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Best Campgrounds near Davenport, CA

782 Reviews

Campgrounds in the coastal region near Davenport, California provide a mix of redwood forest and oceanside camping experiences. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground offers established sites for both tent and RV camping with drinking water, showers, and toilets approximately 10 miles from Davenport. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort and Smithwoods RV Park in nearby Felton provide full hookup options with electricity, water, and sewer connections, while New Brighton State Beach Campground offers beachside camping options with sanitary dump facilities about 15 miles southeast of Davenport.

Road access to most campgrounds requires careful navigation through winding forest roads, particularly along Highway 9. The region experiences cool coastal conditions year-round with foggy mornings common during summer months. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer season when sites fill quickly. As one camper noted, "Don't use Highway 9 south from Santa Cruz when towing. The road is too winding and narrow. Use Highway 17 to Mount Herman Road instead." Cell service varies throughout the area, with better connectivity at campgrounds closer to towns like Felton and Capitola than in more remote forest settings.

Redwood forest camping represents the primary draw for visitors to the Davenport area. The tall trees provide natural shade and create a cooler microclimate even during warmer months. Many campgrounds feature access to the San Lorenzo River, which runs through the region. A review mentioned that Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort has "a little trail that goes down to the River where you can find a neat little beach." Proximity to Santa Cruz beaches and attractions is consistently highlighted in camper reviews, with most established campgrounds being within 10-15 minutes of coastal access points. Campers should note that many RV-focused properties have limited space between sites, with reviews frequently mentioning the tight quarters at both Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort and Smithwoods RV Park despite their beautiful settings.

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Best Camping Sites Near Davenport, California (110)

    1. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Mount Hermon, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 438-2396

    $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."

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

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 338-8860

    $35 / night

    "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."

    3. New Brighton State Beach Campground

    44 Reviews
    Capitola, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 464-6330

    $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."

    4. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    22 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 335-8312

    "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

    15 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 335-7669

    "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."

    6. Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA

    16 Reviews
    Pescadero, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-7302

    $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."

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

    18 Reviews
    Pescadero, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-2040

    $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."

    8. Smithwoods RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    7 miles
    +1 (831) 335-4321

    "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."

    9. Sanborn County Park

    19 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-9959

    $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)."

    10. Sunset State Beach

    27 Reviews
    Watsonville, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 763-7063

    "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 Camping Photos near Davenport, CA

256 Photos of 110 Davenport Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Davenport, CA

782 Reviews of 110 Davenport Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 11, 2025

    Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

    Nice little campground

    Coe Ranch Campground is small, clean, and well run, with plenty of nearby toilets and garbage cans. Sites aren’t terribly private but not too close together either. Some reviewers complained there wasn’t a level site in the whole campground but Site 13 was perfectly level for our truck camper down at the bottom. Maybe research your options here and on CampsitePhotos.com beforehand to see if they fit your style of camping. (The more exposed sites and the two sites by the bathrooms wouldn’t work for me.) Views are excellent from the campground parking lot, as well as from some sites, although those sites have little privacy. It’s a twisty 13-mile drive up to the campground but worth the effort if you’re looking for a quiet getaway for the weekend. Coe SP has miles of beautiful trails, loads of wildlife, and hike-in campsites that make a stay worthwhile, even if you decide the campground isn’t for you.

  • James
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Mount Madonna County Park

    Very nice campground

    Nice area ,lots of trails into redwoods and cedar trees, campsites were very roomy and flatish. Water was available, bathroom was clean.Nice place to get away from the heat. MAKE SURE YOU LOCK UP YOUR VEHICLE, campground seems to attract people who like to rip off campers.Our car and or good friends car was  liberated, my phone,trailer monitor,small charging cables and a pair of small binoculars. Also removed was our extra luggage that had extra clothes and some souvenirs from our German trip. Needless to say the Rangers were simathetic, we weren't the first in this campground, there were previous thefts at different times.

    LOCK UP YOUR VEHICLES SIGNS ARE NOT PRESENT IN THE CAMPGROUND AREA.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Carmel by the River RV Park

    Clean place

    Really like this place. It’s not run down like many RV parks these days. Flat lots, full hook ups, even warm welcome cookie!

  • C
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Cotillion Gardens RV Park

    In the trees

    Some spaces are tight to back into. Marginal cell coverage. Camp WiFi is acceptable. Need to use WiFi to supplement cell service.

  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Our Second visit here

    This was our second visit, and by chance the same campsite. Prior, I had to change the dates and was rewarded a$35 change fee. I did it online, so it wasn't like I put anyone to any tedious task. With that, not sure I will be back just on principle. So now, moving on to the review. The sites are well marked. 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. Bring your sewer hose extension. Most other sites had them from what I could see. My Starlink was heavily obstructed by trees so worked at 40% speed.

