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Best Tent Camping near Santa Cruz, CA

565 Reviews

The Santa Cruz Mountains and coastal areas surrounding Santa Cruz, California offer diverse tent camping options ranging from redwood-shaded sites to open coastal meadows. Castle Rock Trail Camp in Castle Rock State Park provides tent-only camping with a 2.5-mile hike to reach the campground, making it ideal for backpackers seeking seclusion. Black Mountain Backpacking Camp in Monte Bello Open Space Reserve offers another backcountry tent camping experience with only a 1.5-mile hike in. Uvas Canyon County Park, located about 15 miles west of Gilroy, features 25 tent campsites with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and food lockers, all nestled within a wooded canyon setting with nearby waterfall trails.

Most tent campgrounds in the region require reservations, though some backcountry sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Primitive tent camping areas typically provide vault toilets and fire rings, but potable water availability varies significantly by location. At Castle Rock Trail Camp, campers should bring their own water or water filters as the communal water source has been reported unreliable. Fire restrictions are common during dry months, particularly summer through fall. Walk-in tent sites at Manresa State Beach require hauling gear from parking areas to campsites. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations, with Verizon reported to work at Uvas Canyon while other carriers have no signal.

Tent campers frequently use these sites as bases for hiking, with extensive trail networks accessible directly from most campgrounds. According to reviews, Castle Rock sites are "spaced nicely to allow for privacy," with Frog Flat offering more seclusion than the main camping area. One visitor noted that Black Mountain Backpacking Camp is "great for beginner backpackers" with pit toilets and bear boxes that "take a lot of the stress out" of the experience. Weekday camping generally provides more solitude, as one camper at Uvas Canyon recommended weekday visits "to enjoy more quiet surroundings and nature sounds." The redwood-covered sites offer natural shade, though coastal tent camping areas like Manresa State Beach are more exposed, requiring campers to bring additional sun protection.

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Best Tent Sites Near Santa Cruz, California (20)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Santa Cruz, CA

31 Photos of 20 Santa Cruz Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Santa Cruz, CA

565 Reviews of 20 Santa Cruz Campgrounds

  • Mauriel O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2018

    Sunset State Beach

    Great campground away from the hustle and bustle

    Nice lots on a cliff above the beach protected from the wind by some doug firs and eucalyptus. Beach is long and expansive with very few people on an average day. Nice place to take a stroll and relax. Not far from Santa Cruz, maybe 25-30 minutes depending on traffic. Sometimes there's a decent sandbar for surfing. Always had a good time at this campground.

  • Rhiannon S.
    Jul. 23, 2017

    Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

    Beautiful Trails Through Towering Redwoods

    This was a long family camp trip in an amazing location. Our campsite was a walk-in, fairly secluded spot partially up a steep hill. There were only a handful of spots on that pathway, so there weren't many neighbors. Camp had a picnic table, fire ring, bear box, & lots of nearby trails & paths for exploring. Toilets with showers, and dishwashing stations were nearby as well.

    The highlight of this campground is the ample opportunity for wandering. There are many trails, easy walks through ancient redwoods, moderate trails to beautiful waterfalls, and tougher trails for dedicated hikers.

    At the lodge area, there's a store, restaurant, and gift shop, plus educational programs, family events, and community campfires. The kids went on a guided hike to become junior rangers, which gave the parents some free time in the afternoon.

    It's an amazing place to be, and we definitely need to spend more time there.

  • Juliana S.
    Sep. 20, 2021

    Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    Pleasant setting with some noise from the shooting range

    I liked the trees, picnic tables, and fire rings at the sites. 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. There is a nearby shooting range and you can hear the gunshots during the daylight hours.

  • Sara W.
    Aug. 23, 2018

    Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

    Easy Scenic Camping close to Bay Area

    Henry Coe State Park is easily accessible from the San Francisco Bay Area for a weekend getaway or short camping trip.

