Charcoal Springs Camp & Cabin

98%

54 reviews

· Watsonville, Santa Cruz, California

40 acres hosted by Johnny N.

1 lodging site · 3 tent sites

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

Welcome to our serene retreat at Charcoal Springs, overlooking the Monterey Bay! Nestled amidst the picturesque Santa Cruz mountains of California, our property offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday urban life, with beautiful views of the ocean, redwood forest, and stunning sunrise/sunsets. Our property is above the redwoods, and more often than not, above the fog line! Our spacious camping area provides ample room for you to set up your tent or camper van (no RVs, trailers or 5th wheels) ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. Outdoor activities: leisurely stroll along our scenic little trail + surrounding wilderness: we are right next to the north entrance of the Soquel Demonstration Forest for world class mountain biking. If you are interested in hosting a larger group, in organizing a retreat, and in booking out all our sites, please get in touch! ATTENTION: MAY-DECEMBER - FIRE BAN PENDING WEATHER/WIND DAY-OF KITCHEN/BBQ AT PANORAMA CONTAINER CAMP: Propane is $25/tank, WE DO NOT PROVIDE PLATES, CUPS, UTENSILS, OR COOKING SUPPLIES AT CONTAINER CAMP! Container Camp Kitchen has a BBQ, tongs and brush for the BBQ, a 3 burner camp stove, sink, covered trash/recycling cans, miscellaneous pots/pans (see picture with utensils on site). There is NO REFRIGERATOR at Container Camp, so bring your coolers! KITCHEN AT THE COOP (NO BBQ): The Coop is equipped with most kitchenware that one would need (4 cu ft refrigerator, pots, pans, 4 x plates, bowls, and cups, mugs, knives, silverware, salad bowl, french-press coffee pot, kettle…) with a two burner electric hot plate and the woodstove with a cooktop on it. The Coop does NOT have a BBQ. PLEASE KEEP FOOD IN SEALED CONTAINERS OR COOLERS! Also, remember to keep the volume down, as most people come here precisely for the piece and quiet:) Grocery shopping: We are 25 minutes from the Summit store, and Corralitos meat market down Eureka Canyon. All sites have access to: -electricity, -hot showers, -composting toilet (Sun-Mar Excel), -industrial sink (also with hot water), -partially equipped kitchen (with mini fridge and electric hot plates in 'The Coop' / propane stove/BBQ at the container camp in covered kitchen area), -Fire places: wood stove in The Coop, and seasonal fire-pits (bring your own wood - or buy a bundle from us) (Please bring your own SHEETS, TOWELS and BIODEGRADABLE soap - Dr. Bronner's. If you're camping, for an extra comfy night's sleep, we can provide 2 custom double bed sized camping mattresses - for $25 a mattress per night). After a day of exploration, you can use our designated fire pits (seasonally/weather permitting) and share stories under the stars with your fellow travelers. At Charcoal Springs, you can expect a peaceful retreat far from the city, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you traverse the rugged terrain and enjoy the view. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply craving a moment of calm, our property offers the perfect escape for your next outdoor getaway. We look forward to welcoming you to our slice of paradise! Johnny and Jeanne (Profile pic from artist Pedro Gomes: https://pedrogo.com/)

Natural features

Forest

Coastal

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Reviews

98% Recommend65 ratings · 54 reviews

This Watsonville campsite offers a serene retreat nestled among lush trees, perfect for tent campers and RVs alike. The site's clean amenities, including restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits, enhance the experience, while nearby trails invite exploration. Most guests appreciated the stunning views, peaceful atmosphere, and the friendly, helpful nature of Johnny, the host. However, a few noted concerns about the lack of sunshade and occasional noise from nearby homes.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Johnson T.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2025

Tent ·

Panorama Container Camp

Nestled in the heart of Watsonville, this camping site offers a perfect retreat for nature lovers. The spacious sites are surrounded by lush trees and offer ample privacy, making it ideal for both tent camping and RVs. The amenities are top-notch, with clean restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits available at each site. Nearby, you’ll find hiking trails, perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the area. The staff is friendly and helpful, ensuring a pleasant stay. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or outdoor adventure, this site provides a peaceful, scenic experience just outside of bustling Watsonville.

Saya H.

9 reviews

Recommends

· February 2025

Tent ·

Panorama Container Camp

We had a great time at Johnny's site! Amazing views & amenities - no complaints at all. It was really great having access to hot water & potable water (the water actually tasted good). I do recommend bringing some shade on sunnier days.

Olivia M.

8 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2025

With pets ·

The Coop

Beautiful view and very quiet and peaceful. The coop was really cool with beautiful views from all of the windows inside. Would recommend.

Byoungkook P.

5 reviews

Not recommend

· February 2025

Tent ·

Panorama Container Camp

I received a call before we arrived at the site, which confused me. I mentioned over the phone that the fence in the picture resembled the one at the site. I didn’t visit any other neighbors, but he kept asking which ones I had visited. He also repeated that we shouldn’t bother other neighbors since we had just arrived. The experience wasn’t pleasant, and it felt like he was being rude. On top of that, the ground was covered in dust, not glass, so all my camping gear got dirty. The view was amazing, but there was no sunshade. There was some noise from their home during the night because they had visitors. They don’t seem to care about us at all.

Mariel G.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2025

Tent ·

Panorama Container Camp

What a special place! Johnny was a perfect host - very communicative and helpful. We will definitely be back!

Aracely C.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2025

Camping con hermosa vista

Tent ·

Panorama Container Camp

Hermoso lugar para admirar la naturaleza, hermosa vista, los ambientes en buenas condiciones, un buen lugar donde pasar un fin de semana en compania de tus amistades, para las primera vez que acampamos tuvimos una bonita experiencia y Jonny una excelente persona muy amable y Atento, demasiado recomendado el lugar muchas gracias.

Location

Watsonville, Santa Cruz, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun), Ohlone, Awaswas, and Muwekma First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking