Camping in Lighthouse Field State Beach, CA

Discover the allure of Lighthouse Field State Beach and its coastal charm.  

Top camping near Lighthouse Field State Beach, CA

No matching sites in the park — explore these options nearby.
Amaya Creek Redwood Campground

1. Amaya Creek Redwood Campground

77%
(134)
19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Los Gatos, CA
Welcome to the Amaya Creek Redwood Campground! We are deep in the Santa Cruz mountains and it’s rustic so be prepared! The road is all paved but it can be narrow, bumpy and steep in some areas. Be sure to follow our directions to bypass the road closure! There is no cell phone service in some areas. PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a trash service for the campground, we require all campers to PACK OUT THEIR TRASH with them! We have 40 acres of redwood forest and two creeks running through including the Amaya Creek which serves the boundary of our property at the end of Amayak Creek Trail. There’s also a small waterfall off the Amaya Creek Trail, but it may dry out during the summer. Enjoy hiking, creeks and small waterfall exploration, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, star gazing, relaxation, meditation and more. Our campground has running water from a natural spring, Men and Women's Restrooms each with 2 toilets and 1 FREE hot water shower, utility shed with sink and hot water, and an outdoor amphitheater. The kitchen and washer/dryer is Staff Only not for campers. . Most campsites allow 4-6 guests maximum with 1 car included in the nightly rate. Each additional vehicle is $15 per day and will be added at checkout once you add the correct number of vehicles you will be bringing. Pets are $10 per day, 1 pet per group ONLY. Please add this as an extra at the time of booking, you will see the option to add extras once you begin the checkout process. Dogs must be on leash at all times! Quiet hours are 10pm-8am. No drugs of any kind including marijuana allowed. No loud music allowed. This is a private property so no visitors are allowed, only paid guests. Our onsite staff will go around and enforce the rules. No hookup for RV and trailer, check each site description to see if RV/trailer is ok for that site.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
FEEL GOOD CAMP

2. FEEL GOOD CAMP

96%
(286)
17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Watsonville, CA
This is camping made easy. No need to bring your cooking supplies, stoves, barbeque and dinnerwares ! We have them all. If you like to be social and have bonfire and have a nice chat with fellow campers , this is the place for you. However, if you plan to have a group larger than 10 people please consider The Secret Gardens in Watsonville, they have private sites for group camping. The campground is located in a serene oak grove area of the property. Its a peaceful getaway with an abundance of bird varieties and occasional wild turkeys passing through. Take a stroll around our 5-acre property and catch a breathtaking sunset from the hillside. We're only 11 minutes away from Mount Madonna State Park and just 10 minutes from a local healthy grocery store and yoga studio. The beautiful Pajaro Dunes coastal area is just a 15-minute drive away, and the Santa Cruz Fairground is only two minutes away. Our location is surrounded by family friendly farms such as Gizdich ranch and nurseries, hence why it's considered the salad bowl of the United States There are plenty of activities to enjoy nearby, including horseback riding at Mount Madonna Stable, Mount Madonna Retreat Center, hiking at Mount Madonna State Park, wine tastings at various wineries with stunning views, kayaking at Elkhorn Slough or any beaches, yoga at Watsonville Yoga or onsite, swimming, scuba diving in Monterey, visiting the Hanoman temple at Mount Madonna retreat center, and attending any events at the Santa Cruz Fairground. The property has 3 stalls for hot showers, 1 hand washing sink, 3 flushable toilettes, 1 communal outdoor kitchen with supplies of cookwares, dishes, mugs, glasses, utensils, pots and pans, coffee mugs, and 1 sink with hot water, 3 fire pits (2 of them is fire burning and 1 of them is propane), camping stoves, 1 gas barbeque and there is an electricity in the communal kitchen area. Propane for fireplace is included and Firewoods are available for sale. Board games, Books, Magazines, Lawn games are available as well as drawing papers and coloring pencils/markers/oil paint for our little artists. Your parking spot is within a very short walking distance and there is a wagon for you to use to haul your belongings to your camp site.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$69
 / night
The Secret Gardens by the Bay

