The Santa Cruz Mountains provide camping sites near Los Altos, California at elevations ranging from sea level to over 2,000 feet. This topographical variation creates distinct microclimates where coastal areas often remain 15-20°F cooler than inland locations during summer months. Cell service throughout the region varies dramatically, with stronger signals at higher elevations but nearly nonexistent coverage in deep canyons.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: During spring visits to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, waterfall trails become a major attraction. "Hiking and biking trails, nature walks, showers, flush toilets, it has it all for the not so campy campers. I make a point to camp here at least one time a year on a Fall surf trip to Santa Cruz," notes camper J.d. E.
Trail exploration: At Castle Rock Trail Camp, hikers access panoramic vistas after a moderate 2.5-mile trek. "Very green and lots of great vistas along the ridgeline on the hike in," reports Esther Y., who found solitude during off-season visits. Another camper adds, "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."
Beach access: A 15-minute drive from Ben Ries Campground takes visitors to Pacific Coast beaches. "The campground is very close to PCH/Highway 1 and the beaches are lovely. 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," writes Kathleen C.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at Sanborn County Park, where walk-in sites provide more seclusion. "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, and storage boxes are provided at the site, near the picnic table," explains Amanda P.
Hot showers: Unlike many wilderness campgrounds, several locations offer shower facilities. "The bathrooms were clean and well kept. My only critique would be that the sites are pretty small and very close together," mentions Darrin L. about Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Proximity to groceries: Many campgrounds sit within 10-15 minutes of small towns with basic supplies. "Great spot to camp, close to grocery stores and gas stations," notes Willow M. about camping in the region, while another camper mentions, "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."
What you should know
Narrow access roads: Many campgrounds feature tight, winding approach roads that challenge larger vehicles. "The road in is fairly winding with a bit of a drop down the cliff. If you're heading in at dusk or dawn, go slow. You will see deer stepping through the road," warns Ryan W. at Anthony Chabot Regional Park.
Reservation timing: For popular campgrounds, bookings must be made 3-6 months ahead for summer weekends. One camper notes, "We've camped here twice and it's been nice with a couple of exceptions. Since it's a new campground, the trees are young and don't provide much shade, but since it's close to the SF Bay, the bay breeze helps."
Fire restrictions: Many campgrounds implement complete fire bans during dry periods from July through October. "Fire restrictions frequently impact camping experiences, especially during dry summer and fall months," according to rangers, who enforce these restrictions strictly regardless of weather.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: The recently opened Dumbarton Quarry Campground offers family facilities within 30 miles of Los Altos. "There's a great playground if you have small kids, and lots of gentle hiking trails. If you hate wind, you should know it can get windy here," notes camper N V.
Water activities: Several campgrounds feature creeks perfect for supervised play. "This campground has great bathroom facilities and has a creek that runs through it that the kids loved playing in all day. The slugs were hanging out in trees all around us and it was so much fun looking for them," shares Adventure M.
Short hikes: Family-friendly trails under 1 mile provide nature experiences without overtaxing young hikers. "If you have littles the roads are paved so a scooter or bike could be fun," suggests Chesney S. about camping with children in the region's parks.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many sites throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains require significant leveling due to terrain. "Sites, though asphalt, require some leveling," mentions Kim G. about camping at Dumbarton Quarry Campground.
Length restrictions: Most campgrounds in the mountains can't accommodate RVs over 25-30 feet. "We loved camping here with our 25ft camping trailer. There was plenty of room for it on site 105, however if it was any higher it would be hitting tree limbs," cautions Chesney S.
Dump station availability: Only a few campgrounds offer on-site dump stations, requiring planning for longer stays. "Ranger was useless. You need codes for the gate after 7pm, the showers, and the RV dump and they don't volunteer that info, you have to ask," advises daren W.
