Monte Sereno camping offers access to both redwood forests and coastal areas within driving distance. The region sits where the Santa Cruz Mountains meet Silicon Valley, with elevations ranging from 300-800 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F while winter lows rarely drop below 40°F, allowing for year-round camping opportunities.
What to do
Redwood hiking trails: Henry Cowell State Park borders several RV parks near Monte Sereno. "There are great hiking trails assessable from the campground. There is a nearby store, and you are close enough to Santa Cruz to spend a day on the boardwalk," notes a visitor at Cotillion Gardens RV Park.
River access: San Lorenzo River provides cooling recreation during summer months. "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," writes a camper at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Vintage train rides: The Roaring Camp Railroad offers steam train excursions through redwood groves. "It was a short nice hike to the state park and the train through the red woods. Fun experience on a real steam locomotive," mentions a visitor to Smithwoods RV Park.
What campers like
Mountain climate: The elevation provides natural cooling compared to inland valleys. "Scotts Valley is lovely in summer, no high heat like the valley," reports a guest at Santa Cruz Ranch Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife including deer and birds. "Saw a lot of bunnies and a bobcat on the way out," notes a visitor to Joseph D. Grant County Park.
Coastal access: The Pacific Ocean is within 15-20 minutes of most Monte Sereno camping options. "Really close to Santa Cruz with lovely shady spots and really close to Santa Cruz," states a review from Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
What you should know
Limited tent camping: Many facilities primarily accommodate RVs with minimal tent options. "Came here last minute on a surf trip to Santa Cruz so its partially our fault, but this place is not the best for tent camping in my opinion. They had a small plot to the side of the rest of the rv slots with a little grass to pitch a tent," advises a camper at Santa Cruz Ranch Campground.
Price variations: Rates fluctuate significantly between parks and by season. "122 US$ for one night," reports one reviewer about Santa Cruz Ranch, while Thousand Trails Morgan Hill offers more competitive rates with membership discounts.
Navigation challenges: Roads leading to redwood campgrounds require careful driving. "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. Keep your eyes out for the highway signs," advises a Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several Monte Sereno area RV parks feature swimming pools for children. "The kids loved the resident cats. The pool was huge and well loved. Lots of recreation," notes a visitor to Thousand Trails Morgan Hill.
Kid-friendly activities: Parks often organize regular events for younger campers. "In mid October the campground is still running kids activities daily and they're good! Great culture here - friendly, lots of things to do (pool, basketball, volleyball, horse shoes, playground, billiards, karaoke, tennis)," shares a family staying at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill.
Bike-friendly parks: Paved roads provide safe cycling areas within most campgrounds. "The park was perfect for the kids biking around through the short- and long-term areas," reports a visitor to Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many Monte Sereno area campsites require leveling blocks. "Several sites have their own lawns but I'm sure you'll pay an arm and a leg for one of those," notes a camper at San Francisco RV Resort, highlighting terrain variations common throughout regional RV parks.
Utility connections: Connection placements vary between parks. "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot," reports an RVer at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Space considerations: Site dimensions differ significantly between rv parks near Monte Sereno, California. "Clean, has some views from far border of the hills but the spots are tight and there is not much to do but hook-up," observes a visitor to Trailer Villa RV Park.