Camping near Capitola, California offers diverse terrain options from redwood-shaded inland sites to coastal campgrounds. Situated along California's Central Coast, the region receives mild temperatures year-round with summer highs typically between 65-75°F, while fog often blankets coastal campgrounds in the morning hours. Campgrounds in the area range from basic tent sites to luxury glamping accommodations with varying degrees of amenities and privacy.
What to do
Explore local beaches and tide pools: Sunset State Beach provides camping with direct beach access for swimming, fishing, and beachcombing. "Wanna see an epic sunset? Bring your family, and camp here. Hike to the top of the dune. Don't forget your layers, the windy is chilly! A great beach to relax on, sometimes there's surf here too," shares one camper at Sunset State Beach.
Hike redwood forest trails: Big Basin Redwoods State Park offers multiple trail networks through ancient forests. "Best thing about this campground is proximity to the Berry Creek Falls... a huge series of water falls on a super long and strenuous hike," notes a visitor at Lower Blooms Creek.
Visit historic structures: Some parks contain remnants of old buildings with historical significance. "Nice hikes right from the site or you can drive up to where the old homestead was and see some ruins. Great campground for the kids to bike at but there are a few big hills so make sure they know how to use their brakes," explains a camper from Mount Madonna County Park.
Archery options: For a unique outdoor activity, try one of the dedicated archery trails. "There is an archery trail with 28 targets on a trail through the woods. We were there 3 days in a row and did 20 of the 28. It's really pretty and a cool challenge."
What campers like
Off-peak camping experiences: Winter camping often means fewer crowds and more solitude. "We camped in the winter and had no reservations, but got a good spot anyway. Winter can be a very nice weekend!" remarks a visitor to Sunset State Beach.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Mount Madonna County Park gets high marks for cleanliness. "Absolutely soo clean and a great place to camp without having to travel so far. Bathrooms are constantly cleaned and showers are free and clean. Parking is free with paid camping," shares a satisfied camper.
Natural features and wildlife viewing: Some campgrounds offer unique opportunities to spot wildlife. "Near the ranger station there are pens with white fallow deer. They are descendants of the exotic zoo at William Randolph Hearst's mansion down the coast. The park used to have hundreds of them, but a number of years ago the park service stopped allowing them to breed because they're an introduced species."
Above-the-fog experiences: Higher elevation campgrounds provide unique weather patterns. "Mount Madonna sits above the fog line most of the year, providing clear vistas. This is the only place I've seen the redwood trees harvest the fog and make their own rain, which is pretty cool. In the morning it's raining under the redwood trees but not under the madrone or tan oak trees, which is wild."
What you should know
Seasonal temperature variations: Mountain campgrounds can be significantly colder than surrounding areas. "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!"
Privacy considerations: Site selection impacts your experience greatly. "Camping sites are close together and not private. But really, you are here for the proximity to beach," explains a visitor to Seacliff State Beach.
Reservation challenges: Popular campgrounds book quickly, especially in peak seasons. "Reservations are difficult to obtain, but well worth the effort. Full hookups in one area and dry camping in overflow area. All camping spots are adjacent to the 'boardwalk' beach path and the beach."
Wildlife awareness: Several campers report encounters with local wildlife. "There are some critters here, I saw a few skunks and one wandered right into our campsite at night, so keep an eye out for them."
Tips for camping with families
Look for parks with dedicated activities: Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "Very close to the beach, quiet, excellent friendly staff always happy to help. They have activities daily and things to do which are sent out daily in a text," reports a satisfied camper.
Consider accessibility to beaches: Some locations require significant walking to reach the shore. "Very convenient dog park. We will definitely return for the full experience when all restrictions are lifted, but will leave our two big dogs at home as there wasn't much space for them."
Pack for mosquitoes: Depending on season, insects can be an issue. "Big trees, scenic hikes, waterfalls (in the spring) and spacious sites... what's not to like??? Okay, for those who welt up with mosquito bites, the ONE nit I have is that the lack of air movement during the summer = LOTS of bites. I highly recommend camping in the spring or fall if you are prone to welt-y bug bites."
Check park-specific rules: Policies vary widely between parks. "Dogs are allowed on leash. Lots of Redwoods but too far inland to see the ocean or anything. Even during the summer it gets enough of a sea breeze and has enough shade to stay cool."
Tips from RVers
Site selection is critical: Uvas Canyon County Park offers varied sites with different characteristics. "If you have a roof top tent, we scoped out a few sites which are more flat, and also have the picnic table near the parking spot. They are: 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 12."
Level challenges: Many sites require additional equipment for comfort. "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."
Hook-up availability: RV facilities vary between parks. "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great! There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park that we used as we departed."
Narrow road navigation: Access to some parks requires careful driving. "The road leading to the campground itself is quite narrow. Not sure if it can handle longer recreational vehicles."
