Best Glamping near Scotts Valley, CA

Recent Glamping Reviews near Scotts Valley, California

279 Reviews of 25 Scotts Valley Campgrounds

• M

  Michele B.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 9, 2020

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  Clean, organized - something for everybody

  One of our favorites.  They keep a clean camp, including clean flush toilets and showers.  Super dog friendly.  10 minute drive to town, 15 to the beach, and 10 minutes to hike at Garland Ranch.

  We are tent car campers.  They have sites with and without electricity for tents, and full hookup for RVs.  Recently they've added several glamping sheds/tents which look quite inviting.  Most but not all sites have SOME shade.  (Remember you're in the valley, not at the coast, so it can get hot during summer and early fall days).  

  All sites have fire rings (bring Duraflame logs; no wood fires) and standing BBQs.  The whole campground is built on a fairly steep hill, so site sizes and privacy can vary.  Some sites have views.  They do try to keep multi-site groups together when they can, but you must pay extra to reserve specific sites.

  The pool is well maintained, and the surrounding deck is generous and offers wifi.

• 

  Laura Q.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 22, 2019

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  .

  I have come here since I was a kid with my Dad. This was the cheapest way to stay with a family in Monterey/Carmel. You will drive through a country residential area that does not look like there would be a campground then all of a sudden you take a turn and you’re in a nice wooded, shady place on a hill. The best of both worlds in the hills outside of Carmel but still close to town and beaches. They have glamping tents, cabins, and small tent camping spots. There is not room for more than two small and medium tents. Camp sites are not very private but they are clean. Kids love the pool and game areas and begged to stay longer and come back. Bathrooms are very nice and clean with hot water. I recommend if you want to take a family trip to Monterey or Carmel to check this place out. Only downside was I missed seeing and hearing the peacocks that I remember as a kid.

• 

  Alma L.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 25, 2023

  Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA

  Upgrading to five stars

  I’m taking this up a notch to five full stars because I don’t think it’s fair to compare it to a national park anymore. It’s its own thing and it’s very successful at it. It’s fantastic at catering families with kids. This is our second stay at this particular KOA and we found the campground to be super clean the bathrooms to be ultra clean. The restaurant at the lodge, the Cascade, was phenomenal. This is coming from someone used to San Francisco and Oakland restaurants. The vegetables were all grown in the garden and the dishes were expertly executed, and so dang fresh we could not believe we were at a KOA.The cocktails are equally impressive. The bike rentals were a hit with the kids and I know they were lots of activities. We missed out on due to time a crunch. Once I accepted that we were actually Glamping, I had a great time and stop being such a snob.

  I do recommend paying a bit more for the more spacious sites. Next time I’m going for the ones with the patio, those people looked quite happy.

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 20, 2023

  Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

  Nice Respite Along the Beach

  We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance. While meeting up with some friends in Half Moon Bay we happened along the campsite and simply enquired if they had an open site for the night. They did, and we ended up staying for 2 nights due to a cancellation.  It never hurts to ask!  

  The campsite is a nice quiet stretch of grass, live oak trees, and beach shrubs about 30 vertical feet above the Pacific beach shoreline.  While you get away from the blowing sand, you get to hear the pounding ocean at night. I can’t imagine a more gentle lullaby, frankly. The sites themselves are a little close quarters, but all provide just about enough space for a long camper and a tow/towed vehicle as well.  For a small camper like us, there’s even enough room to have a friend visit. 

  The sites offer electrical and water hookups, additionally there is a dump station just as you exit the camping area. Showers and flush toilets are available, but also used by all the beach goers in the area, so you know what they look like....never clean.

  The town of Half Moon Bay offers pretty much everything you need in terms of restaurants or grocery stores. Riding your bike, or walking along the path toward town for a well-earned brunch should definitely reach the top of your to-do list while you’re there.  We had brunch at Mavericks Creparie and dinner at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.  Both are absolutely fantastic!

  Beachcombing, sunbathing, swimming, horseback riding, and skim boarding during the warmer months also are great ways to fill up the day. The beach path goes for miles in either direction so you can get some exercise off of the main roads.

• M

  Melissa R.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 11, 2022

  Mount Madonna County Park

  Perfect and beautiful campground

  We first visited in Feb at site 126. It has some privacy, we liked that it was in between two yurts away from others. The trail does go right behind the site but it wasn’t super busy. In April we got site 405 and it was absolutely beautiful and isolated in a ring of redwood trees with lots of other trees to use for hammocks, etc. I will warn, it gets very cold at night always better safe then sorry when it comes to layers.

