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.
$7 - $35 / night
"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."
$35 / night
"Fun creek behind campground for pups to splash around. Easy flat trails to walk. There were Friendly Europeans with their families, Quiet park, But a ton of misquitos! Bring the spray."
"Tall redwoods all around, plenty of shade, potable water, a dish washing stations (!!!!)"
$35 - $185 / night
"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."
"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."
$33 / night
"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)."
$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."
"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."
$60 - $100 / night
"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."
$100 - $200 / night
"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."
$35 - $50 / night
"It's a great place to use as a basecamp for exploring the myriad of hiking trails that exist in the redwoods and nearby coastal hikes. "
"Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."
$8 / night
"The parking lot for the trail head is just a bit further down Hwy 35. "
"There is a nearby shooting range and you can hear the gunshots during the daylight hours."
TravelerNot many races here any more due to strict sound laws. Beautiful old coastal oak trees, clean fascility, A little bit of pinging from the rifle range below.
GuideSpent a weekend at Mt Madonna and really enjoyed it. Great spot if you're looking for a quick escape from the Bay Area with that classic California redwood experience.
Location & Safety: Conveniently located between San Jose and Monterey - easy access off Highway 152. Felt completely safe throughout the stay. Ranger was friendly and helpful during check-in.
Site Selection Tips: Pay attention to which loop you're in. Some sites are more isolated than others - the ones on the outside of the loops give you more privacy, while sites on the inside of loops are back-to-back, meaning you'll have neighbors directly behind you. I had a spot nestled among the redwoods which was perfect.
Amenities: Clean restrooms and showers available. Each site had a picnic table and fire ring.
Cell Service: Very limited AT&T service - text messages would come through occasionally but that's about it. I had to rely on satellite service for reliable communication. Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
Activities: Didn't get a chance to hike the trails but the park has plenty of them. Looked like great options for a morning hike if that's your thing.
Setup: Vehicle camped in my Jeep Wrangler - worked perfectly.
Overall: Solid weekend getaway spot with beautiful redwoods. Pick your site based on how much privacy you want. Would definitely return.
ScoutHookups were easy access, level spot, beach is close by but it is a walk through the sand dunes which in itself was nice. We were on a shakedown run with our new to us van conversion and every went perfect! Staff is VERY helpful and the whole site is clean! Downside is as others stated- freeway traffic can be a bit noisy at times but definitely not a show stopper as the facilities will take your mind off of it!
TravelerWe decided to come here for a last minute trip with our 25ft class C rv. The spots were nice and the hiking was beautiful. Cheap but comfortable and very convenient for a quick weekend away.
LegendThis was a great spot when exploring the Monterey area. Hard to believe you are in the heart of the city.
Clean facilities. Plenty of sites with some close together, others more spread out. There are trails and plenty to do just in the park. We listened to an owl hoot as we settled in for the evening.
LegendBeautiful spot. Clean facilities and grounds. A bit of city noise but you are technically in the city.
TravelerWe managed to get our 35'bus and 16' trailer combination into this beautiful little park. Nestled in the manzanitas above old town. Great little park to stay in for a day or two (3 day max stay). Shower house is a little worn. But maintained very well and stocked. As there is a 24 hour on-site caretaker. Who lives at the entrance. And takes pride in maintaining this beautiful park.
TravelerDog park, nice showers, nice bathrooms, trails to walk your dog, nice people, quiet.
I loved it here.
If you have a thousand trails membership ($52/month) then you get to stay at this campsite for free (up to 14 days) worth it
ScoutAn excellent campground and a beautiful place to watch the sun set!
Camping spots near Boulder Creek, California range from walk-in tent sites to full-service RV resorts scattered throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains. The area sits at elevations between 400-2,600 feet, creating diverse microclimates that can vary from foggy 50°F mornings to 90°F afternoons during summer months. Winter camping typically sees nighttime temperatures drop to the low 40s with occasional frost at higher elevations.
Hiking to waterfalls: Castle Rock State Park offers trails with ocean views and a waterfall right at the beginning. "There's even a waterfall right at the beginning of the hike. There are a couple of different trails you can take, but the most scenic one IMO is the one that follows a west facing ridge," notes one visitor to Castle Rock Trail Camp.
Creek exploration: Many campgrounds feature creeks and small rivers perfect for cooling off. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, "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," according to one camper.
Mountain biking: The Santa Cruz Mountains offer numerous biking trails of varying difficulty. San Mateo Memorial Park serves as an excellent base for riders. As one camper states, "It's a great place to use as a basecamp for exploring the myriad of hiking trails that exist in the redwoods and nearby coastal hikes."
Climbing at Castle Rock: The rock formations provide popular climbing opportunities. "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," explains a regular visitor to Castle Rock State Park.
Diverse tent site options: From walk-in to drive-up, the area offers varying camping experiences. At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, "Sites had a variety of sizes and 'styles'. Some were very woodsy and some more open and sunny. Bathroom was clean and we liked that they sold firewood on site."
Proximity to coastal activities: Many campgrounds are a short drive to beaches. "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 to Butano State Park.
Access to small towns: Local communities provide supplies and dining options. "Great spot to camp, close to grocery stores and gas stations," notes one camper about Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground.
Night sky viewing spots: Several campgrounds offer stargazing opportunities away from city lights. "Hard to find stars as you are canopied in trees but if you walk a little out, the night sky is dark and stars a plenty," reports a Butano State Park visitor.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have spotty or no coverage. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, "Wifi provided, however it would go out late at night after 10 pm until the morning time."
Variable water availability: Some campgrounds have seasonal water limitations. Castle Rock Trail Camp warns campers that "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."
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites book months in advance. "Hard to find a spot here these days but a great camping spot above the beach," mentions a visitor to New Brighton State Beach.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be prevalent in summer months. "Mosquitoes can be problematic in some areas, particularly near water sources," according to multiple reviews.
Campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities: Some sites offer special activities for children. Cotillion Gardens RV Park receives praise for family facilities: "I loved this campsite! Plenty of trees for shade, there's a pool, hiking trails, a little river. So beautiful and peaceful here."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs. At Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, "The resort also has great activities for kids that they occasionally bring on site, such as a climbing wall and nature talks with live animals."
Sites with paved paths: Some campgrounds offer easier navigation for families. As one Henry Cowell visitor notes, "If you have littles the roads are paved so a scooter or bike could be fun."
Early booking for holiday periods: Holiday weekends fill up 6+ months in advance. "We loved camping here with our 25ft camping trailer. There was plenty of room for it on site 105, however if it was any higher it would be hitting tree limbs."
RV site selection strategy: Choose sites away from main roads for better privacy. At San Mateo Memorial Park, "Some sites are very private, some right on top of each other."
Utility connections: Many RV sites require extension hoses. "Bring your sewer hose extension. Most other sites had them from what I could see," advises an RVer at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Navigation challenges: Some roads leading to campgrounds are narrow. A Cotillion Gardens visitor warns, "Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once your at your site you can relax."
Seasonal temperature variations: RVers should prepare for both hot days and cool nights. "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 (the coast/beaches are windy), night time was a lovely 55-59 degrees."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Boulder Creek, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Boulder Creek, CA is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 43 reviews.
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