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    San Francisco RV Resort

    Close to City

    We stayed here as we had baseball game tickets in SF during our RV trip. Close to city and in a safe area. Liked sleeping to the sounds of crashing waves and was able to use full hookups.

    Bathrooms were pretty dirty - not as pictured. Although I liked that the showers locked. Rec area was very run down. Laundry has mobile payment and was clean and accessible.

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Redwood Resort RV Park & Campground

    Friendly and quiet

    Was able to book the night before and get the last full hookup spot. The man who checked us in was super friendly and answered all of my partners questions and even helped us with some basic RV knowledge as we’re new.

    Redwoods are super pretty. Area outside of the RV park isn’t super walkable though. Bathrooms are fine for the price and very clean.

    Situated near the people who live in the park and they were super friendly and quiet.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park

    Clean, safe place to park, fairly busy.

    Well maintained, friendly host. Clean, feels safe. Bridge construction at the mouth of the harbor, use the path next to the bridge (don’t let Apple Maps send you though miles of residential streets, just walk around the construction). Lots of things to do and see, e-bike rental racks all over the city (get the BCycle app). Best tacos at Las Palmas at the foot of the pier! It’s a University town UC Santa Cruz) so enjoy all that culture.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    Cash on arrival $53 for RV

    This campground requires cash or cheque payment. It’s at the top of a hill so make sure you’re prepared before arrival. Also not suitable for RV’s over 20ft. No hook ups but decent bathrooms. Nice and quiet.

Guide to Davenport

Camping near Davenport, CA, offers a fantastic mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat in the redwoods or a beachside adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area. At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "There are beautiful hiking trails all over this campground." Just be cautious of poison oak, as another camper noted, "There is so much poison oak - everywhere."
  • Beach Access: If you prefer the ocean, check out New Brighton State Beach Campground. One visitor said, "Great views and easy access to the beach," making it a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Mount Madonna County Park enjoyed spotting deer and wild turkeys. One reviewer shared, "We saw a lot of deer and wild turkey."

What campers like

  • Privacy: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites. At Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park, a visitor said, "The spots are spread out, the air feels pure to the lungs, and it’s very woodsy."
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Francis Beach Campground are noted for their cleanliness. One camper mentioned, "Showers were clean and spacious with great pressure and warm water."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campers at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground enjoyed the family-friendly vibe. A reviewer said, "Showers, restrooms, tables, and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure."

What you should know

  • Reservations: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground advised, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sanborn County Park, have limited amenities. One visitor noted, "There are also some trails for short and longer hikes," but be prepared for basic facilities.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Campers at Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park mentioned the importance of keeping food secure. "It is also a crumb-free park and they take it very seriously."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like New Brighton State Beach Campground. One reviewer said, "Lots of families and lots of kids."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Mount Madonna County Park highlighted, "There are quite a few trails that are currently closed due to storm damage, but crews were actively working on them."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A visitor at California Sunset State Beach mentioned, "Camp hosts were kind, lovely spots available in Dunes Camp."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: RVers at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort recommend checking site sizes. One camper said, "A bit of space would serve them well."
  • Use Alternative Routes: If you're towing, avoid narrow roads. A reviewer noted, "Don’t use Hwy 9 south from Santa Cruz towing. The road is too winding and narrow."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can get busy. A visitor at Francis Beach Campground mentioned, "The campground was full so the bathrooms were not very clean."

Camping near Davenport, CA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Davenport camping areas?

Camping areas near Davenport offer varied amenities. New Brighton State Beach Campground provides electricity and water hookups at select sites, with campsites featuring fire rings and picnic tables on a bluff near the ocean. Sites are spacious and not too close to neighboring campers. For RV travelers, Half Moon Bay RV Park offers pull-through sites with helpful staff to assist with setup. Most campgrounds in the region provide clean restrooms, while some locations like Sanborn County Park offer storage boxes near picnic tables and provide carts to help transport camping gear from parking areas to sites.

When is the best season for camping in Davenport?

Fall is often ideal for camping near Davenport, with fewer crowds and pleasant weather. At Laguna Seca Recreation Area, campers have reported having entire tent/dry camping areas to themselves during this season. Summer offers warmer temperatures but expect coastal fog and cooler evenings, especially at sites like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. Spring brings wildflowers but potentially more rain. Winter camping is possible but prepare for colder nights and occasional storms. Year-round, coastal areas can experience fog and cooler temperatures than inland locations, so pack accordingly regardless of season.

Where can I find camping spots near Davenport, CA?

Several excellent camping options exist near Davenport. San Mateo Memorial Park serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring redwood and coastal hiking trails. The park is meticulously maintained with clean facilities. For a more rustic experience, Castle Rock Trail Camp near Skyline Boulevard offers sites popular with hikers and cyclists. Additional options include Sanborn County Park with its walk-in sites and storage boxes, Half Moon Bay State Beach with oceanfront camping (though reservations fill quickly), and Cotillion Gardens RV Park near Felton. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak seasons.

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