Mount Madonna County Park features several yurt options nestled in redwood forests about 20 miles from Pescadero. These canvas-walled structures create a comfortable glamping experience with sturdy beds, heating options, and nearby amenities. The elevation ranges from 1,400 to 1,800 feet, creating cooler temperatures than surrounding valleys. Sites are well-maintained year-round, though winter temperatures can drop considerably at night compared to coastal glamping locations.
What to do
Redwood hiking trails: Mount Madonna County Park offers extensive hiking options through old-growth redwoods. One visitor noted, "Great setting, awesome trails to trek, can get busy during the weekend. Redwoods galore and look out for the slugs please don't step on them." The park features over 14 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels.
Beach exploration: Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground provides direct beach access with miles of coastline. A camper explained, "Short walk to the beach. You can walk for miles on the beach or on the bluff trails. Everyone is laidback which makes for a peaceful experience." Coastal trails connect multiple beaches along this section of shoreline.
Wildlife viewing: The Mount Madonna area includes unique wildlife viewing opportunities. "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," shared one reviewer. These rare white deer offer a glimpse into the area's unusual history.
What campers like
Comfortable bathhouses: Sanborn County Park maintains exceptional facilities. A visitor commented, "Restrooms and showers are clean and in a very decent condition. Each site has a table and a charcoal [grill]." The facilities include hot showers and flush toilets available to all campers.
Beach proximity: Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground offers sites with immediate beach access. "The atmosphere here is wonderful. It's quiet and right on the beach. Some RV spaces with hookups back right up to the sand/vegetation," explained one reviewer. The sound of waves becomes your constant companion throughout your stay.
Forest canopy coverage: Big Basin Redwoods State Park provides natural temperature regulation. "We camp here every year in May or June. It's always fun. The tent cabins are super convenient," shared one visitor. The dense tree coverage creates natural cooling during summer months when coastal temperatures rise.
What you should know
Seasonal temperature variations: Mount Madonna County Park experiences significant seasonal changes. "I highly recommend camping in the spring or fall if you are prone to welt-y bug bites," advised one camper. Summer humidity can increase mosquito activity in redwood areas compared to the drier coastal glamping options.
Crowding on weekends: Sunset State Beach campground fills quickly during peak periods. A visitor noted, "The campground was almost empty in the middle of the week with only a few vehicles and tents there early for the weekend." Weekday visits offer significantly more privacy and site selection.
Site privacy differences: Sanborn County Park offers varying levels of seclusion. "We were camping for 1 night and boy, was it crowded! Each and every group was fighting for the 'wagons' to haul stuff up the hike-in campsites," reported one camper. Research specific site locations before booking to ensure your preferred privacy level.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA organizes numerous family events. "We had a very nice stay for a long weekend... Very clean, well maintained, and about a 20 minute walk to the ocean. Decent takeout from the restaurant and great cocktails!" noted a visitor. The property offers bike rentals and weekend activities specifically designed for children.
Creek exploration: Big Basin Redwoods State Park includes natural water features popular with children. "This campground has great bathroom facilities and has a creek that runs through it that the kids loved playing in all day," shared one family. These gentle creeks provide safe water play opportunities during warmer months.
Playground access: Sunset State Beach maintains dedicated play areas. "A great beach to relax on, sometimes there's surf here too," mentioned one reviewer. Most family-friendly campgrounds in the area feature designated play structures within walking distance of campsites.
Tips from RVers
Limited site spacing: Pelican Point RV Park accommodates larger vehicles with some constraints. One RVer noted, "narrow rv spots (pretty close to your neighbor), $$ 85/night, WiFi sucks." Most coastal RV sites trade spaciousness for location and views.
Utility hookups: Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground offers various connection options. A visitor explained, "This has it all. Beautiful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat." Electric and water hookups are available at select sites, though advance reservations are essential.
Winter accessibility: Coastal glamping locations near Pescadero remain accessible year-round with fewer weather disruptions than mountain sites. RV sites typically maintain better winter access than tent-only areas, particularly during rainy periods when forest roads may become difficult to navigate.