    The Coe Ranch campground has several tent-only campsites that can be reserved online ($8 transaction fee, $20/night), and the campground has parking for vehicles in a small parking area ~20-100 feet from the campsites. Campsites at this campground are aesthetically pleasing, with oak and pine trees around the perimeter of the campground, and there are scenic views of oak woodlands and the valley below. The picnic benches are conveniently located and provide a nice space for eating while camping at the site. Toilets are easily accessed from the campsites. Campfires are allowed in the fire rings only during non-fire season (no campfires during summer months). Dogs are allowed at the Coe Ranch Campground.

    Henry Coe SP has many great hiking opportunities, with beautiful wildflower displays in March and April, and also numerous opportunities for enjoying the beauty of the plants and wildlife seen along the hiking trails which are very accessible from the campground. Near the Coe Ranch campground there is a camp book store, which has some items for sale, including many field guides to wildlife and plants in the park. When the store is open, there is often a ranger available to answer questions about the park.

    My only compliant is that at the site we stayed at (CR005) the ground is quite compacted, so if you do not have an adequately thick sleeping pad, the ground may be uncomfortably hard to sleep on. Normally I have no trouble sleeping on the bare ground at campsites with a thin sleeping pad, so this was surprising. Bringing an extra pad may be a good idea if you are prone to sleep problems when the ground is too hard.

  • MarinMaverick
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    Skyline to the Sea Trail or Rock Climbing

    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.  This is primitive. There is a shelter with tables in the event there is rain.  Then there are scattered sites, some with tables for you to find a tent site.  If busy - you will be sharing.

    Shaded, though hike down can be in the open. Primitive restrooms. Water available. Picnic Tables.

    Great home base for climbing - good trail camp for the march to the sea.

  • Amanda M.
    Oct. 3, 2018

    Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    Ben Ries Campground - Hidden Redwood Gem!

    Butano State Park is an absolute gem! 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. There are some car sites available, but we had a walk in site. At the time we went, you were assigned a site by the ranger - we happened to get the very last site that was tucked back on a little hill, so it was very nice and secluded. Every site is surrounded by giant redwood trees, and it is an absolutely gorgeous campground.

    We forgot our tent on that trip, but that ended up being a GREAT mistake! We set up our air mattress on the tarp, and falling asleep and waking up amongst the still, quiet redwoods was absolutely magical.

    The park is so green and lush, shaded, with a nice moderate temperature. There are plenty of hiking trails, and a creek nearby.

    I would love to return to Butano some day!

    CAMPSITE SPECS

    Fees: $35/night

    Plumbed Toilets: Yes

    Drinking Water: Yes

    Showers: No

    Picnic Table: Yes

    Firepit: Yes

    Cooking Grate: Yes

    Shade: Yes

    Cell Service: No

    Animal Bins/Food lockers: Yes

    Trash: Yes

  • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2019

    Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

    Amazing Backcountry Backpacking

    Came here from SF Bay for 2 nights on a weekend.  Obtained permit from the ranger station and had to pick a district I would camp in the first night (to limit amount of campers in a region per night).  Hiked about 8 miles southwest to a lake the first night and camped in my hammock by the lake.  Second day backpacked about 12 miles northeast to another lake and was able to grab a spot to set up my hammock next to some picnic tables and a restroom.  Saw plenty of wildlife (lizards, snakes, birds, fish).  It was fairly hot in mid-spring, and there is not much shade on the trails, especially the dirt roads.

  • Kakashimoto99
    Apr. 27, 2021

    Uvas Canyon County Park

    Hidden Gem

    Came here on a Wednesday and paid $34 to camp overnight. There's 25 campsites; each with a food locker, fire ring, a picnic table, and parking space for 2 sedan sized vehicles or 1 RV. 8 people max per site. Bathrooms were spotless with running hot water, showers were also available. The rangers sell firewood at $13 per cubic foot bundle which is pricey but you can bring your own. I'm not sure if every fire ring has a grill so be sure to bring your own stove as backup. There's also a water faucet, trash bins, and recycle bin for every 3 sites.

