P
Paula S.
Guide
GuidePinto Lake City Park
Urban Setting, Long Time Campers
This was a very urban park with the majority of obviously long term campers. Lots of geese and lots of bird droppings all over the park. Expensive for the value
Camping near Santa Cruz, CA
120 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Santa Cruz County offers several established campgrounds set in diverse environments from coastal beaches to redwood forests. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground provides shaded sites among towering trees, with both tent and RV camping options. Other developed camping areas include New Brighton State Beach Campground on the coast and Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort in Felton. Most campgrounds in the region feature standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water, with many offering full hookup sites for recreational vehicles.
Reservations are strongly recommended for all campgrounds in the Santa Cruz area, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends when sites fill quickly. The climate remains mild year-round, though coastal fog is common during summer mornings while inland areas experience warmer temperatures. Most campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, though winter camping may bring occasional rain. Facilities vary widely between locations, with state parks typically offering coin-operated showers and flush toilets while private RV parks provide more extensive hookups. "Bathrooms were clean but no soap, looked like each campsite had trees to hang a hammock," noted one camper about Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
The region's campgrounds receive consistently positive reviews for their natural settings and proximity to attractions. Campers particularly appreciate the redwood forest environments where sites offer privacy and shade. Many visitors highlight the excellent hiking opportunities, especially at Henry Cowell Redwoods where multiple trails connect directly to the campground. "We really enjoyed our stay at this campground. We reserved site #69 and found it to be very spacious and flat. We had plenty of room for our 10 person tent and still had room for a few more," reported one visitor. While some campgrounds like Henry Cowell provide more secluded experiences, coastal options like New Brighton and Sunset State Beaches allow easier access to beach activities and ocean views, though they tend to be more exposed and less private than their forest counterparts.
Best Campgrounds near Santa Cruz (120)
1. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
"An inexpensive way to stay & vacation in Santa Cruz."
"Near downtown Santa Cruz and Felton."
from $7 - $35 / night
Check Availability2. New Brighton State Beach Campground
"You can walk a short ways to see the ocean and there are several trails down, but the one with real stairs is closed so you better be sure-footed if you're taking the other trail."
"Great campground and location. You can easily walk to the beach. Close to Capitola Village, Santa Cruz, and Kayaking at Moss Landing."
from $35 - $185 / night
Check Availability3. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
"Close to 6 Santa Cruz county state parks and Santa Cruz beaches and town. We will stay here again! Side note. Don’t use hwy 9 south from Santa Cruz towing. The road is too winding and narrow."
"Do not take highway 9 from Santa Cruz as the RV park will tell you. Our car navigation changed our route even after we were approaching 17 north. Keep your eyes out for the highway signs."
4. Sunset State Beach
"Not far from Santa Cruz, maybe 25-30 minutes depending on traffic. Sometimes there's a decent sandbar for surfing. Always had a good time at this campground."
"You can walk down to the beach, take a trip to the henry cowel redwoods, go ride bikes in santa cruz. We have so much fun. Things we learned.. don't let your kids pick flowers."
5. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED
"So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco."
"Hiking trails throughout the park, private camping, and a quick trip to Santa Cruz. The winter months are super cold and on numerous occasions we have been the only people camping."
from $35 / night
Check Availability6. Cotillion Gardens RV Park
"Friendly staff and a quick drive into the Santa Cruz beach communities."
"The place is old, but it has a great location. There are great hiking trails assessable from the campground."
from $60 - $100 / night
Check Availability7. Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
"A short drive to Santa Cruz and Monterey. They have a heated pool, laundry facilities and on site store. There are however some large raccoons so use caution with your trash."
"There is also relatively quick access to Santa Cruz to the north and Monterey to the south. My only criticism is that it is not that woodsy. But hey, this is a KOA!"
8. Mount Madonna County Park
"There are plenty of trails to hike, as well as equestrian trails. No bikes on trails though."
"Great spot if you're looking for a quick escape from the Bay Area with that classic California redwood experience."
9. Smithwoods RV Park
"This is our favorite place to camp, Redwoods everywhere, 9 miles from Santa Cruz, kids love this place we have camped in the group area with 8 trailers and other spots on site great weather"
"I’m so glad we did because we were surrounded by these beautiful red wood trees and we could hear the train whistle in the daytime coming from Roaring Camp Railroad."
10. Seacliff State Beach
"All camping spots are adjacent to the 'boardwalk' beach path and the beach. Yes, your rig is within 20' of the beach at all campsites."
