The Best New Place to Camp Is… a Farm? These Are the Most Scenic Spots in California
A new law is making it easier to post up on farmland.
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Car parked overlooking farmland. Popup tent set up for camping at dusk.
It’s about to get a whole lot easier to pitch your tent (or park your Westie) on California farmland. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 518 (AB 518) into law, simplifying the permitting process for small-scale campgrounds on private land. In plain terms, that means more farmers, vineyards, and ranchers across the Golden State can legally welcome campers to their properties, creating fresh opportunities for travelers to sleep under the stars while directly supporting local agriculture.
This is a great thing for travelers looking to get a taste of agritourismo, a concept already popularized in Italy that has yet to really take hold in the U.S. And there’s no better place to get it started than the bread basket of our nation, California. These one-of-a-kind stays that are tucked between the vines in wine country, amidst orchards, or beneath the oaks on ranches of the Central Coast also provide an alternative to the notoriously difficult-to-secure spots made through the state’s recreation sites.
Farmers, conservationists, outdoor-equity advocates, and recreation groups all rallied together in support of the bill, a rare alliance that underscores the growing demand for new, sustainable ways to access the outdoors. These agritourism-style getaways offer an authentic connection to place that’s truly special. We felt this connection recently on a Hipcamp stay with Wild West Productions out on a homestead ranch in Montana, and have stayed on vineyards through the Hipcamp app in both Oregon in California on past trips. No doubt this new bill will really open things up for farmers looking to share a slice of their lifestyle, or who want to look for secondary streams of income.
Thomas J. Story
Here are a few of the best California farm stays currently on Hipcamp, offering a taste of what’s to come.
Harris Family Farm & Forest (Apple Hill, El Dorado County)
Stay among apple orchards and pine forests at this fifth-generation u-pick farm. Visitors can harvest pumpkins in the fall, sample housemade pies, and soak up the nostalgic Sierra foothills vibe. Book here
Stemple Creek Ranch (Tomales, Marin County)
This organic, grass-fed cattle ranch in rolling West Marin is as pastoral as it gets. Campsites shift with the herds, offering a genuine working-ranch experience complete with foggy morning views and coastal breezes. Book here
Hickman Family Vineyards (Bangor, Butte County)
Set up camp right beside the vines at this family-run Sierra foothills winery. Tastings are casual and convivial, with the day often ending around a firepit beneath the stars. Book here
Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove (Wildomar, Riverside County)
A sunny SoCal escape surrounded by avocado and citrus trees, this grove is all golden light and big views—Southern California agritourism at its finest. Book here
Enney’s Ranch (Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County)
This multigenerational cattle and grain ranch blends rustic charm with boutique glamping comforts. Think proper beds, beautiful bathrooms, and an outdoor soaking tub overlooking rolling hills. Book here
