Farm camping in California with hot tubs

Hipcampers are spoiled for choice in California, where landscapes come supersized.

96% (1553 reviews)
96% (1553 reviews)

Popular camping styles for California

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Star Hosts in California

12 top farm campgrounds in California with hot tubs

92%
(200)

Hidden Spring Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Santa Cruz, CA
Magical 6 acre permaculture ranch just a few minutes to town, beaches and restaurants. Take a bath under a clear night sky, enjoy the morning birdsong and take a stroll on or off the property. We have free ranging chickens, a hidden spring surrounded by two creeks and wild plums. Happy Valley is a secret little gem of Santa Cruz. Plenty of space for relaxing, and amazing location for both convenience and adventures. (2 of the 3 sites have the tubs please read individual descriptions to find out if the one you chose has one)
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$55
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97%
(206)

DragonflyHill Desert Farm

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Desert Hot Springs, CA
About Welcome to DragonflyHill Desert Farm & Wildlife Habitat where you can experience desert magic, starry skies, and natural mineral water from our private well. Remote enough for a quiet retreat yet easy to get to and only a short drive to amenities and outdoor adventures! Please review our rules and read our entire listing description prior to requesting to stay here, to assure we’re the right space for you. Copies of our rules, registration documents, liability waiver and amenities are provided in our photos. Guests must agree to adhere to our rules and honor our cancellation policy to book with us. If you have any questions, please make an inquiry and we will get back to you very quickly. We really do love this work. LOCATION: We are located one mile down a well maintained and navigable dirt road, 20 minutes to Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and Palm Desert, and 15 minutes to the 10 freeway. We're near the Cabazon outlets, 2 hours to Los Angeles, San Diego, Disneyland, mountain areas, and beaches. Nearby there are local wildlife preserves, hiking and outdoor activities. We are 45 minutes to Joshua Tree and a half hour to Coachella. We truly are in the middle of nowhere and the center of everything. For folks traveling in winter, we’re considerably warmer than Joshua Tree and the High Desert. In summer we are cooler than Palm Springs. Immediate neighbors are small farmers and ranchers. Local spas and resorts are available for day use and access to their pools and ponds for as little as $10 a day ($5 seniors). We can provide space for events and entertainment for a small fee. ARRIVAL: Upon approving your reservation we'll send you a welcome message with information we need prior to your arrival to process your reservation, prepare for your arrival and provide you with check in information and accurate directions as gps apps to our location are often wrong. Please answer that initial email as soon as possible. We'll follow up with check in information and driving directions. Once in the gate, stay on the driveway and meet us on the patio with the blue shade sails. We will provide you with an approximately 15 minute orientation and tour, register you, check identification and show you to your campsite. Guests are required to fill out a liability waiver and a simple registration form. (See photos for copies of these forms.) OUR SPACE: Our land is 130 feet wide by an eighth of a mile deep in a residential neighborhood with lots 2.5-10 acres. We can see and hear our neighbors. We maintain a very quiet space but occasionally our neighbors have their own activities and events. Let us know if the neighborhood gets too noisy and we'll try to mitigate those situations. We can also provide free earplugs for those very rare occasions. Guests wanting a totally isolated experience may want to book elsewhere. DragonflyHill Desert Farm is a working farm in a wilderness area. Guests should check weather forecasts prior to arrival and assure that they have the right equipment. We have a moderate cancellation policy that allows guests to cancel 3 days prior to their arrival date to receive a refund. This allows enough time to check weather reports. There are occasional heavy rains and frequent high winds. It can get very hot in summer and reach freezing temperatures in winter. Despite our proximity to the freeway and nearby cities, and our location in a residential neighborhood, this is very much a wilderness area. DragonflyHill is not responsible for the weather. We are not a resort. Expect dry plants and patches during summer and into the fall. As a farm, we may be a bit more rustic than your typical farm to allow for shelter for local wildlife. Our cultivation methods encourage biodiversity and though we are growing food, many of our crops resemble landscaping or natural habitat rather than garden patches. Currently we have habitat viewing areas, an herb garden, an orchard, an outdoor classroom, a sheltered social distancing patio, an outdoor kitchen, meditation gardens, our (seasonal) mineral pool, community library, game boards and toys, and a tree bath. Plant varieties, wildlife and presentation may vary by season. Our farm specializes in herbs, fruit trees, desert and native plants, and edible flowers. We also grow some sprouts and microgreens indoors. We cultivate community and share what we grow with our neighbors and our guests. Guests have shared access to the outdoor kitchen and BBQ area, the orchards, gardens, patios, and grounds