Camping

Note: Many of the campsites in the Lower Ranch and Upper Ranch Campgrounds remain first-come, first-serve based on availability and are currently non-reservable on our website. Please come see us at the kiosk for availability. The only reservable sites currently are the 2 remote sites in Hudner Ranch (4x4 Area) and the ADA campsites in Lower Ranch (dirt bike and ATV area). To make a camping reservation at Hollister Hills SVRA click here.

Fees: Camping is $10 per night and per vehicle.

Fires are permitted in state-provided fire rings. No ground fires allowed. You must provide your own fire ring if camping at Radio Ridge in the Lower Ranch, or the Obstacle Course Camp in the Upper Ranch. This is necessary to prevent disastrous fires. Portable stoves may be used in designated areas. It is the responsibility of every visitor to use extreme caution with any burning materials, including tobacco.  Campfires are not allowed in Hudner Ranch during fire season (summer & fall).

Firewood may be purchased at the Park store, please buy it where you burn it to prevent the spread of invasive species. Collecting downed wood is prohibited as it is part of the natural condition. Decayed vegetation forms humus and assists the growth of trees and other plants. For this reason, the gathering of down wood is prohibited.

Fireworks are prohibited.

Checkout is 12pm.

Quiet hours are 10pm to sunrise.

Maximum stay is 15 days. You cannot exceed 30 days within a one-year period.

Cell Service is minimal at best. There is free park WiFi in the Lower Ranch campgrounds.

Events: We offer a variety of ranger-led education activities & host a wide array of special events. For a View a List of Upcoming Events

Dogs are allowed on a tended 6-foot leash or confined in an enclosed vehicle, tent or pen. Dogs, other than service animals, are prohibited on all motorized trails. Dogs are allowed in the Nature area and Mudstone Ranch.

Free ASI (ATV) training to youth 6-17 years of age. Hollister Hills Off Road Association (HHORA) offers free MSF (motorcycle) training to all ages. For more information contact Cheryl Ashton at  (831) 638-3386 or cheryl.ashton@parks.ca.gov

Hollister Hills SVRA is located approximately 5 miles south of the town of Hollister. From Union Road, head south on Cienega Road. At stop sign, make a right to continue on Cienega Road. Drive approximately 5 miles, the main entrance is on the right.

The park is divided into different areas based on the type of recreation (motorcycle & atv, four-wheeled vehicles, and non-motorized.) Each area has a separate entrance located along Cienega Road.

Everyone must check in at the Lower Ranch Main Entrance to pay entrance fees, get directions if needed, and gate combinations if needed at
 
7800 Cienega Road
Hollister CA 95045

**Obstacle Course Campground Directions - if you are towing a trailer or driving an RV, the recommended route to the Obstacle Course campground is to take the second right onto Foothill Road and follow to the campground.

Park store is located in Lodge Campground in the Lower Ranch. They are open every day and sell ice, firewood, propane, camping supplies, motorcycle parts, services and accessories.

OHV Regulations

• ATV’s and motorcycles are only allowed in the Lower Ranch.
• 96-decibels is the sound limit for bikes and ATV’s.
• U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrestor is required. Spark Arrestor Information
• ATV’s must wear helmets.
• ATV’s NO double riding.
• ATV operators under the age of 18 must possess an appropriate safety certificate or be supervised by an adult who has a safety certificate. For more information about how to acquire a safety certificate, email Hollister.Hills@parks.ca.gov.
• All California Vehicle Code laws pertaining to driving under the influence or open containers of alcohol and marijuana apply to off-highway. DO NOT DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE.
• Motor vehicles must stay out of vegetated areas. Stay on designated trails and obey all signs.
• Registration: All vehicles operated off-highway on public lands in California are required to be street-licensed or registered as an OHV through the Department of Motor Vehicles and display a current green or red sticker. Funds generated from OHV registration are used for acquisition, development, and operation of OHV areas.
• Out of State OHV: If a bike has current registration in a state with an Off-Highway Vehicle Program, then registration requirements do not apply. If the bike is registered to a state that does NOT offer an OHV Program, then the bike must have a Non-Resident Sticker. Non-Resident Stickers can be purchased at the Kiosk for $30. More Information About Non-Resident OHV Permits
• To read more about OHV laws and safety, please visit our California State Parks OHV Laws/Safety page.