3. The Secret Gardens by the Bay

98%
(293)
35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Watsonville, CA
✨ The Secret Gardens ✨ Once upon a time, hidden just beyond the whispers of the ocean breeze, there was a secret place where roses stretched toward the sky, dahlias painted the land with color, and lavender cascaded like purple waterfalls. No one quite knew how to find it—until they stumbled upon it. Here, hearts opened with ease, carried by birdsong, the sway of ancient oaks, the fragrance of woodsmoke, and the laughter that seemed to live in the very air. The Secret Gardens unfurls across 11 acres of enchanted redwoods and noble oaks, where each campsite bears a name drawn straight from the pages of Alice in Wonderland. Guests often tell us: “One night is never enough.” And indeed, when you step out of your car, words and pictures fail—there is only the Wow. In true secret-garden spirit, we share just enough glimpses to spark curiosity. The real magic is revealed only when you arrive. Just one mile from Seascape Beach and a short stroll to Seascape Village—with its quaint cafés, market, spa, and more—our haven balances wild wonder with simple comforts. 🌿 The Realms of the Secret Gardens 🌲 Tulgey Woods Nestled beneath towering redwoods, this woodland hosts RV and tent sites, along with Dodo’s Glamp and the Secret Wagon. Here you’ll find showers, bathrooms, a communal kitchen, a campfire circle, and outdoor dining spaces. It’s perfect for families, car campers, and adventurers with roomy tents. ♟️ Chessboard Land Where play and comfort intertwine: cabins, a communal lounge, a sprawling kitchen, living-wall showers, cozy firepits, and even a projector screen for starlit cinema nights. This is the social heart of the gardens. 🐇 Rabbit Holes (open late spring through summer) Two primitive hideaways—Tweedledee and Tweedledum—await in the wilder reaches of the land. Here, no cars intrude; instead, we whisk your belongings by ATV to these tucked-away forest nooks. 🌸 Private Group Groves Three secluded enclaves designed for gatherings, each with its own bathroom, shower, grill, and sink: • Cheshire Grove • The Horseshoe • Wonderland ⸻ 🌟 What Awaits You • Cozy cabins, Dodo’s Glamp, and the Secret Wagon—complete with bedding, heaters, and access to Chessboard Land’s wonders. • Communal spaces alive with warmth: kitchens, fir
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$125
 / night
Patchen Christmas Tree Farm

8. Patchen Christmas Tree Farm

95%
(73)
3 sites · RVs, Tents · Los Gatos, CA
Patchen Farm is a 6 acre, choose and cut Christmas tree farm. Since the farm is only open during the holiday season, in the off season you'll find a working farm (work being done, cars coming and going, etc.). Patchen is located only 10 mins from downtown Los Gatos in one direction and the Santa Cruz beach in the other direction. Perched at the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Patchen offers the scenic beauty of lush redwood forests and views of the surrounding area. There are several wonderful wineries within 5 miles and great hiking and biking trails. The one and only store in the mountains is the Summit Store and just 3 miles down Summit Road. They have plenty of the essentials plus an excellent deli, wine collection and coffee bar. NO CHECK IN OR CHECK OUT NECESSARY NO RESTROOM ON SITE NO ATTENDANT ON SITE WATER and POWER are marked with signs (EACH SERVICE IS $20 PER NIGHT) NO TRASH SHOULD BE LEFT AT THE PROPERTY Payment envelopes at red barn door or Venmo 408-605-1522 Zelle 408-605-1522 Water can be found near the giant wreath just inside entrance and on either end of the red barn. Power is 15 amp and can be found near the giant wreath just inside the entrance, mid-way up the parking lot on the in the wood chips and at the tiny red shack.
Pets
Potable water
from 
$20
 / night
#2 HMB Highway Overnight Rest Stop

9. #2 HMB Highway Overnight Rest Stop

84%
(159)
3 sites · RVs, Tents · Half Moon Bay, CA
WELCOME PLEASE READ! Overnight parking and Rest Stop on South Highway One. ***Not zoned for big groups, meet ups, celebrations or parties*** 1-4 persons One vehicle only per booking. Single car, trucks, campers vans or motorcycles are welcome. NO Towable Trailers or RVs. Gravel road. Follow directions given at booking, no signage is allowed on highway. Parking SITE IS MARKED ON TABLE TOP. ONE picnic table, a parking spot and a tent area. Site #1, 2 and 3. Site #1 and 3 are next to open grass area. Site #2 is more private and a favorite of camper vans or Inside sleeping. Private gravel road into parking area and grounds for overnight tent. Port-a potty, water hose and garbage in same area. No Charcoal stoves, Okay to use ‘PROPANE Bar-B-Que’ on gravel only. NO OPEN FIRE PITS allowed. Walk to beach bluffs 10 minutes west. Walk to town 10 minutes north. An abundance of seasonal wildflowers and wild berries year round. Observe rare. Species of birds. Next to FARM horses and chickens. Ocean may be loud. Highway may be heard. No pets please. Noise curfew is sundown.
Potable water
Toilets
Trash
from 
$49
 / night
Not a great photo of the entry garden

