Best Tent Camping near Hollister, CA

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Hollister and then fall asleep in your tent? Finding a place to camp in California with your tent has never been easier. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Hollister's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Hollister, CA (13)

    Camper-submitted photo from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    1. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    182 Photos
    1185 Saves
    Big Sur, California

    Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground features 189 RV and tent sites are situated on or near the Big Sur River. There is a Campfire Center that offers evening programs on the weekends during peak season.

    Each campsite includes a parking area for at least one car, a fire pit with half-grill and picnic table. No hookups are provided at any site. Fresh water, hot showers and toilets are a short walk.

    All incoming campers must check in at the entrance kiosk. Camper vehicles must display vehicle tag (proof of reservation) in the windshield. Vehicle tags are also valid for day use entrance into other area state parks.

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

    $50 - $75 / 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

    2. 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 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

    3. 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 Seacliff State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Seacliff State Beach

    4. Seacliff State Beach

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

    5. Ventana Campground

    23 Reviews
    93 Photos
    564 Saves
    Big Sur, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $85 - $105 / night

    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

    6. 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

    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

    7. 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

    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

    8. 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 Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Campground

    10. Andrew Molera State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    13 Photos
    93 Saves
    Big Sur, California

    There is no access to the campgrounds, beach trail, or any trails on the South side of the Big Sur River due to storm and flood damage.

    Andrew Molera Trail Camp is a hike-in campground. Campers park in the day use parking lot and hike about 1/4 mile to the campground. Trail Camp contains 22 standard tent sites and two (2) hike-and-bike campsites. The campground is situated in a meadow near the Big Sur River. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table and food storage container. Trail Camp offers potable water and restrooms with flush toilets. There are no showers.

    Standard campsites are available for reservation. Reservations fill up six months in advance.

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Firewood Available

    $50 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Hollister

771 Reviews of 13 Hollister Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • Amy M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    Amazing

    Camped with family over Memorial Day weekend. Park was busy , but amazing. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. Our camp neighbors were awesome. Bathroom and showers clean. We camp here at least twice a year. Can’t wait to come back.

  • 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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

    Great for a stopover

    This place always comes through for us when we need a quiet place to stay when traveling in the area. It's $20/night, there seems to always be room, and it's always been nice and quiet when we stay here.

    Sites are hit or miss, so drive around until you find one that suits you. One of these days we'll nab one of the sites to the right of the fork when you enter the campground, but they always seem to be taken.

    Good cell reception, pit toilets, trash dumpster (no recycling).

  • 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.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    The Off Season Love Affair in Big Sur

    I know we all rant here about how, “if you can go outside school holidays, you’re in for a real treat!” The most popular places, like Pfeiffer, can be nuts in the high season, although socially, that can be fun, too. 

    However, I have had the nicest times in the Winter here, truly. Christmas, Thanksgiving, special moments. The winter sun and sunsets are extraordinary. The Big Sur community, chill and awesome without all the tourist pressure. 

    Another fun fact… sometimes, when I have come back from a backpacking trip in the area, I will book a day or night, even if I don’t SPEND the whole night, because the showers are SO GOOD. And you know what’s it like to want a decent shower after you’ve been in the muck a few days.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    The Pinnacles are Other-Worldly - this is your launchpad

    I didn’t enjoy this campground for years — I’d always drive home, to my cooler coastal home. It is WICKED hot in the summer. But one time, I joined my daughter, who did have a summer reservation, and I changed my mind! They have a pool! The kids are thrilled! There are beautiful tucked away campsites in the shade, by a creek. Really enjoyed cooking in the evenings outside and settling in. By day, of course, the trails are wild, like a moonscape. In spring, it’s a wildflower fantasia. 

    I was selfishly a little sad when Pinnacles became a national monument, instead of a regional secret. But I’m so glad they got the money, they deserve it! Note: I discovered it because my kids were in rock climbing classes in town, and “this” was the field trip. So exciting to see their first climbing and bouldering outside.

  • Brittanie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sur Campground & Cabins
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Big Sur Campground & Cabins

    Staff are awful

    Long story short the staff were unhelpful and lied about there being multiple spots open. When we arrived the people in the spot next to us had completely blocked our spot with one of their cars and were using our table. Had to asked a second time to be moved spots and only found out there were available spots when someone without a reservation showed up to registration when I was up there complaining.

  • 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.

  • Julia H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground

    Great

    Great spot. takes like a whole hour to get there. you’ll lose reception about half way getting there (at least with Verizon you will). i went early August and there was only one other camper van. very quiet. AMAZING sunset view. one of the best i’ve seen. just wished there was signal , for safety reasons.

  • 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.



Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hollister, CA is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 61 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Hollister, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.