Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Bonny Doon, CA has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Bonny Doon, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
$35 / night
"It is a smaller park than many of the other redwoods parks in Northern California, so it was very nice and peaceful. Butano is a bit off the beaten path to get to, but so worth it."
"The campsite has car camping and walk-in sites. I had sites 5 and 6. The map for the campground is deceiving as they looked close together and connected but they were separate."
$8 / night
"I liked the trees, picnic tables, and fire rings at the sites. The sites were spaced nicely to allow for privacy. Frog Flat seemed a bit more secluded than the main camp."
"This is sweet hike in trail camp. We have used it for two purposes. "
"Full hookups in one area and dry camping in overflow area. 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."
$34 / night
"There's 25 campsites; each with a food locker, fire ring, a picnic table, and parking space for 2 sedan sized vehicles or 1 RV. 8 people max per site."
"We camp in a roof top tent and wish we had been more selective on our site, as parking space and the incline at each site are different."
$35 / night
"The drive in was a little confusing. We got most of our turns right the first time around and still spent a while circling trying to tell if we were where we were supposed to be."
"The shower had hot water and the restrooms were cleaned each morning. I loved that the beach was easily accessible for my morning walk. The many flowers were also lovely to wake up to."
$2 / night
"The hike in is only 1.5 miles, but there's plenty of trail options to tack on more mileage on either the hike in or out."
$15 / night
$15 / night
GuideThis was a long family camp trip in an amazing location. Our campsite was a walk-in, fairly secluded spot partially up a steep hill. There were only a handful of spots on that pathway, so there weren't many neighbors. Camp had a picnic table, fire ring, bear box, & lots of nearby trails & paths for exploring. Toilets with showers, and dishwashing stations were nearby as well.
The highlight of this campground is the ample opportunity for wandering. There are many trails, easy walks through ancient redwoods, moderate trails to beautiful waterfalls, and tougher trails for dedicated hikers.
At the lodge area, there's a store, restaurant, and gift shop, plus educational programs, family events, and community campfires. The kids went on a guided hike to become junior rangers, which gave the parents some free time in the afternoon.
It's an amazing place to be, and we definitely need to spend more time there.
TravelerI liked the trees, picnic tables, and fire rings at the sites. The sites were spaced nicely to allow for privacy. Frog Flat seemed a bit more secluded than the main camp. There was no water running at the site when I stayed there, but vault toilets were available. There is a nearby shooting range and you can hear the gunshots during the daylight hours.
TravelerHenry Coe State Park is easily accessible from the San Francisco Bay Area for a weekend getaway or short camping trip.
The Coe Ranch campground has several tent-only campsites that can be reserved online ($8 transaction fee, $20/night), and the campground has parking for vehicles in a small parking area ~20-100 feet from the campsites. Campsites at this campground are aesthetically pleasing, with oak and pine trees around the perimeter of the campground, and there are scenic views of oak woodlands and the valley below. The picnic benches are conveniently located and provide a nice space for eating while camping at the site. Toilets are easily accessed from the campsites. Campfires are allowed in the fire rings only during non-fire season (no campfires during summer months). Dogs are allowed at the Coe Ranch Campground.
Henry Coe SP has many great hiking opportunities, with beautiful wildflower displays in March and April, and also numerous opportunities for enjoying the beauty of the plants and wildlife seen along the hiking trails which are very accessible from the campground. Near the Coe Ranch campground there is a camp book store, which has some items for sale, including many field guides to wildlife and plants in the park. When the store is open, there is often a ranger available to answer questions about the park.
My only compliant is that at the site we stayed at (CR005) the ground is quite compacted, so if you do not have an adequately thick sleeping pad, the ground may be uncomfortably hard to sleep on. Normally I have no trouble sleeping on the bare ground at campsites with a thin sleeping pad, so this was surprising. Bringing an extra pad may be a good idea if you are prone to sleep problems when the ground is too hard.
LegendButano State Park is an absolute gem! It is a smaller park than many of the other redwoods parks in Northern California, so it was very nice and peaceful. Butano is a bit off the beaten path to get to, but so worth it. There are some car sites available, but we had a walk in site. At the time we went, you were assigned a site by the ranger - we happened to get the very last site that was tucked back on a little hill, so it was very nice and secluded. Every site is surrounded by giant redwood trees, and it is an absolutely gorgeous campground.
