Camping near Felton, California ranges from full-hookup RV parks to tent campsites set among towering redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. 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. Felton campgrounds offer visitors a unique opportunity to camp among ancient redwoods while still having convenient access to nearby attractions. 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.
$7 - $35 / night
"Near downtown Santa Cruz and Felton."
"This park is just outside of Santa Cruz about 15 minutes or so in Felton. It is pretty and the sites are private. There are very hot showers for and a buck of quarters gets you 5 minutes."
$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."
$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."
"It sits in the redwoods next to the San Lorenzo river in Felton Ca. Beautiful setting and great place for the kids to run around and have fun. Santa Cruz is only a 10 minute ride down Hwy 9."
"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."
$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."
$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."
"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."
"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 would recommend booking away from the jump pillow or playground, unless easy playground access is important, because the spots are pretty noisy."
"There is also relatively quick access to Santa Cruz to the north and Monterey to the south. My only criticism is that it is not that woodsy. But hey, this is a KOA!"
"Great spot if you're looking for a quick escape from the Bay Area with that classic California redwood experience."
"We were happy to have the electric hook up since the redwood and oak tress surrounding all the sites are huge and block out the sun."
ScoutVery nice, quiet spots but since it's called Carmel by the River you would expect it to have a river... Also no laundry and an unpleasant and narrow entrance definitely take this down a few stars
TravelerI got here on a weekday and had no issue getting a tent site. It seemed that less than half the spots were claimed. FYI, it is self-registration so bring cash/check. There appeared to be a park ranger on site.
This is a scenic spot with a 1.4 mi walking trail to downtown Monterey. Shower/restroom facilites are clean. I would come here again.
TravelerThe least expensive sites are very close to neighboring campers. Although drive through site and premium site have more space as price for site increases. We'll kept and convenient to Bay Area. Very nice and helpful staff.
LegendValado RV Park and State fairground offers 38 RV spaces 29 with full power (50 amp) water and sewer hookups for $48 a night. Weekly and monthly rates available. 30 minutes to Pinnacles National Park, and 5 minutes south of Hollister, California. Good T-Mobile coverage. Office closes at 4:00. Local rodeo in June.
TravelerGreat camping spot quiet clean but no power hookups
ScoutNice KOA with all the amenities you need. Friendly staff. Great time
TravelerI don’t think it lives up to the expectations or the price. I generally find it dirty here. I also think the toilets are quite worn
ScoutThey falsely accused us of spilling sewage when we didn’t. The KOA personnel even agreed that we didn’t have a spill when a neighboring site falsely accused us, and when we were leaving the KOA personnel accused us of doing it another time(!) and charged us a$75 cleaning fee. The tiny bits of paper they claim were from us(we didn’t dump black water while we were there so impossible) were very old and dry and clearly there when we got there. They claimed a“gray water smell” which if it were true(I went back right after we were told they were going to charge us and smelled nothing and took pictures) wouldn’t have caused bits of paper. Cute campground- extremely tight spots- but we didn’t feel welcome, especially after being watched and accused of something we didn’t do within hours of arriving. The highway is right near the campground and there were very loud motorcycles going by for a couple of hours. No grocery stores close by- a few fruits stands- just be prepared, and barely anyplace to eat out. There’s a nice beach nearby.
TravelerNice campground over Monterey, a little pricey but there were spots available last minute. Showers and toilets available.
Camping near Felton, California centers around the San Lorenzo River, which flows through the forested valley at approximately 285 feet elevation. Winter temperatures average 40-60°F, with summer warming to 65-85°F. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for rainfall that averages 49 inches annually in this microclimate.
Mountain biking on local trails: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground provides convenient access to multiple trail systems. "There were a few trails that started from the campground, which was nice," notes one visitor who appreciated the immediate hiking options without needing to drive.
Roaring Camp Railroad experience: Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort makes a convenient base for this historic attraction. A camper recalls, "We could hear the train whistle in the daytime coming from Roaring Camp Railroad." The steam locomotive rides through redwoods are accessible from several campgrounds.
