Ranch Cgs Campground

2 reviews

7800 Cienega Road, Hollister, CA 95023

Quick Facts

1,198 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowersWiFi

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,198 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowersWiFi

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Ranch Cgs Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $10 per vehicle per night. Day-use fees are $5 per vehicle.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

831-637-3874Hollister.Hills@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

18 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews highlight the campground's family-friendly environment, clean facilities, and extensive recreational options. Positive anecdotes often mention quiet nights and the convenience of amenities like showers and Wi-Fi."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

7800 Cienega Road, Hollister, CA 95023

Ranch Cgs Campground

7800 Cienega Road, Hollister, CA 95023

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

The park is accessible year-round with paved roads leading to the main entrance. Seasonal closures may occur in areas with adobe clay soil due to slick and sticky conditions when wet.

Nearby places

Hollister (5 miles, 10 minutes), San Jose (about 1 hour drive), Salinas (approximately 40 miles, 50 minutes)

Nearby supplies

A general store within the park at Lodge Campground in the Lower Ranch provides camping supplies, firewood, propane, ice, motorcycle and ATV parts, and snacks. Additional supplies can be obtained in Hollister, 5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Ranch Cgs Campground

Experience the full spectrum of California's inland climate at Ranch Cgs, where golden summers bring warm, sun-drenched days perfect for early morning rides and evening campfires, with temperatures climbing into the inviting mid-90s. As autumn arrives, the heat gives way to crisp, comfortable days ideal for all-day adventures. Winter transforms the landscape with cool, refreshing air that ranges from frosty 30-degree mornings to pleasant afternoons in the upper 50s, creating perfect conditions for active exploration without the summer crowds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Golden summers ideal for early rides and evening campfires; busy on holiday weekends.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mild inland fall with scenic changes and good trail conditions; fewer crowds than holidays.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Seasonal creeks and changing landscapes make spring attractive for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; colder months are quieter but fewer peak activities reported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday of November) and Easter week are peak times when the park often reaches capacity.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Seasonal closures occur for areas with adobe clay soil due to dangerous slick conditions when wet.

About Ranch Cgs Campground

Nestled within the sprawling 6,800 acres of Hollister Hills SVRA, Ranch Cgs Campground serves as your gateway to an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Here, rolling hills draped in ancient oak woodlands give way to dramatic canyons carved by seasonal creeks, creating a diverse playground where off-highway adventurers, hikers, and nature lovers alike find their perfect escape. Whether you're seeking the thrill of navigating varied terrain on your OHV or preferring a peaceful morning walk through shaded groves, this remarkable landscape offers something for every outdoor spirit.

Ranch Campground offers tent camping and RV camping options, emphasizing primitive setups with no hookups.

Historical SignificanceEvery trail and hillside at Ranch Cgs whispers stories of California's rich past. Long before engines roared through these valleys, the Mutsun people called this land home, leaving behind a legacy that still echoes through the canyons. Spanish Mission-era land grants later shaped the region, their boundaries still visible in the modern landscape. In more recent decades, these hills became legendary among off-highway vehicle pioneers who recognized the terrain's unique potential, transforming it into one of California's premier OHV destinations while preserving its historical treasures.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of California's inland climate at Ranch Cgs, where golden summers bring warm, sun-drenched days perfect for early morning rides and evening campfires, with temperatures climbing into the inviting mid-90s. As autumn arrives, the heat gives way to crisp, comfortable days ideal for all-day adventures. Winter transforms the landscape with cool, refreshing air that ranges from frosty 30-degree mornings to pleasant afternoons in the upper 50s, creating perfect conditions for active exploration without the summer crowds.

ElevationYour camping adventure unfolds across a dramatic vertical landscape that climbs from 660 feet to an impressive 2,425 feet above sea level. This significant elevation range creates distinct microclimates and ecosystems throughout the park, offering campers the unique opportunity to experience multiple natural environments during a single stay. While the exact campground elevation varies by site, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore both lower valleys and higher ridgelines, each offering their own spectacular vistas and riding experiences.

