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San Mateo Memorial Park provides established campgrounds in the redwood forests near Loma Mar, California. The area features a mix of tent and RV camping options within the Santa Cruz Mountains, with several state parks and county-managed campgrounds throughout the region. Nearby, Butano State Park (currently closed indefinitely) and Big Basin Redwoods State Park offer additional camping areas when operational. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate tent camping, while some like Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA also provide cabins, yurts, and glamping accommodations. The coastal proximity creates a unique camping environment where redwood forests meet the Pacific Ocean.
Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. A visitor commented, "San Mateo Memorial Park is a great place to use as a basecamp for exploring the myriad of hiking trails that exist in the redwoods and nearby coastal hikes." The climate typically features cool, foggy mornings that burn off to reveal sunny afternoons, with evening temperatures dropping significantly, especially near the coast. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage near towns and limited to no service in deeper canyon areas. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including potable water, restrooms, and fire rings, though fire restrictions are common during California's dry season from late spring through fall.
Campers consistently highlight the redwood forest setting as a primary draw to the area. The tall trees create deep shade at most campsites, providing natural cooling during warmer months. According to one visitor, "The beauty and greenery, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails make this place and the surrounding area a real natural treasure." Proximity to both forest trails and coastal beaches allows for diverse recreational opportunities within short driving distances. While some campgrounds like San Mateo Memorial Park can get crowded and noisy during peak times, sites are generally well-maintained with staff regularly cleaning facilities. Wildlife sightings are common, with many campers reporting deer, turkeys, and various bird species throughout the camping areas. The combination of redwood forests and coastal access creates a distinctive camping experience unique to this region of California.
"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"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"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. "
"Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."
from $35 - $50 / 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 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"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 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"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."
"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."
from $35 - $185 / night
Check Availability
GuideLeft our van for the day, took an $30 uber into San Fran to visit and came back right before sunset. Busy throughout the day so therefore we felt quite safe. Stayed for the night after, with a couple of vans/car campers around us, all was quiet. No noise apart from the wind. It is a parking lot like others note but perfect for a free night so close to downtown.
ScoutI lived at this trailer park from October 2021 until June 2026. I loved living here and the lifestyle. I've always been on good terms with property management and owners. Wayne and I would talk often, I even bought him and his wife dinner because i noticed we're eating at the same place. I've recently been going through a divorce and spoke with Wayne about personal issues, I generally keep to myself but I thought Wayne was a man of integrity. Come to find out he's spreading my personal business throughout the trailer park. Around June 25th i asked wayne, if I could speak to him privately in his office, he said, no, my boss is in there. I then asked him about the moving out process, and if I could possibly rent another spot in the park and leave my ex wife in that spot. This is what He deemed an appropriate response in the middle of the street in front of neighbors, The property owner and staff. "Your wife has a bad reputation". What do you mean complaints? "Not only that several of your neighbors have told me that they're sleeping with your wife". I was humiliated, embarrassed would be an understatement. I then told him that i'm gonna be out of there as soon as possible. He then said "I have 6 people fighting for that spot. If you can be out by the end of the month, I'll get them in right away". Come the 1st of the month. Wayne gives me a call saying they are keeping my deposit, and I owe an additional $310 i was perplexed. After trying to talk to him about this, he became aggressive, yelling, using profanities. After realizing how this was going, I asked for an Itemize statement and a copy of my lease agreement. I also asked if I still need to pay for the next several days, can I have use to the facilities still? Pool, weight room, laundry room ect. There was a long, awkward pause, he eventually said, I would prefer if you don't. This just seemed really off to me that you are forcing me to pay, but I can't use what i'm paying for. He then said "I got shit to do bro". And hung up the phone. I've spoke to him 3 times train to get an explanation or some clarity on my end but each time I am met with aggression and being hung up on with no resolution. Today when I spoke with him, she told me, " i don't care if you pay or not. Ill send you to collections, you turned in your mail key and moved your trailer". "You don't have a leg to stand on, i suggest you sue us". I then said, wayne, this is exactly the problem.You're the property manager, you should care if your current or former tenants, our paying their bills. I'm just trying to come to a resolution. He then hung up the phone and ignored my return calls. Again the facility is great, clean, we'll maintained i really anticipated on leaving a 5 star review but the way Wayne mishandled this is disappointing to say the least. I hope the owner will please call me, Anthony Vyeda #52
Sorry to the owners of trailer tel rv park for leaving this honest review.