of the Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat, and (for safety reasons) limited access to the pool pond and spa -both unheated. The pool pond is filled with local mineral water from our own well. The pool pond is cleaned professionally twice a week & is chlorinated. The pool pond is not cleaned daily and is shared with wildlife. including bees and birds who drink water pool side. Debris from high winds and wildlife may contribute to the pool pond environment. Currently neither the pool pond nor the spa is heated. We also have wheelchair accessible hot water outdoor showers and wheelchair accessible porta potties. We work hard to keep the home well maintained & clean; we're vigilant & do due diligence with professional quarterly visits from Truly Nolen 4 Season Pest Prevention (a green company.) We doubt you'll see any unwanted critters inside or near the house or other structures during your stay, but if you do, please advise us & we will promptly address the situation. DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat is in a remote area of the desert with lots of wildlife. To help us keep wildlife OUT of the house and campsites, please keep food out of reach of critters & clean up after every meal. We affirmatively welcome children, but as this is a working farm in a wilderness area, parents will need to be vigilant of their child's safety and activity while here. We are constantly adding activities and features for children and adults. We are child friendly and we are a good location for groups. (Just message us with your details and we can tailor your stay to meet your needs.) We have 1 cat and 1 service dog. Other guests may have pets or assistance animals. Neighbors have chickens, farm animals and pets. There are a few feral cats in the vicinity as well as a variety of desert wildlife. At night you can hear the coyotes though we’ve never seen them or their tracks on our land. Common sightings of road runners, rabbits, hares, lizards, snakes, hawks, doves, desert wrens, migrating ducks (in the Spring), scorpions, mantises, crickets, mockingbirds, insects and spiders. WHO WE ARE: DragonflyHill is a community of artisans, activists, craftspeople and farmers, working together to cultivate community, develop methodologies for living and working together in ever increasing paradigms of social justice and sustainability. We are a safe and sober space that is disability and LGBTQIA affirmative, anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-imperialist and de-colonialist, because anything else is just a bandaid. Core values of our work include attention to detail, fine craftwork and cultivating community. Some members of the Dragonfly Team live on the premises at all times and will be here for the duration of your stay. The rest of the team are community members. All Team members work at DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat in different capacities, in cooperation and collaboration with each other. It should be noted that we are not a museum community and our collective is not on display. Only 2-3 members of the community are currently responsible for hosting guests. Community members are autonomous and, much of our community functions virtually. There are also occasional community events at the farm, including farming, though many activities are just coming back after the pandemic. We hope to offer activities in the Fall. All activities will continue to be held outdoors and social distancing is required. We speak: English and Spanish. We can communicate somewhat in French, Italian and Portuguese. DRAGONFLYHILL CONSEIRGE We love to hear about your travels and share our knowledge of our community and Southern California with our guests. Our library, located on the Blue Patio, offers children’s books, local history including indigenous history, farming and gardening, wildlife guides, hiking trails, entertainment and tourist attractions. We can recommend activities on and off site including places to go with children, local hiking, museums, restaurants and shopping. In addition to campsites, for additional fees, we offer reiki, a private jacuzzi hot water mineral bath, farm tours, firewood, tutoring, tax preparation, vehicle storage, event and space rental, and classes. Three of us are licensed to officiate weddings. RULES, DOCUMENTS & AMENITIES Carefully read our listing description and our rules to determine if we're the right space for you. We know we have excellent reviews but take the time to assure that we offer what you are looking for. Each Hipcamp host is autonomous and has their own rules, amenities and features. Hipcamp does not provide guests a copy of the house rules until after you have selected a location and then requires you to agree to the house rules before finalizing your decision. There is not enough space in the listing description to include the rules so guests can see them prior to booking. If you would like to see our rules, registration documents or a list of amenities please find them in our photos or message us prior to booking and we will send you a copy. We welcome guests new to Hipcamp but please take the time to familiarize yourself with the Hipcamp platform. Hipcamp travel is very different from public campgrounds. At DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat you will be guests in our home. We welcome and encourage guests with service and support animals to stay with us. All animals must have current vaccination records.
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$20
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93%
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Trailer Lane Campground

