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.
$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
"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."
$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."
$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 / 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."
"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."
$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)."
"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."
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 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.
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.
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)."
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."
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.
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.
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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