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
Camping spots near Loma Mar, California range from coastal beaches to redwood-filled mountain terrain, with elevations varying from sea level to over 2,000 feet along Skyline Boulevard. The microclimate creates significant temperature variations, with coastal areas typically 10-15°F cooler than inland campgrounds during summer. Most campgrounds implement strict food storage requirements due to wildlife activity, with bear-resistant containers required at many sites.
Coastal exploration: 20 minutes to beaches from San Mateo Memorial Park. A camper noted, "Santa Cruz is only 10 miles away. The campground is all natural! Trees and nature all around. Viewing areas that allow all to enjoy the stream at the back of the resort, and paths to take a closer look."
Redwood hiking trails: Several networks connect throughout the region. At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, "There were a few trails that started from the campground, which was nice." Trails range from easy half-mile interpretive walks to strenuous all-day hikes.
Visit local towns: Pescadero offers food and supplies. According to visitors at Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, "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 as well as sundry items."
Seasonal creek activities: During spring months, many campgrounds have accessible creeks for wading and exploration. One camper at Sanborn County Park shared, "A really neat camping experience so close to the South Bay Area."
Privacy between sites: At Ben Ries Campground, "Overall, the sites are spaced apart nicely," offering more seclusion than many California campgrounds. Site selection matters for privacy levels.
Weather patterns: The region's moderate climate attracts year-round campers. One visitor commented, "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, night time was a lovely 55-59 degrees, easy to sleep, not too cold."
Diverse camping options: From tent-only walk-ins to full-hookup RV sites. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, campers appreciate that "Hookups at every campsite: Water, Shore power, Cable" are available, while others value the tent camping areas.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms despite heavy use. A camper noted, "Restrooms had 3 stalls and 4 free showers available. Cleaned and stocked daily." Regular maintenance across most sites helps maintain comfort levels.
Night sky viewing: Areas away from coastal fog offer stargazing opportunities. "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," observed one camper, highlighting accessible dark sky areas.
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds fill months in advance, especially for summer weekends. At Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground, "We tent camped here but most people had a trailer... the premium spots seem super worth it with panoramic views of the Pacific."
Fire restriction periods: Typically from May through November, with varying enforcement levels. One camper advised, "Fires are increasingly banned in the dry months (i.e most of the year) in California now," so check current regulations before planning campfires.
Wildlife precautions: Food storage regulations vary by campground but are strictly enforced. A visitor mentioned, "It is also a crumb free park and they take it very seriously," highlighting the importance of proper food management.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have narrow, winding access roads. "Getting to Sanborn you will have to drive up a narrow road. We didn't have any issue with a 21' though," providing perspective on RV access constraints.
Shower facilities: Many campgrounds offer coin-operated showers (typically 25-50 cents per minute). One visitor noted, "Bathrooms had private showers - 50 cents for 2 minutes. One shower ate my 2 quarters and didn't work, but the next one worked fine and had hot water!"
Accessible trails: Seek out campgrounds with child-friendly hiking options. According to one visitor, "The sites are a decent size with lots of trees to climb on, hide in, and play on," making natural features part of the play experience.
Water features for summer cooling: Creeks and beach access provide heat relief. A camper at Memorial Park shared, "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."
Noise considerations: Campgrounds vary widely in noise levels and enforcement. "Rangers drove by each night to keep the larger parties quiet past 10pm," noted one camper, indicating varying levels of quiet hour enforcement across different campgrounds.
Activity planning: Many campgrounds offer ranger programs during summer months. "Very social camping place. So much to do. Great for families," reported one visitor, noting organized activities for children at some locations.
Supply availability: Most camping areas have limited on-site supplies. "Remember to go to the market before arriving. It's relatively close...say approximately 10 miles away," advised a camper, highlighting the importance of bringing essentials.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites away from high-traffic areas. "The sites at the bottom of the first loop with awesome sunset views are my favorite. Very grassy and 'outdoorsy' for a KOA," shared one RVer.
Hookup variations: Water and electric availability differs significantly between campgrounds. "We stayed in a spot without hookups and it was $35 per night," noted one camper, while full-hookup sites typically range from $50-65 per night.
Size restrictions: Many redwood campgrounds have height clearance issues. "There was plenty of room for it on site 105, however if it was any higher it would be hitting tree limbs," cautioned an RVer with a 25-foot trailer.
Dumping stations: Availability and waiting times vary significantly. "The line for the dump station wound through nearly the entire park," warned one RVer, suggesting planning for potential delays during peak checkout times.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require significant leveling equipment. "Our paved site was decently unlevel," noted one camper, indicating the need for leveling blocks and jacks at many area campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Loma Mar, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Loma Mar, 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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