Camping in Andrew Molera State Park

93% (41 reviews)

Surfers love this secluded beach when they want to get away from summer crowds.

Top public campgrounds in the park

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. Andrew Molera Trail Camp

93%

(41)

24 sites · In Andrew Molera State Park

Sleep in a grassy open meadow in your Big Sur campsite at Andrew Molera Trail Camp, waking early to meander along a trail beside the Big Sur River to Molera Beach—a pristine cove that offers excellent surfing, beachcombing, and access to miles of trails along picturesque meadows, beaches, and striking stretches of coastline

93% (41 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Andrew Molera State Park adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Andrew Molera State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Andrew Molera State Park

97%

(197)

FEEL GOOD CAMP

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · 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. We are committed to provide good beds and beddings because we know how important good sleep is (even when you camp!) so we just spent time, money and energy to replace all of our camping mattresses with memory foam mattresses!!! We had people swear that this is the best bed they ever slept in. 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. The Santa Cruz beaches are only 15-25 minutes away, while Monterey Bay Aquarium is just 30 minutes away and Gilroy Gardens is about 25 minutes away. The wine trail is also nearby. 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.

95%

(624)

dabudage Big Sur

9 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · CA

DABUDAGE in southern Big Sur. ***READ THIS ENTIRE WRITTEN DESCRIPTION BEFORE REQUESTING TO BOOK!* And Format Request as Specified *. Disconnect from the virtual world and surround yourself in nature. At the base of a majestic canyon where steep mountains plunge to the ocean, along a flowing creek. Backed by redwood trees and surrounded by national forest is a minimalistic homestead with family, friends and animals. *We currently only accept reservations for dates within the next 3 weeks*. You must Arrive Before Dark to find your site. There is no wi-fi, cell service or electricity. Hwy 1 is currently closed to the north of this land. The only access is through Cambria from the south or over the mountain from King City off of Hwy 101 There is a small communal guest kitchen, fresh water, a shower/bath and composting barrel poopers. A massive flood in Jan 2021 brought 100's of gigantic full sized redwood trees and boulders smashing down thru most of the previous structures. It is in the process of rebuilding. Children are welcome. Alcohol is discouraged. No electronic music devices. Fires in designated pits only. Dogs are welcome off-leash. Pack out trash. TO RESERVE A SITE - Please include a bit about yourself/party and where you’re coming from. *YOU MUST ALSO INCLUDE - “ My party and I have read the description” - IN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED Requests are usually checked once daily. You can also visit our site on the web at dabugage dot com for more info

96%

(283)

Elkhorn Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · 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!

Calla Lilly Cottage

5 sites · Lodging10 acres · Carmel, CA

You will surely be charmed as you enter the gates to a lovely private garden and home surrounded by Redwoods. The Calla Lilly is a one bedroom cottage with a sofa bed in the living room and can accommodate up to 4 people. Skylights in the living room and plenty of windows viewing the private garden and view of redwoods surrounding it will bring the sense of majestic nature and a smile to your heart. Stay warm with a wood burning stove and make a great dinner in a fully equipped kitchen or dine at any of our world renowned restaurants in either Carmel or Big Sur. You may want to stay in and relax, read, sit in the garden or go hiking, shopping, galleries, kayaking, horseback riding, or attend the any of the many wonderful events in Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, Pacific Grove and more. Conveniently located halfway between Carmel & Big Sur you will surely enjoy a spectacular drive along the spectacular Hwy 1 and then onto a serene and lovely forest road to arrive at this unique "Jewel in the Forest" nestled among the redwoods. We get plenty of sun most of the year even though we're in the forest. Close to amazing local hiking, shopping and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The area hosts many special events all year. Of course you may just want to relax and feel your connection to nature. There is also a lovely area open to all guests called "Carabella's Theatre" where you may enjoy painting, reading, playing music or just enjoying the peace. The entire property is also available for weddings, retreats and other gatherings. This property is owned by local artist Sofanya where you might find her working in her studio or gallery on the property. A small but adequate kitchen w small fridge next or to the side of the living room. The two burner propane stove top is outside on the deck along with your art supplies, chairs to relax in. It's a steep but short hike into the forest.

