Camping spots near Mount Hermon, California are situated at approximately 900 feet elevation in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F. Winter camping requires preparation for rainfall averaging 40 inches annually, with nighttime temperatures sometimes dropping below 40°F. The redwood ecosystem creates unique camping conditions with limited cell service and seasonal creek access.
What to do
Hiking through redwood groves: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers several trails directly accessible from campsites. "There were a few trails that started from the campground, which was nice," notes one camper. The park features both short and extended hiking options through ancient redwood forests.
Beach day trips: New Brighton State Beach Campground is about 20 minutes from Mount Hermon, offering coastal exploration options. "Direct access to the beach. Showers kinda meh but the rest made up for it!" mentions a camper who visited in January, highlighting the year-round beach access.
Railroad adventures: The historic Roaring Camp Railroad operates near Felton, just minutes from Mount Hermon camping areas. A visitor at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort mentioned, "We could hear the train whistle in the daytime coming from Roaring Camp Railroad. This location isn't too far from Santa Cruz and Felton if you want to go into town and do activities."
River access: Several campgrounds provide access to the San Lorenzo River for cooling off during summer months. A camper at Cotillion Gardens noted, "There's a pool, hiking trails, a little river. So beautiful and peaceful here."
What campers like
Spacious sites under redwoods: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground gets high marks for site size. "We stayed 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. Our site was private but easy to get to trails, showers, bathrooms."
Privacy between sites: Many campsites in the area offer natural separation between neighbors. At Mount Madonna County Park, "While the sites are a little close to each other, those on the outside of the loop had a great deal of privacy. Inner loop sites have none, but would be great if you were camping with friends."
Year-round accessibility: Most campgrounds in the Mount Hermon area remain open throughout the year. A winter visitor to New Brighton State Beach noted, "Very quiet area and pretty well spaced out sites (for a coastal campground). Once the sun went down there were very few people outside."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. A Mount Madonna visitor reported, "Bathrooms are constantly cleaned and showers are free and clean. Parking is free with paid camping."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most Mount Hermon area campgrounds book quickly, especially during summer. "Hard to find a spot here these days but a great camping spot above the beach," notes a camper about New Brighton State Beach.
Limited connectivity: Cell phone coverage is spotty throughout the redwood forests. A visitor at Cotillion Gardens RV Park mentioned, "There was no AT&T service for me, but free WiFi was available so it was fine."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared to properly store food and trash. "The park has a bit of a yellow jacket problem... Yellowjackets on trails, in campsites and near bathrooms. 5 in our group got stung," warned a camper at Henry Cowell.
Temperature fluctuations: The redwood canopy creates significant temperature differences from nearby cities. A camper at Mount Madonna warned, "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!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Santa Cruz KOA Holiday provides extensive children's amenities. "TONS of activities on site- huge bouncy pad, a climbing wall, ping pong tables, a swimming pool, pedal go karts, the list goes on and on," reports a family camper.
Bike-friendly options: Multiple campgrounds offer paved roads for safe cycling. "If you have littles the roads are paved so a scooter or bike could be fun," noted a visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Swimming options: Summer visitors appreciate campgrounds with pools. At Smithwoods RV Park, a family reported, "The location is mostly flat and surrounded with Redwoods. Shady and sunny locations... Kids could ride bikes freely, heated pool (90 degrees), clean shower and restroom."
Proximity to attractions: Staying near Mount Hermon provides quick access to regional destinations. "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," notes a Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some RV sites require adjustments. A Mount Madonna County Park visitor noted, "Site 211 was listed as 30' trailer but that was definitely not the case as it was a weird triangle parking area. We made it work and enjoyed the park."
Hookup locations: RVers should verify utility connections before arrival. At Smithwoods RV Park, "Full hook ups. We had a great view of the San Lorenzo River and Henry Cowell State Park."
Dump station access: For those without sewer hookups, know the dump station location and wait times. "The line for the dump station wound through nearly the entire park," warned a visitor at New Brighton State Beach.
Narrow access roads: Several RV parks have tight entrance roads. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, a visitor cautioned, "Roads to the sites are narrow, so again, keep your eyes peeled. Site was nice, partially under a redwood. I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot."