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Weed, CA
Conveniently located along I-5 just south of the CA/OR border, we have 15 acres that are a mix of conifer forest and a chaparral hilltop with spectacular views of Mount Shasta. Our small, friendly campground offers clean, comfortable bathrooms with (free!) hot showers and a coin-op laundry room. Community fire pit and BBQ area, too! Minutes from world-class fishing, hiking, climbing, kayaking, skiing... all year long, it's an outdoorsman's paradise! Use us as your base camp for all your North State adventures! Did we mention we have barn cats, goats, chickens, and turkeys to watch, feed and pet? Fruit trees and wild blackberries. Walking trails through the forest, and the most perfect hilltop spot to kick back in our comfy Adirondacks with a glass of wine to stargaze.
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$30.80
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98%
(328)

Blackberry Farm

6 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Bolinas, CA
Blackberry Farm sits on the western side of Mount Tamalpais, tucked in the Gospel Flat area of Bolinas. The family farm and residence were established during the late 1970s on the site of the historic Peter’s Dairy Ranch. The original farmhouse dates back to the late 19th century and survived the great 1906 earthquake. Today, the 7-acre farm is being restored to sustainably support fruit orchards, cottage flower and kitchen gardens, honey bees, a boisterous flock of chickens, and naughty shetland sheep. Our self-serve farmstand attached to our barn has seasonal flowers, organic eggs, heirloom fruit, and local goods from the farm. Our property is the perfect rustic getaway for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll be surrounded by farm/ranch life: chickens clucking, roosters crowing, bees buzzing, and sheep bleating. We also have active nighttime wildlife: coyotes howling, raccoons foraging, owls hooting, etc. Bring earplugs if nature sounds are too much for you. We offer 4 walk-in tent sites that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. We welcome well-behaved pets ON LEASH that won’t harass the chickens, cats, sheep, other campers, or residents. Unruly pets and their campers will be asked to leave. No refund. Limit: 1 dog per site. Pitch your tent in a meadow shared by: Campsite 1 - left side of the meadow, closest to the common area and hot tub. Campsite 2 - middle of the meadow, closest to our fenced apiary and bee garden. Campsite 3 - right side of the meadow, near the orchard. (sites 1 and 3 are next to each other) Campsite 4 - front of the pasture, closest to the parking area (best for car/van campers wanting space to lounge near their parked vehicle.) Multiple sites may be booked for group camping. Sites 1 and 3 are next to each other under the Cypress Trees. Add site 2 if you would like the entire back half of the campground. Add site 4 if you'd like to have a maximum number of 16 total campers and 2 tents/per site. The common area has an outdoor shower, hot tub, covered bbq/cook area, tented (weather-protected) hangout space, and a place to stash your surfboard. The pizza oven is not available for campground use. Redwood Grove hangout areas have seating and tree swings. Please pack out your trash. We offer a recycling bin for glass bottles, cans, and clean paper. Parking is 100 yds or less from the campsites. We have a large wheelbarrow to help you cart your camping gear across the pasture to your campsite. No driving onto or parking in the meadow. Due to the narrow driveway and parking area (lack of turnaround), the site cannot accommodate RVs, trailers, or oversize vehicles beyond 16ft in length, 7ft in width, or 10 ft in height. 1 car per campsite, please. 15-minute walk to the beach and downtown.
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$66
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Vineyard Camping at Bad Rat Ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Lower Lake, CA
Bad Rat Ranch is a 20-acre ranch with 8 acres of lush vineyards in the scenic countryside of Northern California. The ranch is set amongst rolling hills and vineyards about two hours from both San Francisco and Sacramento. We provide two guest houses (cabins), as well as two campsites with RV hookups. The ranch is an oasis with plenty of space to stretch out. Wander the vineyard, down a beer in the outdoor living room, join a game of volleyball or ping pong, cook a gourmet meal on the BBQ, and end your day soaking in the shared hot tub. Whether you want some seclusion, to hang with other campers, or to visit the attractions of northern California, the ranch offers everything you need for a comfortable stay! Nearby Attractions: Miles of Mountain Bike Trails at Winery Six Sigma 15 minutes from the biggest natural lake in California- Clear Lake 15 minutes from the newest national monument: Barreyessa Snow Mountain 40 minutes to white water rafting on Cache Creek Numerous small wineries within driving distance for tastings 30 minutes to the famous wineries of Napa Valley 1 hour to the hiking trails on Mt. Konocti Several local casinos for some nighttime fun Local creek for cold water swims 15 minutes from Hidden Valley Golf Course 15 minutes from a local grocery store We're pretty chill, so make yourself at home. This is northern California though, so electricity and water don't come easy. Please be mindful of consumption.
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$38
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83%
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New Carpati Farm