99%

(439)

Camp near Pinnacles National Park

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2200 acres · Paicines, CA

Started in 2014 by Tim and Michelle Borland and their three kids, the Bar SZ Ranch is a true family business with a mission to help others “forge their legacy.” Set on 2200-acres in its own valley with iconic California oak trees and golden hills; views of the surrounding mountains and Pinnacles National Park; and painted, sunlit skies guests can't get enough of, this working ranch offers unique, getaway camping and glamping experiences for both new and seasoned campers. The Bar SZ Campground is near Pinnacles National Park but relatively remote from other services, which is part of what makes the area so special. It is a place to unplug, share stories and spend time with your family and friends, and explore the wilderness of California. If you’d like to schedule animal feeding, horseback riding, or arena riding/horsemanship lessons with us, these are available at an additional cost and a link will be provided for booking. (No activities available on Sundays or Mondays, except for holiday weekends.) From the ranch: Pinnacles National Park East entrance 6.6 miles Nearest Groceries and restaurants: Hollister 36 miles north King City 28.5 miles south Tres Pinos 29.2 miles north The nearest amenities (stores, restaurants, gas) are about 30 miles away so please plan ahead and bring the things you will need during your stay. We have great service for AT&T on the ranch. Do you have an even larger group? Message us if you have a larger event or are interested in a whole campsite/ranch rental.

98%

(172)

Whiskey Hill Barn and Camp

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Watsonville, CA

Stay on the Monterey Bay coast within minutes of Manresa and Sunset State beaches. There are excellent biking and hiking opportunities among the redwoods in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Our property is great for bird-watching and smore's roasting, or even remote work with nature as a backdrop. (Wifi provided) The air is amazing here, between the salt sea and redwood forest. We welcome you to relax and refresh on the Monterey Bay coast.

99%

(430)

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.

97%

(208)

Terra Cultura

5 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Aromas, CA

Our farm is nestled in the scenic hills of Aromas, CA, just 15 minutes away from the ocean. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip along California’s majestic coast, or looking to spend some time getting to know the lush landscape of the Central Coast, we welcome you with open arms! We are a nonprofit educational eco-arts farm and your booking supports environmental stewardship and arts education for underserved communities. Thank you for your support! We place the highest value on respect--for the land, and for the people, plants, and animals that call this area home. While you are here, please consider yourself a partner in stewarding this place.

99%

(166)

Dogs Welcome! Nearby Getaway

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · San Juan Bautista, CA

Known to many in the Bay Area as the "Nearby Getaway," Mi Querida is a quick and easy drive from the SF Bay Area. Come to relax in peace and quiet, pleasant outdoor. A short drive away but far from troubles you've left behind! Relax and rejuvenate. The weather is always temperate, sometimes the evening marine layer lavishly blankets the rolling hills like cotton. Evening campfires are cozy and relaxing. Easy access to Highway 101 for "Nearby Getaways" or convenient stops along your travels. Nearby attractions include whale watching, Elkhorn Slough Safaris, fishing, Monterey Zoo, world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Big Sur, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and miles of beaches, redwoods, miles of bike trails from the new Coastline Trail to Fort Ord and Niscene Marks Redwoods, wine tasting and more. Host is a well-experienced event and tour planner. Simply ask for recommendations. Come to your "Nearby Getaway" at Mi Querida - an easy drive from the SF Bay Area - for great sky views, and pleasant country walks, or step back in time to the Mission-era town of San Juan Bautista without commercialism! Well, we do have a gas station, a market, the active mission, of course, a step back in history, a few quaint restaurants, craft beer and local wines in our "one-horse" historical town. For the ultimate Nearby Getaway book the entire property and bring along your own selected guest list of friends or family. We invite private groups to exclusive use of the property for Getaways, family & friends picnics, celebrations, reunions, even weddings. Day use or overnite facilities. Groups of 1-100. NEWS FLASH: Skip the long stopover at urban EV charging stations. Charge your EV overnite! Special rates for stopover charging! Easy off and on to Highway 101, 129. 156 and on your way! Learn more about this land: This is a large flat site with rolling hills, lovely rural views, rolling oak studded pastureland, open views, lovely sunsets and beautiful mornings. Very quiet, private, peaceful and serene. Afternoon breezes while red tailed hawks ride the thermals, and woodpeckers work on their treasure hoarde. Spot the breeding pair of Bald Eagles who swoop down almost low enough to touch! Wildlife abounds. Easy access from Highway 101, yet private and secluded. Historic San Juan Bautista Mission and town nearby. Monterey/Carmel 30 minutes. Santa Cruz/Beaches 20 minutes. Hollister, Salinas, or Gilroy 20 minutes. Site will accommodate RV, Sprintervan, or trailer 50/30/20 amp service. Tents welcome too! Water. Ranch "outhouse" with flushable composting style toilet, running hot & cold water, shower and electricity. Bunkhouse rustic accommodations available. Contact Host for details. Tent and Car Top Tent sites also available. Contact Host for details. Beautiful peaceful historic San Juan Bautista. Quaint historic mission town nearby with restaurants. Hiking trails nearby Horseback riding woods & beach. Equine Facilities available. 20 min to beach or redwoods. Beautiful rural area. Weddings, anniversaries, celebrations of life; event camp; event site. Family groups and events always welcome! Call for more information. NOTE: This property is located in a very private country area. It is approximately 8 minutes from the small historic town of San Juan Bautista. We meet our first time guests at the Park & Ride as a welcome courtesy so you can easily follow us in and around the potholes on our rural roads! Let us know if we can assist you with any special interests or attractions in the Monterey Bay and Central Coast Area. As your hosts, our goal is that you will rest easy, enjoy the relaxation, peace and harmony for your "getaway."

