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The Santa Cruz Mountains surrounding La Honda, California offer campgrounds ranging from redwood forest sites to Pacific coastal bluffs within a compact geographic area. San Mateo Memorial Park, just minutes from La Honda's town center, offers secluded sites beneath towering redwoods with both drive-in and walk-in options. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access coastal options at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground or forest retreats at Castle Rock Trail Camp. The region spans from redwood-covered mountains to Pacific coastal bluffs, with campgrounds managed by California State Parks, county agencies, and private operators accommodating tent campers, RVs, and those seeking cabins or yurts.
Many campgrounds in the La Honda area require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when coastal sites fill quickly. As one camper noted, "La Honda is a super cool town. The Park was secluded and lots of shade." The region's microclimates create distinct camping experiences, with coastal areas experiencing fog and cooler temperatures while inland sites may be significantly warmer. Several campgrounds feature walk-in sites requiring short hikes from parking areas. Sanborn County Park provides carts to help transport gear along paved paths to campsites. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many forested areas having limited or no coverage. Ticks carrying Lyme disease are present in the area, particularly in tall grass and wooded areas.
Redwood forests dominate the camping experience in the La Honda region, with many visitors highlighting the tranquility of sites surrounded by ancient trees. According to one camper at Butano State Park, "Every site is surrounded by giant redwood trees, and it is an absolutely gorgeous campground." Wildlife sightings are common, with deer, turkeys, and raccoons frequently encountered. Campsite proximity varies between locations, with some parks offering spacious, private sites while others place campers in closer quarters. Amenities range from primitive hike-in sites with pit toilets to developed campgrounds with hot showers, electrical hookups, and camp stores. Night temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, particularly at coastal locations where one reviewer noted it "can get pretty cold at night with the ocean right there."
"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"La Honda is a super cool town. The Park was secluded and lots of shade"
"It's a great place to use as a basecamp for exploring the myriad of hiking trails that exist in the redwoods and nearby coastal hikes. "
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance."
"Beautiful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat. Short drive to many other areas. small but good size sites for where it is."
from $35 - $165 / night
Check Availability"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)."
from $33 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $100 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $7 - $35 / night
Check Availability"The parking lot for the trail head is just a bit further down Hwy 35. "
"There is a nearby shooting range and you can hear the gunshots during the daylight hours."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"What they do have are scores of hookup sites for $60 / night and three tent / drive-in no hookup water-only sites for $45 / night."
"The showers are roomy with ok water pressure (for California) and warm water. The laundry is super convenient. They even have summer ranger programs but we didn’t see many kids here."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability"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."
ScoutWe love doing road trips and we don't have a destination so this time it was hard to find a spot to camp, everything was full but we fund this nice spot that we could stay for the night. We love the this 😍 camping spot it's not in the forest but is near the beach at walking distance and they have showers!. Can't wait to come back again. Thank you!
ScoutStayed here for 2 nights. Staff was very nice and the restrooms looked great and worked perfectly fine. Very quiet.
ScoutObviously a long term lot with a very “wrong turn” kind of vibe. Website on apple is blocked for deceptive practices . There was but link from here works. Never got confirmation e,ail so I called.. 800 number, no answer.. local number answered said I wouldn’t get confirmation until noon tomorrow. Then told me to come on as a walk in. We pulled up, pulled through, left quickly.. bad decisions unless you are on hard times.
ScoutGreat camp hosts and relaxing quiet site
TravelerNice level sites, not too close together….nice trees provide shade. Excellent beach for strolling. A dump station with potable water is $10.
ScoutThis spot is actually very ideal for people like me who was stressing every night while living in my car, I had multiple parking tickets while I was in San Francisco and got my car towed even so once I found out about this free camping rest area I jumped on it. Beautiful views that's a plus
TravelerJessica helped as to reserve the site 10a but when we went there it was so hard to access the site with our car .so we did call her and explain the situation she proposed a refund .we left the area waiting for the promised refund we called her the same night she didn’t answer and she send a message saying she will refund the day after .we called her the day after she said I will do when I get internet after that she said because of your behavior (calling her and asking for our money) she said I will not refund and go to the police
GuideReservations and check-in were very easy. Stay at site 5 and and site 4 was right next us. Their house door was face our house door (see picture) and very little privacy. Otherwise, it is a very nice campground and everyone we met were so friendly. Their house door bathrooms and laundry room were very clean.
TravelerStayed here for one night and enjoyed it! I liked being close to the beach and walking distance from food. There is a store onsite with essentials. Could hear the sea lions barking and birds all night, so cool.
