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The Santa Cruz Mountains around Portola Valley contain several established campgrounds with redwood forest settings. Memorial Park near Loma Mar rates highly among campers seeking developed sites, while more rustic options exist at state parks like Big Basin and Portola Redwoods. Camping accommodations range from basic tent sites to full RV hookups at locations like Trailer Villa RV Park in Redwood City and Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA in Pescadero. Several parks offer cabin camping or glamping alternatives for those seeking more comfort. Most established campgrounds remain within an hour's drive of Portola Valley, providing convenient access to both redwood forests and coastal areas.
Campground access varies significantly by season, with many sites requiring advance reservations during summer months. "The quality of campsites is excellent, with spacious and well-kept sites," noted one Memorial Park visitor. Winter camping offers greater solitude but may involve temporary closures after heavy rainfall affects roads and trails. Most developed campgrounds provide drinking water and toilets year-round, though shower facilities are less common. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, especially in deep redwood groves and canyon areas. Elevation changes are moderate but significant for bicycle travelers, with some campgrounds situated along winding mountain roads that require careful driving. Fire restrictions are commonly implemented during dry summer and fall months.
Redwood forest camping dominates the region's camping landscape, with tall trees providing natural shade at sites like San Mateo Memorial Park. Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere created by towering redwoods, though some note occasional noise from neighboring campsites during peak season. Proximity to the Pacific coastline allows visitors to combine forest camping with day trips to beaches. Several campgrounds feature easy access to hiking trails within the immediate vicinity. While some campgrounds remain fairly primitive, others provide amenities like camp stores and ranger programs. Family-friendly sites with accessible facilities can be found at larger developed campgrounds, though some backpacking-only sites exist for those seeking more solitude. Coastal fog influences the camping experience, with one local reviewer noting that certain campgrounds can be "cold, foggy, with limited amenities."
"Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site."
"So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"It's a great place to use as a basecamp for exploring the myriad of hiking trails that exist in the redwoods and nearby coastal hikes. "
"Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance."
"Beautiful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat. Short drive to many other areas. small but good size sites for where it is."
from $35 - $165 / night
Check Availability"It is a smaller park than many of the other redwoods parks in Northern California, so it was very nice and peaceful. Butano is a bit off the beaten path to get to, but so worth it."
"Large, user-friendly campsites surrounded by redwood trees. Great ferny hiking trails for every level of camper/hiker. Very easy access to campsites and near Pescadero and Highway One."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"This is a nice camping away from the car experience. It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites."
"Great walk-in campground so close to home in the South Bay Area (albeit walk is slightly uphill)."
from $33 / night
Check Availability"What they do have are scores of hookup sites for $60 / night and three tent / drive-in no hookup water-only sites for $45 / night."
"The showers are roomy with ok water pressure (for California) and warm water. The laundry is super convenient. They even have summer ranger programs but we didn’t see many kids here."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability"But for a quick weekend jaunt for RV campers, this location slightly more than an hour from the Bay Area is hard to beat."
"There is a nice playground next to an equally nice café called the pinecone. The weather here is cold just a heads up be prepared for wind and overcast weather."
from $100 - $200 / night
Check Availability"The parking lot for the trail head is just a bit further down Hwy 35. "
"There is a nearby shooting range and you can hear the gunshots during the daylight hours."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"This is a nice campground in a great part of California with lots of hiking and beaches nearby. The bathrooms were clean and well kept."
"There were bigger sites that would've suited us better but it was a nice little tucked in site. The poison oak is prolific. Our site was literally surrounded by it."
from $7 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"After-hours check-in was a breeze, as the checkin instructions were taped to the main door of the office at the park entrance."
ScoutWe love doing road trips and we don't have a destination so this time it was hard to find a spot to camp, everything was full but we fund this nice spot that we could stay for the night. We love the this 😍 camping spot it's not in the forest but is near the beach at walking distance and they have showers!. Can't wait to come back again. Thank you!
RangerNo tents, no rest room, no dump, must arrive after 4pm and leave by 9 am, MUST have your own bathroom…. But it’s like $12, and if you need to be in Benecia it’s great.
ScoutStayed here for 2 nights. Staff was very nice and the restrooms looked great and worked perfectly fine. Very quiet.
ScoutObviously a long term lot with a very “wrong turn” kind of vibe. Website on apple is blocked for deceptive practices . There was but link from here works. Never got confirmation e,ail so I called.. 800 number, no answer.. local number answered said I wouldn’t get confirmation until noon tomorrow. Then told me to come on as a walk in. We pulled up, pulled through, left quickly.. bad decisions unless you are on hard times.
ScoutGreat camp hosts and relaxing quiet site
TravelerNice level sites, not too close together….nice trees provide shade. Excellent beach for strolling. A dump station with potable water is $10.
