TOP 10 Scenic campsites in Hollister, California

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area is a popular park and tourist attraction located at 7800 Cienega Road in Hollister, California, United States. This unique park features over 6,800 acres and nearly 200 miles of trails in scenic and varied terrain, including oak woodlands, rolling hills, lush canyons, and seasonal creeks. Visitors can enjoy off-highway vehicle (OHV) opportunities as well as designated hiking, bicycling, and equestrian trails. The park is open 365 days a year, with vehicle operation and day use available from sunrise to sunset. Day use fees are $5 per vehicle, while camping fees are $10 per vehicle per night. Dogs are allowed on leash in both day use and camping areas, as well as in the Nature Area and Mudstone Ranch.

The Visitor Center at 7800 Cienega Road in Hollister, California is a local government office and travel agency. The center operates the Red Sticker Operation, open from October 1 through May 31 and closed from June 1 through September 31. Visitors can enjoy the center 365 days a year, with vehicle operation and day use permitted from sunrise to sunset. Day use fees are $5 per vehicle, while camping fees are $10 per vehicle per night. Dogs are allowed on leash in day use and camping areas, as well as in the Nature Area and Mudstone Ranch. Campsites in the Lower Ranch and Upper Ranch Campgrounds are first-come, first-serve based on availability and are currently non-reservable online. The only reservable sites are the 2 remote campsites in Hudner Ranch and the ADA campsites in Lower Ranch. The park is closed when wet due to its unique slick and sticky Adobe clay soil.

Sweetwater Campground is located at 15891 Coalinga Road in Paicines, California. It is a campground, lodging, and park facility managed by the Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office. The Laguna Mountain Area offers rugged terrain with rolling hills, dense brush, oak forests, and grassy meadows. Laguna Creek flows through the area, featuring scenic waterfalls in the Gorge. The campground at Sweetwater offers several campsites with RV pads, fire rings, shade structures, picnic benches, vault toilets, and interpretive panels. There is no reservation or fee required, but there is a 14-day camping limit within any 28-day period. Dispersed camping is also available, with certain restrictions to protect wildlife and vegetation.