Best Tent Camping near Moss Landing, CA

The coastal town of Moss Landing gives tent campers good access to several state parks within driving distance. Castle Rock State Park has tent sites spread through the forest with enough space between them for decent privacy. The ground is generally good for tent stakes, though some areas can be rocky. You'll find pit toilets within walking distance of most sites, usually no more than a 5-minute walk. Over at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the tent areas sit under massive redwood trees that create heavy shade throughout the day. The ground is mostly flat and smooth, making tent setup straightforward. Most parking areas are about 50-100 yards from the tent sites, so you might want to bring a cart for your gear. Both parks fill up quickly in summer, so book ahead if possible. Deer and raccoons frequently visit campsites, so hang your food or use the provided storage lockers. Water spigots are available throughout both parks, though they can be up to 200 yards from some tent sites. While Castle Rock only has basic facilities, Big Basin has coin-operated showers that work well after a dusty hike. The parks are about 30-45 minutes from Moss Landing, making it possible to spend your day at the beach and return to your forest campsite in the evening. The nearest supplies are in Scotts Valley, about 15 minutes from Castle Rock, or Boulder Creek, 10 minutes from Big Basin.

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Best Tent Sites Near Moss Landing, California (20)

    1. Manresa State Beach Campground

    9 Reviews
    Freedom, CA
    8 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. Seacliff State Beach

    7 Reviews
    Aptos, CA
    14 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."

    3. Uvas Canyon County Park

    11 Reviews
    New Almaden, CA
    19 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. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    38 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."

    5. Ventana Campground

    23 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    40 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. Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    18 Reviews
    Pescadero, CA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-2040

    $35 / night

    "It is a smaller park than many of the other redwoods parks in Northern California, so it was very nice and peaceful. Butano is a bit off the beaten path to get to, but so worth it."

    "The campsite has car camping and walk-in sites. I had sites 5 and 6. The map for the campground is deceiving as they looked close together and connected but they were separate."

    7. Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    8 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    35 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. "

    8. Andrew Molera State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    36 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. Carmel River Backcountry Camp

    1 Review
    Carmel Valley Village, CA
    32 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. "

    10. 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"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Moss Landing, CA

772 Reviews of 20 Moss Landing Campgrounds


  • Elliott B.
    May. 11, 2019

    Ventana Campground

    Ranger Review: RovR RollR 60 Cooler at Ventana Campground: Nice campground

    Campsite Review:

    Ventana Campground

    Ventana Campground is a tent only campground, which I love as I feel like it’s harder and harder to find now a days. They can’t accommodate RV’s, motor homes, travel trailers or pop-up tent trailers. Although we did see a few of the rental company camper vans and trucks with roof tents or small campers on top. This campground isn’t cheap… But for the Big Sur area, I guess it’s “reasonable” as this campground is right in the middle of Pfieffer Big Sur and Julia Pfieffer Burns State Parks. It really is in a great location to explore the coast That being said, I did find it a little disappointing just how close the campsites are to each other here, meaning you’re not going to get anything close to a secluded camping experience. These (like almost all campground now a days) come with a fire ring and picnic table. We were lucky enough to get randomly placed in a spot right next to a wonderful little 2-foot waterfall on the creek that runs through the campground. We lucked out as there was never anyone at the front gate and there was just a list of everyone’s per-assigned campsite. There were some other campsites which were right on top of each other and you had to basically walk through someone else’s area to get to “your” table and fire ring.

    It was nice that there was both recycling/trash and potable water stations scattered throughout and the bath facilities were decently maintained, and as they say “modern” (i.e. flush toilets). However, I was blown away that they only have coin-operated showers available (2 minutes per quarter). This and they really did pack in the 60+ sites plus a “glamping” area in the back for $425-695 (average ~$600) a night…

    The tent site campground is reservable by phone at 1-855-391-8683 or online ($85 for Sunday-Thursday, $105 for Friday & Saturday)

    While we don’t have one, I know people like to know that dogs are allowed at the campsite on leash (2 per campground).