12. Elkhorn Ranch

96%
(333)
6 sites · RVs, Tents · CA
Five minutes from the beach, Elkhorn Ranch is home to goats, sheep, wild chickens followed by their baby chicks, and a couple of cows, dogs, and sheep. In addition to the animals there is a greenhouse and an acre of pumpkins, corn, and beans. A small fruit orchard borders the chicken coop. Anybody who enjoys small farm life and activity will find this place enchanting. Norris and Roberta are incredible hosts and inclusive to any guests that want to participate in farm life. Close to restaurants and the cute harbor town of Moss Landing, 30 minutes from Carmel and Santa Cruz, Elkhorn Ranch can be a place to relax or a gateway to explore Big Sur and all the amazing hidden gems of the Central California Coast. After your stay here if you would like to continue your exploration of the coast, we have a partner who does surfing tours between Santa Cruz and San Francisco. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566796147238 Thanks and hope to see you soon!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$80
 / night
Kings Mountain Camp w/ ocean views

14. Kings Mountain Camp w/ ocean views

99%
(77)
5 sites · Lodging · Woodside, CA
Breathe deep in nature on our 10-acre property on a Kings Mountain, California hillside. Our generously sized Safari-style tents offer a unique blend of comfort and adventure. Each tent has beds, down comforters, crisp cotton linens, lights, and more. Outdoor and indoor furniture and little touches that will make your stay unique. Each tent is perched on a sturdy wooden platform and features a fully furnished deck, providing a cozy space to relax and soak in the breathtaking ocean (Half Moon Bay views) and forest views (Kings Mountain). All tents include a mini fridge and a stove, ideal for light cooking, intimate fireside storytelling, and warmth during cool days. We suggest you bring easy-to-prep food, drinks, warm clothes, hiking shoes, and a beanie, as it can get chilly without notice. Your designated parking space is a 6-minute walk from the campsite (downhill on arrival, then back uphill (steep) in the forest), so we recommend traveling light. Our campsite is nestled within the same property as our charming little farm. If you're interested in meeting our friendly farm animals, get in touch, and we'll be delighted to arrange a visit at a time that works best for you and them. Our goats roam the land all day and may visit you for pets and nuzzles. They are gentle, but please do not feed or let them inside the tent. Recharge from the day with a hot shower. Grab your fresh towels from your tent and go to your outdoor allocated bathhouses, where you’ll find an indoor shower and well-appointed restrooms. They are nicely lit and stocked with bath products. A sink area is available for dish clean-up, and a bbq/picnic area. KM is famous for its hiking and biking trails nestled amongst the redwoods. The closest is a 15-minute walk from our campsite, and others are within a 15-minute car ride. Tent 01 (180sqft) accommodates 3 people in a queen-size bed and a daybed. Tent 02 (210sqft) accommodates 4 people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a bunk bed and an outdoor suspended net Tent 03 (210sqft) accommodates 4 people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a twin bed + daybed and an outdoor propane stove, hangout deck Recently added: an apartment w a hot tub Kids under the age of 8 are not allowed. An adult must accompany minors under 21 YO.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$166
 / night
Redwood Paradise Camping