• 

  Lori T.

  Ranger

  

  May. 28, 2024

  Mount Madonna County Park

  Great Campground

  Loved everything about this campground! Registration online was really easy as was the check-in process. We stayed in Valley View 1, site 106. There was really no road noise at our site, though a few sites further around the loop did have noise. This particular site has a trail leading directly to the vast network of hiking trails. Huge bonus for us and we were pleasantly surprised that not one person used our site as a cut through. On the subject of hiking, this is a county park that allows dogs on ALL the trails. It’s hard to find that sometimes so we greatly appreciated how dog friendly it was. We didn’t actually encounter anyone else as we hiked, so I can’t attest to whether folks follow the rule that dogs must be on a 6 ft lead on the trails, but they certainly did in the campground. There are quite a few trails that are currently closed due to storm damage, but crews were actively working on them.

  While the sites are a little close to each other, those on the outside of the loop had a great deal of privacy. Inner loop sites have none, but would be great if you were camping with friends. We didn’t use the restrooms or showers, but peeked in them anyway. Like everything else in this campground, they were clean and well maintained.

  The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great! There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park that we used as we departed.

  Our friends stayed in one of the yurts and it was great, albeit a little cold for them at night. I believe there are 2 dog friendly yurts. 106RV

  What a gem of a campground! We’ll definitely come back!

  Important to note that you can actually get a cell signal if you walk to the dump station!

• T

  Tom G.

  Scout

  

  May. 8, 2018

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

  Redwoods!

  Great place to hike and "get lost" in the woods. No dogs on trails though. California state park rule....

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 1, 2021

  Del Valle Regional Park

  Del Valle: Of The Valley

  After time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality given you both by the camp rangers and fellow campers you’ll come across. 

  From a range of activities including horseback riding, kayaking on the namesake lake as well as hiking the foothills, if you’ve come here for nature, you’ll strike gold! The amenities are basic and – key to all California Regional Parks – everything is very well maintained, easy to find and wonderful to make use of. 

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Apryl E.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 17, 2018

  Sunset State Beach

  Not crowded for California

  This is a great place for the day or for a few nights. As far as California beaches go, this one is always the least crowded. The sand is wide enough that all the people can spread out fairly well. You bound to find plenty of sand dollars and hopefully a sea lion or two!

• 

  M G.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 18, 2022

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

  Phenomenal escape from the Bay Area

  Big Basin has been part of my life growing up. Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site. Great hiking trails, creaks and fallen giant redwoods make for unlimited exploration. Many sites but they book out fast. Bathrooms, showers, general store are all well kept and stocked. Big Basin will always be one of my favorite places on earth....

• 

  Sharon B.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 12, 2020

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

  Huckleberry drive-in campground

  So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco. We were lucky to have camped there this summer and when it reopens will return.

  Our space was in the Huckleberry campsite. My only complaint was the proximity to the cabins & their noisy doors, lol. The site was otherwise quite comfortable.

  If you like day hiking the Santa Cruz mountains are glorious. From giant trees to waterfalls to sandstone, the variety will keep you interested.

• 

  Samantha N.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 20, 2022

  Thousand Trails San Benito

  Wildlife EVERYWHERE

  Seriously love this place and wish we could go all the time! Too bad we live on the East Coast or id he here 24/7. We stayed in a cabin in January. Right near Pinnacles National Park! We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!! My favorite part of our California trip was staying here!

• 

  DEREK B.

  Ranger

  

  May. 13, 2015

  Uvas Canyon County Park

  Uvas Canyon County Park

  Getting there: From San Jose it took me about 40 minutes. The road is windy, narrow, and not for the car sick. Be prepared to pay $6 for parking.

  Campsites: The campsites are nicely maintained. Plenty of area to pitch a tent, all the sites have a BBQ, fire pit, and picnic table. The sites are close together to maybe bring ear plugs in case you have loud neighbors.

  The Park: Really pretty, really small. I would say in 1 full day you can explore 100% of this park. No need to make an entire weekend out of this place when you can do all of the pretty stuff in just a few hours.

  What to do: Go see the waterfalls. With the current California drought all of the falls were at little more than a trickle but still something to see. To hike to each fall it's about 6ish miles with just a few hundred feet of total elevation gain. The trails are large and well defined for an very entry level experience.

