Camping options in the Santa Cruz Mountains surrounding Monte Sereno include both established campgrounds and walk-in sites within a short drive from town. Sanborn County Park offers RV camping with hookups and walk-in tent sites set among redwoods, while Castle Rock State Park provides more primitive trail camp experiences. The region features a mix of county and state park facilities with accommodation types ranging from developed RV sites with utilities to hike-in tent camping areas. Most campgrounds sit within redwood forests at elevations between 1,000-3,000 feet, offering cooler temperatures than nearby Silicon Valley.
Access to camping areas varies by season, with many sites requiring reservations, particularly on weekends. The Santa Cruz Mountains experience mild temperatures year-round, though winter brings increased rainfall. One camper noted, "Very dangerous to drive at night, the road is very small," highlighting the narrow, winding mountain roads leading to most camping areas. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many locations, with a visitor reporting "We hardly had a signal" at Sanborn County Park. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer and fall months, with some parks allowing only charcoal in designated fire rings during high fire danger periods.
The camping experience in this region balances proximity to urban areas with natural immersion. Trail access represents a significant draw, with numerous hiking opportunities connecting campgrounds to scenic viewpoints. Visitors frequently mention wildlife sightings as highlights, with one review stating, "We saw a lot of deer and wild turkey." Campground terrain typically features mature redwood and mixed evergreen forest providing ample shade. RV sites at county parks like Sanborn tend to be arranged parking-lot style with limited separation, while walk-in tent sites offer more privacy and natural settings. Tent campsites often require short uphill hikes from parking areas, with parks providing carts for transporting gear. Weekend noise can be an issue at more accessible campgrounds, particularly those closer to population centers.
$7 - $35 / night
"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."
$35 / night
"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."
$33 / night
"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)."
$35 - $185 / night
"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."
"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."
$8 / night
"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."
$35 - $50 / night
"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."
$60 - $100 / night
"Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once your at your site you can relax. Bathrooms are a little dated, no cell service but good WiFi if your close to the office."
"The place is old, but it has a great location. There are great hiking trails assessable from the campground."
"Great spot if you're looking for a quick escape from the Bay Area with that classic California redwood experience."
"We were happy to have the electric hook up since the redwood and oak tress surrounding all the sites are huge and block out the sun."
$35 / night
"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."
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
TravelerReservations 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.
GuideThis is not a practical over night spot. You will not get sleep. It’s a hot spot for locals and tourists to come get wasted. It’s not safe either. Visit for the view, and find somewhere else to sleep.
ScoutWonderful staff and close to go explore. The road we took to come in was a painful to traffic to make a left on hey 1 but other than that it was easy and staff was absolutely wonderful.
TravelerI got here on a weekday and had no issue getting a tent site. It seemed that less than half the spots were claimed. FYI, it is self-registration so bring cash/check. There appeared to be a park ranger on site.
This is a scenic spot with a 1.4 mi walking trail to downtown Monterey. Shower/restroom facilites are clean. I would come here again.
TravelerThe least expensive sites are very close to neighboring campers. Although drive through site and premium site have more space as price for site increases. We'll kept and convenient to Bay Area. Very nice and helpful staff.
LegendValado RV Park and State fairground offers 38 RV spaces 29 with full power (50 amp) water and sewer hookups for $48 a night. Weekly and monthly rates available. 30 minutes to Pinnacles National Park, and 5 minutes south of Hollister, California. Good T-Mobile coverage. Office closes at 4:00. Local rodeo in June.
Camping spots near Monte Sereno, California range in elevation from 1,000 to 3,000 feet in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with most situated 15-30 minutes from town via mountain roads. The seasonal temperature variation is significant, with winter lows dropping into the 30s at higher elevations and summer daytime temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than the valley floor. The area's redwood forests create natural shade throughout most campsites, with ground conditions varying from flat to moderately sloped depending on the specific location.
Hiking to viewpoints: Castle Rock State Park offers trails with ocean vistas on clear days. "Hike a short 2.5mi to get to the campsite. 20 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings (when allowed). No other campers when I was there off season. Very green and lots of great vistas along the ridgeline on the hike in," notes a camper at Castle Rock Trail Camp.
Archery in the redwoods: Mount Madonna County Park maintains a dedicated archery course through the forest. "There is an archery trail with 28 targets on a trail through the woods. We were there 3 days in a row and did 20 of the 28. It's really pretty and a cool challenge," shares a visitor at Mount Madonna County Park.
Beach day trips: Many campgrounds serve as bases for coastal excursions. "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," reports a camper at Ben Ries Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Fallow deer herds and smaller forest animals are common sights. "Near the ranger station there are pens with white fallow deer. They are descendants of the exotic zoo at William Randolph Hearst's mansion down the coast," explains a Mount Madonna visitor.
Natural swimming holes: When temperatures rise, locals know where to cool off. "We drove 9 miles to Boulder Creek and found an epic swimming hole by Cafe to help cool us in the 95 degree heat," shares a camper from Lower Blooms Creek.
Private tent sites: Some campgrounds offer more secluded spots away from crowds. "The sites were spaced nicely to allow for privacy. Frog Flat seemed a bit more secluded than the main camp," notes a visitor at Castle Rock Trail Camp.
Forest ambiance: The redwood setting creates a distinct camping environment. "The park itself has great hikes, thick with Redwoods, immediately you feel like you are in Ewok territory," states a Ben Ries camper.
River access: Several campgrounds feature creeks or river access. "There is a little trail that goes down to the River where you can find a neat little beach. It's a goofy little descent/climb to get there and out but worth it," explains a visitor to Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Seasonal closures: Campgrounds may close unexpectedly or have limited facilities. "Read up on the Ca State park website. Campground was scheduled to reopen 8/1/25 not yet," reports a visitor to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Cell service limitations: Most camping areas have minimal connectivity. "No cell service. 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!" explains a camper at New Brighton State Beach.
Weather preparedness: Mountain temperatures can surprise unprepared campers. "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!" warns a Mount Madonna visitor.
Site selection research: Campsite quality varies significantly within each campground. "When booking campsites here, I recommend taking some time to research the campsites as they vary in size and privacy."
Campground amenities: Some sites offer extra features for kids. "There are also lots of things for the kids to do and lots of friends to play with. There is a pool, hiking trails, a little river. So beautiful and peaceful here," reports a camper at Cotillion Gardens RV Park.
Child-friendly hikes: Look for shorter trails with interesting features. "There is a nature trail along the creek. If you hike up to the ridge on a clear day you can see the ocean," notes a Ben Ries camper.
Paved areas for bikes/scooters: Some campgrounds have roads suitable for wheeled activities. "If you have littles the roads are paved so a scooter or bike could be fun," shares a Henry Cowell visitor.
Wildlife education opportunities: The forests support diverse animal populations. "Sometimes the fog whistles through on a stiff breeze so not only is it cold but also clammy wet. Be aware that there are Lyme-carrying ticks in the area," cautions a Mount Madonna visitor.
Access challenges: Mountain roads present navigation difficulties. "Getting there takes some attention. 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," warns a visitor to Sanborn County Park.
Site size considerations: Many RV spots are compact and close together. "The RV sites have water and 30 amps hookups. RVs are pretty close to each other, but not too invasive," notes a Sanborn County Park visitor.
Utility placement: Some sites require extensions for hookups. "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot," reports a Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort camper.
Dump station timing: Plan accordingly for end-of-stay services. "Warning: the line for the dump station wound through nearly the entire park," notes a New Brighton State Beach camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Monte Sereno, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Monte Sereno, CA is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 43 reviews.
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