16. Redwood Paradise Camping

91%
(279)
15 sites · Lodging, Tents · CA
PLEASE READ: Hello all! If you're looking for some glamping with creature comforts, while just being 10 minutes away from restaurants. This is the place for you. We are a 5 acre property and home surrounded by tall redwood and oak trees. Very green and lots of shade. These are the amenities/facilities you will have free access to: Pool, Pool chairs and umbrellas, Deck area with sunset view, Trampolines, and hammocks. There is not cooking allowed by or at any of the common areas, due to flies and critters. Cooking and eating is only allowed by your sites and not in any common areas: Hammocks, Trampolines, Pool Area, tables, sink, and deck please follow this rule because we want to prevent our shared areas to be fly and bug infested. We are still working on ridding the flies and cleaning. (please try to bring prepackaged food or something easy. If anything you can drive 10 minutes to nearby food and grocery). In the past we let people cook and eat around the pool but now our whole property is fly infested and I find scattered leftovers on the ground. Thanks for understanding. THERE IS A 1-2 MINUTE HIKE TO THE CAMPSITES 1-5! Poolside campsites are closer to the parking and are bigger. CHECK OUT OUR NEW LODGING: This property is my home that I live in with my 2 kids. It is a rustic and homey vibe, definitely not a hotel. We want you to come knowing what to expect. Our property offers a pool, and trampolines for the kids. We have a deck patio area that overlooks an amazing view of the redwood forest. Most of our guests are those that come from foreign countries and they all LOVE the property. I love leaving a great impression of our area. CAMPGROUND GUIDELINES Pack out your trash. Rinse feet before using the pool. No pool toys or floaties. Always supervise kids. Don’t sit on chair edges or pool cover box. Use stumps or your own table for cooking (not ours). Keep the area clean—no food scraps on the ground. No dogs in the pool area; leashes and cleanup required. No eating in rooms or cabin. Check out on the deck. No smoking (vapes only, away from common areas). Propane grills only—no open flames or campfires. Thanks for helping us keep this place awesome!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$105
 / night
Front view of the cabin

18. Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch

99%
(141)
1 site · Lodging · Loma Mar, CA
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Situated on top of a ridge with expansive redwood forest and coastal views, the Audrey Edna Cabin provides a completely private gathering place and destination for visitors with reservations. The cabin has spectacular views of forest, sky, ocean and the Butano ridgeline. It's a short hike to 8000+ acres of county parkland where you can hike, bike and ride horses (though please note, there are no facilities for horse boarding at the cabin.) The cabin is located at Alpine Ranch, a property adjacent to Sam McDonald County Park that was protected by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).  Whether you are looking for an active experience or just want to relax in a peaceful, remote setting, there's something here for everyone. This is a rustic hike-in cabin designed for a introductory pack-in experience. Bedding is not provided. It is about a 1.7-mile hike on a rolling dirt road from the Sam McDonald County Park parking lot, with about 650 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers can reach the cabin in an hour or less. Guests should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before sunset, and pack water and flashlights or headlamps. Guests with limited mobility, please contact us for information regarding accommodations that will allow you to access this shared resource. *A note about reservation availability: On the weekends, POST offers priority reservations for the cabin to our partners at the San Mateo County Health Department and Park Rx to provide patients with equitable access to the benefits of nature. Occasionally, we have last-minute public weekend reservation availability due to cancellations. The cabin is reservable up to 3 months in advance, on a rolling basis. Love the idea of a hike-in cabin, but unable to visit us Sunday-Thursday? Check out the nearby Sierra Club Hiker's Hut in Sam McDonald County Park.  Property History: At one time, the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains was a thriving center for trade between tribes of the coast and the bay, which we still find evidence of today in cultural sites and artifacts throughout the region. Native people have cared for this land since time immemorial, including the local Muwekma and Ramaytush Ohlone who are still active in the area today. This property specifically is host to a tributary to one of just a handful of waterways that support salmonids in this region, which are a species of tremendous importance to native people. Over 1000 acres here were eventually purchased by entrepreneur Ridgeway Rowley, who built a home on the ranch in the 1880s as part of an unsuccessful wedding proposal to Fannie Page, daughter of a local mill owner (ever heard of Page Mill Road?) After being rejected by Fannie, Rowley operated the ranch for a decade in conjunction with his work as District Attorney and publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, before eventually returning to his hometown of Cortland, NY, where he lived as a bachelor until his death. Over the course of the 20th century, the ranch was divided, some parts of which became Pescadero Creek County Park. POST purchased the 350 acre home property, now called Alpine Ranch, in 2012 through our Heart of the Redwoods campaign, an initiative to protect 20,000 acres of Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Alpine Ranch borders Pescadero Creek County Park and Sam McDonald County Park, adding to the area’s protected open space and containing more than a mile of tributaries to Pescadero Creek, which flows year-round and is a major spawning stream for steelhead trout. The Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch is situated at one of the property's most scenic overlooks. The cabin was built in the early 1900's, and completely reconstructed up to modern building codes by POST in 2018 so that all could enjoy this special place.
Potable water
Toilets
Cooking equipment
from 
$100
 / night
10000 Ranch

