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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