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Sebastopol, CA
New Carpati Farm is a family farm and homestead that welcomes visitors! It is characterized by a view that goes for miles, overlooking evergreen fields along the Laguna Santa Rosa. Features of the Property: - Open fields - A barn with a mural of its residents: two Alpacas and 7 Jacob Sheep - A flower farm featuring magnificent Dahlias - A Treehouse - Several Camping Sites under trees or in the sun - A Glamping Tent - A hot tub tucked way in the trees New Carpati Farm is 8-10 minutes from downtown Sebastopol towards Highway 101, a great base to explore Sonoma County, from Bodega Bay to the Redwoods of Occidental, The Russian River, Healdsburg, and Petaluma. Hiking is great all year long. Quaint towns like Sebastopol, Petaluma, and Santa Rosa are nearby. The ocean is 30 minutes to the west and Sonoma and Napa wine country are 45-60. We hope to host you in this lovely place!
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$48
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100%
(43)

Farm Retreat with Calf Cuddling

3 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Wildomar, CA
At Howe Ranch, we provide more than just a farm stay; we offer a healing, transformative experience that teaches relaxation and rejuvenation through profound connections with our gentle, trained farm animals. Baby animal alert! We are excited to share the arrival of our sweet Highland calf, MaryLou, who, along our precious little Scottish Highland calf Petunia is loves cow cuddles and bottle feeding from visitors. They already learned to give cow kisses! All of our gentle micro and mini cows are known to provide comfort to visitors dealing with anxiety and stress. Whether it’s hugging or grooming them, meditating with our mini goats or flock, every interaction is designed to soothe and inspire. Proceeds from HipCamp directly support the feed and care for our farm animals, of which many are rescues (501c and private). In other news, Winter Wonderland at Howe Ranch is near! Starting in early November, the farm transforms into cozy, rustic Holiday experience with photo opportunities to make memories! Important: By making a booking request you agree that you have read the listing in its entirety and agreed. INCLUDED IN YOUR FARM STAY: 1. A personalized farm animal encounter on the evening of your arrival day and participation in the morning animal care routine 2. Unique learning experiences, and opportunities to relax with the gentle barn animals outside of the care routine times 3. Organic chicken and duck eggs for breakfast 4. Clean restroom in barn with dish washing capabilities (shower is in the pool area/Extra) 5. Free use of the outdoor camp kitchen with 2 propane stoves and basic cooking supplies (must be cleaned after use) 6. Free use of the BBQ with utensils (BYO charcoal) 7. Free optional use of camping equipment (chairs, canopy, small mats) 8. A large safe space for children to play in with toys and games in the 80 ft. x 40 ft. sand camp 9. Pool season is over but you can request a free shower pass (the hot outdoor shower is in the pool venue by the farm house) or add on a 2-Hour Hot Tub session. Go to Extras to explore this option. 10. Access to other "Extras" such as electric and water hookups, and extra parking The overnight farm stay experience is generally only available on limited Fridays of the year from 2:00 p.m. until Saturday 1:00 p.m. Please do not instant book Saturdays and other days of the week/weekend, as we have regular activities at the farm the make the camp unavailable. UPCOMING LONGER STAY OPPORTUNITIES: Tuesday, October 11 until Sunday, October 13 Winter Wonderland Camp: November 11 - November 24 If you would like to visit with us other times for longer or during the week, please inquire first if we have the capacity to accommodate (no instant booking, please). Another popular way to experience our farm animals one on one is the Farm Animal Encounter, which you can book through our website. This Experience is facilitated and takes about 50 - 90 minutes depending on the size of your group. $30/guest, guests under 2 years of age free. Group discount for groups of 7+. DETAILS ON FARMER FOR THE DAY OVERNIGHT CAMP: SELF-SUFFICIENT GUEST POLICY Due to our daily workload, we can only host independent guests who are comfortable exploring the listing details and utilizing available resources on their own. Please note that: * Our personalized animal tour is guided, but guests will learn to relax around the animals independently after the tour. * The camping stay is self-facilitated, meaning the hosts are not available to entertain or assist your family members beyond the provided information and scheduled tour. ABOUT THE AREA: Nestled on just under 4 foothill acres backing against the wilderness of the Santa Rosa Plateau, but only 2 minutes from shopping, coffee, and dining, our small, veteran owned farm with a private petting zoo opportunity provides a charming and picturesque setting that encompasses the essence of rustic hospitality. It is generally hot in the area during the day June to October, but cool at night and there are lots of fun things to do in the area. Please reference our VISITOR GUIDE on thehoweranch.com and linked to in the photo section here. OUR POLICY ON PRICING and INTEGRITY We’ve encountered an increasing number of inquiries where guests try to pressure us into lowering our prices or dispute the value of our services (i.e. pricing of "Extras," last minute cancellation refund requests). While we understand that the current economy might be influencing this behavior, we want to make it clear that such actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated as our services are priced equitably, ensuring that all guests contribute the same amount for the experiences we offer.
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$115
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91%
(37)