    For me personally the campground only gets 3/5 stars :

    Overall, remember that while you have great access to the beauty that Big Sur Coast has to offer and the campground is pet friendly you’re definitely, not really going to get a remote camping experience and there’s a lot lacking for how much you’re paying. The facilities don’t have dish washing areas and while they are nicely cleaned and maintained things like a shower shouldn’t have cost extra…

    These rules are copied from their pamphlet.

    •        Respect the peacefulness and quiet of the redwoods.

    •        QUIET HOURS 10 PM TO 7 AM.

    •        No loud noise or loud music at anytime.

    •        NO RVS. NO HOOK UPS. NO GENERATORS.

    •        All fires must be in fire rings, under control at all times and extinguished before departure.

    •        PLEASE DO NOT DEFACE TREES OR STUMPS.

    •        Please purchase your firewood in Big Sur. Collecting groundwood is forbidden.

    •        No fireworks or fire arms permitted on property.

    •        LEAVE NO TRACE on campsites or facilities.

    •        Conserve water. Firmly close water taps when not using.

    •        Dogs must be quiet, on leash at all times and stay in campsites or roads. Please clean up after your dog. No dogs left unattended.

    •        Recycle bins are available for plastic bottles, cans and glass. Please recycle.

    •       Maximum five people, one vehicle, two dogs.

    Gear Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get the opportunity to test out products and what I got to use during this trip for protecting our food from the wildlife and the elements was RovR’s RollR 60 cooler. While listed as “a 60-quart carrying, all-terrain attacking, patented design that can go anywhere you can. Engineered with the world's best cooling and organization design on the inside and built to carry your campsite, tailgate or party on the out.” It really turned out to be all this plus so much more. We had a really easy time wheeling it around and to our site and it was so much nicer than having to carry a cooler like I’ve done with my other rotomolded brands. Ugh… they get heavy with food and ice in them.

    This cooler comes with a lot of really unique features that no other cooler has! Plus many other customization and add-on possibilities. Their coolers come with a folding tote container which is attached to the top with velcro straps so that while wheeling it around it won’t just slide right off. Good thinking there! When not in use this tote folds flat, and fits into an indention on the top thus serving possibly as a slight cushion for sitting.

    When in use, the tote is unfolded and becomes an additional dry container for holding extra gear like a stove, pots and pans, paper towels, etc. You can also remove it entirely from the top and placed to the side or move it to a picnic table with all that dry gear you have for cooking or whats not. This “feature” is awesome - it is like having two carrying containers in one.

    There are additional fixtures on the cooler which are designed to attached auxiliary items like a cutting board, umbrella or drink holders. There’s even a fixture for attaching an extension that can be attached to a bicycle. Thus, one can pull the cooler behind a bicycle like a trailer. Innovative game changer for those bike campers!

    My favorite feature was Inside the cooler there is a special bin that can hold items that may not need to be chilled like bread, towels or utensils. This feature is so important to keep items separate and dry when moisture develops, or the ice starts to melt. The bin itself has an internal divider which further aids with organization. Sometimes you want things right on the ice, but other stuff isn’t going to do as well if you freeze it!! This was an awesome idea.

    Overall, I give the cooler 5/5 stars. I really love the company’s innovation to the rotomolded cooler and even our cats approved! Go get ourselves one of these instead of some of those other rotomolded coolers at RovRproducts.com

    Cooler’s Features:

    •        Certified grizzly bear resistant rotationally molded body and lid with anchor pins for attaching prep station and accessories!!! Yes, please. Especially with all the bear cu

    •        Up to 10 days of ice retention depending on use. Umm....need to test this out fully, but it lasted the 4 days i needed it with opening the cooler a few times per day.

    •        Capacity: Without Deepfreeze dry bin installed: 60 cans and 20lbs. of ice. With Deepfreeze dry bin installed: 40 cans and 10 pounds of ice in main compartment and 4-6 bottles of spirits upright with meats, breads, fruits and vegies in dry compartments. 

    •        High performance wheel assembly: 9-inch all-terrain rubber tires with interchangeable tube, aluminum hubs with 2 sealed bearings 

    •        Aluminum pull handle with dual motocross style grips. This is great for pulling the heavy cooler around. Have you tried carrying one of the other brands without wheels?!?! It sucks!! They get really heavy, really fast.

