Best Campgrounds near Felton, CA
The Santa Cruz Mountains region surrounding Felton, California provides several developed campgrounds and RV parks nestled among towering redwood forests. Smithwoods RV Park, Cotillion Gardens RV Park, and Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort offer full hookup sites for recreational vehicles, while also accommodating tent campers in designated areas. Most campgrounds feature standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms with showers, and drinking water. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, located just outside Felton, provides a more rustic camping experience with proximity to hiking trails and the San Lorenzo River.
Campground access remains open year-round at most Felton-area facilities, though availability becomes limited during summer months when advance reservations are strongly recommended. Most campgrounds feature level sites with variable shade depending on redwood cover. "We were surrounded by these beautiful redwood trees and we could hear the train whistle in the daytime coming from Roaring Camp Railroad," noted one camper at Smithwoods RV Park. Cell service can be limited within the forested areas, with several reviewers mentioning spotty coverage at Cotillion Gardens and Smithwoods. WiFi availability varies by campground, with service typically strongest near office areas. Winter camping requires preparation for cool, potentially wet conditions as the Santa Cruz Mountains receive significant rainfall.
Proximity to natural attractions represents a significant advantage for Felton-area campgrounds. Most facilities sit within a 10-15 minute drive of Santa Cruz beaches, while providing immediate access to redwood forest experiences. Campers consistently mention the convenience of nearby hiking in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, with some campgrounds offering direct trail connections. Several campgrounds feature river access to the San Lorenzo River, though reaching the water often requires navigating steep terrain. According to visitor feedback, sites tend to be relatively close together at most facilities, particularly at RV parks where privacy is limited. Families appreciate the recreational amenities including swimming pools, game rooms, and playgrounds available at several Felton campgrounds.
