Glamping near Mount Hermon, California offers an elevation advantage with many sites situated above 1,000 feet in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Most locations experience cooler overnight temperatures compared to nearby valley towns, with temperature drops of 20-40 degrees possible after sunset. Coastal fog influences the climate throughout the year, creating unique microclimates within relatively short distances.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: The Uvas Canyon County Park features numerous waterfall trails within a compact area. "To hike to each fall it's about 6ish miles with just a few hundred feet of total elevation gain. The trails are large and well defined for an very entry level experience," notes Derek B. from Uvas Canyon County Park.
Mountain archery: Mount Madonna County Park maintains a specialized archery course through the woods. "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," explains April N. from Mount Madonna County Park.
Coastal day trips: Most glamping locations are within 30 minutes of beaches and coastal attractions. "Not far from Santa Cruz, maybe 25-30 minutes depending on traffic. Sometimes there's a decent sandbar for surfing. Always had a good time at this campground," shares Mauriel O. about Sunset State Beach.
Wildlife viewing: Several parks feature opportunities to see unique wildlife. "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 one visitor about the rare white deer at Mount Madonna County Park.
What campers like
Heated facilities: Many glamping locations emphasize comfort through heated elements. "Camp sites are a little close together but nice, clean grounds make it comfortable," comments a visitor. Winter glampers appreciate that "the wood stove was great at night" according to Kim P. from Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Fog-free views: The elevation advantage provides clearer views than coastal areas. "Nice spots on a cliff above the beach protected from the wind by some doug firs and eucalyptus. Beach is long and expansive with very few people on an average day," explains Mauriel O. from Sunset State Beach.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise. "Very nice and clean. Facilities well constructed and maintained," reports Tom and Marianne H. about Uvas Canyon. Another camper notes, "Bathrooms are clean and in a very decent condition. Each site has a table and a charcoal."
Privacy options: Site selection impacts privacy significantly. "The sites are a bit 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," explains Lori T.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Popular glamping sites fill quickly. "If you can get a reservation here (which is VERY difficult) you will have the best time," shares Kate L. about Sunset State Beach. Some locations like Seacliff State Beach report "reservations are difficult to obtain but well worth the effort."
Temperature fluctuations: Mountain locations experience significant cooling after sunset. "It can get cold at night in the redwoods so the wood stove was great at night," advises Kim P. One visitor warns: "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely between glamping sites. "Barely any cell reception, but wifi worked pretty well (we could have a video conference)," reports a visitor. Another camper advises: "You can actually get a cell signal if you walk to the dump station!"
Site spacing: Glamping locations offer varying degrees of privacy. "RV sites are basically parking lot with 4' strips of grass in between," reports daren W., while tent sites are often "hike in up hill and nicely spaced in the woods."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Family-friendly campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "Great campground for kids. The bathrooms suffer from overuse. Campsites are close together and not private. But really, you are here for the proximity to beach," notes Kate L. Another visitor adds, "A great beach to relax on, sometimes there's surf here too."
Bug protection: Insect activity varies seasonally. "The ONE nit I have is that the lack of air movement during the summer = LOTS of bites. I highly recommend camping in the spring or fall if you are prone to welt-y bug bites," advises Tai W. from Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA.
Water play options: Several locations feature streams or beaches for children. "The sites were very spacious and this has probably been one of my favorite campgrounds! This campground has a creek that runs through it that the kids loved playing in all day," shares Adventure M.
Load assistance: Some walk-in sites provide equipment for transporting gear. "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.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV amenities vary significantly between locations. "RVs are pretty close to each other, but not too invasive. Restrooms and showers are clean and in a very decent condition. Each site has a table and a charcoal," notes Ignasi M. about Sanborn County Park.
Site leveling: Some RV sites require additional equipment. "If you plan to sleep in your car, you may want to take leveling blocks as I found the car parking spot to be not leveled at all," advises Mon M.
Site size verification: Confirm actual dimensions before booking. "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," reports Weston W.
Navigation challenges: Access roads can be difficult. "To get to Sanborn you will have to drive up a narrow road. We didn't have any issue with a 21' though," shares Ignasi M. Another camper notes, "The road is windy, narrow, and not for the car sick."