Drive Time
- 34 min from San Jose, CA
- 37 min from Salinas, CA
- 1 hr 10 min from San Francisco, CA
- 1 hr 46 min from Modesto, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Santa Cruz, CA
218 Photos of 120 Santa Cruz Campgrounds
Darrin L.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
susan R.
Smithwoods RV Park
Corrie G.
Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
Mauriel O.
Santa Cruz Ranch Campground
Alma L.
New Brighton State Beach Campground
John G.
Redwood Resort RV Park & Campground
Aidan P.
Van Life Campgrounds @ Enchanted Forest
Fiona W.
Manresa State Beach Campground
Carina B.
Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
Alma L.
Sunset State Beach
Name
Sunrise Point at Candlestick Point SRA - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Elizabeth S.
Sunset State Beach Campground
Recent Reviews near Santa Cruz, CA
797 Reviews of 120 Santa Cruz Campgrounds
Lee D.
LegendSanta Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
Many options for families
General: So many options, including full hookup back-in or pull-thru sites, sites with just w/e, pet sites, nine different types of cabins, and tent sites. Some sites are paved and some are gravel.
Bath/Shower: The one closest to our site had a women's and men's restroom, and the showers are individual units but shared for both genders. I expected a more upscale shower (it was ok but a little tight, skimpy on hooks and no bench).
Activities/Amenities: So many amenities including a pool and hot tub, playground, jump pad, climbing “palms”, rec center with bike rentals and concessions, and a train (I’ve probably missed a few). Laundry is available on site (operated via an app and your phone).
Although this is not our preferred type of camping, after five nights in California State parks with limited amenities, we stayed here for hot showers, laundry, and full hookups for van maintenance. This was a typical KOA in many ways, but one thing that was different was that we had to wear wristbands, and there was a gate to enter and leave. While it should have made us feel safe, I wondered why there were extra security features.
- MMike T.Guide
Laguna Seca Recreation Area
Unusual but works...
First time I've camped at a racetrack but it worked. Was car camping and had my choice of sites overlooking the valley by the entrance to the Fort Ord trail. Check in was friendly but their payment app on a mobile was a bit buggy. Small issue with the tent sites was flatness but I got there. Benches / fire pits/ decent shower facilities. It was late so I didn't get a chance to check out the store (if it had one). Glorious sunrise with the marine layer below in the valley.
Phillip S.
ScoutBeach RV Pleasure Point
Very Convenient Spot
A very nice and well kept spot to park and enjoy Santa Cruz. You are close enough to walk to the beach and several restaurants. The sites are very close together. We were pleased on how clean and neat the area is kept. The temperatures were amazing for July.
- Lee D.Legend
Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
Popular coastal camping
General: 52 RV/tent sites, four walk-in oceanfront tent sites, and a hiker/biker camp. 28 sites have electric hookups. No sewer (there is a dump station) and shared water spigots.
Site Quality: Sites are paved with room for an additional vehicle and are level. Some sites have decent spacing between them, but others have no privacy/separation (the internal sites with electric have less privacy). IMO, sites 48 and 16 are the best sites.
Bath/shower: Two bathhouses each with all-in-one toilet/sink combos. They could use a little TLC. Showers are standard CA state park requiring tokens to use. Did not use them.
Activities/Amenities: There are three trails for easy ocean access. Beach is long and ok for walking, but in the springtime, the beach is littered with “blue sailfish”. Dogs are not allowed. Walking north is better than south. The 7.5-mile Half Moon Bay Coastal multi-use trail is easily accessible from the campground. Little Free Library. There is a host on site who sells firewood for $15 from 4:30-9:30 pm daily.
There are not many camping options in this area, and the campground was fully booked during the week in mid-May. We had to make reservations several months in advance and could only get two nights, and we had to move sites. Four stars due to the lack of privacy between many of the sites.
- KKimberly W.Guide
Costanoa Coastal Lodge & Campground
Outstanding coastal access and amenities!
I loved my stay here! I had a lot of tasks and couldn't have asked for a better place to accomplish them. I particularly appreciated the close coastal access, the birds and the clean, comfortable surroundings. Staff was welcoming and friendly throughout my stay. Highly recommend this gem!
Chris C.GuideJoseph D. Grant County Park
Pleasant!
Very nice for a one night stop. Very windy road to get to the park. Sites are well kept and have a solid amount of room. Super clean bathrooms and good free showers. Lots of wildlife to see and hear (coyotes). Didn’t get 5 starts cause it was quite busy with loud neighbors!
Christina R.GuideVeteran's Memorial Park Campground
Nice spot
I pulled in at 5pm on a Friday and there were several spots open. I picked #6 by the park and it was wonderful. Super quiet at night. The grassy area was perfect for my dog.