River swimming access: At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, campers can access the San Lorenzo River via a trail. "There is a little trail that goes down to the River where you can find a neat little beach. It's a goofy little descent/climb to get there and out but worth it," mentions one visitor.
Proximity to urban amenities: Many campgrounds provide forest camping with quick access to towns. At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, campers value being "close to grocery stores and gas stations" while still enjoying a forest setting.
Trail connections between campgrounds: Several camping areas feature interconnected trail systems. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, visitors mention "great hiking trails assessable from the campground" that connect to neighboring recreation areas.
Level camping sites: Despite the mountainous terrain, most Felton-area campgrounds feature relatively level sites. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, a reviewer noted "spots were leveled with dirt" making setup easier, though some campgrounds may require blocks for perfect leveling.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds and even between sites at the same facility. At Smithwoods RV Park, campers report: "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."
Tight spacing at RV parks: Many RV-focused campgrounds have limited site separation. A Cotillion Gardens RV Park camper noted: "Sites are close together. The place is old, but it has a great location." This layout is common at several Felton-area campgrounds.
Nighttime wildlife activity: Raccoons are frequent visitors at most campgrounds. A visitor to Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort observed: "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."
Kid-friendly amenities: Mount Madonna County Park offers unique attractions for children. "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," explains one camper, providing an educational opportunity.
Bike-friendly camping loops: Several campgrounds feature paved roads ideal for children learning to ride. Mount Madonna visitors mention "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."
Recreational facilities: Most RV parks include additional amenities beyond camping. Cotillion Gardens offers "a large clubhouse with foosball, ping pong and arcade games which is open from 9am - 9pm" along with a swimming pool and playground areas.
Limited site privacy: At Santa Cruz KOA Holiday, visitors warn: "I wouldn't recommend this for campers who like solitude... I would recommend booking away from the jump pillow or playground, unless easy playground access is important, because the spots are pretty noisy."
Sewer hose extensions needed: Some sites require additional equipment for full hookups. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, a camper noted "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose" to reach connections, so bringing extensions is recommended.
Tight access roads: Several RV parks have challenging entry routes. Smithwoods RV Park visitors mention "Our site was on the point. It was nice and big. Full hook ups," but getting to some sites requires careful navigation through narrow roads with low-hanging branches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there open space camping sites in Felton?
Felton and the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains offer several open space camping opportunities. Castle Rock Trail Camp in nearby Castle Rock State Park provides a more primitive camping experience in an open space setting. For a peaceful redwood experience, Mount Madonna County Park offers camping in a beautiful open forest setting not far from Felton. These campgrounds typically provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets while maintaining the natural open space environment. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
What RV camping options are available in Felton, CA?
Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort is located right in Felton alongside the San Lorenzo River, offering a beautiful setting among the redwoods. This resort caters primarily to RVs with full hookup sites, though they do have some tent sites available. The location is convenient, just 10 minutes from Santa Cruz via Highway 9. Another excellent option is Smithwoods RV Park, which offers a peaceful setting under redwood trees where you can even hear the whistle from the nearby Roaring Camp Railroad. Both parks provide easy access to Felton's attractions and the surrounding area.
Are there cabin rentals available in Felton for campers?
While traditional cabins are limited in Felton itself, nearby options provide alternatives. Cotillion Gardens RV Park near Felton offers some cabin accommodations for those who prefer not to camp in tents or RVs. For a broader selection, Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday offers various cabin rentals approximately 30 minutes from Felton. These range from basic camping cabins to deluxe cabins with more amenities. During peak seasons, advance reservations are essential as cabin accommodations fill quickly in the popular Santa Cruz Mountains area.
Where can I find camping near Felton, CA?
Felton offers excellent camping opportunities in the beautiful redwood forests of Santa Cruz County. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground is just outside Felton with clean facilities, hot showers, and numerous hiking trails through majestic redwoods. The campground features private sites and is a perfect base for exploring the area. Another option is Sanborn County Park, which offers a unique walk-in camping experience with gear carts provided to help transport your equipment from the parking area to your campsite. Both parks provide easy access to Felton's local attractions.
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