Best Tent Camping near San Juan Bautista, CA

Tent campsites near San Juan Bautista, California range from coastal settings to mountain retreats within an hour's drive. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers tent camping beneath towering redwoods, while Castle Rock State Park provides more primitive tent sites along ridgelines with ocean views. Uvas Canyon County Park, located about 15 miles west of Gilroy in the eastern Santa Cruz Mountains, features 25 tent-friendly sites with picnic tables and fire rings in a wooded canyon setting.

Most tent campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets. Castle Rock Trail Camp requires a 2.5-mile hike to reach the primitive tent sites, which feature picnic tables and fire rings when fire restrictions aren't in place. Water availability varies significantly between locations—Uvas Canyon provides water faucets throughout the campground, while at Castle Rock, campers reported the communal water source was deemed unsafe and required filtering from nearby creeks. Seasonal considerations are important, as some backcountry water sources may dry up by mid-May. Tent campers should check current fire restrictions before arrival, as bans are increasingly common during dry months.

The tent camping experience in this region offers diverse environments from coastal bluffs to redwood forests. Andrew Molera State Park provides walk-in tent sites in an open grassy area with access to a "secret beach" via hiking trails. At Pfeiffer Big Sur, tent campers enjoy sites nestled among redwoods with nearby hiking trails. The primitive tent sites at Castle Rock offer more seclusion but require preparation for the hike in. A camper noted, "Castle Rock State Park is located a few miles from the 'Saratoga Gap'... The hike itself is great, offering sweeping views of the Santa Cruz mountains and the Pacific ocean to the west." Tent sites at Uvas Canyon provide a more accessible experience with clean facilities and proximity to waterfall trails, though privacy between sites can be limited.

Best Tent Sites Near San Juan Bautista, California (16)

    1. Manresa State Beach Campground

    9 Reviews
    Freedom, CA
    18 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. Uvas Canyon County Park

    11 Reviews
    New Almaden, CA
    22 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."

    3. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    66 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    43 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."

    4. Seacliff State Beach

    7 Reviews
    Aptos, CA
    23 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. Andrew Molera State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    42 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."

    6. Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    8 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    42 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. "

    7. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4 Reviews
    Mount Hamilton, CA
    35 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. Joseph D. Grant County Park

    2 Reviews
    Mount Hamilton, CA
    34 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."

    9. Carmel River Backcountry Camp

    1 Review
    Carmel Valley Village, CA
    35 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. Sunol

    3 Reviews
    Sunol, CA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    "Great backpacking getway.  Many day hikers here but you can backpack as well.  I camped on a beautiful ridge."

    "I have never camped here but hiked many trails."

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Tent Camping Reviews near San Juan Bautista, CA

751 Reviews of 16 San Juan Bautista Campgrounds



Guide to San Juan Bautista

Tent camping near San Juan Bautista, California, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying well-equipped sites and beautiful surroundings.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

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

Tent campers should check out the scenic trails

  • The Creek Trail at Uvas Canyon County Park is highly recommended, especially in the fall when the scenery is particularly stunning.
  • Andrew Molera State Park Campground offers easy access to trails leading to a beautiful beach, perfect for a day of exploration.
  • For those looking for a unique experience, Castle Rock Trail Camp provides hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Santa Cruz mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near San Juan Bautista, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near San Juan Bautista, 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 San Juan Bautista, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near San Juan Bautista, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.