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Best Campgrounds near Santa Cruz, CA

717 Reviews

Santa Cruz camping options include Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, a well-liked spot among tall redwoods. This campground has basic restrooms and drinking water for campers. New Brighton State Beach Campground sits just a short drive away from Santa Cruz. It has great ocean views and you can walk right to the beach from your campsite. Both places stay open all year, but spring and fall bring the best weather. Summer gets busy, so book early if you plan to visit then. You can drive right up to these campgrounds on good roads, though your phone might not work in some spots. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring for evening cookouts. While camping near Santa Cruz, you can check out the Beach Boardwalk or hit some of the hiking trails in the area. Bring clothes for different temperatures since it can be warm during the day and cool at night. Santa Cruz has good camping for everyone from beginners to old pros.

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Best Camping Sites Near Santa Cruz, California (114)

    1. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Mount Hermon, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 438-2396

    $7 - $35 / night

    "An inexpensive way to stay & vacation in Santa Cruz."

    "Near downtown Santa Cruz and Felton."

    2. New Brighton State Beach Campground

    43 Reviews
    Capitola, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 464-6330

    $35 - $185 / night

    "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."

    3. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    19 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 335-8312

    "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

    27 Reviews
    Watsonville, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 763-7063

    "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

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 338-8860

    $35 / night

    "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."

    6. Cotillion Gardens RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 335-7669

    "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."

    7. Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

    16 Reviews
    Freedom, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 722-0551

    "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

    31 Reviews
    Gilroy, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-2341

    "There are plenty of trails to hike, as well as equestrian trails. No bikes on trails though."

    "We were happy to have the electric hook up since the redwood and oak tress surrounding all the sites are huge and block out the sun."

    9. Smithwoods RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    4 miles
    +1 (831) 335-4321

    "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

    6 Reviews
    Aptos, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 685-6442

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Santa Cruz, CA

244 Photos of 114 Santa Cruz Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Santa Cruz, CA

717 Reviews of 114 Santa Cruz Campgrounds

Guide to Santa Cruz

Camping near Santa Cruz, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Mount Madonna County Park said, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Pinnacles Campground mentioned, "There are beautiful tucked away campsites in the shade, by a creek."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground are great for families. One visitor noted, "Showers, restrooms, tables, and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure."

What you should know

  • Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground advised, "You will need to book a few months in advance."
  • Weather: Be prepared for varying temperatures. One visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "It gets very cold at night; always better safe than sorry when it comes to layers."
  • Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife, especially yellow jackets. A camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park shared, "We had two new types of visitors... aggressive yellow jackets."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly options like New Brighton State Beach Campground. One reviewer said, "Lots of families and lots of kids. Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A visitor at Big Sur Campground & Cabins mentioned, "You can go down and walk by the river float the river with the complimentary tubes."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground noted, "Having the options of a hot shower, restrooms, and the ability to have a fire pit makes this site worth it."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Arrive Early: Get there early to secure a good spot. A camper at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground advised, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of nearby attractions. One visitor at Pinnacles Campground said, "Exciting to see their first climbing and bouldering outside."

With so many options for camping near Santa Cruz, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Santa Cruz, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Santa Cruz, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 114 campgrounds and RV parks near Santa Cruz, CA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Santa Cruz, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Santa Cruz, CA is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 42 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Santa Cruz, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Santa Cruz, CA.

What parks are near Santa Cruz, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Santa Cruz, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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