Within a 30-mile radius of Stanford, California, tent camping options range from coastal redwood groves to higher elevation mountain sites. The area features significant elevation changes from sea level at coastal sites to over 2,800 feet at ridge campgrounds in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Winter temperatures in these mountains typically range from 40-60°F while summer temperatures can reach 75-85°F with significantly cooler nights.
What to do
Hike along ridge lines: At Black Mountain Backpacking Camp, campers can access multiple trail options beyond the initial 1.5-mile hike in. "There's plenty of trail options to tack on more mileage on either the hike in or out," notes one visitor who appreciated the flexibility for both beginners and more experienced hikers.
Explore Little Yosemite area: The creek access in Sunol Regional Wilderness provides a scenic starting point for backpackers. "The hike starts along a creek/river which is referred to as Little Yosemite. Fun creek area with lots of water/rock formations. Then climb and climb the hill," explains one backpacker who stayed at Hawk's Nest on the ridge.
Watch sunset from camp: Several higher elevation sites offer excellent sunset viewing opportunities. At Black Mountain Backpacking Camp, one camper shared that "the view at sunset was gorgeous" from their site. The higher elevation campsites throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains typically provide the best sunset vantage points with western exposure.
What campers like
Bear boxes and basic facilities: Newer backpackers appreciate the amenities at Castle Rock Trail Camp where "there is a shelter with tables in the event there is rain. Then there are scattered sites, some with tables for you to find a tent site." This infrastructure makes backpacking more accessible to beginners without requiring specialized gear.
Privacy between sites: Ben Ries Campground in Butano State Park offers well-spaced sites. "The sites are spaced apart nicely," reports one camper who stayed at sites 5 and 6. Site recommendations include "either 6 and 8 or 10 and 13" for groups wanting connected sites, while "site 3 is pretty private as well as 14."
Off-season solitude: Several campgrounds in the region become particularly peaceful during weekdays and off-season periods. One camper who visited Ben Ries in November noted there were "maybe 2 other campers. Feels super remote and primitive. Tucked in a redwood grove."
What you should know
Water reliability issues: Water availability varies significantly by season and campground. At Castle Rock Trail Camp, visitors have reported that "the water was deemed not safe to drink when I was there, and that had been the case for a while." Campers should bring water filters or carry sufficient water, especially during summer months.
Seasonal fire restrictions: Fire policies vary by location and season. While Portola Redwoods State Park Campground typically allows fires in designated rings, complete bans are common during dry periods. Several campgrounds enforce "crumb free" policies to prevent wildlife interactions.
Limited cell service: Most mountain and redwood campgrounds have poor or no cell reception. Ben Ries Campground specifically has "no cell service," according to multiple reviews, which can be problematic for emergency communication but beneficial for disconnecting.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: For families new to backpacking, Black Mountain Backpacking Camp offers an ideal introduction with its short access trail. "The pit toilet and bear boxes on site take a lot of the stress out for beginner backpackers," reports one visitor who found the campground surprisingly uncrowded.
Accessible day hikes: Multiple campgrounds connect to trail networks suitable for children. At Butano State Park, there are "varying levels" of hiking trails thick with redwoods that one visitor noted "immediately you feel like you are in Ewok territory," making it engaging for Star Wars fans of all ages.
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report wildlife sightings appropriate for family education. Butano State Park campers frequently spot banana slugs, while Garin Regional Park offers more open terrain with different wildlife viewing opportunities. Parents should note that some campgrounds report "aggressive squirrels" that require proper food storage.
Tips from RVers
Coast-adjacent options: Half Moon Bay RV Park provides full hookups with 30 amp service (with 50 amp adapters available). One RVer noted you can "head about a quarter of a mile and walk or ride the coastal path all the way to the marina or south to the Ritz Carlton. Great ocean views."
Site selection for groups: RVers traveling together should request pull-through sites that can be positioned to create common areas. One camper at Half Moon Bay appreciated that their site "was a pull through as well as our friends who were able to face the opposite way to have a common camp side with us."
Residential atmosphere: Many RV parks in the region have high percentages of permanent residents. At Half Moon Bay RV Park, "80% permanent residents. All rigs look to be maintained and sites without clutter," which creates a more neighborhood-like atmosphere than a typical campground.