We forgot our tent on that trip, but that ended up being a GREAT mistake! We set up our air mattress on the tarp, and falling asleep and waking up amongst the still, quiet redwoods was absolutely magical.
The park is so green and lush, shaded, with a nice moderate temperature. There are plenty of hiking trails, and a creek nearby.
I would love to return to Butano some day!
CAMPSITE SPECS
Fees: $35/night
Plumbed Toilets: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Showers: No
Picnic Table: Yes
Firepit: Yes
Cooking Grate: Yes
Shade: Yes
Cell Service: No
Animal Bins/Food lockers: Yes
Trash: Yes
LegendThis is sweet hike in trail camp. We have used it for two purposes. First when were were climbing in Castle Rock State Park and this was our hub and second when we were doing the Skyline to the Sea Trail and wanted a easy first day. This is primitive. 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. If busy - you will be sharing.
Shaded, though hike down can be in the open. Primitive restrooms. Water available. Picnic Tables.
Great home base for climbing - good trail camp for the march to the sea.
LegendCame here from SF Bay for 2 nights on a weekend. Obtained permit from the ranger station and had to pick a district I would camp in the first night (to limit amount of campers in a region per night). Hiked about 8 miles southwest to a lake the first night and camped in my hammock by the lake. Second day backpacked about 12 miles northeast to another lake and was able to grab a spot to set up my hammock next to some picnic tables and a restroom. Saw plenty of wildlife (lizards, snakes, birds, fish). It was fairly hot in mid-spring, and there is not much shade on the trails, especially the dirt roads.
ScoutCame here on a Wednesday and paid $34 to camp overnight. There's 25 campsites; each with a food locker, fire ring, a picnic table, and parking space for 2 sedan sized vehicles or 1 RV. 8 people max per site. Bathrooms were spotless with running hot water, showers were also available. The rangers sell firewood at $13 per cubic foot bundle which is pricey but you can bring your own. I'm not sure if every fire ring has a grill so be sure to bring your own stove as backup. There's also a water faucet, trash bins, and recycle bin for every 3 sites.
There's plenty of shade which is great. Weekdays are best if you want to avoid the crowds. Not too many people know about this park which is a huge plus. I didn't get to hike the trails but there seemed to be a good amount with a few mini-waterfalls.
Rangers frequent the area throughout the day checking trash and bathrooms even after 10pm which gives a greater sense of security.
This is currently my favorite campground in the Bay Area. I have yet to try Mt. Madonna but I was greatly impressed with this one.
TravelerIt was a nice campground to go to. Lots of wildlife and hiking. Dogs are allowed. The lake is closed to any and all water-craft because the water level is too low. It is very clean and well maintained for the most part. Cell phone service for Xfinity/Verizon is spotty at best. There is weak wifi.
However, here's where it loses a star:
I arrived on a Friday late afternoon. Set up my tent. People were fairly loud until about 11pm. Bathrooms were really nice and clean…at first. Saturday, in came the crowd. Loud, obnoxious, and inconsiderate way past midnight. There was no reinforcement of quiet hours past 10pm. The toilets were clogged by 9pm at both restrooms. Men's restrooms have ONLY ONE STALL. And they were clogged beyond belief. I cannot understand why people do not know how to flush a toilet in public. Do they do this crap at home? Anyway, Sunday morning past 9am, still clogged up. Lines waiting to use the compromised restrooms as well. Ridiculous. Unfortunately, that's what ruined my experience. People just being completely selfish in a public campground and staff not be able to keep up with their antics. Maybe there shouldn't be so many sites for so few facilities. Just a thought.
For SUV tents, check out campsite pics on other sites before booking. SUV tents are usually limited to one entrance/exit point on the tent. Usually the driver's side. Each campsite is different. The one I reserved had only one pic that basically showed me nothing. I only could back in to set up my tent on the grass. Both the picnic table and firepit were facing the passenger side way far from the parking spot (as you can see in the second pic) opposite the entrance to my tent. So something to consider.
Travelerlucky to have good weather and limited wind. beautiful walk in site (about 200 feet from car). other sites were crowded (more of a parking lot) but amazing location with access to beach. if you can get sites 36-38 go for it! tent only for these sites.
Nestled in the scenic beauty of California, Bonny Doon offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bonny Doon, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bonny Doon, CA is Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY with a 4.8-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bonny Doon, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Bonny Doon, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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