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Camping near Bonny Doon, CA

116 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Camping opportunities near Bonny Doon in the Santa Cruz Mountains include established campgrounds within redwood forests and along the coastline. The area features a range of accommodation options including Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, New Brighton State Beach, and several RV resorts like Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort. These locations offer various camping styles from tent sites to RV hookups, with some properties providing cabin rentals and glamping experiences. Most campgrounds in this region are situated within 30 minutes of Santa Cruz, providing access to both mountain and coastal environments.

    Campgrounds in the Bonny Doon area typically operate year-round due to the moderate coastal climate, though seasonal considerations affect availability and conditions. Many state park campgrounds require reservations months in advance, especially during summer weekends and holidays. The region experiences cool, foggy conditions along the coast while inland areas can be significantly warmer. Fire restrictions are common during the dry summer and fall months, with complete bans possible during high-risk periods. Cell service varies considerably throughout the mountainous terrain, with better coverage near populated areas and limited connectivity in more remote locations. A visitor to Butano State Park noted, "The park is so green and lush, shaded, with a nice moderate temperature. There are plenty of hiking trails, and a creek nearby."

    The redwood forest camping experience represents a key attraction for visitors to this region. Several campgrounds feature old-growth redwood groves providing natural shade and a unique atmosphere. Campers frequently mention the tranquility of sleeping beneath towering trees, with one reviewer describing Henry Cowell as "a nice campground in a great part of California with lots of hiking and beaches nearby." Coastal campgrounds like New Brighton State Beach offer different but equally appealing experiences with ocean views and beach access. Site sizes and privacy vary considerably across properties, with some reviewers noting that certain campgrounds have sites positioned quite close together. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities including restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings, though water quality and shower availability differ between locations.

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    Best Campgrounds near Bonny Doon (116)

      1. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

      4.4(43)6mi from Bonny DoonRVs, Tents

      "This is a nice campground in a great part of California with lots of hiking and beaches nearby. The bathrooms were clean and well kept."

      "There were bigger sites that would've suited us better but it was a nice little tucked in site. The poison oak is prolific. Our site was literally surrounded by it."

      from $7 - $35 / night

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      2. New Brighton State Beach Campground

      4.5(45)12mi from Bonny Doon103 sitesRVs

      "Camped with electricity and water, situated on a bluff near the ocean. Easy walking distance to the water, nice roomy campsites with fire rings and tables. Not too close to other campers."

      "New Brighton is a jewel on the California coast. Camping is on a bluff above beach and you must walk down stairs to get to the beach. Camping in the woods with the beach below is perfect."

      from $35 - $185 / night

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      3. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

      4.7(34)9mi from Bonny Doon33 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site."

      "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."

      from $35 / night

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      4. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

      4.1(22)4mi from Bonny DoonRVs

      "They are a bit narrow, so much of the camp side you will have a close look at your neighbors utilities. When the park is full, it is close. Go on weekdays, not as busy and more room is likely."

      "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."

      5. Cotillion Gardens RV Park

      3.5(15)4mi from Bonny DoonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once your at your site you can relax. Bathrooms are a little dated, no cell service but good WiFi if your close to the office."

      "The place is old, but it has a great location. There are great hiking trails assessable from the campground."

      from $60 - $100 / night

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      6. Sanborn County Park

      4.0(20)13mi from Bonny DoonRVs, Glamping

      "This is a nice camping away from the car experience. It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites."

      "Great walk-in campground so close to home in the South Bay Area (albeit walk is slightly uphill)."

      from $33 / night

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      7. Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA

      4.4(16)14mi from Bonny DoonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "But for a quick weekend jaunt for RV campers, this location slightly more than an hour from the Bay Area is hard to beat."

      "There is a nice playground next to an equally nice café called the pinecone. The weather here is cold just a heads up be prepared for wind and overcast weather."

      from $100 - $200 / night

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      8. Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

      4.8(18)15mi from Bonny DoonTents

      "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."

      "Large, user-friendly campsites surrounded by redwood trees. Great ferny hiking trails for every level of camper/hiker. Very easy access to campsites and near Pescadero and Highway One."

      from $35 / night

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      9. Smithwoods RV Park

      4.6(7)4mi from Bonny DoonRVs

      "The location is mostly flat and surrounded with Redwoods. Shady and sunny locations; larger and small RV spots. No tent camping. It backs into Henry Cowell State Park and you can walk into it."

      "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. Sunset State Beach

      4.3(28)20mi from Bonny DoonRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Dogs can be allowed on beach if you go to the right of the main entrance. No dogs to the left.  Camp sites vary but the best loop is South Loop. Some with ocean views but those are hard to reserve. "

      "Strawberry fields surround the campground and are next to the Hike and Bike area. The walk is not too difficult down to the beach."

