The Santa Cruz Mountains surrounding Mount Hermon, California offer tent camping options at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,600 feet above sea level. The region's mixed conifer and oak woodlands create a cool camping microclimate that's typically 10-15°F cooler than nearby coastal areas during summer months. Annual rainfall averages 40-60 inches, concentrated between November and April, making late spring through early fall the most reliable tent camping season.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 1-5 miles roundtrip trails from Uvas Canyon County Park connect to multiple cascades. "Super clean and maintained. Especially the bathrooms and showers. The sites are spaced out nicely and there is a water faucet and trash bins plus recycle every couple of sites. On the trails theres quite a bit of poison oak so keep dogs close," notes Athena J.
Rock climbing: Sandstone formations at Castle Rock Trail Camp provide bouldering opportunities. "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 and wanted a easy first day," explains MarinMaverick.
Overnight backpacking: 1.5 miles from trailhead to Black Mountain Backpacking Camp offers an easy introduction to wilderness camping. "The hike in is only 1.5 miles, but there's plenty of trail options to tack on more mileage on either the hike in or out. The pit toilet and bear boxes on site take a lot of the stress out for beginner backpackers," shares Lily H.
What campers like
Uncrowded beach access: 5-7 minute walk from Manresa State Beach Campground to shoreline. "Sites are very private and seperated by bushes and trees. The loading zone was a short walk to our site. It was an easy 5-7 minute walk down to the beach. Beach was clean and not crowded," reports Laura D.
Secluded tent sites: Well-spaced primitive campsites at Castle Rock Trail Camp provide privacy between tents. "The sites were spaced nicely to allow for privacy. Frog Flat seemed a bit more secluded than the main camp. There was no water running at the site when I stayed there, but vault toilets were available," according to Juliana S.
Mountain wildlife: Deer, birds, and occasional wild pigs can be spotted at several campgrounds. "Lots of beautiful wildlife," notes Ashley E. about Joseph D Grant County Park, where tent campers can observe native species in oak woodland habitat.
What you should know
Seasonal water limitations: Check before arrival as some campgrounds have unreliable water sources. At Castle Rock Trail Camp, "Although there is a communal water source at the campsite entrance, the water was deemed not safe to drink when I was there, and that had been the case for a while," warns Nathaniel S.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and wasps can be problematic depending on site location. "Second time at the campground. Love this campground still but im pretty sure there is a wasp next near 25. We were here about 2 weeks ago at a different site and didnt have any wasp issues," advises Athena J. about Uvas Canyon County Park.
Gate closure times: Strictly enforced at several parks limiting late arrivals. "Gate closes 8:15pm," notes Jason R. about Joseph D Grant County Park, so tent campers must arrive before closure or risk being locked out.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Campgrounds with amenities make introducing children to tent camping easier. At Ben Ries Campground, "The park itself has great hikes, thick with Redwoods, immediately you feel like you are in Ewok territory. Lots of varying levels as well," says Kathleen C.
Best times for waterfall viewing: Early spring offers maximum flow at Uvas Canyon. "The Park: Really pretty, really small. I would say in 1 full day you can explore 100% of this park. No need to make an entire weekend out of this place when you can do all of the pretty stuff in just a few hours," shares DEREK B.
Wildlife education opportunities: Bird watching and banana slugs can engage children. "We did purchase firewood from the campground, and saw quite a few large banana slugs," reports Cecil K. about Ben Ries Campground, providing natural science learning opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent campgrounds in the immediate Mount Hermon area cannot accommodate larger vehicles. At Manresa State Beach, "The camp is a bit on the bluff and not directly on the beach, but you can get down there with a short walk. There were a ton of families here so it was a bit loud, but not too bad," explains Austin C.
Access road considerations: Narrow, winding roads lead to many of the best tent camping sites near Mount Hermon. "The road is windy, narrow, and not for the car sick. Be prepared to pay $6 for parking," advises DEREK B. about the route to Uvas Canyon, important information for those towing trailers or driving larger vehicles.
Camping surface variations: Uneven parking spots at some campgrounds may require leveling 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," suggests Mon M. when visiting Uvas Canyon County Park.
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