  • Rhiannon S.
    Jul. 23, 2017

    Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

    Beautiful Trails Through Towering Redwoods

    This was a long family camp trip in an amazing location. Our campsite was a walk-in, fairly secluded spot partially up a steep hill. There were only a handful of spots on that pathway, so there weren't many neighbors. Camp had a picnic table, fire ring, bear box, & lots of nearby trails & paths for exploring. Toilets with showers, and dishwashing stations were nearby as well.

    The highlight of this campground is the ample opportunity for wandering. There are many trails, easy walks through ancient redwoods, moderate trails to beautiful waterfalls, and tougher trails for dedicated hikers.

    At the lodge area, there's a store, restaurant, and gift shop, plus educational programs, family events, and community campfires. The kids went on a guided hike to become junior rangers, which gave the parents some free time in the afternoon.

    It's an amazing place to be, and we definitely need to spend more time there.

  • Juliana S.
    Sep. 20, 2021

    Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    Pleasant setting with some noise from the shooting range

    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. There was no water running at the site when I stayed there, but vault toilets were available. There is a nearby shooting range and you can hear the gunshots during the daylight hours.

  • Sara W.
    Aug. 23, 2018

    Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

    Easy Scenic Camping close to Bay Area

    Henry Coe State Park is easily accessible from the San Francisco Bay Area for a weekend getaway or short camping trip.

    The Coe Ranch campground has several tent-only campsites that can be reserved online ($8 transaction fee, $20/night), and the campground has parking for vehicles in a small parking area ~20-100 feet from the campsites. Campsites at this campground are aesthetically pleasing, with oak and pine trees around the perimeter of the campground, and there are scenic views of oak woodlands and the valley below. The picnic benches are conveniently located and provide a nice space for eating while camping at the site. Toilets are easily accessed from the campsites. Campfires are allowed in the fire rings only during non-fire season (no campfires during summer months). Dogs are allowed at the Coe Ranch Campground.

    Henry Coe SP has many great hiking opportunities, with beautiful wildflower displays in March and April, and also numerous opportunities for enjoying the beauty of the plants and wildlife seen along the hiking trails which are very accessible from the campground. Near the Coe Ranch campground there is a camp book store, which has some items for sale, including many field guides to wildlife and plants in the park. When the store is open, there is often a ranger available to answer questions about the park.

    My only compliant is that at the site we stayed at (CR005) the ground is quite compacted, so if you do not have an adequately thick sleeping pad, the ground may be uncomfortably hard to sleep on. Normally I have no trouble sleeping on the bare ground at campsites with a thin sleeping pad, so this was surprising. Bringing an extra pad may be a good idea if you are prone to sleep problems when the ground is too hard.

  • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2019

    Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

    Amazing Backcountry Backpacking

    Came here from SF Bay for 2 nights on a weekend.  Obtained permit from the ranger station and had to pick a district I would camp in the first night (to limit amount of campers in a region per night).  Hiked about 8 miles southwest to a lake the first night and camped in my hammock by the lake.  Second day backpacked about 12 miles northeast to another lake and was able to grab a spot to set up my hammock next to some picnic tables and a restroom.  Saw plenty of wildlife (lizards, snakes, birds, fish).  It was fairly hot in mid-spring, and there is not much shade on the trails, especially the dirt roads.

  • MarinMaverick
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    Skyline to the Sea Trail or Rock Climbing

    This is sweet hike in trail camp.  We have used it for two purposes.  First when were were climbing in Castle Rock State Park and this was our hub and second when we were doing the Skyline to the Sea Trail and wanted a easy first day.  This is primitive. There is a shelter with tables in the event there is rain.  Then there are scattered sites, some with tables for you to find a tent site.  If busy - you will be sharing.

    Shaded, though hike down can be in the open. Primitive restrooms. Water available. Picnic Tables.

    Great home base for climbing - good trail camp for the march to the sea.