Skyrocket Ranch

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Temecula, CA
Welcome to The Skyrocket Ranch, a truly enchanting destination nestled on 20 acres of picturesque land in the hills of Temecula. Our property invites you to experience a harmonious blend of tranquility, natural allure, and convenient access to city amenities and renowned wineries. Set along the serene banks of Sandia Creek, our ranch provides a serene oasis where you can unwind and reconnect with the outdoors. Venture outdoors to explore our expansive grounds, revealing lush orchards and captivating views at every corner. The presence of charming rural luxury homes enhances the appeal and exclusivity of this remarkable location. A highlight of your stay here is the chance to observe wildlife thriving in its natural habitat. Keep an eye out for graceful deer, vibrant birds, and other captivating creatures that make our property their home. Nature enthusiasts and photographers will discover endless inspiration in this environment. While our land offers a peaceful escape, it's also conveniently proximate to the city and renowned wineries. Immerse yourself in Temecula's vibrant Old Towne, where you can indulge in delectable cuisine, explore local boutiques, and immerse yourself in the thriving arts and culture scene. For wine aficionados, a short journey will lead you to world-class wineries, inviting you to relish award-winning vintages amidst breathtaking vineyard vistas. Whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat, an adventure in nature, or a wine-tasting escapade, The Skyrocket Ranch offers an ideal launchpad for your next exploration. Awaken to the soothing sounds of nature, breathe in the invigorating country air, and embark on an unforgettable journey right from our doorstep. Book your stay at The Skyrocket Ranch and discover the magic of this extraordinary destination. We eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you and share the captivating beauty of our land.
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$96
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Kernville Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Kernville, CA
Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,
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$50
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Rollins Lake Retreats with A/C!!!

3 sites · Lodging31 acres · Colfax, CA
Attn: The only boat ramp open at the moment is Orchard Springs, 5 minutes away. We live lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax. We live over 30 beautiful acres with footpath access to Rollins Lake. (3 minute walk from the dome or house and 10-15 minutes from the cabin) where most summer days here are spent swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing ect., down at the water. The remarkable property is very hilly with pines and oaks. You can follow our driveway to the bottom and access the beginning of The Bear River which has a nice hiking trail alongside it or 8 minutes to the nearest boat ramp and 10 minutes to the town of Colfax where you will find gas, groceries, and restaurants. We have a beautiful spot where you will not see any neighbors so it is peaceful and private with gorgeous 360-degree views. It is also very safe! Bask in nature, quiet, and privacy! We have 3 accommodations on the property -A GUEST SUITE (lakeside), -A CABIN (15 min walk or 3 min drive/5 min walk, -A GLAMPING DOME with an additional tent site (lakeside)! We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent.
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$121.50
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95%
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Bliss Mountain