Park Regulations

• Drones are not allowed in the park. To protect wildlife and cultural resources, and for the safety and welfare of visitors and staff, the park is closed to the use of Model Aircraft, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and Gliders in flight.
• Loaded firearms and hunting are not allowed in units of the State Parks System. Possession of loaded firearms or air rifles is prohibited.
• Quiet hours are 10pm to sunrise.
• Fires are permitted in state-provided fire rings. No ground fires allowed. You must provide your own fire ring if camping at Radio Ridge in the Lower Ranch, or the Obstacle Course Camp in the Upper Ranch. This is necessary to prevent disastrous fires. Portable stoves may be used in designated areas. It is the responsibility of every visitor to use extreme caution with any burning materials, including tobacco.  Campfires are not allowed in Hudner Ranch during fire season (summer & fall). Firewood may be purchased at the park store.

Three of the campgrounds in the Lower Ranch--Lodge, Bee and Madrone--have two campsites each reserved for campers with accessibility needs. Walnut camp in the Lower Ranch and Sycamore Camp in the Upper Ranch, also have showers and restrooms with accessibility features. Campers with disabilities should contact the park office to inquire about current site availability and accessible park features to determine if they meet their specific needs.

No hook-ups are available in the campgrounds. (Nearest State Park facility is New Brighton State Beach located in Aptos.)

Generators are allowed between the hours of 10am and 8pm.

Obstacle Course Campground Directions - if you are towing a trailer or driving an RV, the recommended route to the Obstacle Course campground is to take the second right onto Foothill Road and follow to the campground.

The park is open 365 days a year, including holidays.

Click here to our weather monitoring stations. 

Areas North-East of the San Andreas Fault (Adobe and Renz in the Lower Ranch, and Hudner Ranch) are subject to seasonal closures due to the adobe soil for public safety and natural resource protection. Always check conditions on our webpage before arriving, or follow us on social media for updates (Facebook & Instagram). (click here to view a map of these areas.)

The park does not provide rentals of any equipment.

The park offers free wifi in the Lower Ranch campgrounds - Bee, Lodge, and Madrone.

Cell service is minimal at best and depends on your provider.

There is an automatic pay machine located in the Lower Ranch at the Ranger Station.

Camping is first-come, first-serve. Saving spaces is prohibited.

Currently, the only reservable sites are the 2 remote sites in Hudner Ranch (4x4 Area) and the ADA campsites in the Lower Ranch (dirt bike and ATV area).

All other campsites in the Lower Ranch and Upper Ranch Campgrounds remain first-come, first-serve based on availability and are currently non-reservable on our website. Please come see us at the kiosk for availability. To make a camping reservation at Hollister Hills SVRA click here.

Thanksgiving week (fourth Thursday of November) and Easter week. The earlier you arrive, the more likely you will find a camping space or day use parking. During these weeks the park usually reaches capacity and you may be turned away at the gate. Availability of parking is determined by park staff and reserving of spaces is not allowed. Camping and day use is first-come, first serve.  We appreciate your patience during this hectic time of year.

If it can legally drive down the California highway, it can fit in any of our campgrounds. However, Bee campground in the Lower Ranch and Sycamore in the Upper Ranch has more trees/obstacles.

Obstacle Course Campground Directions - if you are towing a trailer or driving a RV, the recomended route to the Obstacle Course campground is to take the second right onto Foothill Road and follow to the campground.

Yes, located in the day use area and Madrone campground.