Tent camping near La Honda, California offers camping experiences from 500 to 2,500 feet elevation within the Santa Cruz Mountains. Most campgrounds in this region open seasonally from late spring through fall, with winter closures common due to wet conditions on unpaved access roads. Temperature variations can be significant, with ridge camping sites experiencing daytime temperatures 10-15 degrees warmer than campsites in redwood groves.
What to do
Hiking trailheads access: At Ben Ries Campground, campers can explore numerous trails directly from their sites. A visitor noted, "Butano State Park has great hikes, thick with Redwoods, immediately you feel like you are in Ewok territory. Lots of varying levels as well."
Wildlife observation opportunities: Early morning birding is productive year-round with over 150 species recorded in the region. According to one camper at Ben Ries, "There is a nature trail along the creek. If you hike up to the ridge on a clear day you can see the ocean. There is also an old landing strip on the hill you can hike to as well."
Rock climbing excursions: Castle Rock Trail Camp serves as a strategic base for climbers. "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 and second when we were doing the Skyline to the Sea Trail," reports one experienced visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campers appreciate the spacing at Half Moon Bay RV Park, despite its primary RV focus. One reviewer commented, "The RV Park is clean and secure. There are many full time residents that take pride in their community and it shows."
Multi-day backpacking options: The connectivity between campsites allows for longer expeditions. One Castle Rock camper explained, "Great home base for climbing - good trail camp for the march to the sea," referencing the popular Skyline to the Sea Trail that connects multiple camping areas.
Off-season solitude: Winter camping offers significantly more privacy despite colder nights. An experienced camper at Ben Ries Campground shared, "Camped here in off season in November and it was us and maybe 2 other campers. Feels super remote and primitive. Tucked in a redwood grove."
What you should know
Seasonal fire restrictions: Most La Honda area campgrounds prohibit fires during peak fire season (June-October). Check current restrictions before arrival as they change based on conditions.
Limited drinking water access: Black Mountain Backpacking Camp has no potable water on site. A camper noted, "The pit toilet and bear boxes on site take a lot of the stress out for beginner backpackers, and the view at sunset was gorgeous."
Wildlife encounters: Food storage regulations are strictly enforced due to raccoons, squirrels and occasional black bears. One Ben Ries camper warned about "aggressive squirrels" while another mentioned the importance of following "crumb free park" rules that "they take very seriously."
Cell reception limitations: Most tent sites near La Honda have no cellular coverage. A Ben Ries camper confirmed: "There is no cell service. Fellow campers were there to camp, not to party, so that's always a plus."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: For first-time backpackers with children, shorter hikes to established campsites work best. A visitor to Black Mountain noted, "This is such a little gem in the mountains! The hike in is only 1.5 miles, but there's plenty of trail options to tack on more mileage."
Educational opportunities: Coyote Hills Regional Park offers interpretive programs about local ecology. One visitor shared, "We walked through and enjoyed the nature areas so much. We continue to go back and spend time at Cayote Hills because it is so beautiful."
Site selection strategy: Choose tent sites away from common areas for earlier quiet hours. At Ben Ries Campground, a camper advised, "If I were to come back and want two large sites to connect, I would choose either 6 and 8 or 10 and 13. If it's just two people, site 3 is pretty private as well as 14."
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: Most campgrounds near La Honda have maximum RV lengths of 24 feet, with many sites unable to accommodate trailers. At Portola Redwoods State Park Campground, larger rigs cannot navigate the narrow, winding access roads.
RV/tent hybrid camping: Groups with both tents and RVs should consider Half Moon Bay RV Park where sites can accommodate both. One camper reported, "The site was a pull through as well as our friends who were able to face the opposite way to have a common camp side with us."
Seasonal access challenges: Winter RV camping is severely limited near La Honda due to road conditions. A local Half Moon Bay camper mentioned, "From the park you can head about a quarter of a mile and walk or ride the coastal path all the way to the marina or south to the Ritz Carlton."
