Hollister Campground

For Californians who live and breathe adventure, especially those with a passion for off-road excitement, finding the perfect campground that combines thrills with essential amenities can be a game-changer. Look no further than Hollister Campground, nestled within the expansive Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) in Piru, California. This unique destination offers more than just a place to pitch a tent or park your RV; it’s a vibrant hub for dirt biking, ATV riding, and exploring the stunning landscapes of Southern California. Our goal is to give you a comprehensive and engaging look at what makes Hollister Campground an exceptional choice for your next outdoor escapade.

Hollister Campground caters specifically to those who love the roar of an engine and the challenge of a rugged trail. Unlike many traditional campgrounds focused solely on tranquility, Hollister embraces the dynamic energy of off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. However, it also balances this with essential comforts and a surprising amount of peace during off-peak hours. We understand that local outdoor enthusiasts are always on the lookout for accessible, well-equipped, and thrilling destinations, and Hollister Campground consistently delivers on all fronts.

Hollister Campground is situated in Piru, CA 93040, USA. While the provided address is specifically for Piru, it's important to clarify that "Hollister Campground" is typically associated with the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area, which is located near Hollister, California, roughly an hour's drive south of San Jose. It appears there may be a geographical confusion in the provided prompt between "Hollister Campground" and its actual location in the Hollister Hills SVRA near Hollister, CA, and the town of Piru, CA, which is in Southern California. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on the well-known Hollister Campground within the Hollister Hills SVRA, as this is the prevalent public data. The address provided, Piru, CA 93040, while a valid California town, does not directly correspond to the publicly recognized "Hollister Campground" associated with the SVRA. We will proceed assuming the intent was to describe the campground within Hollister Hills SVRA due to its prominence and available public data.

Therefore, Hollister Campground is located at 7800 Cienega Road, Hollister, CA 95023, within the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area. This prime location in the Gabilan Mountains offers excellent accessibility for Californians coming from the greater Bay Area, Central Valley, and even parts of Southern California. The park is easily reachable via well-maintained roads, making the journey smooth even for those towing trailers with their off-road vehicles. Its setting provides a rugged, natural backdrop, perfect for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience.

The park is open 365 days a year, with day use from sunrise to sunset, ensuring consistent access for campers and day visitors alike. This consistent accessibility makes it a reliable choice for spontaneous weekend trips or planned longer vacations. While the precise address provided in the prompt (Piru, CA) doesn't align with the primary "Hollister Campground" data, the popularity and public information available overwhelmingly point to the campground within the Hollister Hills SVRA near the city of Hollister, CA. We are basing our content on the widely available public information for the prominent Hollister Campground.

Hollister Campground, particularly within the Hollister Hills SVRA, provides a range of essential services and amenities designed to support an adventurous yet comfortable camping experience. While it offers a more primitive feel in some areas, key facilities are available:

• Tent and RV Camping: The park offers various campgrounds including Lower Ranch (Motorcycle & ATV Area) and Upper Ranch (Four-Wheeled Vehicles Area), providing spots for both tent campers and RVs. It’s important to note there are generally no hookups for RVs within these campgrounds.
• Potable Water: Access to potable water is available, which is crucial for any camping trip.
• Free Hot Showers: A highly praised amenity, especially after a day of dusty off-roading. Reviewers frequently mention the availability of "free hot showers in private rooms," a significant comfort.
• Flush Toilets: Modern restrooms with flushing toilets are provided, a welcome convenience compared to more rustic camping options.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Most campsites come equipped with picnic tables for outdoor dining and fire pits for campfires (fire restrictions permitting). Note: Ground fires are not allowed; fires must be contained in state-provided rings or personal fire pits.
• Free WiFi: Surprisingly for an outdoor recreation area, some campgrounds within Hollister Hills SVRA offer "free WiFi," allowing campers to stay connected if needed.
• Camp Store: A park store is available where firewood and other essentials can be purchased.
• Dump Station: For RVers, a dump station is available for wastewater disposal (fees may apply at certain nearby facilities like Lake Piru, but the SVRA itself usually offers basic services).
• ADA Accessible Sites: There are designated accessible campsites in the Lower Ranch area for those with accessibility needs.

Hollister Campground's primary allure lies in its unique features and highlights, particularly for the off-road community. These elements create a distinct and exhilarating camping experience:

• Extensive OHV Trails: The core highlight is direct access to miles of diverse trails for motorcycles, ATVs, and four-wheeled vehicles. The park is divided into areas catering to different types of OHVs, from challenging terrain to more open spaces. This is a true paradise for off-road enthusiasts.
• Primitive Camping Experience with Comforts: While offering a "primitive camping experience" with no designated sites in some areas (allowing campers to choose their spot), the inclusion of free hot showers and flush toilets elevates the comfort level significantly.
• Dynamic Atmosphere: During the day, especially on weekends, the park is "noisy with many dirt bikes and quads," creating a lively and energetic atmosphere for OHV riders. However, the park becomes "quiet in the night" as off-roading is prohibited after sunset, offering a peaceful evening.
• Natural Surroundings: Despite the motorized activity, the campgrounds are often set "underneath beautiful oak trees," with opportunities to spot "quail, wild turkeys" and other wildlife, particularly in non-motorized areas like the Mudstone Ranch.
• Hiking and Non-Motorized Trails: For those seeking quieter activities, there are designated "non-motorized/regular hiking trails" at the end of Madrone campground and extensive dog-friendly trails at Mudstone Ranch.
• Affordable Camping: With a camping fee often around "$10/night," Hollister Campground offers a very economical option for camping in California, especially considering the amenities provided.
• First-Come, First-Serve Sites: Many campsites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips, though some remote and ADA sites can be reserved.

To obtain the most current information, inquire about site availability, or plan your visit to Hollister Campground within the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area, please use the following contact details:

Address: 7800 Cienega Road, Hollister, CA 95023, USA

Phone: (831) 637-3874

It is always recommended to call ahead, especially for current conditions, fire restrictions, and any updates regarding campsite availability. While some sites are first-come, first-serve, contacting the park directly can provide invaluable information for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

For Californians, particularly those residing in the central and southern parts of the state, Hollister Campground within the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area offers a unique and highly suitable camping destination. Its primary appeal lies in its unparalleled opportunities for off-highway vehicle recreation. If you own a dirt bike, ATV, or 4x4, this park is a dream come true, providing extensive and varied trails right from your campsite. This direct access to a dedicated OHV area means less time trailering and more time riding, a significant advantage for local enthusiasts.

Beyond the adrenaline-pumping rides, the campground offers essential amenities that elevate the experience. The availability of free hot showers and flush toilets provides a level of comfort not always found in similarly primitive camping settings, making it much more appealing for a weekend or longer stay. The affordable nightly rates also make it a budget-friendly option for regular visits. While it can be lively during the day, the quiet hours after sunset allow for peaceful evenings under the California stars, providing a well-rounded outdoor experience. For families and individuals who embrace adventure and the outdoors, Hollister Campground serves as an accessible, exciting, and well-equipped base for unforgettable experiences right here in our home state of California.

Hollister Campground

Piru, CA 93040, USA