Waterfall camping near Santa Cruz

Redwoods and crashing waves are the backdrop of this seaside city by the mountains.

95% (242 reviews)
95% (242 reviews)

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4 top waterfall campgrounds near Santa Cruz

100%
(1)

4 Creeks Redwood Retreat

1 site · Lodging111 acres · Soquel, CA
Four Creeks Redwood Retreat Nestled deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Four Creeks is a hidden gem that embodies the essence of off-grid living and getting away from the matrix. Your journey begins at our gated entrance where paved roads transition into gravel and dirt, leading you through four shallow creeks and deep into the heart of the redwoods. Surrounded by 19,000 acres of forest, this unique location offers guests a window into something truly magical and a silence that is both pristine and rejuvenating. with world-class mountain biking and hiking trails in our backyard, and easy access to Hinkley and Soquel Creeks, you can make the mountains your home for the duration of your stay. And if you feel like exploring, we are just 12 miles from downtown Santa Cruz, and a few miles further to the coast. Four Creeks is fully off-grid and powered by solar, propane, and wood burning stoves. All our power is stored in four 700 pound lead-acid batteries and a 12,000 watt generator that kicks on automatically when needed. Our water is sourced from a spring and travels thru the woods for a mile before entering our tanks for use on the land. On-site, you will be staying in a fully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath cabin with a full kitchen, wrap-around deck, and massive redwoods at your fingertips. The cabin has high vaulted ceilings, multiple skylights, and large windows looking out into the forest. AMENITIES INCLUDE: - Two outdoor showers with their own changing rooms - Two outdoor bathrooms with flushing toilets - Multiple camping locations for those who prefer sleeping under the stars - A 44-foot diameter geodesic dome fully loaded with composite dance floor, JBL sound systems, DMX lighting, wood burning stove, shag rugs, cushy pillows, and a humongous red fan. the space is perfect for dancing, yoga, ceremony, and relaxation - Large groups are welcome. Please contact owners to discuss. OFF-SITE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: - World Class Surfing - Iconic Walks on East Cliff & West Cliff Drive - Beautiful Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries - Local Breweries and Distilleries - Popular Beaches in Town - The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - Wilder Ranch and Less Crowded North County Beaches - The Monterey Bay Aquarium - 17 Mile Drive - Big Sur ON-SITE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: - Mountain Biking - Hiking in the Forest - Exploring the Streams and Swimming Holes - Chillin’ by the Fire if you are interested in a deeper experience, both owners are highly skilled at facilitating activities including: - Private Yoga Lessons - Massage // BodyWork - Surfing // Bodyboarding - Meal Preparation - Guided Hikes - Dance Facilitation - Unlocking Your Deepest Dreams - Facilitated Mystical Experiences - Deep Dives into the History of This Land - Deep Dives into How this Property Happened - Understanding our Off-Grid Systems **please share your interests with the owners directly. we are well-connected and here to help you maximize your experience. **Note that both owners live onsite full-time in satellite structures and can be as visible or invisible as you want. We ask all visitors to respect the land, the wildlife, and the neighbors. Drive slowly thru the forest and always lock the gate behind you. ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS Your first visit to Four Creeks is always a bit tricky finding the place, so you will be greeted at the gate and escorted up the mountain. please coordinate your arrival time with the owners. Our road is well maintained so 2WD vehicles with normal clearance are perfectly safe. 4WD is optimal for this terrain. Thanks for reading and we’re looking forward to meeting you — Hamid, David, and our 12-pound, cotton ball lap/guard dog Cooper
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$400
 / night
97%
(31)

Sacred Earth Retreat (SER)

2 sites · Tents50 acres · Boulder Creek, CA
For over 40 years, Sacred Earth has been cherished by many as an example of sustainable off-grid living immersed in nature. While it is just 12 minutes drive from the village of Ben Lomond, 30 from Santa Cruz beaches, and 90 minutes to Berkeley, this valley feels as though you are deep in the wilds, complete with old growth Redwoods you can stand inside and far- reaching majestic Madrones. The land is home to the headwaters of Love Creek, with springs to be found in fern gullies and gentle babbling brooks. The breathtaking ridgetop has expansive views down the San Lorenzo Valley southeast and westerly views to Ben Lomond Mountain, the final hill between this place and the Pacific. Don’t miss the sunrise with meandering mist rising off the valley. Large sites allow for family and group gatherings/activities, while small tucked in tent sites provide hidden nooks. Hiking trails (open in dry season only) encircle the land and allow for moderate walks throughout its mostly vertical terrain. What is truly dynamic about Sacred Earth is the sheer diversity of plant and animal species combined with its proximity to world-class surfing, sailing, scuba, mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching, etc. Make your stay in Santa Cruz Mountains at SER.
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$65
 / night
99%
(415)

Grey Oaks

8 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Aromas, CA
Grey Oaks' Rustic Campsites, are a boutique camping experience with real old-timey style. We have 2 RV/tent campsites and currently 2 tent-only sites for club member use, that we also have listed on HipCamp for dates that aren’t being used by official club members. Reserving a campsite through HipCamp makes one a guest of the club for the duration of your stay. Grey Oaks is located on 20 acres of land, with hiking and mountain biking trails, a 12 foot deep in-ground swimming pool, multiple interesting and cool landscape features, hot water shower, and animals up by the house (1/4 mile from the campsites) that you can interact with during your stay here, too (8 hens, 2 pasture horses, 2 friendly dogs, and 1 awesome cat). At the campsites, we have picnic tables, fire pits, bbqs, ice chests, and more. A clean and fresh well water hand/dishwashing station, plus Alhambra Crystal Fresh drinking water, and two outhouses are conveniently located to the campsites. Eucalyptus, oak, and/or pine firewood is provided free for you during your stay with us. It really is a beautiful and wonderful property. There is wildlife, and it is private and peaceful. It is very dark at night and the view of the stars, moon, and planets is amazing. There is poison oak on the property so please be aware. We will show you what it looks like, so you can easily avoid it.
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$100
 / night
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Waterfall camping near Santa Cruz guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping adventures! If you're looking for a camping experience near Santa Cruz, California, with stunning waterfalls, we've got you covered. With over 50 options to choose from, you'll find the perfect campsite that suits your preferences. Whether you're into hiking, swimming, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of waterfalls, these campsites offer it all. The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), DABUDAGE (367 reviews), and Swallowtail Historic Art Studio (252 reviews) are just a few of the top campsites in the area. Plus, you can bring your furry friends along and enjoy campfires and cooking equipment. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in nature's paradise!

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