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    Recent Reviews near Bonny Doon, CA

    812 Reviews of 116 Bonny Doon Campgrounds


    • Anthony V.
      Jul. 2, 2026

      Trailer Tel RV Park

      Nice clean, bad management

         I lived at this trailer park from October 2021 until June 2026. I loved living here and the lifestyle. I've always been on good terms with property management and owners. Wayne and I would talk often, I even bought him and his wife dinner because i noticed we're eating at the same place. I've recently been going through a divorce and spoke with Wayne about personal issues, I generally keep to myself but I thought Wayne was a man of integrity. Come to find out he's spreading my personal business throughout the trailer park. Around June 25th i asked wayne, if I could speak to him privately in his office, he said, no, my boss is in there. I then asked him about the moving out process, and if I could possibly rent another spot in the park and leave my ex wife in that spot. This is what He deemed an appropriate response in the middle of the street in front of neighbors, The property owner and staff. "Your wife has a bad reputation". What do you mean complaints? "Not only that several of your neighbors have told me that they're sleeping with your wife". I was humiliated, embarrassed would be an understatement. I then told him that i'm gonna be out of there as soon as possible. He then said "I have 6 people fighting for that spot. If you can be out by the end of the month, I'll get them in right away". Come the 1st of the month. Wayne gives me a call saying they are keeping my deposit, and I owe an additional $310 i was perplexed. After trying to talk to him about this, he became aggressive, yelling, using profanities. After realizing how this was going, I asked for an Itemize statement and a copy of my lease agreement. I also asked if I still need to pay for the next several days, can I have use to the facilities still? Pool, weight room, laundry room ect. There was a long, awkward pause, he eventually said, I would prefer if you don't. This just seemed really off to me that you are forcing me to pay, but I can't use what i'm paying for. He then said "I got shit to do bro". And hung up the phone. I've spoke to him 3 times train to get an explanation or some clarity on my end but each time I am met with aggression and being hung up on with no resolution. Today when I spoke with him, she told me, " i don't care if you pay or not. Ill send you to collections, you turned in your mail key and moved your trailer". "You don't have a leg to stand on, i suggest you sue us". I then said, wayne, this is exactly the problem.You're the property manager, you should care if your current or former tenants, our paying their bills. I'm just trying to come to a resolution. He then hung up the phone and ignored my return calls. Again the facility is great, clean, we'll maintained i really anticipated on leaving a 5 star review but the way Wayne mishandled this is disappointing to say the least. I hope the owner will please call me, Anthony Vyeda #52  

      Sorry to the owners of trailer tel rv park for leaving this honest review.

    • A T.
      Jun. 21, 2026

      Seacliff Center Trailer & RV Park

      Passing by

      We love doing road trips and we don't have a destination so this time it was hard to find a spot to camp, everything was full but we fund this nice spot that we could stay for the night. We love the this 😍 camping spot it's not in the forest but is near the beach at walking distance and they have showers!. Can't wait to come back again. Thank you!

    • Grant M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 20, 2026

      Laguna Seca Recreation Area

      Amazing views, location and price, but is a raceway

      Great spots, awesome views, but even if there’s no “event” there may be cars on track 8am-5pm, and it ain’t quiet. Check the community calendar as well. Oh, the water has too much arsenic to drink, so be prepared on that front.

    • Melina H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 16, 2026

      Treasure Island MH and RV Park

      Great Spot

      Stayed here for 2 nights. Staff was very nice and the restrooms looked great and worked perfectly fine. Very quiet.

      • clean washers and dryers available for a few $ Metro not far away to get into the city and a few stores in walking distance
    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 16, 2026

      Candlestick RV Park

      Hard pass

      Obviously a long term lot with a very “wrong turn” kind of vibe. Website on apple is blocked for deceptive practices . There was but link from here works. Never got confirmation e,ail so I called.. 800 number, no answer.. local number answered said I wouldn’t get confirmation until noon tomorrow. Then told me to come on as a walk in. We pulled up, pulled through, left quickly.. bad decisions unless you are on hard times.

    • Delila R.
      Jun. 14, 2026

      Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

      Best campsite in Monterey

      They clean the bathrooms daily, there's trash cans everywhere, a couple water spouts, 2 play grounds, trails, beautiful trees, and more! Fires are not allowed during fire season and you cannot stay for more than 3 days but it's still a very fancy campground in my opinion. Reasonably priced too!

    • Wilbur P.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 27, 2026

      New Brighton State Beach Campground

      Seaside camping in a forested camp.

      Nice level sites, not too close together….nice trees provide shade. Excellent beach for strolling. A dump station with potable water is $10.