  • Amanda M.
    Oct. 3, 2018

    Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    Ben Ries Campground - Hidden Redwood Gem!

    Butano State Park is an absolute gem! It is a smaller park than many of the other redwoods parks in Northern California, so it was very nice and peaceful. Butano is a bit off the beaten path to get to, but so worth it. There are some car sites available, but we had a walk in site. At the time we went, you were assigned a site by the ranger - we happened to get the very last site that was tucked back on a little hill, so it was very nice and secluded. Every site is surrounded by giant redwood trees, and it is an absolutely gorgeous campground.

    We forgot our tent on that trip, but that ended up being a GREAT mistake! We set up our air mattress on the tarp, and falling asleep and waking up amongst the still, quiet redwoods was absolutely magical.

    The park is so green and lush, shaded, with a nice moderate temperature. There are plenty of hiking trails, and a creek nearby.

    I would love to return to Butano some day!

    CAMPSITE SPECS

    Fees: $35/night

    Plumbed Toilets: Yes

    Drinking Water: Yes

    Showers: No

    Picnic Table: Yes

    Firepit: Yes

    Cooking Grate: Yes

    Shade: Yes

    Cell Service: No

    Animal Bins/Food lockers: Yes

    Trash: Yes

  • Kakashimoto99
    Apr. 27, 2021

    Uvas Canyon County Park

    Hidden Gem

    Came here on a Wednesday and paid $34 to camp overnight. 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. Bathrooms were spotless with running hot water, showers were also available. The rangers sell firewood at $13 per cubic foot bundle which is pricey but you can bring your own. I'm not sure if every fire ring has a grill so be sure to bring your own stove as backup. There's also a water faucet, trash bins, and recycle bin for every 3 sites.

    There's plenty of shade which is great. Weekdays are best if you want to avoid the crowds. Not too many people know about this park which is a huge plus. I didn't get to hike the trails but there seemed to be a good amount with a few mini-waterfalls.

    Rangers frequent the area throughout the day checking trash and bathrooms even after 10pm which gives a greater sense of security.

    This is currently my favorite campground in the Bay Area. I have yet to try Mt. Madonna but I was greatly impressed with this one.

  • Toni R.
    Feb. 22, 2022

    Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

    Nice but crowded-SUV tent camper review

    It was a nice campground to go to. Lots of wildlife and hiking. Dogs are allowed. 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. There is weak wifi.

    However, here's where it loses a star:

    I arrived on a Friday late afternoon. Set up my tent. People were fairly loud until about 11pm. Bathrooms were really nice and clean…at first. Saturday, in came the crowd. Loud, obnoxious, and inconsiderate way past midnight. There was no reinforcement of quiet hours past 10pm. The toilets were clogged by 9pm at both restrooms. Men's restrooms have ONLY ONE STALL. And they were clogged beyond belief. I cannot understand why people do not know how to flush a toilet in public. Do they do this crap at home? Anyway, Sunday morning past 9am, still clogged up. Lines waiting to use the compromised restrooms as well. Ridiculous. Unfortunately, that's what ruined my experience. People just being completely selfish in a public campground and staff not be able to keep up with their antics. Maybe there shouldn't be so many sites for so few facilities. Just a thought.

    For SUV tents, check out campsite pics on other sites before booking. SUV tents are usually limited to one entrance/exit point on the tent. Usually the driver's side. Each campsite is different. The one I reserved had only one pic that basically showed me nothing. I only could back in to set up my tent on the grass. Both the picnic table and firepit were facing the passenger side way far from the parking spot (as you can see in the second pic) opposite the entrance to my tent. So something to consider.


Guide to Moss Landing

Moss Landing, California, offers a variety of tent camping options that allow you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery.

Tent campers should check out Uvas Canyon County Park

  • Experience well-maintained campsites with plenty of shade at Uvas Canyon County Park, perfect for families and groups.
  • Enjoy amenities like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, making your stay comfortable and convenient.
  • Take advantage of the nearby creek trail, which is especially magical in the fall.

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

Tips for tent camping near Moss Landing

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Moss Landing, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Moss Landing, CA is Manresa State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Moss Landing, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.