Camping near Davenport, California offers diverse terrain options between 200-1,200 feet elevation with microclimates that shift dramatically within short distances. Morning fog frequently rolls in from the Pacific during summer months, creating misty camping conditions in the mornings while afternoons clear with temperatures averaging 65-75°F. Cell service becomes increasingly limited as campsites move inland from Highway 1 toward the dense redwood groves.
What to do
Hiking through redwood forests: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground features numerous hiking trails through ancient groves. "There were a few trails that started from the campground, which was nice," notes one camper, while another mentions, "Plenty of hiking trails for everyone. Hike into the redwoods or go a few miles down the road and take a ride on the Roaring Camp Big Trees Railroad."
Beach exploration: Sunset State Beach provides direct beach access from the campground. "You can walk down to the beach, take a trip to the henry cowel redwoods, go ride bikes in santa cruz. We have so much fun," shares a visitor. The beach stretches for miles with fewer crowds than nearby Santa Cruz beaches, especially on weekdays.
River swimming: Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort offers seasonal swimming in the San Lorenzo River. "There is a little trail that goes down to the River where you can find a neat little beach," writes one camper. River access points typically have gentle entry areas suitable for wading and swimming during summer months when water levels are lower.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Ben Ries Campground at Butano State Park offers more secluded camping options. A camper notes, "The campsite has car camping and walk-in sites. Overall, the sites are spaced apart nicely." The walk-in sites require a short hike but reward with greater seclusion.
Family-friendly amenities: Cotillion Gardens RV Park features recreational options beyond just camping. "There were lots of kids around using the playground, bicycling, playing basketball, and swimming in the pool. There was also a large clubhouse with foosball, ping pong and arcade games which is open from 9am - 9pm," explains a visitor.
Ocean proximity: Staying at New Brighton State Beach Campground puts you within walking distance to the Pacific. One camper shares, "Direct access to the beach. Showers kinda meh but the rest made up for it!" Another mentions, "Very quiet area and pretty well spaced out sites (for a coastal campground). Good beach access (down a ramped pathway and then staircase)."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most established campgrounds in the Davenport area book quickly during summer months. For New Brighton State Beach Campground, a camper warns, "hard to find a spot here these days but a great camping spot above the beach." Reservations often open six months in advance through the California State Parks reservation system.
Road conditions: Access to inland campgrounds requires careful driving. One camper at Sanborn County Park advises, "To get to Sanborn you will have to drive up a narrow road. We didn't have any issue with a 21' though." Fog can reduce visibility significantly, especially during morning hours.
Wildlife encounters: Yellow jackets and other insects are common in summer months. A Henry Cowell visitor reports, "The park has a bit of a yellow jacket problem that they don't really seem too concerned about addressing. Yellowjackets on trails, in campsites and near bathrooms. 5 in our group got stung."
Tips for camping with families
Campgrounds with kid activities: Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA offers organized programs. "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," shares a visitor. Activity schedules typically run Friday through Sunday during peak season.
Beach camping preparation: When camping at coastal sites, prepare for wind. A Sunset State Beach camper advises, "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!" Sand can be problematic without proper preparation.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer alternatives to ocean swimming. One Cotillion Gardens visitor mentions, "Kids liked the pool and clubhouse. Look forward to our next visit," which provides a safer option than the sometimes-rough Pacific waters for younger children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: At Smithwoods RV Park, location matters for views and space. "We had one of the electric sites in the interior of the campground. The sites on the bluff overlooking the Pacific looked spectacular!" notes one RVer. Another adds, "We were 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."
Connectivity challenges: Cell service and WiFi vary dramatically between campgrounds. A camper at Smithwoods shares, "Be ready for no cell or WiFi. We occasionally got 1 bar of cell service in our site if we stood in a certain spot (AT&T). There was WiFi up at the office but it was inconsistent." Many RVers recommend downloading maps and information before arrival.
Dump station timing: At New Brighton, plan for potential waiting times. "Warning: the line for the dump station wound through nearly the entire park," warns a camper. Weekday departure typically means shorter waits than weekend checkout times.
