Ranch Cgs Campground
02 reviews7800 Cienega Road, Hollister, CA 95023
Ranch Cgs Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Camping fees are $10 per vehicle per night. Day-use fees are $5 per vehicle.
About this 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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityRanch Campground includes accessible showers and restrooms. Two campsites specifically cater to accessibility needs.
Sites SizeStandard campsite sizes, suitable for tents or RVs without hookups.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early during peak seasons to secure a site as all are first-come, first-serve.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are dispersed and non-designated.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
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.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
WiFi
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Camp Store
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.
Hiking
The campground offers access to hiking trails with varied terrain, including the Troll Trail for those seeking a challenge.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available within the Nature Area, offering scenic routes through oak woodlands.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is emphasized, with species like the California tiger salamander and western azalea among the highlights.Cultural and Educational Programs
Ranch 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
No winter activities are specified.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not offered.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted in designated fire rings only; ground fires are prohibited. Firewood must be purchased at the park store.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to sunrise.
Hazards
General hazardsAdobe 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.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are located in Hollister, approximately 5 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesThanksgiving (fourth Thursday of November) and Easter week are peak times when the park often reaches capacity.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available; specific locations or schedules were not detailed.
Proximity to water featuresSeasonal creeks are present; Tule Lake is located in the surrounding park area.
Common complaintsCell service is minimal in the area; sites are limited during peak seasons (Thanksgiving and Easter).
HostNo specific campground host details provided.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 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 reviewsCommon 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 reviewsPro 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 reviewsSeasonal 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 reviewsCamper 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 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews are not detailed; general descriptions praise the campground’s amenities and layout.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible sites in Ranch Campground are well-maintained and appreciated by users with disabilities.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed on leashes, and reviews indicate a positive experience for pet owners.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025