The site is $50+10 for a RV or van. I had to leave and get more cash. $5 discount for veterans. You leave the cash in an envelope in a slot at the entrance. Very easy and straight forward.
As a single woman I felt safe. I slept well, it was quiet. Close to restrooms and showers which you can pay for.
Genavieve A.
TravelerDumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Quite and Clean
Really wonderful spot to be. They have multiple camping options and day pass options. For RV setups your choices are parking, water only, and the works (water, electrical, waste dumping with fire pit and camping table).
Its a bit far from anything but if youre just looking to camp, charge, and relax then this is the spot for you. They have showes, bathrooms, and laundry on site.
Final notes, there are multiple hiking trails and wildlife to see, including a lovely group of Turkeys who don't mind you getting a little close for photo ops.
Guide to Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz County camping options range from redwood forests at elevations around 400-1,800 feet to coastal beaches at sea level. Temperatures typically range from 50-75°F year-round in the forest locations, while coastal sites experience morning fog and afternoon clearing during summer months. Most campgrounds in the area stay open during winter, though some amenities may be limited and sites can be muddy after rain.
What to do
Hiking through redwoods: At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, trails connect directly to the camping area. "There were a few trails that started from the campground, which was nice," notes one visitor. The park features trails suitable for all fitness levels, with some connecting to the San Lorenzo River.
Beach access: Sunset State Beach offers direct beach access via a set of stairs. "Wanna see an epic sunset? Bring your family, and camp here. Hike to the top of the dune. Don't forget your layers, the windy is chilly!" reports a camper. The beach stretches for miles with relatively few visitors even during peak season.
Historical explorations: Mount Madonna County Park contains ruins of an old homestead accessible by car or hiking trails. "You can drive up to where the old homestead was and see some ruins," shares one visitor. The park also maintains pens with white fallow deer, descendants from William Randolph Hearst's exotic zoo.
What campers like
River proximity: Many campgrounds sit adjacent to the San Lorenzo River. At Smithwoods RV Park, sites offer riverside views. "We had a great view of the San Lorenzo River and Henry Cowell State Park," shares one camper. The river provides cooling opportunities during hot summer days.
Hot showers: Santa Cruz CA camping facilities typically offer good shower facilities. At Mount Madonna County Park, showers are maintained regularly and free to use. "Bathrooms are great," notes a visitor, while another mentions "Bathrooms have soap & TP and kept clean."
Wildlife viewing: Redwood forests harbor diverse wildlife. "Yellow jackets on trails, in campsites and near bathrooms. 5 in our group got stung and there was a massive nest in site 41," warns one Henry Cowell visitor. At Mount Madonna, a camper notes, "They are some critters here, I saw a few skunks and one wandered right into our campsite at night, so keep an eye out for them."
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Securing campsites requires advance planning. For New Brighton State Beach Campground, a camper notes, "hard to find a spot here these days but a great camping spot above the beach." Most state park campgrounds book up 6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Weather variations: Coastal and forest campgrounds experience different weather patterns simultaneously. "This is the only place I've seen the redwood trees harvest the fog and make their own rain, which is pretty cool. In the morning it's raining under the redwood trees but not under the madrone or tan oak trees, which is wild," explains a Mount Madonna visitor.
Site spacing concerns: Many campgrounds feature closely spaced sites. "The sites are pretty close together and a few had fairly sparse greenery separating you from others so we felt a little on display," notes a Henry Cowell camper. Sites on outer loops or corners typically offer more privacy than interior sites.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday offers extensive family amenities. "TONS of activities on site- huge bouncy pad, a climbing wall, ping pong tables, a swimming pool, pedal go karts, the list goes on and on," describes one visitor. Most activities are included with your stay.
Campsite selection: For family camping, look for sites away from high-traffic areas. "We reserved site #69 and found it to be very spacious and flat. We had plenty of room for our 10 person tent and still had room for a few more," reported one visitor about Henry Cowell Redwoods.
Transportation planning: Several campgrounds provide paved roads suitable for children's bikes and scooters. "If you have littles the roads are paved so a scooter or bike could be fun," advises one visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Bring helmets as state law requires them for children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Many Santa Cruz CA camping sites require leveling. "Our paved site was decently unlevel," notes a New Brighton State Beach visitor. Bring leveling blocks, especially for the older state park campgrounds where sites may have settled over time.
Access limitations: Forest campgrounds have overhead clearance constraints. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, "Roads to the sites are narrow, so again, keep your eyes pealed." Another visitor notes, "We had plenty of room for our 25ft camping trailer. There was plenty of room for it on site 105, however if it was any higher it would be hitting tree limbs."