• 

  Kathy S.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 7, 2023

  Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

  Gilroy Garlic

  This park surprised me. It is just off Highway 101 but the noise is not distracting. Mostly the park is concrete with little patches of beautiful landscaping. Campers are pretty close, but quiet and privacy rule. Bathrooms have security locks and are clean. Laundry room is clean with nice, big washers and dryers. The WiFi was outstanding!
  Communication from the office was a little lacking. We were here for Halloween. I asked when I checked in on the 29th if anything was happening. The clerk said I would get an email with all of the activities. We stayed 8 nights and I still don’t have an e-mail. A children’s parade of trick or treaters came by my camper at 6 pm, but I was not prepared. Several times during the week it looked like there was an event in the clubhouse, but we were never invited or informed. We are full time RVers and I met several permanent residents here. There is no store n the office. Shopping and pharmacy are walking distance. Many California activities are less than an hour away.

• 

  Tyler V.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 22, 2021

  Thousand Trails San Benito

  Good spot to explore Pinnicales National Park

  Good spot to explore Pinnicales National Park. Typical TT resort park off the beaten path, far out but nice place, we enjoyed our stay. At the time we were there a lot of the riverfront sports were out of order. Park does have a lot of those devil spikes in the grass so beware of those with the dogs or bare feet. I did see someone bare foot walking and I was confused as how he was not stepping on them little spiked mines/ thorns then it happened and he went down having to crawl back to the road and get shoes. Pinnacles NP has lots of great hikes, bird watching is a thing out here and home to the California Condors. Near the town of Gilroy home of the garlic festival. A little out of the way but a nice scenic backroad alternate from I5 or 99 if traveling north/south.

• 

  Brittany S.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 14, 2018

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

  Trees, Trees, Trees!

  There is something awesome about standing inside a tree that is literally 10 times bigger than you! Camping here was one of the most special, amazing camping adventured in my life. My husband is an environmental geologist, so he had been working in California for the cleanup after the wildfires. So we decided when he was done I would fly down and we would take a little vacation. We had spent the week before in Yosemite National Park, so by the time we got here (not even gonna lie) we were exhausted and a little sick. In Yosemite the temperature drop at night gave us both a little cold, but thankfully the temperature in Big Basin was not nearly as harsh.

  Before arriving we reserved a campsite on their website at the Huckleberry campground. At the time the Huckleberry campsite was the only one open, maybe because it was off season, although I am not sure. On the website there are actually pictures of each site so you can choose to your liking. I chose a small site with a lot of trees, what I thought was the most breathtaking site. It was just our little tent so we didn't need much room. The site had one parking spot, a picnic table, a fire pit with rack, and what I call a "bear box" which is a animal resistant container for food.

  Our site was close to the bathrooms, showers, and dumpster which was convenient for us especially after 'roughing' it in Yosemite. Every facility was clean and surprisingly very nice. We didn't end up using the fire pit, but instead just cooked our food over a pocket rocket, but I do believe they had firewood for sale at the rangers hut. They had a grocery store but it is not open during the winter months so plan accordingly. However there is a town in Bouldercreek, CA with a grocery store, some bars, and a few restaurants. It is about a 20 miles drive out of the park to the town.

  We ended up taking a break from the cold one afternoon while we were there and drove into town to eat at Boulder Creek Pizza & Pub. It was absolutely delicious, but whether it was actually the best pizza in the world, or it had been so long since we had a real meal, either way it was great!

  The trails and campground are easy to get too and well marked, but we did lose service on the drive into the park. The education center on site is very interesting and teaches you so much about the history and growth of the amazing Redwood trees. Even every single campsite is breathtaking so you can't lose. We did a few trails around our campsite, nothing very extreme.They do have very good hiking trails with distance, just make sure you get a map before. Everything was just so wondrous and beautiful. I felt like a kid exploring this place, so small and insignificant in the big scheme of things. I will never forget this park, it will forever hold a spot in my heart and soul.

