Best Campgrounds near Boulder Creek, CA
The camping near Boulder Creek, California includes a variety of locations to choose from, with options ranging from established campgrounds to more primitive sites. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, located just outside Boulder Creek, has been a popular destination featuring tent sites, RV spots, and walk-in camping areas surrounded by ancient redwood trees. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, approximately 7 miles south of Boulder Creek, offers similar amenities with drive-in and hike-in access. Both parks provide mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate different camping styles, though some facilities like Big Basin have faced closures due to wildfire damage in recent years. The Santa Cruz Mountains region surrounding Boulder Creek contains several additional camping areas with varying levels of development.
"We stayed here the summer before it burned down. It was 95 degrees in this redwood forest. I am grateful to have visited these big trees," noted one camper about Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. The region experiences typical coastal mountain weather patterns with cool, foggy mornings even during summer months. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry periods. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many camping areas, particularly in the densely forested sections. Several campgrounds provide water and restroom facilities, though primitive sites may require visitors to pack in their own supplies. The terrain ranges from relatively flat campground areas to steep, challenging hiking trails connecting different parts of the parks.
Campers report high satisfaction with sites nestled among the redwoods, with many reviews highlighting the unique experience of sleeping beneath ancient trees. "There is something awesome about standing inside a tree that is literally 10 times bigger than you! Camping here was one of the most special, amazing camping adventures in my life," shared one visitor to Big Basin. The proximity to Boulder Creek town (about 9 miles from Big Basin) allows campers to access supplies and occasional respite from the heat, with several reviews mentioning trips into town for meals or groceries. Mosquitoes can be problematic in some areas, particularly near water sources. Most tent and RV sites include standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers to protect supplies from wildlife. The region's campgrounds balance accessibility with a genuine forest experience, making them popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts from the Bay Area.