Hook-up variations: Electric service varies between campgrounds. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort offers full hookups at each site: "Water, shore power, cable," explains a visitor. Some campers report needing extension hoses: "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free camping available in Santa Cruz County?
Is there free camping available in Santa Cruz County?
Free camping options in Santa Cruz County are extremely limited due to high demand and land regulations. Sunset State Beach is not free but offers more affordable camping with fees typically ranging from $35-45 per night. For those looking to minimize costs, some areas in the nearby Los Padres National Forest (though outside county limits) offer free dispersed camping options. Most established campgrounds in Santa Cruz County, including state beaches and parks, charge fees. If you're determined to camp economically, consider visiting during off-peak seasons when rates may be lower and availability higher. Always verify current regulations before setting up camp to avoid potential fines.
What are the best campgrounds in the Santa Cruz Mountains?
What are the best campgrounds in the Santa Cruz Mountains?
Smithwoods RV Park is highly rated for its location among redwoods and proximity to Santa Cruz (about 9 miles away). Campers particularly appreciate the peaceful setting and family-friendly atmosphere. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort is another excellent option with well-maintained facilities nestled among the redwoods. Both offer convenient access to Santa Cruz attractions while providing the mountain forest experience. For those seeking a more natural setting with state park amenities, Mount Madonna County Park offers beautiful forest camping with hiking trails and stunning views. The Santa Cruz Mountains provide a perfect balance of forest tranquility and proximity to beaches, making these campgrounds ideal base camps for exploring the region.
Where can I find dispersed camping near Santa Cruz?
Where can I find dispersed camping near Santa Cruz?
True dispersed camping options near Santa Cruz are limited as most of the area is developed or consists of state parks and private land. Your best bet for dispersed camping would be to head further inland toward the Santa Cruz Mountains or south toward Big Sur. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground offers a more natural camping experience while still being close to Santa Cruz. For those willing to drive a bit further, Los Padres National Forest (about 1-2 hours south) offers legitimate dispersed camping opportunities. Always check current regulations before heading out, as fire restrictions and seasonal closures can affect availability.
Is there free camping available in Santa Cruz County?
Is there free camping available in Santa Cruz County?
Free camping options in Santa Cruz County are extremely limited due to high demand and land regulations. Sunset State Beach is not free but offers more affordable camping with fees typically ranging from $35-45 per night. For those looking to minimize costs, some areas in the nearby Los Padres National Forest (though outside county limits) offer free dispersed camping options. Most established campgrounds in Santa Cruz County, including state beaches and parks, charge fees. If you're determined to camp economically, consider visiting during off-peak seasons when rates may be lower and availability higher. Always verify current regulations before setting up camp to avoid potential fines.
Is BLM land available for camping near Santa Cruz?
Is BLM land available for camping near Santa Cruz?
There is no designated BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land available for camping in the immediate Santa Cruz area. The closest BLM lands suitable for camping are located in the Clear Creek Management Area or Panoche Hills, both approximately 1.5-2 hours east/southeast of Santa Cruz. For camping options closer to Santa Cruz, consider New Brighton State Beach Campground or Moss Landing KOA Express, which is conveniently located between Santa Cruz and Monterey. If you're specifically looking for more primitive or affordable camping experiences similar to what BLM lands might offer, the Los Padres National Forest (south of Santa Cruz) provides dispersed camping opportunities under Forest Service management.
What are the best campgrounds in the Santa Cruz Mountains?
What are the best campgrounds in the Santa Cruz Mountains?
Smithwoods RV Park is highly rated for its location among redwoods and proximity to Santa Cruz (about 9 miles away). Campers particularly appreciate the peaceful setting and family-friendly atmosphere. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort is another excellent option with well-maintained facilities nestled among the redwoods. Both offer convenient access to Santa Cruz attractions while providing the mountain forest experience. For those seeking a more natural setting with state park amenities, Mount Madonna County Park offers beautiful forest camping with hiking trails and stunning views. The Santa Cruz Mountains provide a perfect balance of forest tranquility and proximity to beaches, making these campgrounds ideal base camps for exploring the region.
Where can I find dispersed camping near Santa Cruz?
Where can I find dispersed camping near Santa Cruz?
True dispersed camping options near Santa Cruz are limited as most of the area is developed or consists of state parks and private land. Your best bet for dispersed camping would be to head further inland toward the Santa Cruz Mountains or south toward Big Sur. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground offers a more natural camping experience while still being close to Santa Cruz. For those willing to drive a bit further, Los Padres National Forest (about 1-2 hours south) offers legitimate dispersed camping opportunities. Always check current regulations before heading out, as fire restrictions and seasonal closures can affect availability.
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