• 

  Elliott B.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 25, 2018

  Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

  Ranger Review: Ethnotek Setia 20 Liter at Half Moon Bay SB’s Francis Beach

  Campsite Review: 2/5 Stars

  Half Moon Bay State Beach – Francis Beach Campground State Beach Phone # (650) 726-8819

  I 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. The facilities were dirty/sandy (although you are right on the beach), probably because not only are they being overused by day trippers to the beach and the many campers. Although, they do have coin-operated hot showers available (2 minutes per quarter). They really do pack in the 50+ sites here although there are 3 walk-in sites with great views over the beach and of the ocean, which are separated from the RV (up to 40’) mad house, but then you’re right by all of the day use people and even more out in the open as there is literally no coverage at all. The RV sites have electric hook-ups and there are shared water spigots (not hook-ups).

  All of these are reservable by phone at 1-800-444-PARK (7275) or online at www.reservecalifornia.com/ ($35 for tent, $56 or $65 for RV and a $7.99 online fee)

  Dogs are allowed at the campsite on leash, but not on the beaches here at all (Although horses are… Guess only one animal per “beach”). If you want a dog friendly beach go just a little south to Poplar Beach where the doggos can roam free off leash and have a blast.

  The State Beach Park itself is very tiny. $10 to park, there’s a small visitor centers, beautiful beaches, nice scenery, not a lot of vegetation. From here you have access to the 4-ish mile long Half Moon Bay coastal walking/bike trail which runs right through the back of the campground and into the “park”, and of course there are ~4 miles of sandy beaches to enjoy. Should you need connectivity there is actually (unsecured) wi-fi provided by the park and adequate cell coverage!!

  For me personally the campground only gets 2/5 stars :

  Overall, remember that while you have great access to the beach and the campground is pet friendly you’re definitely, not exactly going to get a remote camping experience and the dog beach is a little way away. The facilities are a bit dirty and jam packed and could be a little better maintained.

  Gear Review: 4/5 Stars

  As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get the opportunity to test out products and what I got to use during this trip as a day pack during this trip was Ethnotek’s Setia 20 Liter backpack. While listed as a laptop backpack I used it to store my snack, water bladder/bottle and other first aid type items. I used the laptop pouch to hold the water bladder and ran my tube out the side. Worked perfectly!! For being a compact backpack, I really liked that it has both padded shoulder straps with a slide adjusting sternum strap and the raised lower back padding which made for a comfy fit and allowed a bit of airflow.

  I also like that it’s water resistant and contains a hidden built-in rainfly, not that it has rained once since I’ve moved out to Northern California, but it is foggy and a bit damp first thing in the morning. The top zippered pocket in the top hood is the perfect size for items which you’ll want to have easy quick access to like; IDs, credit cards, extra sunscreen, etc. The main pocket is easily accessible via either the drawstring at the top or the side zipper so you can grab things out of the bottom without having to root around through everything in the pack. I do appreciate the laptop compartment, but for a more urban commuter bag I think this would be better utilized with additional pockets to separate out your work items and as a day-pack I think the laptop sleeve would be better utilized as a water bladder holder if there was a slot to pull the tube through.

  The only real drawback I had with this gear was that the side zipper doesn’t have a lock of sort for security. I like that there are the 2 zippers, but I think that having some sort of webbing across the zipper so that you could place them both on that side making it a little more difficult for someone walking behind/beside you to just unzip the side and pull out items. This added security isn’t really needed if you’re out hiking, but if you’re commuting in a large city or on crowded public transportation could really save you from losing some valuables.

  Overall, I give the bag 4/5 stars. I really love the company’s mission of keeping culture alive by creating high quality laptop and travel bags that feature ethically sourced handmade textiles. The back is extremely comfortable and has a ton of great features, but I think there are just a few minor tweaks which would make it truly unsurpassable.

  Backpack’s Features:

  · Water resistant 840 denier ballistic nylon main bag fabric

  · Built-in handmade textile paneling. Exterior & interior.

  · Left side zip gusset pocket for water bottle & quick-grab accessories

  · Back-right side zip pocket to access main internal compartment volume

  · Main compartment can also be accessed by its large drawstring cinch top

  · Main compartment is sealed with a buckle clipped top hood

  · A zipper pocket is built into the top hood for easy access storage

  · Padded shoulder straps with slide adjusting sternum strap for comfortably fit while wearing

  · Built-in rain cover tucks into and can be removed from the bottom of the bag’s back panel

  · YKK® zippers

• C

  Corrie G.

  Guide

  

  May. 21, 2019

  Seacliff State Beach

  Right on the beach

  Pavement spots, right on the beach.