9 sites · Lodging40 acres · Middletown, CA
This is country living at its best! We live in the main house at the top of the hill and we look forward to sharing the magic of Bliss Mountain aka Jerusalem Ranch with our guests. We are 20 minutes from Harbin Hot Springs or Clearlake resort area. Our listings range from a Country Home,Bliss Mountain Studio apt to Teepee and Trailer. Read each description for information on amenities. An optional workshop/performance space and additional lodging is available on the property for larger groups – including 2600 ft Country Home and Bliss Mountain Studio Apt. Perfect for a family reunion, destination wedding, filming your YouTube video with spectacular scenery, a personal healing journey or yoga/meditation workshop/retreat. It’s also wonderful for getting creative, focused artistic or creative projects done . The Tepee is also an inspiring place to record or play music. Many vocalists, performers, sound healers and painters have been inspired to create magic here. Hike our trails scattered with sparkling Lake County “diamonds” – explore an old vineyard, mossy oak forest and sweeping views of Hidden Valley Lake, snow capped mountains and the mysterious, mystical dormant volcano Mt. Konocti. We invite all guest to visit The Bliss Mountain Temple. The Temple space is a world of its own. It has clouds painted on all the walls and ceiling and is home to an amazing art Gallery that feature the works of Karma Moffet the famous Marin County Area Artist and others. Karma is also a life Musician well known for Healing Sound Journey Sessions. Optional Offerings and events that can be arranged in the Temple are: Therapeutic Sound Journeys, musical performances with Karma, Taressa Bell, Halle Blessing and other artist. Also: Dance Gatherings, Yoga Sessions, Creative Art Sessions,receptions etc.
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$175
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Mosaic Farm

1 site · RV, Tent120 acres · Nevada City, CA
Mosaic is a former horse ranch turned art and science community. We are on a mountain ridge in the middle of Tahoe National Forest, and have gorgeous views. We have a sauna, heated private outdoor showers, sinks, and bougie composting toilets. Also an inside flush toilet if you're into that kind of thing. The campground has a shared kitchen area with BBQ's, refrigerators, sinks, etc...
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$45
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Under $50

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Farm camping in California with hot tubs guide

Overview

Golden coasts. Redwood forests. Fiery desert canyons. Alpine lakes framed by snowy peaks. But the best memories are in the details—seeing a gray whale breach off the rugged north coast, feeling the sun on your face on a Southern California shore, or maybe enjoying s’mores beside the crystal waters of Lake Tahoe. Trails climb from campgrounds to immense granite domes in Yosemite while Joshua trees beckon for attention in the eastern deserts. The best part? There’s somewhere amazing to camp year-round.

Where to go

North Coast

Camping beneath redwoods—the tallest trees in the world—is a hard-to-beat highlight of the north coast. The majestic groves scattered across Redwood National & State Parks are an excellent choice for first-timers. Further south, from Eureka to Mendocino and eventually San Francisco, you’ll find a string of private and state park campgrounds tucked along rugged coastlines marked by bluffs, coves, dunes, and tidepools.

Central Coast

Stretching from Monterey south to Santa Barbara, the Central Coast scores points for scenery and variety. Plus, it’s a convenient escape from the urban hassles of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Redwoods, waterfalls, and windswept bluffs border Highway 1 in Big Sur, while waves crash beside state parks north of Santa Barbara. For a remote camping experience, campsites at Channel Islands National Park off the coast of Santa Barbara can oblige.

SoCal Beaches: Los Angeles to San Diego

The golden beaches of Southern California are the stuff of lazy days and pop songs. And fantastic camping for those inclined. The best campsites line-up beside the coast between Newport Beach and Dana Point in Orange County, with a few more perched on coastal bluffs north of San Diego. Not surprisingly, these oceanfront sites fill fast, so book early.

Sierra Nevada Mountains

Granite domes and lush Alpine meadows border campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, while enormous sequoias are the draw in Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks. Campgrounds beside alpine lakes and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe are always postcard-pretty.

Southern Deserts

For surreal sunsets, striking rock formations, restless sand dunes, and spring wildflowers, head east. Nine campgrounds and plenty more right outside await at Death Valley National Park, home to the lowest spot in the U.S. Joshua trees and picturesque boulders keep Hipcampers happy at Joshua Tree National Park while Anza-Borrego Desert State Park serves up fantastic desert hiking outside San Diego. High season is late fall through spring, when temperatures are pleasant.

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