Santa Cruz campgrounds sit along California's central coast where redwood forests meet the Pacific Ocean. Elevations range from sea level at beach campgrounds to nearly 2,000 feet in the Santa Cruz Mountains, creating distinct microclimates within a 20-mile radius. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop into the 30s at higher elevations, while coastal fog frequently rolls in during summer mornings.
What to do
Ride historic railways: Near Smithwoods RV Park, visitors can take short walks to experience vintage locomotives. "Short distance drive to Santa Cruz wharf and boardwalk. It was a short nice hike to the state park and the train through the red woods. Fun experience on a real steam locomotive," notes David H.
Visit white fallow deer: At Mount Madonna County Park, a unique wildlife attraction awaits. "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 April N., who adds that "the park used to have hundreds of them, but... the park service stopped allowing them to breed because they're an introduced species."
Explore archery trails: Mount Madonna offers uncommon recreational activities beyond standard hiking. "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," shares April N.
What campers like
Weather variations: Coastal and mountain campgrounds offer temperature relief options. "This is a good place for hiking, but unfortunately there is not a lot more to do. If you have kids, they also have a pool and a giant trampoline made out of beach ball material," mentions Drew M. about Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday.
Beach privacy: Some beaches near Santa Cruz provide less crowded experiences. "Beautiful beach and not crowded. Beautiful sunset views," says Laura D. about Manresa State Beach Campground. Another camper notes, "Private beach, dog friendly, clean campground... you can bring the pup and it's off the beaten track a bit."
Quiet weekday camping: Several campgrounds offer more solitude on weekdays. "Quiet with quick access to the beach via a steep paved path. The premium spots seem super worth it with panoramic views of the Pacific," shares Alma L. about New Brighton State Beach.
What you should know
Wildlife considerations: Local wildlife requires proper storage practices at dog friendly campgrounds near Santa Cruz. "There are some critters here, I saw a few skunks and one wandered right into our campsite at night, so keep an eye out for them," warns Darin D. about Mount Madonna County Park. Similarly at Manresa, "There are a LOT of raccoons, so pack up your stuff well."
Vehicle security: Some campgrounds have reported theft issues. "MAKE SURE YOU LOCK UP YOUR VEHICLE, campground seems to attract people who like to rip off campers. Our car and our good friends car was liberated, my phone, trailer monitor, small charging cables and a pair of small binoculars," warns James at Mount Madonna County Park.
Temperature variations: The redwoods create significant temperature differences. "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes," cautions April N.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Specific campgrounds offer activities designed for children. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, "We spent most of our time with relatives, so we didn't have a lot of time to use the amenities, but there were lots of kids around using the playground, bicycling, playing basketball, and swimming in the pool," reports Jessica R.
Beach accessibility: Each beach campground has different access points and terrain. "It's a bit of a walk to the beach from the campground. It's a beautiful beach and not crowded however," explains Kelly S. about Manresa State Beach. Different beach access options accommodate various mobility needs.
Bike-friendly paths: Some campgrounds offer safe cycling for children. "Nice place to get away from the heat. The camp host went above and beyond! Happily told us things to do with our kids and how close places were," shares Brittany F. about Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Extension equipment: Some campgrounds require additional equipment. "Bring your sewer hose extension. Most other sites had them from what I could see. My Starlink was heavily obstructed by trees so worked at 40% speed," advises Patrick J. about Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Site selection strategies: RV sites vary significantly in privacy and size. "We had site J, on the point. It was nice and big. Full hook ups. We had a great view of the San Lorenzo River and Henry Cowell State Park," shares David H. about Smithwoods RV Park.
Connectivity limitations: Working remotely can be challenging at pet-friendly Santa Cruz campgrounds. "We really love this place!! The spaces are tight, but the location can't be beat. The only reason to not give that last star is the WiFi coverage. While it can be a huge bonus to 'unplug,' COVID has made internet connections much more important. We'd love to stay for weeks if we could log into work!" explains Summer E.