19. 10000 Ranch

93%
(49)
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Gilroy, CA
Quiet 5-acre grassland awaits you, complete with a pond, a garden, a paved platform with chairs and a table, and a fire pit. The property is secure with a gated lock. The pond attracts frequent visits from wild geese, ducks, and cranes, while a flock of peacocks and turkeys are also regular visitors. Keep an eye out for eagles and turkey vultures soaring overhead, and marvel at the graceful deer effortlessly leaping over the property fence. Local attractions abound, including wineries, Gilroy Gardens, the Gilroy Premium Outlet and Pinnacles National Park. Located on the famous Gilroy Wine Trail boasting over 30 family-owned wineries, 10000 Ranch offers easy access to Stefania Wine (stefaniawine.com), just a short walk away, and Kirigin Cellars (kirigincellars.com) a short distance away. Enjoy live outdoor music and a friendly atmosphere at Cottage Creek Vineyards (cottagecreekvineyard.com). Gilroy Gardens (gilroygardens.org) is less than 7 miles away, promising an unforgettable day for the whole family followed by a relaxing camping night—a memory to cherish. Only 5 miles away, Gilroy Premium Outlet beckons with its vast selection of famous goods at deeply discounted prices. With so much to explore, why not extend your shopping spree into the next morning? Pinnacles National Park is a short car ride away. Hike the many hiking trails with gorgeous views, explore Balconies Cave and Bear Gulch Cave with waterfalls in them, and watch California Condors soaring over the High Peaks, Remember to bring your headlamp for the caves and binoculars for the wildlife. And, note that no road connects the West and the East entrances.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$49
 / night
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping

20. Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping

99%
(276)
2 sites · Tents · Aptos, CA
Nestled in a canopy of redwoods, less than 10 miles from the beach sits a private and cozy campground. Fern Ridge Flats combines the best of Santa Cruz county. Abundant trees and misty mornings await you at our property in Aptos. Equipped with electricity, water, and a picnic table for your convenience. There are trails on the land for you to explore, animals, and nature to dive into. *************** Smoking and the use of drugs are strictly prohibited. This is a safe and quiet neighborhood with many families including my own. Please do not request to book if you have the intention of partying or using illegal substances. If these rules are violated, local authorities will be called and you will be removed from the campsite. *************** The campsite is less than a 5 minute walk from the parking spot but is relatively steep. Although it is paved it is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues. *************** As an added precaution to protect the lush landscape, the firepit at the campsite utilizes clean burning propane. We chose a burner that closely replicates the size and heat of a wood to enhance our campers' experience.
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$65
 / night

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lighthouse Field State Beach adventure.

Camper favorites near Lighthouse Field State Beach

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Calendar icon
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
Van icon
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Star icon
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.

Stories from the community

Other options near Lighthouse Field State Beach

Camping in Lighthouse Field State Beach, CA guide

Overview

About

Lighthouse Field State Beach beckons with its scenic vistas and rich history. Venture along the rugged coastline where surfers carve through the waves at the iconic Steamer Lane. Explore the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, housed in a lighthouse, and immerse yourself in over a century of surfing legacy. While camping isn't an option, the park's diverse activities promise a memorable day out amid nature and wildlife.

When to go

The best time to visit Lighthouse Field State Beach is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the summer crowds have thinned. Winter brings the mesmerizing sight of migrating Monarch butterflies, but be prepared for cooler temperatures. Summer offers warm sunshine, perfect for beach activities, though it's also the busiest season.

Know before you go

  • Check park hours before your visit; Lighthouse Field State Beach is open from 7am to sunset.
  • Dogs are welcome but are not allowed on the beach, ensuring a safe habitat for local wildlife.
  • Remember, this park does not accept the Annual Day Use Pass, so plan accordingly for entrance fees.
  • Facilities include parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, and drinking water for your convenience.
  • Stay informed about any park advisories or closures by following the park's social media channels.
Be the first to review
Share your experience here to help other campers.

Related Searches

  1. Lighthouse Field State Beach