Best Tent Camping near Hollister, CA

Tent camping near Hollister, California provides access to diverse natural environments from coastal beaches to redwood forests. Ventana Campground in Big Sur offers a tent-only camping experience among towering redwoods, with no RVs permitted. Castle Rock Trail Camp in Los Gatos provides primitive tent camping accessible via a 2.5-mile hike, making it ideal for backpackers seeking solitude. Uvas Canyon County Park, located about 15 miles west of Gilroy in the eastern Santa Cruz Mountains, features 25 tent campsites with amenities suitable for family camping adventures.

Most tent campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during peak seasons from late spring through early fall. Walk-in tent sites at Andrew Molera State Park are available from April to October, requiring campers to carry gear a short distance from parking areas. Tent campsites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault or flush toilets. Water availability varies significantly by location, with some backcountry tent camping areas requiring visitors to pack in their own water or filter from natural sources. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, so campers should check current regulations before arrival.

The tent camping experience around Hollister offers distinctive environments based on location. According to reviews, Castle Rock Trail Camp provides well-spaced sites with good privacy, though campers should be prepared for occasional noise from a nearby shooting range during daylight hours. One visitor noted that Ventana Campground's walk-in sites require significant effort to access: "Some sites are hike-in only and should you choose those, you had better pack extremely light as the climbs up were incredibly steep." At Andrew Molera State Park, tent sites are situated in an open field with minimal shade but offer excellent stargazing opportunities and access to coastal trails. Weekday camping generally provides a quieter experience with fewer crowds at most primitive tent camping locations.

Best Tent Sites Near Hollister, California (11)

    1. Manresa State Beach Campground

    8 Reviews
    Freedom, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 761-1795

    $35 / night

    "The drive in was a little confusing. We got most of our turns right the first time around and still spent a while circling trying to tell if we were where we were supposed to be."

    "The shower had hot water and the restrooms were cleaned each morning. I loved that the beach was easily accessible for my morning walk. The many flowers were also lovely to wake up to."

    2. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    66 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $50 - $75 / night

    "With a stream running near the hike and bike camping area and tall trees offering a cool shade it is a wonderful reprieve from the outside world.  "

    "Site 100 is located on the last/ end loop of the campground in Weyland Camp. It is on the outer edge farthest from the river."

    3. Uvas Canyon County Park

    9 Reviews
    New Almaden, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 779-9232

    $34 / night

    "There's 25 campsites; each with a food locker, fire ring, a picnic table, and parking space for 2 sedan sized vehicles or 1 RV. 8 people max per site."

    "We camp in a roof top tent and wish we had been more selective on our site, as parking space and the incline at each site are different."

    4. Seacliff State Beach

    6 Reviews
    Aptos, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 685-6442

    "Full hookups in one area and dry camping in overflow area. All camping spots are adjacent to the 'boardwalk' beach path and the beach. Yes, your rig is within 20' of the beach at all campsites."

    5. Ventana Campground

    23 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2331

    $85 - $105 / night

    "We found it to be clean, in good repair, and the hosts were very warm and welcoming."

    "Great location for easy access to the state parks. Pricey but we fortunately didn’t have any neighbors (site 29)."

    6. Joseph D. Grant County Park

    2 Reviews
    Mount Hamilton, CA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 274-6121

    "They also sell ice which was nice to grab for the cooler. Nice stay, saw a lot of bunnies and a bobcat on the way out."

    "The bathrooms were a short walk down hill. They were clean with flushing toilets. There camp ground was quiet and it was mostly couples or small family groups."

    7. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4 Reviews
    Mount Hamilton, CA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 274-6121

    $15 - $400 / night

    "Lotsa shaded oak spaces. Good trails."

    "Hamilton and a lake up the road a way, there’s also a mansion & rose garden on the property, shower & bathroom are clean, there are nights to gather and stargaze.The tent spaces are sizable &amp"

    8. Andrew Molera State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $50 / night

    "Easy walk from the parking area with intermittent views of the river. A few stairs but mostly flat. The river along the camp site was dry due to the time of year."

    "Big Sur is one of my favorite CA stops and this campsite is a perfect place to pitch your tent and enjoy the scenery."

    9. Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    8 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-2952

    $8 / night

    "I liked the trees, picnic tables, and fire rings at the sites. The sites were spaced nicely to allow for privacy. Frog Flat seemed a bit more secluded than the main camp."

    "This is sweet hike in trail camp.  We have used it for two purposes. "

    10. Carmel River Backcountry Camp

    1 Review
    Carmel Valley Village, CA
    38 miles

    "This is a trail camp in the Ventana Wilderness along the Carmel River Trail.  The trailhead and parking lot is at the Los Padres Dam. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Hollister, CA

735 Reviews of 11 Hollister Campgrounds



Guide to Hollister

Tent camping near Hollister, California, offers a variety of scenic locations where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors. With well-reviewed campgrounds featuring essential amenities and access to beautiful landscapes, it's an ideal getaway for families and adventurers alike.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Local attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

  • The stunning beaches and scenic views at Seacliff State Beach are just a short drive away, perfect for a day of sun and surf.
  • Explore the picturesque trails and waterfalls at Uvas Canyon County Park, which is known for its family-friendly environment and beautiful scenery.
  • The breathtaking landscapes of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offer numerous hiking opportunities, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

Some prices for tent camping range from $34 to $50

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 Manresa State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Hollister, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.