Tent camping options around Loma Mar offer backcountry experiences at elevations ranging from 200 to 2,800 feet throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains. The region experiences cool summer nights with temperatures often dropping into the 50s after sunset, even when daytime temperatures reach the 70s. Camping permits for many sites must be reserved 2-3 months in advance during peak season from May through September.
What to do
Ridge hiking trails: Castle Rock Trail Camp provides access to extensive ridge trails with ocean views on clear days. A camper notes, "Hike a short 2.5mi to get to the campsite. 20 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings (when allowed). Very green and lots of great vistas along the ridgeline on the hike in."
Redwood exploration: Ben Ries Campground offers multiple hiking loops through ancient redwood groves. "Did a 12 hour hike around the entire park. it was long but gorgeous!" reports one visitor. The trails range from easy nature walks to more challenging all-day treks.
Rock climbing: Castle Rock State Park Trail Campground serves as an excellent 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 and wanted a easy first day," explains an experienced user.
Beach access: Campsites near Half Moon Bay provide coastal activities within a short drive. The area has a coastal trail system that connects multiple beaches. "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. Great ocean views."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campsites offer good separation from neighboring campers. At Black Mountain Backpacking Camp, a visitor observed, "The campground is small too, and not many people actually showed up to use their sites, so we had the place mostly to ourselves!"
Night sky viewing: Sites with less tree cover provide better stargazing opportunities. "Night time was a lovely 55-59 degrees, easy to sleep, not too cold. 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," reports a Half Moon Bay RV Park camper.
Off-season solitude: Several campgrounds offer exceptional privacy during non-peak months. "Camped here in off season in November and it was us and maybe 2 other campers. Feels super remote and primitive," notes a visitor to the Butano State Park area.
Protected cooking areas: Some sites offer sheltered areas for meal preparation. At Castle Rock, "There is a shelter with tables in the event there is rain. Then there are scattered sites, some with tables for you to find a tent site."
What you should know
Water availability challenges: Water access varies significantly by campground and season. At Black Mountain Backpacking Camp, be prepared to carry all your water as there is no drinking water on site. For Castle Rock, a visitor 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."
Noise considerations: Some sites experience unexpected noise. "There is a nearby shooting range and you can hear the gunshots during the daylight hours," reports one camper about Castle Rock Trail Camp.
Wildlife awareness: Local wildlife can be problematic at some sites. A camper at Butano noted, "But aggressive squirrels. But one of my favorite spots in CA." Food storage practices are strictly enforced throughout the region.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited to no cell coverage. One camper specifically noted about Ben Ries Campground, "There is no cell service."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Black Mountain Backpacking Camp offers an accessible introduction to backcountry camping. "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 on either the hike in or out...The pit toilet and bear boxes on site take a lot of the stress out for beginner backpackers."
Look for user-friendly sites: Some campgrounds are specifically designed with families in mind. "Super user-friendly campsites that are good for beginners. Lots of great hiking trails in redwoods for all levels," notes a visitor about Ben Ries Campground.
Consider sites with amenities: For families needing more facilities, some campgrounds offer better infrastructure. "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."
Check seasonal access: Some family-friendly sites have limited seasonal availability. At Portola Redwoods State Park, reservation limitations apply to certain user groups, and campers report the conditions can be "cold" and "foggy" during certain times of year.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: True RV camping near Loma Mar is restricted to a few locations. Half Moon Bay RV Park offers one of the better options with "full hook ups with 30 amp" according to a visitor who also noted, "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."
Site configuration: Consider how sites are arranged when booking. "Most of the other available sites are much larger with picnic tables and grills," reports a Half Moon Bay RV Park visitor who stayed in a smaller site.
Longer-term stays possible: Some RV parks accommodate extended visits. "We enjoyed our 4 week stay. We stayed thru the month of Nov 2021, and left Dec 3, 2021. The RV Park is clean and secure. There are many full time residents that take pride in their community and it shows."
Site access challenges: Many of the best tent camping near Loma Mar, California requires hiking in, making them unsuitable for RVs. Even sites that technically allow RVs often have tight access roads and limited turning radius.