96%

(12)

Beach RV Pleasure Point

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Santa Cruz, CA

Nestled between Rodeo Creek and Corcoran Lagoon on the edge of Pleasure Point lies a hidden gem—a real RV park with full-hookup spots, just a <10 minute walk to multiple eastside beaches and surf spots. Our snug, mostly-gravel, creekside spaces accommodate RVs up to 40', with nightly or weekly stay options. Stay like a local, right in the mix of the best Santa Cruz has to offer. Beach RV Pleasure Point is the only park between the Harbor and Aptos, and we're minutes from the The Hook, Capitola, downtown Santa Cruz, and the Boardwalk. Our sites are snug and perfect for Hipcampers of all sorts!

88%

(69)

Shiima koh

4 sites · Tents3 acres · Aptos Hills Larkin Valley, CA

Shííma koh is a beautiful space nestled in the Aptos hills. We are 15 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from town, all whilst being surrounded by redwoods. It’s a quiet place with a beautiful view of the valley and natural spring water. We are a family with a few dogs and livestock who live here. And welcome you to our home.

100%

(41)

Grey Oaks 2

3 sites · Tents20 acres · Aromas, CA

This is great option for those who like to bring all their own gear to camp, and don’t need or want all the extras, and save some money on booking rates in the process. Our new Primitive Adventures campsites are located on an established 5-star property. It’s a peaceful, secluded and private country estate. The 20 acre property starts out flat and then gentle to moderate sloped hillside with coast live oak trees, eucalyptus trees, pine trees, meadows, hiking trails and many interesting landscape features nestled between the vast farmlands North Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. We have a beautiful 45ft waterfall with a koi pond, too. Property faces a westerly direction so there are amazing sunset views depending on where you are on standing at the time on the property. We are 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The weather is usually mild here and we have cool evenings. We do get days that are in the 90s sometimes in the summer and early fall, but we also have lots of shade with all the trees, and a swimming pool to cool off in as well. There is wildlife like turkeys and owls and so much more (see our listing or our website). We have horses and hens, separate from the campsites, so no flies or smell from them. Hot showers, toilets, and swimming pool included. Forage the plentiful eucalyptus and oak firewood for free, or pre-cut pine is available for purchase. Most of our weekends are fully booked at our Rustic Campsites already, so here is another chance to have yourself a weekend camping trip at our new Primitive Adventures campsites. We hope to see you soon! :)

The best camping near Andrew Molera State Park guide

Overview

About

Cross the Big Sur River and land on this pristine beach along the Big Sur coast.

Miles of trails take you to bluffs, hilltops, and beaches. Panorama Trail offers a beautiful view of a lengthy stretch of beach. The trail loops around on top of the ridgeline. This trail also connects to others in Big Sur State Park.

This undeveloped area is a nature lover's paradise. It remains fairly untouched, much as when the pioneers explored here.

History buffs can see the Cooper Cabin. This house was built in the early 1860s. Juan Bautista Roger Cooper owned it. He was the grandfather of the park's namesake. There's also a discovery center on park property. It tells you about the rich natural and human history here.

About 189 RV and tent sites are near the river. A popular walk-in campground works well for backpackers and mountain bikers.

Notable campgrounds

Trail Camp at Andrew Molera State Park offers a rustic, hike-in camping experience amid the park's natural beauty.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book your campsite at Andrew Molera State Park up to six months in advance to secure your spot.
Plan your visit outside of peak seasons for a better chance at snagging a reservation.
Explore nearby camping options if Andrew Molera is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Andrew Molera State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the fog lifts by midday. However, be mindful that this is also the peak season. For a quieter experience, consider the shoulder seasons. Winter visits offer solitude but require preparation for cooler temperatures and potential river wading.

Know before you go

Park hours are from 8am to sunset, ensuring you have ample time to explore.
Dogs are not allowed beyond the day-use parking lot, so plan accordingly.
Check for highway closures or park advisories before your visit for a smooth experience.
Remember to stay on designated trails and respect private property boundaries within the park.
Facilities like restrooms and drinking water are available for your convenience.