• S

  Serge B.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 29, 2020

  Seacliff State Beach

  Reservation are difficult to obtain

  But well worth the effort. 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. Lots of dog walking, caution-fines are very hefty for being off leash. Camphosts are always present/available/helpful.

• 

  Eric J.

  Guide

  

  May. 22, 2020

  Seacliff State Beach

  On the beach!

  It’s on the beach... beautiful beach, amazing sunsets, whales, fall asleep to the ocean waves and more.

• 

  Gregory M.

  Scout

  

  Feb. 2, 2021

  Seacliff State Beach

  My favorite beach spot!

  I love Seacliff! My familiy and I have been coming here for years. Unfortunately it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to get a reservation at a site with a hookup.

• 

  Liza T.

  Scout

  

  May. 29, 2021

  Seacliff State Beach

  Accosted by police

  Called ahead. No answer. Arrived late. Pulled in to a spot. A few minutes later a police type SUV rushed up to me, lights flashing and bright headlights in my eyes. A very nervous acting, hostile officer shouted "put both hands on the wheel". She asked if I had a res and I tried to explain there was no answer when I called, and that I was hoping to camp on the open site and pay in the morning. She said my vehicle was not an RV and if i didn't leave immediately she was going to cite me. I tried to explain how my Subaru Outback was indeed rigged up as rv (built in bed, self contained toilet, refrigerator andfood prep area and more). She was so uptight and adamant that I leave I doubt she heard a word. Scary encounter. All I wanted was a safe spot to camp for the evening. Rude, hostile encounter that was absolutely unnecessary.

• 

  Ioan P.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 14, 2020

  Seacliff State Beach

  This is a very nice place, well maintained, run by the State.

  This is a very nice place, well maintained, run by the State.

• 

  Lisa A.

  Scout

  

  Feb. 3, 2024

  Sunrise Point at Candlestick Point SRA - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

  Wild rose camping

  Dispersed camping outside the campground perimeters. Very quiet and this is the place if solitude is your thing. Bring lots of water. Walk in or 4wd accessible. Never have seen another human here.

• 

  Pineapple H.

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 8, 2021

  Lupin Lodge Nudist Resort

  Nice pool, jacuzzi, sauna,tennis court- Friendly crowd.

  Lots of space with bathrooms very accessible.

  Hiking and only minutes from San Jose. You feel like your in another world.

  Check on-line for calender of fun events (when Covid changes).

  Bring your own food and supplies. Because store is back in town, Los Gatos.

  There's water and a communal kitchen which they just Re-Did.

  Sand and paved Volleyball courts.

  The Resturant is seasonal and only weekends.

  Clothing Optional around the pool.

• 

  xi C.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 21, 2022

  Uvas Canyon County Park

  Family friendly site with scenic trail

  This place is clean and family friendly. There were many families with small children. Many waterfalls along the trail.

  The sites are a bit close to each other. You will want to bring insect repellent in the summer.

  The camp host is super friendly and helpful.

• 

  Mon M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 2, 2018

  Uvas Canyon County Park

  Nice little campground in the woodsy canyon

  A nice small campground nestled in the eastern side of Santa Cruz Mountains, west of Morgan Hill, easily accessible off of Highway 101. Short hikes along the Uvas Creek and Swanson creek are right next to the campground. Trails are narrow and steep at some places but mostly shaded. Small waterfalls are the highlights of the trail, but kids will enjoy playing in the water on hot days. The 25-site campground is relatively small, so camp sites are not big. That means this may not be for campers who like more privacy or quietness. Reservations are required. Very family friendly so expect it to be crowded on weekends and a level of noise and foot traffic by your site as well. Saw mostly tent campers and some pop-up trailers. Not sure if it can handle longer recreational vehicles and the road leading to the campground itself is quite narrow. If you plan to sleep in your car, you may want to take leveling blocks as I found the car parking spot to be not leveled at all. Well maintained/clean facilities. Restrooms and showers were clean, and some even have baby changing stations. Park ranger and County Maintenance's presence was there periodically to pick up trash and to clean facilities, etc. A little buggy in the afternoon and found some mosquitoes so take bug spray. Lots of birds. Good to be disconnected, but if needed, Verizon cell service worked at the campground. As of June 30th, camp fire is still allowed in the pits. As a fan of quiet camping, I would recommend this campground for a week day get away where you can enjoy more quiet surroundings and its nature sounds.