Dispersed camping near Freedom, California provides access to both coastal beaches and mountain forests within a 20-mile radius. The region sits where the Santa Cruz Mountains meet Monterey Bay, creating a microclimate where summer temperatures average 70°F during the day but can drop to 50°F at night. Campers should prepare for morning fog that typically burns off by midday, especially at coastal sites where wind patterns intensify in late afternoon.
What to do
Hiking redwood trails: Mount Madonna County Park offers miles of hiking trails through dense redwood forests. "There is a redwood forest of the coastal range. Varied sites and multiple campgrounds make for a choice option for everyone," notes Patrick H. The park includes an archery trail with 28 targets for a unique outdoor activity.
Beach exploration: At Manresa State Beach Campground, the shoreline provides ample space for beachcombing. "Beach was clean and not crowded. Beautiful sunset views," reports Laura D. The beach access requires "an easy 5-7 minute walk down" from the campground.
Wildlife viewing: The Elkhorn Slough near Moss Landing KOA Express offers excellent wildlife spotting. "You can easily walk to the marina area or onto the beach," Patrick J. explains, while other visitors note you can "see sea otters and tons of birds" either on foot or by renting kayaks from nearby outfitters.
Waterfall exploration: Uvas Canyon County Park features multiple small cascades accessible via short hikes. "There are hiking trails that wind through the redwoods and along the ridgetops," notes a visitor. The Waterfall Loop trail provides access to several falls and requires minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for most skill levels.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At New Brighton State Beach Campground, many campers appreciate the natural separation. "It's a nice relatively quiet campground on a bluff, above a fairly calm ocean beach," explains Keith B. The campground is "very wooded" which provides natural screening between many sites.
Clean facilities: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park maintains well-kept restrooms and showers. "Every site had a picnic table, fire pit and bear box. Bathroom was clean and we liked that they sold firewood on site," reports Kelly. The park also offers trails that start directly from the campground, allowing for immediate nature access.
Family amenities: Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday provides extensive activities for children. "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," Daniel D. explains. The campground also sends daily activity updates via text message to keep campers informed.
Natural settings: The redwoods at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort create a forest atmosphere. "This campground is covered entirely by redwoods with plenty of shade for a cool vacation," notes one camper. The San Lorenzo River runs behind the park with viewing areas and paths for closer exploration.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Freedom require advance booking, especially during summer months when coastal sites fill up to capacity. At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, reservations are essential as the campground "was at capacity" even on a Thursday in March according to one visitor.
Temperature variations: Coastal fog creates significant temperature drops, particularly in evenings. A Mount Madonna visitor warns: "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!"
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are common visitors at most campgrounds in the area. "We awoke to a family of raccoons raiding the box" when a bear locker wouldn't close properly at Sunset State Beach, reports Austin C. Proper food storage is essential at all locations.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. At Uvas Canyon County Park, "Verizon cell service worked at the campground," while at Sunset State Beach Campground, campers report "practically no service" at campsites but "on the beach the reception was great."
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak visits: For quieter family camping, schedule midweek trips when possible. "Uvas Canyon County Park is my favorite camping site. The site has a lot of space. The bathroom is clean," notes Yaqi W., while another visitor recommends "a week day get away where you can enjoy more quiet surroundings and its nature sounds."
Biking options: Mount Madonna County Park offers good terrain for children's cycling. "Great campground for the kids to bike at but there are a few big hills so make sure they know how to use their brakes," advises Weston W. The paved roads throughout the campground provide safe riding areas.
Shower preparation: Many campgrounds require quarters for showers. At Manresa State Beach, showers cost "$0.25 per minute" and one visitor noted that "one shower ate my 2 quarters and didn't work, but the next one worked fine and had hot water!" Bringing plenty of quarters avoids trips to town for change.
Playground access: When selecting campsites near playgrounds, consider noise levels. At Santa Cruz KOA, campers recommend "booking away from the jump pillow or playground, unless easy playground access is important, because the spots are pretty noisy."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven parking areas requiring leveling equipment. At Uvas Canyon, a camper notes: "If you plan to sleep in your car, you may want to take leveling blocks as I found the car parking spot to be not leveled at all." Similarly, at Sunset State Beach Campground, "it's hit or miss if you get something level" according to Laura M.
Sewer hookup locations: Check utility placement when setting up. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, a visitor had to "use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose" to reach connections. Site layouts vary considerably even within the same campground.
Dump station timing: Plan for potential waits at dump stations during peak checkout times. "The line for the dump station wound through nearly the entire park," warns Alma L. about New Brighton State Beach, suggesting early or late use to avoid delays.
Tree clearance: Measure your RV height before booking. At Henry Cowell Redwoods, one camper with a 22-foot trailer noted "if it was any higher it would be hitting tree limbs." Low-hanging branches can restrict larger rigs at many of the forested campgrounds.