There is absolutely no privacy and spaces are close together, which I knew ahead of time.
The San Mateo Mountains near La Honda contain a diverse network of camping sites with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,400 feet. The region's coastal influence creates a unique microclimate where summer temperatures typically stay below 80°F, while winter nights can drop into the 40s. La Honda's proximity to both redwood forests and coastal access points makes it popular for weekend camping trips from the Bay Area.
Hike the entire park: Castle Rock State Park offers extensive trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "Did a 12 hour hike around the entire park. It was long but gorgeous!" notes one visitor to Castle Rock Trail Camp.
Visit local beaches: The coastal access points near camping areas provide excellent day trip opportunities. "Short drive to Pescadero State Beach so we went there after we broke camp. The kids all loved it," shares a camper from San Mateo Memorial Park.
Climb at Castle Rock: The park features natural rock formations popular with climbers of all skill levels. "This is sweet hike in trail camp. We have used it for two purposes. First when were were climbing in Castle Rock State Park and this was our hub," explains a visitor.
Explore local farms: The area surrounding La Honda camping sites features agricultural attractions. "PCH is also dotted with farms and fruit stands, artisan pies, etc. The closest town is Pescadaro, and has a tiny main street with an excellent coffee shop, and grocery store with fresh baked pies, breads, jams, sauces, and a deli counter," reports a camper at Butano State Park.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds near La Honda offer well-spaced sites. At Butano State Park, "The sites are spaced apart nicely" and "Large, user-friendly campsites surrounded by redwood trees. Great ferny hiking trails for every level of camper/hiker."
Access to both forest and coast: The region's geography allows campers to experience multiple environments. "Beach one way, forest the other, and town another," notes a San Mateo Memorial Park visitor, highlighting the strategic location.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights offer excellent star viewing in certain areas. "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 a Butano State Park camper.
Mature redwood groves: The ancient trees create a unique camping environment. At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, "The beauty of the Redwoods never disappoint! I don't know why people are giving it such bad reviews. It's a great quiet spot."
Limited water access: Some campgrounds have water restrictions. At Castle Rock Trail Camp, "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."
Varying shower facilities: Bathroom and shower quality differs between campgrounds. At Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground, "Restrooms/showers were dirty, but that seems to be from the day visitors to the beach."
Weather fluctuations: Coastal influence creates variable conditions. "Great weather, lots of shade at the campsite and on the hikes. Coast was a cool 60's-70's but warm in the sun (the coast/beaches are windy), night time was a lovely 55-59 degrees," reports a Butano State Park camper.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the region. At Sanborn County Park, there is "No cell service" according to multiple reviewers.
Choose wagon-accessible sites: Some parks provide equipment for transporting gear. "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. The park provides carts to help with hauling gear," notes a Sanborn County Park visitor.
Look for dedicated kid activities: Some campgrounds offer structured recreation. At Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, "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."
Consider sites with creek access: Water features provide natural entertainment. "There is a little creek that's only about a quarter mile hike down a trail. The campground is only a 10 minute drive down to Pescadero State Beach," shares a San Mateo Memorial Park visitor.
Book early for summer weekends: Popular family-friendly sites fill quickly. "We camp here every year in May or June. It's always fun. The tent cabins are super convenient," explains a Big Basin visitor.
Choose sites carefully: RV site quality and spacing varies widely between campgrounds. "The pull through spaces are extremely tight to the point that our slide out was hitting vegetation and our neighbors awning was about two feet from our Rv," notes a Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA visitor.
Check route restrictions: Some roads to camping sites near La Honda have vehicle limitations. "To get to Sanborn you will have to drive up a narrow road. We didn't have any issue with a 21' though," explains a camper.
Consider hookup locations: Utility connections may require extensions. "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot," reports a visitor to Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Look for level sites: The mountainous terrain means not all sites are naturally level. "Really liked how our site was level and easy to get to," notes a visitor at Trailer Villa RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping near La Honda, California?
La Honda offers several excellent camping options in the beautiful redwood forests and coastal areas of San Mateo County. San Mateo Memorial Park is directly in La Honda, offering secluded sites with plenty of shade beneath towering redwoods. It makes an ideal basecamp for exploring local trails. Just a short drive away, Sanborn County Park provides a walk-in camping experience with convenient amenities like carts for hauling gear, storage boxes, and well-maintained bathrooms. For those willing to venture a bit further, Half Moon Bay State Beach, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and Castle Rock State Park also offer quality camping within a reasonable drive from La Honda.
Which is the most popular campground near La Honda, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near La Honda, CA is Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED with a 4.7-star rating from 34 reviews.
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