Top Tent Camping near Paicines, CA

Searching for a tent campsite near Paicines? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Paicines, including sites, reviews, and tips. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Paicines, CA (13)

    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

    1. Ventana Campground

    23 Reviews
    93 Photos
    558 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $85 - $105 / 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
    300 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $34 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach

    3. Manresa State Beach

    7 Reviews
    24 Photos
    281 Saves

    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 Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

    4. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

    13 Reviews
    70 Photos
    645 Saves

    Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park camping is available at two Environmental Campsites, located on the west side of Highway 1 south of McWay Cove. Both sites are hike-in only and no vehicle access is permitted. These sites are extremely popular year round and usually fill up six months in advance. Reservations are required and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at Reserve California. You may also call toll free 1-800-444-7275. The Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is named after Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a well respected pioneer woman in the Big Sur country. The park stretches from the Big Sur coastline into nearby 3,000-foot ridges. It features redwood, tan oak, madrone, chaparral, and an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean from the Overlook Trail. A panoramic view of the ocean and miles of rugged coastline is available from the higher elevations along the trails east of Highway 1. No dogs are permitted in the campground or on park trails unless it is a licensed and working service dog.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Seacliff State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Seacliff State Beach

    5. Seacliff State Beach

    6 Reviews
    2 Photos
    330 Saves
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp

    6. Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp

    7 Reviews
    13 Photos
    93 Saves
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Firewood Available
    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

    7. Sunset State Beach Campground

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    5 Saves

    South Camp (sites 1-37)

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

    $35 - $335 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Carmel River Backcountry Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Carmel River Backcountry Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Carmel River Backcountry Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Carmel River Backcountry Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Carmel River Backcountry Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Carmel River Backcountry 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    9. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4 Reviews
    26 Photos
    41 Saves

    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 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
Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Paicines

720 Reviews of 13 Paicines Campgrounds


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

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

    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
    Sep. 30, 2024

    New Brighton State Beach

    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.

  • 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
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

    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.
    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.

  • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from New Brighton State Beach
    Jul. 23, 2024

    New Brighton State Beach

    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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat

    This was an excellent getaway

    Booked this as a last minute escape from the heat where I live and it didn’t disappoint. Towering Coastal Redwoods provide for tons of shade and really nice campsites. Definitely a dry time of year but there were still some beautiful wildflowers to be seen. There’s a lovely easy trail that takes you to a stream along a mostly shaded path. I imagine that during the spring you’ll get a greater runoff but it was still really nice. Saturday was pretty bust with campers but Sunday was almost all vacant so it felt like I had the whole place to myself and the wildlife showed up. The hosts were communicative and descriptions and directions were great. Zero cell service with Verizon but it was nice to just unplug. I would definitely recommend this one. Happy camping!

  • Laura D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Manresa State Beach

    Right on beach!

    First time visiting, We stayed at site 63 for two nights June 30 and July 1st. Sites are very private and seperated by bushes and trees. The loading zone was a short walk to our site. It was an easy 5-7 minute walk down to the beach. Beach was clean and not crowded. Beautiful sunset views. Only complaints are that the bathrooms were filthy. One of the showers wasn’t working and robbed us of $2. They need to put a quarter change machine for coins for the showers. We had to drive to KOA to get change to shower. We will definitely come back !

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinto Lake City Park
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Pinto Lake City Park

    Small City Park... Good Option for short and/or Longer Stays

    Small city park with RV Parking on grass between lake and baseball fields.  Sites almost level; however, might need to use a few blocks.  Park was busy with locals using pavilions for birthday and other parties when we visited on a Saturday in June.  Adjacent baseball field was busy on Sunday morning with little league game and parking lot was full.  Cars were being parked in unused RV spots.  Many people were fishing from the shoreline.  Many Candian geese (with poop) were in the dock area and alone the shoreline.  Some ducks made themselves at home in the shade under our RV.  Temperature was considerably cooler versus the very hot temps only a few miles further inland.  Nice that each site has electric / water / sewer hook-ups.  Two rest rooms (one by lake and one by baseball field) were a little dirty due to heavy use.  Unfortunate there are no showers and that you can only walk around perhaps 10% of the lake shoreline.  Quiet at night as they lock the park gate... they give you an access card ($25 deposit req'd) if you need to leave and return after gate is locked at night.  Called and requested my $25 credit after refund was not automatically received a few days later.  Credit was immediately made.  A good option especially if parks along the coast are booked and you want reasonably cool temperatures.  Would stay again.



Guide to Paicines

Camping near Paicines, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The trails around Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park are a must. One reviewer mentioned, "By day, of course, the trails are wild, like a moonscape."
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campers have spotted wildlife in the area. One camper noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded. Great for star gazing."
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, the nearby Pinnacles is famous for its rock formations. A visitor shared, "So exciting to see their first climbing and bouldering outside."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review from Laguna Mountain Campground highlights, "Had an awesome visit; the view was great from the campsite."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One camper at Mount Madonna County Park said, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground are great for families. A reviewer mentioned, "Showers, restrooms, tables, and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure."

What you should know:

  • Heat in Summer: If you're camping during the summer, be prepared for high temperatures. One camper warned, "Very hot and very dry after June."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Arroyo Seco, have minimal facilities. A visitor noted, "There is no water close to the campsite."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground advised, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday. One parent said, "It’s perfect for families. Paved roads for bikes, huge playground, nice store, warm pool."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. A reviewer mentioned, "Great activities for kids. A little busy and can be loud but still a fun time."
  • Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food on hand is essential. A camper at Saddle Mountain Ranch noted, "The heated pool, but it still feels like camping."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. A visitor at Laguna Seca Recreation Area mentioned, "Great views of lush green hills, and spaces generously sized."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular sites can fill up quickly. A camper at Moss Landing KOA Express said, "It was convenient, clean, and close to where I needed to go."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you need. A reviewer at Saddle Mountain Ranch advised, "The bathrooms are clean but small."

Camping near Paicines, California, has something for everyone, from breathtaking views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the heat and plan ahead to secure your spot!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Paicines, CA is Ventana Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 23 reviews.

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

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