93%

41 ratings · 18 reviews

October 2020

Andrew Molera Trail Camp

Tried finding this campground this weekend and it was not easy. The trail to the campground is CLOSED but we gave it a go anyway figuring we were skilled hikers and being that it was a short distance from the parking lot that it wouldn't be a problem. Wrong. The trail is overgrown with poison oak EVERYWHERE. We made it about half way through only to find a short tunnel of more poison oak to trudge through. No thanks. Turned around and camped on the beach instead. Explored a bit more the next day only to find a gate about 100m north of the park entrance where you can walk to the CLOSED campground. Place was deserted aside from a couple cars who must have had a key to the locked gate. Place was overgrown and looked spooky TBH. Don't do it!

Sean L.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2018

Andrew Molera Trail Camp

There is surf!

Vincent S.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2017

Andrew Molera Trail Camp

It's been washed out since the rains last year so I think it's closed now!

Kris Z.

7 years on Hipcamp

August 2017

Andrew Molera Trail Camp

Great surfing here when the conditions are right!!! Get the latest here: http://magicseaweed.com/Andrew-Molera-State-Park-Surf-Report/260/ Amazing place to watch the sunset, one of the best. A beautiful campground in a meadow, pretty open so not much privacy. You'll be carrying your stuff in from the parking lot maybe 1/4 mile and then it's another 10 minutes or so to the beach. All first come first serve! Last time I was there someone got a ticket for having their dog...

Alyssa R.

39 reviews

Recommends

· July 2017

Andrew Molera Trail Camp

Be prepared to carry everything in for the first come first serve sites :)

Misha V.

7 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2017

Andrew Molera Trail Camp

Hike in, nice spread out camp spots. Hike another mile to get to the purple sand beach, popular for surfers.

Renee W.

5 reviews

March 2016

Andrew Molera Trail Camp

My friends and I loved this site! It is a huge open field so be prepared for the beaming sun unless you get lucky to snag one of the couple spots with a tree. The hike to the site and the beach is very easy ehich made this ideal for our weekend in big sur. There is TONS of wildlife at this site so use the lockers and a dry bag for any food or scents. We encountered bears, raccoons, squirrels, and deer during our stay in October. After our first night there we were not bothered so it seems the animals were just curious.

Stef G.

9 years on Hipcamp

January 2016

Andrew Molera Trail Camp

This is a beautiful, open place to camp. My partner and I camped on a weekday in December and there were only three other campers. If you are lucky, as we were, the sites around two incredible Sycamore trees will be open and you can camp underneath their massive canopies. A couple of warnings about the area: Poison oak is everywhere; up, down, all around. Stay in the center of the trails if you are allergic. Also, the trail to the beach from the campsite floods out when there has been rain. However, it's not much of a hassle to head back to the main parking lot and take that trail down; and it is a very enjoyable walk no matter which way you take.

William Ray L.

9 years on Hipcamp

August 2015

Andrew Molera Trail Camp

Make sure to get there VERY early (around 7am) and walk into the campsite, and ask people who are awake if they plan on leaving or not. If so, tell them that you'll be taking their place, then go fill out a self-reservation form at the ranger's station

Alex P.

9 years on Hipcamp

May 2015

Andrew Molera Trail Camp

These sites are in a big open field, and while it makes for nice, flat camping, there is ZERO privacy. The only exceptions are sites 4, 20, and 22, which are nestled back into a large bushy tree. Max 4 ppl/site.

Sasha C.

2 reviews

May 2015

Andrew Molera Trail Camp

It was a lot of fun to camp here! We got a great spot with some nice shade. Squirrels were running around looking for food so be careful not to leave anything out! The hike to the beach was great and we saw a huge pod of whales!

Allie F.

10 years on Hipcamp

May 2015

Beautiful spot. The camp sites are super spacious and the bathrooms are clean and nearby. The campsite was super quiet and great for those hoping to get a good night's rest. We did the 8.7 mile ride trail which was beautiful, and not very strenuous!

Alyssa A.

6 reviews

April 2015

The East Molera Trail up to the ridge and the Ridge-Bluffs loop are both great day hikes that do not lack for sweeping coastal views.

Charlotte D.

2 reviews

March 2015

You can find clusters of monarch butterflies clinging to Eucalyptus trees near the beach (typically October - January).

Hipcamper

10 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

Beware of poison oak!

Hipcamper L.

10 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

The squirrels of this park are somewhat of a legend - hide your food, hide your toes because they will find them and they will nibble!

Hipcamper

10 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

There is a rivermouth break here, and you won’t want to miss out on the surf. Make sure to bring your surfboard (and the energy to lug it to the beach).

Hipcamper

10 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

Andrew Molera is the only campsite in the Big Sur area with a first come, first serve basis (aka the early bird gets the worm!)

Hipcamper

10 years on Hipcamp