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 24, 2026

      Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat

      Refund promise not done

      Jessica helped as to reserve the site 10a but when we went there it was so hard to access the site with our car .so we did call her and explain the situation she proposed a refund .we left the area waiting for the promised refund we called her the same night she didn’t answer and she send a message saying she will refund the day after .we called her the day after she said I will do when I get internet after that she said because of your behavior (calling her and asking for our money) she said I will not refund and go to the police


    Guide to Bonny Doon

    Camping near Bonny Doon provides access to diverse ecosystems where coastal fog often blankets the lower elevations while higher areas remain sunny. The Santa Cruz Mountains create microclimates throughout the region, with temperatures varying by as much as 15 degrees between coastal and inland campgrounds. Many sites require advance planning, with reservations filling 3-6 months ahead for summer weekends.

    What to do

    Hiking at Butano State Park: The trail system offers routes ranging from easy creek-side paths to challenging ridge climbs with ocean views. "This park has great hikes, thick with Redwoods, immediately you feel like you are in Ewok territory. Lots of varying levels as well," notes Kathleen C. about Ben Ries Campground.

    Explore the San Lorenzo River: Several campgrounds provide river access for swimming and wildlife viewing. "There is a little trail that goes down to the River where you can find a neat little beach. It's a goofy little descent/climb to get there and out but worth it," shares Jaime C. who stayed at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.

    Visit local farms and artisans: The coastal route features strawberry fields, cheese farms, and artisan food stops. "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. The closest town is Pescadaro, and has a tiny main street with an excellent coffee shop, and grocery store with fresh baked pies," explains a visitor to Ben Ries Campground.

    What campers like

    Redwood forest immersion: Tall trees provide natural shade and cooler temperatures. "We tent camped here but most people had a trailer. Translation: the bathroom was empty. Quiet with quick access to the beach via a steep paved path," mentions Alma L. about New Brighton State Beach Campground.

    Beach proximity: Several campgrounds offer direct beach access or short drives to coastal areas. "We stayed here for three nights and it was beautiful! You can walk down to the beach, take a trip to the henry cowel redwoods, go ride bikes in santa cruz," shares Tiffany W. who stayed at Sunset State Beach.

    Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer kids' activities and common spaces. "The park has a bit of a yellow jacket problem that they dont really seem too concerned about addressing. Yellowjackets on trails, in campsites and near bathrooms," warns Megan B. about Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground.

    What you should know

    Campsite spacing varies significantly: Some locations offer privacy while others place sites close together. "The sites are close together. The place is old, but it has a great location. There are great hiking trails assessable from the campground," explains Linda S. about Cotillion Gardens RV Park.

    Wildlife encounters: Proper food storage is essential in this region. "We were camping for 1 night and boy, was it crowded! Each and every group was fighting for the 'wagons' to haul stuff up the hike-in campsites," reports Pranj D. who visited Sanborn County Park.

    Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the area. "Do not expect cell service, with better reception near populated areas. "We didn't get service if our family members needed to contact us since they were staying in town. They need to put access points around for a better wifi connection," notes Christina R. about Smithwoods RV Park.

    Tips for camping with families

    Look for campgrounds with play areas: Some locations offer dedicated recreation facilities. "This is a great campground for families. Hiking and biking trails, nature walks, showers, flush toilets, it has it all for the not so campy campers," mentions J.d. E. about Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground.

    Check for kid-friendly trails: Short hiking loops with interesting features keep children engaged. "This is an awesome spot to camp with your family. Lots of things for kids to do and families to do, firepit level, clean spots will definitely come back!" shares susan R. who stayed at Smithwoods RV Park.

    Consider cabins for easier family camping: Several parks offer cabin options for less gear-intensive trips. "We stayed in a cabin in the huckleberry campground. The cabins were nice, and each cabin has 2 double beds, a table, and a wood stove. It can get cold at night in the redwoods so the wood stove was great at night," shares Kim P. about Lower Blooms Creek.

    Tips from RVers

    Plan your route carefully: Some roads to campgrounds have tight turns and low clearances. "Getting there takes some attention. 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," advises Patrick J. about Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.

    Book full hookup sites in advance: Utility connections are limited at many campgrounds. "Very nice place. We stayed in site J, on the point. It was nice and big. Full hook ups. We had a great view of the San Lorenzo River and Henry Cowell State Park," shares David H. about Smithwoods RV Park.

    Prepare for tight spacing: Many RV parks position sites close together. "Not a bad place to stay. It's just very crowded with zero privacy. All big Rv, there's a pool hall and a river. It's super close to a few bars and about a mile away from the Henry Cowell entrance," reports Corrie G. who visited Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular campground near Bonny Doon, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bonny Doon, CA is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 43 reviews.