Tent campsites near Felton, California sit at elevations between 400-2,800 feet in the Santa Cruz Mountains, creating varied microclimates from coastal fog to inland sunshine. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day but drop to 45-55°F at night. Most campgrounds require advance bookings, with peak season reservations filling 6 months ahead for weekend stays.
What to do
Hiking waterfall trails: At Uvas Canyon County Park, multiple waterfalls are accessible via well-marked trails. "Short hikes along the Uvas Creek and Swanson creek are right next to the campground. Trails are narrow and steep at some places but mostly shaded. Small waterfalls are the highlights of the trail, but kids will enjoy playing in the water on hot days," explains Mon M.
Stargazing opportunities: The Santa Cruz Mountains offer dark skies away from city lights. Camping at higher elevations provides clearer night viewing during summer and fall. "Hard to find stars as you are canopied in trees but if you walk a little out, the night sky is dark and stars a plenty," shares Kathleen C. about Butano State Park.
Beach exploration: Combine mountain camping with coastal access at Manresa State Beach Campground, where campsites are a short walk from the shoreline. "Beautiful views of the ocean just steps from your tent. During the summer months, whales and dolphins can be seen cruising through the ocean around sunset," notes Cara V.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer better separation than others. At Ben Ries Campground, "The campsite has car camping and walk-in sites. Overall, the sites are spaced apart nicely," according to Kathleen C. Site selection matters, as "Large, user-friendly campsites surrounded by redwood trees" create a more private experience.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain varying standards of cleanliness. "The bathrooms are pretty clean, flush toilets, no showers, no hot water and no soap. There is potable water throughout the campground, recycle bins, trash bins (animal proof) and bear lockers and firepits at each site," reports a camper at Butano State Park.
Trail accessibility: Many campers appreciate direct trail access from their campsites. At Black Mountain Backpacking Camp, "The hike in is only 1.5 miles, but there's plenty of trail options to tack on more mileage on either the hike in or out," says Lily H., who adds it's "a great option for beginner backpackers."
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Food storage is critical in redwood camping areas. "It is a crumb free park and they take it very seriously," warns a camper about Butano State Park. Another visitor to Uvas Canyon notes, "We went in April and there weren't many bugs," while a different camper warns of "aggressive squirrels" at Butano.
Weather variations: Mountain camping near Felton means preparing for significant day-to-night temperature swings. At Castle Rock Trail Camp, one camper reports, "Great campsite with picnic tables and fantastic view for sunset." However, another notes that in the mountains "it's tucked back in a canyon so once the sun goes down it can get cold quickly."
Water availability: Water sources vary significantly by location and season. At Castle Rock, a camper warns: "Although there is a communal water source at the campsite entrance, the water was deemed not safe to drink when I was there, and that had been the case for a while." Another suggests "bring sufficient water or filtration systems."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: For camping with children, select campgrounds with proper facilities. At Uvas Canyon County Park, "Well maintained/clean facilities. Restrooms and showers were clean, and some even have baby changing stations," notes a visitor. Another adds, "The camp host is super friendly and helpful."
Watch for poison oak: When hiking with kids in this region, plant identification is important. At Uvas Canyon, one camper advises, "On the trails there's quite a bit of poison oak so keep dogs close." Staying on established paths helps minimize exposure.
Select beginner-friendly locations: First-time family campers should consider accessibility. "Super user-friendly campsites that are good for beginners. Lots of great hiking trails in redwoods for all levels," writes Renee W. about Butano State Park. Another camper adds it's "very family friendly so expect it to be crowded on weekends."
Tips for RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers need to check site specifications before booking. "If you plan to sleep in your car, you may want to take leveling blocks as I found the car parking spot to be not leveled at all," advises a visitor to Uvas Canyon. Another camper notes site 16 at Butano is "a good site, but too slanted."
Size restrictions: Most tent campgrounds near Felton have limited access for larger vehicles. At Butano State Park, a camper observes, "Saw mostly tent campers and some pop-up trailers. Not sure if it can handle longer recreational vehicles and the road leading to the campground itself is quite narrow."
Connection limitations: Digital connectivity is minimal throughout the region. As one camper at Butano State Park notes, "There is no cell service." However, at Uvas Canyon County Park, "We had good Verizon coverage and there is wifi at the bathrooms," according to Joshua H.
