok. Not sure that this place would be good for giant rigs though. Getting into our spot was a bit tricky, and when coming out a ranger truck was blocking our road (he was cleaning the bathrooms, I believe), which made leaving very tricky as well.

      There are beautiful hiking trails all over this campground, but there is so much poison oak - everywhere. All over the camp sites, trails to the bathroom, hiking trails, etc, it was everywhere.

      Showers and toilets looked clean, showers are coin operated, $0.50 for 2 min.

      If you arrive before checkin they will have you wait at the day use area several miles away - heads up.

    • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from New Brighton State Beach Campground
      Jul. 23, 2024

      New Brighton State Beach Campground

      Good spot with availability

      Despite the website showing every site booked, we drove in about 4 pm to a decent number of sites. Entry ranger was available pretty late. Site was $35 I believe, and has paid showers and restrooms. Site had a fire pit, paved parking for a larger vehicle, table and decent amount of shade. Lots of families and lots of kids. Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more.

    • Chris N.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Veteran's Memorial Park Campground
      Jul. 21, 2024

      Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

      Affordable Monterey/Carmel Access

      I have family in Monterey, but can't see paying the higher prices for a hotel or home rental when I visit. This location gives you complete access to the beautiful surrounding area at a price that doesn't hurt. Showers, restrooms, tables and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure. I dry camp a lot, and having the amenities is worth the fees they're asking. Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early, if you can, due to a first come first serve policy for sites. The early bird gets the worm. No reservations can be made.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat
      Jul. 9, 2024

      Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat

      This was an excellent getaway

      Booked this as a last minute escape from the heat where I live and it didn’t disappoint. Towering Coastal Redwoods provide for tons of shade and really nice campsites. Definitely a dry time of year but there were still some beautiful wildflowers to be seen. There’s a lovely easy trail that takes you to a stream along a mostly shaded path. I imagine that during the spring you’ll get a greater runoff but it was still really nice. Saturday was pretty bust with campers but Sunday was almost all vacant so it felt like I had the whole place to myself and the wildlife showed up. The hosts were communicative and descriptions and directions were great. Zero cell service with Verizon but it was nice to just unplug. I would definitely recommend this one. Happy camping!

    • Laura D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach Campground
      Jul. 6, 2024

      Manresa State Beach Campground

      Right on beach!

      First time visiting, We stayed at site 63 for two nights June 30 and July 1st. Sites are very private and seperated by bushes and trees. The loading zone was a short walk to our site. It was an easy 5-7 minute walk down to the beach. Beach was clean and not crowded. Beautiful sunset views. Only complaints are that the bathrooms were filthy. One of the showers wasn’t working and robbed us of $2. They need to put a quarter change machine for coins for the showers. We had to drive to KOA to get change to shower. We will definitely come back !

    • LThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pinto Lake City Park
      Jun. 30, 2024

      Pinto Lake City Park

      Small City Park... Good Option for short and/or Longer Stays

      Small city park with RV Parking on grass between lake and baseball fields.  Sites almost level; however, might need to use a few blocks.  Park was busy with locals using pavilions for birthday and other parties when we visited on a Saturday in June.  Adjacent baseball field was busy on Sunday morning with little league game and parking lot was full.  Cars were being parked in unused RV spots.  Many people were fishing from the shoreline.  Many Candian geese (with poop) were in the dock area and alone the shoreline.  Some ducks made themselves at home in the shade under our RV.  Temperature was considerably cooler versus the very hot temps only a few miles further inland.  Nice that each site has electric / water / sewer hook-ups.  Two rest rooms (one by lake and one by baseball field) were a little dirty due to heavy use.  Unfortunate there are no showers and that you can only walk around perhaps 10% of the lake shoreline.  Quiet at night as they lock the park gate... they give you an access card ($25 deposit req'd) if you need to leave and return after gate is locked at night.  Called and requested my $25 credit after refund was not automatically received a few days later.  Credit was immediately made.  A good option especially if parks along the coast are booked and you want reasonably cool temperatures.  Would stay again.

    • Michelle W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
      Jun. 17, 2024

      Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

      So many animals and birds

      I had a big spot and no neighbors my entire half of the campground on a Monday night in June. I was under 2 big oaks that were buzzing with bird activity.
      The bathrooms were clean and I had water on my site. I had some AT&T service.

    • Jose J.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Monterey Pines RV Park - Military
      Jun. 14, 2024

      Monterey Pines RV Park - Military

      Beautiful RV Park and golf course

      Campground is for active duty, retired military and DoD Civilians. Pretty quiet with the exception of the Monterey Regional Airport next to it and even then it wasn’t very noticeable. The golf course next to it is beautiful so bring your sticks or rent them from the clubhouse. One of the more affordable courses to play in the area. Our site was level left to right but we did have to jack the front of the trailer up higher than usual. Clean restrooms and bath house. FREE LAUNDRY FACILITIES TOO. Definitely want to go back but for a longer stay.



    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bonny Doon, CA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bonny Doon, CA is Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park with a 4.8-star rating from 18 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Bonny Doon, CA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Bonny Doon, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.