ScoutThis spot is actually very ideal for people like me who was stressing every night while living in my car, I had multiple parking tickets while I was in San Francisco and got my car towed even so once I found out about this free camping rest area I jumped on it. Beautiful views that's a plus
TravelerJessica helped as to reserve the site 10a but when we went there it was so hard to access the site with our car .so we did call her and explain the situation she proposed a refund .we left the area waiting for the promised refund we called her the same night she didn’t answer and she send a message saying she will refund the day after .we called her the day after she said I will do when I get internet after that she said because of your behavior (calling her and asking for our money) she said I will not refund and go to the police
GuideReservations and check-in were very easy. Stay at site 5 and and site 4 was right next us. Their house door was face our house door (see picture) and very little privacy. Otherwise, it is a very nice campground and everyone we met were so friendly. Their house door bathrooms and laundry room were very clean.
The Santa Cruz Mountains offer camping sites near Portola Valley, California, at elevations between 400-2,600 feet. Winter camping temperatures typically range from 35-55°F, while summer temperatures can reach 75-90°F during daytime hours. The region's unique microclimate creates morning fog patterns that often burn off by mid-day, especially at higher elevation campgrounds.
Trail exploration at Castle Rock State Park Trail Camp: Campers can access numerous hiking routes directly from this tent-only campsite. "Great campsite with picnic tables and fantastic view for sunset. Came FCFS and the ranger at the parking lot usually lets you know if it's full or available before you go up," notes Linda Y. about Castle Rock Trail Camp.
Beach access from Half Moon Bay State Beach: Located approximately 18 miles from Portola Valley, this campground offers both tent and RV sites with ocean proximity. "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. Great sunsets!!" shares Jill F. from Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground.
Redwood Grove hiking at Butano State Park: The 2.5-mile Little Butano Creek Trail starts directly from the campground and connects to more strenuous ridge trails. "Little streams along the way to get access to water... If you hike up to the ridge on a clear day you can see the ocean. There is also an old landing strip on the hill you can hike to as well," notes a MarinMaverick review.
Spacious sites with redwood canopy: San Mateo Memorial Park's campsites feature significant spacing between neighbors at many sites. "The sites were spaced nicely to allow for privacy. Frog Flat seemed a bit more secluded than the main camp," explains Juliana S. about San Mateo Memorial Park.
Clean facilities despite high usage: Most campgrounds maintain their restrooms and common areas well, even during peak season. "The staff does an excellent job at keeping the place spotless and cleaning the bathrooms and showers. Ample trash and recycling bins within easy walking distance," reports Michael H. about Memorial Park.
Unique tent cabin options: Several campgrounds offer alternative accommodations. "We stayed in a cabin in the huckleberry campground. The cabins were nice, and each cabin has 2 double beds, a table, and a wood stove. It can get cold at night in the redwoods so the wood stove was great at night," shares Kim P. about Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Summer reservation requirements: Memorial Day through Labor Day typically requires reservations 2-6 months in advance for most established campgrounds. "We camp here every year in May or June. It's always fun. The tent cabins are super convenient," notes Carl N. about Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Limited cell service in many locations: Most redwood campgrounds have significant connectivity issues. "There is no cell service. Fellow campers were there to camp, not to party, so that's always a plus," explains Kathleen C. about Butano State Park.
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Many campgrounds implement strict fire rules during dry periods. "Fires are increasingly banned in the dry months (i.e most of the year) in California now, but in January, when I was there they were allowed," explains Nathaniel S. about Castle Rock Trail Camp.
Water availability concerns: Some campgrounds have intermittent water issues. "Although there is a communal water source at the campsite entrance, the water was deemed not safe to drink when I was there. So, we brought all our water in with us as well as water filters," notes a Castle Rock reviewer.
Playground and activity access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas with scheduled programs. "The park was secluded and lots of shade. There is a little creek that's only about a quarter mile hike down a trail," shares Carl N. from Memorial Park.
Banana slug spotting adventures: These bright yellow forest creatures fascinate children and serve as an educational opportunity. "The slugs were hanging out in trees all around us and it was so much fun looking for them. The sites were very spacious and this has probably been one of my favorite campgrounds!" shares Adventure M. about Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA.
Easy access campsites for beginners: Some campgrounds are particularly well-suited for families new to camping. "Super user-friendly campsites that are good for beginners. Lots of great hiking trails in redwoods for all levels," notes Renee W. about Butano State Park.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds within 25 miles of Portola Valley offer complete RV services. "We stayed here for a night and had sites 5 and 6. The map for the campground is deceiving as they looked close together and connected but they were separate," explains Kathleen C. about Butano State Park.
RV height considerations: The dense forest canopy can create challenges for larger vehicles. "We loved camping 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," notes Chesney S. about Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Level parking areas: When selecting an RV site, consider the terrain gradient. "The beauty of the Redwoods never disappoint! It had large spaces and was super easy to park my travel trailer," shares Peter M. about Henry Cowell, emphasizing the importance of finding properly leveled spots in the mountainous terrain surrounding Portola Valley camping options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Portola Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Portola Valley, CA is Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED with a 4.7-star rating from 34 reviews.
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