Best Campgrounds near Hollister, CA

Hollister, California serves as a jumping-off point to several good camping areas nearby. At Pinnacles National Park, the campground puts you right among unusual rock formations where you can watch for California condors and other wildlife. You'll find both tent and RV spots with basic necessities like water and bathrooms. Over in Pacific Grove, the California Veterans Memorial Park Campground sits among trees while still being close enough to drive into Monterey for supplies or meals. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground gives you generous campsites near the Big Sur River, with lots of trees for shade and trails leading into the woods. Weather-wise, it gets really hot in summer, so camping in spring or fall works better for most people. Winter can bring rain and muddy roads, so check conditions before heading out. When you're not at camp, you can hike the trails at Pinnacles or drive the dramatic coastline at Big Sur. Most campgrounds are easy to reach, though some backcountry spots might need vehicles with higher clearance. Make reservations well ahead of time, especially on weekends and during summer. The Hollister area has camping options whether you want adventure or just quiet time outdoors. Bring what you need and pack out your trash to keep these places nice for the next campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Hollister, California (121)

    1. Mount Madonna County Park

    31 Reviews
    Gilroy, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-2341

    "We were happy to have the electric hook up since the redwood and oak tress surrounding all the sites are huge and block out the sun."

    "It has some privacy, we liked that it was in between two yurts away from others. The trail does go right behind the site but it wasn’t super busy."

    2. Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area — Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Hollister, CA
    6 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "This year MG run was held in Hollister Hills due to Clear Creek being closed. My registration came with free camp spot in the Upper Ranch."

    "When my hubby told us, we were going to Hollister for our annual off-roading trip with our grandkids, I immediately became apprehensive and worried of other inconsiderate and dangerous riders, infestation"

    3. Oak Point Campground — Fremont Peak State Park

    9 Reviews
    San Juan Bautista, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 623-4255

    $25 / night

    "The peak is where the first American flag was raised in the state of California. There are few trails that take you through mixed madrone/ pine chapparal but the real attraction here is the view."

    "Fun twisty drive up the mountain. There were about 12 sites with vault toilets and non potable water and trash cans available everywhere. Saw quite a few turkeys."

    4. Thousand Trails San Benito

    12 Reviews
    Paicines, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Typical TT resort park off the beaten path, far out but nice place, we enjoyed our stay. At the time we were there a lot of the riverfront sports were out of order."

    "Right near Pinnacles National Park! We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!! My favorite part of our California trip was staying here!"

    5. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    88 Reviews
    Pinnacles, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 200-1722

    $43 - $164 / night

    "Per my rating system, this is very close to being 5 stars, meaning it's worth planning a trip from out of state just to visit this park and surrounding national/state forest for 3 days or more  The only"

    "It’s a beautiful park and has the largest population of California Condors in the world.

    The campground is situated about 2.3 miles from the main trailheads. There's tent and RV campsites."

    6. Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

    11 Reviews
    San Martin, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-7800

    $34 / night

    "The lake is closed to any and all water-craft because the water level is too low. It is very clean and well maintained for the most part. Cell phone service for Xfinity/Verizon is spotty at best."

    "Campsites are along the beautiful Coyote lake. The lakeside sites are mostly shaded as are the sites along the road. Sites 43, 44 and 45 would be the most secluded."

    7. Sunset State Beach

    27 Reviews
    Watsonville, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 763-7063

    "Dogs can be allowed on beach if you go to the right of the main entrance. No dogs to the left.  Camp sites vary but the best loop is South Loop. Some with ocean views but those are hard to reserve. "

    "Strawberry fields surround the campground and are next to the Hike and Bike area. The walk is not too difficult down to the beach."

    8. Casa de Fruta RV Orchard Resort

    3 Reviews
    Hollister, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-9316

    "Peacocks running around add a whole new dimension, lol! The asphalt Campground was great for the kids biking... The camp sites are close together, btw."

    "But it definitely wasn't an issue getting around. Stayed there for the first weekend while in the area for work. The do supposedly have the 10 year rule in place."

    9. Casa de Fruta

    3 Reviews
    Hollister, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-9316

    "I saw lower sites that looked like tent sites, it is perfect if you want less highway noise. There are some“permanent resident” sites in the back of the park. Bathrooms are kept clean."

    10. Moss Landing KOA Express

    18 Reviews
    Moss Landing, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 633-6800

    $69 - $80 / night

    "Park is well maintained easy access to sites several cool places to eat close by"

    "Situated off highway 1 and surrounded by the marina is very appealing for us. Reservations were made over the phone with Liz. She did a nice job of getting us in for the following day."

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Showing results 1-10 of 121 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Hollister, CA

907 Reviews of 121 Hollister Campgrounds



Guide to Hollister

Camping near Hollister, CA, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities that cater to all types of campers. Whether you're into tent camping, RVing, or glamping, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park. The trails are described as "wild, like a moonscape," and in spring, they transform into a "wildflower fantasia."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground have spotted a lot of wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers. One reviewer mentioned, "We saw a lot of wildlife and shooting stars on the clear nights."
  • Star Gazing: The dark skies at Kirk Creek Campground make it perfect for star gazing. A visitor noted, "Great views. Very dark at night which is great for star gazing."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views at Kirk Creek Campground. One reviewer said, "small hilltop campground with amazing sunrise and sunset views."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "The bathroom/showers were cleaned regularly and stocked with shampoo conditioner and shower gel."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campers at New Brighton State Beach Campground enjoy the family-friendly vibe. One review highlighted, "Lots of families and lots of kids. Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more."

What you should know:

  • Heat in Summer: If you're planning to camp at Pinnacles Campground, be prepared for the heat. One camper warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
  • Limited Amenities: Campers at Kirk Creek Campground should know that there are no showers or drinking water available. A visitor advised, "Make sure you have what you need."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many campgrounds, like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground, operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A reviewer noted, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "If you have little ones they’ll have fun on the playground."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be ready for insects, especially in warmer months. A camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground warned, "There were numerous mosquitos and the lack of air movement allows them to pester us endlessly."
  • Bring Extra Layers: Nights can get chilly, so pack extra layers for the kids. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park advised, "It gets very cold at night always better safe than sorry when it comes to layers."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Access: Before heading to Pinnacles Campground, ensure your RV can navigate the roads. One reviewer mentioned, "We were a little worried... but we were ok."
  • Book Early: RV spots can fill up quickly, especially at popular sites like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground. A camper noted, "You will need to book a few months in advance."
  • Use Dump Stations: Many campgrounds, including Mount Madonna County Park, have convenient dump stations. A visitor shared, "There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park."

Camping near Hollister, CA, has a lot to offer, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the heat, plan ahead, and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hollister, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hollister, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 121 campgrounds and RV parks near Hollister, CA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hollister, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hollister, CA is Mount Madonna County Park with a 4.6-star rating from 31 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hollister, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Hollister, CA.

What parks are near Hollister, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Hollister, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.