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Best Campgrounds near Hollister, CA

949 Reviews

Campgrounds surrounding Hollister, California range from developed family-friendly sites to off-road vehicle recreation areas. Mount Madonna County Park offers tent camping, RV sites, and cabin accommodations approximately 15 miles west of the city, while Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area provides dedicated campsites for off-road enthusiasts just 8 miles southwest of town. The region includes both state park facilities with basic amenities and private resorts with full hookups, particularly along routes leading toward Pinnacles National Park.

Roads accessing camping areas vary from paved highways to rugged dirt tracks, with some sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Many campgrounds remain open year-round due to the moderate climate, though summer temperatures can exceed 90°F in lower elevations. "The trails were so well maintained and tracks groomed for safety. I have zero complaints and will definitely be returning," noted one visitor to Hollister Hills SVRA. Reservations are recommended at more developed campgrounds like Mount Madonna and Pinnacles Campground, while first-come, first-served options exist at several state park locations. Cell coverage is limited at most sites, with WiFi available only at certain private campgrounds.

Campers consistently highlight the diversity of outdoor experiences available near Hollister. The area's natural attractions range from oak woodlands to mountain vistas, with Fremont Peak State Park earning praise for its panoramic views. A visitor to Fremont Peak commented, "Gorgeous views of the mountains, and a trail to hike to the top of the peak was only a 5-10 minute walk from our campground." Several campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though amenities vary significantly. Hollister Hills SVRA draws enthusiasts specifically for its off-road trails, where campsites become quieter after sunset when riding is prohibited. Private RV resorts like Casa de Fruta offer family-friendly amenities including swimming pools and on-site stores, while state park campgrounds typically provide more basic facilities with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.

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Best Camping Sites Near Hollister, California (122)

    1. Mount Madonna County Park

    32 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

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

    $44 - $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. Valley View Campground — Fremont Peak State Park

    4 Reviews
    San Juan Bautista, CA
    9 miles

    $25 / night

    "Pretty & windy drive. No visitor center but rangers drove by once. It very lightly rained but mostly the air was misty, & the fog got more dense as the night went on."

    "It was not clear from reading other reviews or the park website, but this campground has plenty of potable water spigots around all the sites.  We found the vault toilets clean and well maintained. "

    8. 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."

    9. 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."

    10. Moss Landing KOA Express

    19 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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Recent Camping Photos near Hollister, CA

368 Photos of 122 Hollister Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Hollister, CA

949 Reviews of 122 Hollister Campgrounds

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    Spaced out sites. Friendly people

    Fairly large campground. Store, showers, toilets, purified water is all inclusive . Being bug spray and be prepared to see wildlife at night. Skunks, raccoons, and other animals will come and take food.

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Redwood Resort RV Park & Campground

    Friendly and quiet

    Was able to book the night before and get the last full hookup spot. The man who checked us in was super friendly and answered all of my partners questions and even helped us with some basic RV knowledge as we’re new.

    Redwoods are super pretty. Area outside of the RV park isn’t super walkable though. Bathrooms are fine for the price and very clean.

    Situated near the people who live in the park and they were super friendly and quiet.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park

    Clean, safe place to park, fairly busy.

    Well maintained, friendly host. Clean, feels safe. Bridge construction at the mouth of the harbor, use the path next to the bridge (don’t let Apple Maps send you though miles of residential streets, just walk around the construction). Lots of things to do and see, e-bike rental racks all over the city (get the BCycle app). Best tacos at Las Palmas at the foot of the pier! It’s a University town UC Santa Cruz) so enjoy all that culture.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    Cash on arrival $53 for RV

    This campground requires cash or cheque payment. It’s at the top of a hill so make sure you’re prepared before arrival. Also not suitable for RV’s over 20ft. No hook ups but decent bathrooms. Nice and quiet.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Moss Landing KOA Express

    Beautiful beachside

    Easy access, level paved spots. Restrooms spotless. Check-in friendly and cookies a plus! Walk to the beach, feel the breeze.

  • A
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Sunset State Beach Campground

    Nice campground

    It was my first time beach camping so i didnt know what to expect. Was a bit breezier than im use to with the mountains. Not a lot of trees around. It is nice not dealing with a lot of bugs since youre by the beach and all. The bathrooms and showers were well maintained.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    Great state park site

    Nice state park camping! Tried a few rv sites on this road and most were $140-$170 per night!! This site was $50 and even more lovely! The showers are extra but seemed clean.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Lovely RV site!

    Really lovely RV site. Nice toilets & showers. Lovely shady spots and really close to Santa Cruz

  • jay B.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Sunset State Beach Campground

    Not the Best Fit for RV Campers

    We’ve camped all along the coast and had high hopes for this spot, but it didn’t quite meet expectations. The sites feel very close together and are a bit awkwardly arranged, making it a tight fit—especially for anything larger than a small camper. We're in a 22’ van/motorhome crossover and were fortunate to find a level spot, though most sites we saw were not level. The beach trails could use some maintenance as they’re currently in rough shape. This campground might be a better option for tent campers, but for RVs, it’s not ideal.

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

Where are the best campgrounds near Hollister, CA?

The Hollister area offers excellent camping destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Pinnacles Campground provides an outstanding base for exploring Pinnacles National Park, with sites that accommodate both tents and RVs. For those seeking BLM land camping, Laguna Mountain Campground is a hidden gem, though be aware the access road can be challenging after rain due to clay-like mud. Other notable options include Mount Madonna County Park for a forested experience and Fremont Peak State Park for spectacular views. Each offers unique landscapes and recreational opportunities within driving distance of Hollister.

What camping options are available at Hollister Hills SVRA?

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area offers diverse camping experiences specifically designed for off-road enthusiasts. The park features both Upper Ranch and Lower Ranch camping areas with different terrain and difficulty levels. Camping options include designated campgrounds with basic amenities in the Upper Ranch area that can accommodate groups, families, and organized events. The camping experience is particularly enjoyable during organized trail runs when the atmosphere remains respectful and noise levels are manageable even during daylight hours. Many sites offer enough space for vehicles, camping equipment, and off-road toys. Facilities are basic but functional, perfect for those prioritizing trail access over amenities.

How much does camping cost in and around Hollister, California?

Camping costs around Hollister vary by amenity level and location. At Laguna Seca Recreation Area, dry camping sites range from $40-50 per night, which is on the higher end for basic sites. For a more budget-friendly option, Thousand Trails San Benito offers economical rates for members, though day passes and short-term stays have different pricing structures. State parks in the region typically charge between $30-45 per night for standard sites, with premium locations or hookups commanding higher rates. County parks like Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch generally fall in the $25-35 range. Most campgrounds require additional fees for extra vehicles, and reservation fees may apply when booking in advance.

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