Tent camping near Bonny Doon, California extends beyond established state parks to several primitive locations throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains. The region sits at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 feet with temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby coastal areas. Many campgrounds implement seasonal fire restrictions from May through November due to high wildfire danger in the dense redwood and mixed evergreen forests.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: Access trails at Uvas Canyon County Park that showcase multiple cascades along a 6-mile network. "There's a nature trail along the creek. If you hike up to the ridge on a clear day you can see the ocean," notes one camper about the interconnected trail system.
Rock climbing: Practice bouldering at Castle Rock Trail Camp where granite formations provide natural climbing challenges. "Great home base for climbing - good trail camp for the march to the sea," explains a visitor who used the campground as a base for climbing activities.
Coastal exploration: Plan day trips to nearby beaches accessible within 20-30 minutes from mountain campsites. "The campground is very close to PCH/Highway 1 and the beaches are lovely. PCH is also dotted with farms and fruit stands, artisan pies, etc," shares a visitor describing the easy beach access from inland campgrounds.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers at Butano State Park appreciate the thoughtful campsite layout. "Overall, the sites are spaced apart nicely. The map for the campground is deceiving as they looked close together and connected but they were separate," explains one camper who found the sites more private than expected.
Moderate temperatures: The Santa Cruz Mountains provide cooler summer camping conditions. "Great weather, lots of shade at the campsite and on the hikes. Coast was a cool 60's-70's but warm in the sun, night time was a lovely 55-59 degrees, easy to sleep, not too cold," reports a summer visitor enjoying the mild climate.
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "This place is magnificent. I've hiked every trail here. It's pretty amazing to climb up and see the views of the ocean on a clear day," shares a camper who enjoyed spotting wildlife while hiking the ridge trails.
What you should know
Water availability issues: Be prepared to filter water or bring your own. "Although there is a communal water source at the campsite entrance, the water was deemed not safe to drink when I was there, and that had been the case for a while. The water tank apparently needs to be decontaminated," explains a camper about conditions at Castle Rock Trail Camp.
Limited cell service: Most camping areas have poor connectivity. "There is no cell service. Fellow campers were there to camp, not to party, so that's always a plus," notes a Butano State Park visitor describing the disconnected experience.
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds in the area have been affected by fire damage or winter storms. "Campground has been closed since winter storms washed most of it away in 2023," reports a visitor regarding Seacliff State Beach.
Tips for camping with families
Tent site selection: Choose sites strategically for family needs. "If I were to come back and want two large sites to connect, I would choose either 6 and 8 or 10 and 13. If it's just two people, site 3 is pretty private as well as 14," advises a camper about family-friendly layouts at Butano State Park.
Kid-friendly trails: Look for easier hikes suitable for children. "Short hikes along the Uvas Creek and Swanson creek are right next to the campground. Trails are narrow and steep at some places but mostly shaded. Small waterfalls are the highlights of the trail, but kids will enjoy playing in the water on hot days," shares a visitor at Uvas Canyon County Park.
Bathroom facilities: Plan around available amenities. "Bathrooms and shower. The bathrooms are pretty clean, and some even have baby changing stations," notes a camper about the family-friendly facilities at certain parks.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most camping near Bonny Doon has vehicle size limitations. "The road leading to the campground itself is quite narrow. 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," advises a visitor at Uvas Canyon County Park.
Alternative parking options: Some campgrounds offer separate sites for different vehicle types. "The campsite has car camping and walk-in sites. Not every site is able to car camp due to rocks blocking off the parking area but every campsite is pretty nice," explains a visitor at Portola Redwoods State Park.
Weather considerations: Be prepared for rapid temperature changes. "It is tucked back in a canyon so once the sun goes down it can get cold quickly," warns a camper about evening temperature drops that affect tent and RV comfort alike.