Natural Features and SceneryWake up to panoramic views where golden grasslands meet the deep green canopy of native oak woodlands, creating a quintessentially Californian landscape that changes with every season. From your campsite, watch as morning mist rises from hidden valleys while hawks circle overhead, riding thermals above the undulating hills. The interplay of open meadows and shaded groves provides endless visual interest, with each bend in the trail revealing new perspectives of this stunning natural amphitheater.

Geological RegionCamp at the meeting point of two tectonic plates in the fascinating Gabilan Mountains, where the famous San Andreas Fault has created a geological wonderland beneath your feet. On the North American plate side, explore rolling hills shaped by clay-rich adobe soil that tells the story of ancient seas, while venturing onto the Pacific plate reveals a completely different world of sandy, granite-based terrain with steep, dramatic topography. This unique geological split doesn't just create varied landscapes—it produces distinctly different riding experiences and ecosystems, making Ranch Cgs one of the most geologically diverse campgrounds in California.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is available upon arrival.

Check-out

12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 15 consecutive days, with a limit of 30 days within a one-year period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are dispersed and non-designated.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for Ranch Cgs Campground. Visitors must inquire at the kiosk upon arrival.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is the norm as reservations are not accepted. All campsites are first-come, first-serve at Ranch Cgs Campground.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy mentioned; all sites are first-come, first-serve with no advance reservation available in Ranch Cgs Campground.

AccessibilityRanch Campground includes accessible showers and restrooms. Two campsites specifically cater to accessibility needs.

Site SizeStandard campsite sizes, suitable for tents or RVs without hookups.

Recommended SitesArrive early during peak seasons to secure a site as all are first-come, first-serve.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

WiFi

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Ranch Campground offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding on extensive trails, hiking, mountain biking, and nature viewing. Unique geological features and educational programs enrich the camping experience.

HikingThe campground offers access to hiking trails with varied terrain, including the Troll Trail for those seeking a challenge.

BikingMountain biking trails are available within the Nature Area, offering scenic routes through oak woodlands.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is emphasized, with species like the California tiger salamander and western azalea among the highlights.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsRanch Campground provides educational programs, including the OHV Junior Ranger Program for children aged 6-11 and guided tours exploring the geology and cultural history of Hollister Hills.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAdobe clay soil becomes slick and hazardous when wet, causing seasonal closures. Poison oak, ticks, and rattlesnakes are present.

Active AlertsSeasonal closures occur for areas with adobe clay soil due to dangerous slick conditions when wet.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted in designated fire rings only; ground fires are prohibited. Firewood must be purchased at the park store.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to sunrise.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are located in Hollister, approximately 5 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available; specific locations or schedules were not detailed.

Water FeaturesSeasonal creeks are present; Tule Lake is located in the surrounding park area.

Camp HostNo specific campground host details provided.

Weather at Ranch Cgs Campground

Reviews

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Ranch Cgs Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's family-friendly environment, clean facilities, and extensive recreational options. Positive anecdotes often mention quiet nights and the convenience of amenities like showers and Wi-Fi.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Warm showers, clean restrooms, accessible facilities, free Wi-Fi, and proximity to scenic and challenging trails.

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited cell phone reception and the campground's tendency to reach capacity during peak holiday weekends are common issues raised by users.

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early during holiday weekends, especially Thanksgiving and Easter, when the campground often fills up. Utilize the automatic pay machine if you arrive outside kiosk hours.

Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Holiday weekends are notably busy, with some campers turned away due to capacity limits. Reviews during colder months emphasize the quiet, peaceful environment.

Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Great place for the entire family. I have raced motocross with OTHG, and hare scrambles with HHORA and Ghostriders. Amazing venue and plenty of parking. Beautiful location and very quiet at...

Based on 2 reviews