    There's plenty of shade which is great. Weekdays are best if you want to avoid the crowds. Not too many people know about this park which is a huge plus. I didn't get to hike the trails but there seemed to be a good amount with a few mini-waterfalls.

    Rangers frequent the area throughout the day checking trash and bathrooms even after 10pm which gives a greater sense of security.

    This is currently my favorite campground in the Bay Area. I have yet to try Mt. Madonna but I was greatly impressed with this one.

  • J
    Aug. 22, 2018

    Cotillion Gardens RV Park

    Fun for the kids

    This R.V. Park is rustic, but has a lot of amenities and is very close to Santa Cruz. We visit family and friends in the area often, but this was the first time we camped in the area. It is $50 base price per night, which I think is very exorbitant for a tent site. There is an additional $3 charge per night for any more than two campers per tent or R.V. site. Because there was me and my two daughters it was $53 per night. I gave it 4 stars because the price is so high.

    There are just four tent sites here. We were in T2 which was just over a small footbridge over a creek from our parking spot. The spot was small, but had a picnic table, fire pit, and elevated wooden deck. I’m not sure if the deck is for setting up your ten on or lounging on, but we opted to set up our tent on the ground.

    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. There was also a large clubhouse with foosball, ping pong and arcade games which is open from 9am - 9pm. My daughters used the clubhouse while I set up camp and after waking up while I stayed in bed for a little while.

    There was no AT&T sevice for me, but free WiFi was available so it was fine. The check in process was slow, but okay. Our campsite neighbors seemed very squeamish about camping and left out food that a raccoon family got into in the early morning waking them and us up. I think they were just inexperienced campers.

    Overall I’d stay here again, but I might hesitate at the price. I think this would be a nice place for a family to hang out at. There are lots of things for the kids to do and lots of friends to play with.

Guide to Santa Cruz

Tent campsites near Santa Cruz, California range from primitive backcountry sites to well-maintained campgrounds with modern amenities. The Santa Cruz Mountains contain over 30 miles of hiking trails with elevations ranging from 300 to 2,000 feet. Summer fog often keeps temperatures moderate near the coast while inland sites can reach 85°F during summer months.

What to do

Beachside exploration: At Manresa State Beach Campground, visitors can enjoy direct beach access. "I stayed in site 5 and the walk from my car was not far. I enjoyed this campground!" notes Stephanie B. The campground features walk-in sites with short distances to the shore.

Waterfall hiking: Uvas Canyon County Park offers several waterfall trails accessible directly from campsites. "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," reports Athena J. The waterfalls are most impressive during winter and spring months.

Rock climbing: Castle Rock Trail Camp serves as an excellent base for climbing enthusiasts. "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," explains one camper. The 2.5-mile hike to reach the campground deters casual visitors.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Ben Ries Campground at Butano State Park offers well-separated campsites. "The campsites are spaced apart nicely," according to one reviewer. Another notes "Large, user-friendly campsites surrounded by redwood trees. Great ferny hiking trails for every level of camper/hiker."

Ocean views: Many campers appreciate the proximity to Pacific Ocean views. At Manresa State Beach Campground, "Beautiful views of the ocean just steps from your tent. During the summer months, whales and dolphins can be seen cruising through the ocean around sunset," shares Cara V.

Short approach for backpackers: Black Mountain Backpacking Camp offers an accessible 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," explains one backpacker. The site includes bear boxes and pit toilets, making it approachable for beginners.

What you should know

Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds have experienced closures due to storms or fire damage. "Campground has been closed since winter storms washed most of it away in 2023," reports Chip C. about Seacliff State Beach. Check current status before planning your trip.

Wildlife encounters: Raccoons and other wildlife are common visitors. At Manresa State Beach, one camper warns "There are a LOT of raccoons, so pack up your stuff well." Proper food storage is essential at all Santa Cruz area campgrounds.

Campground restrictions: Different sites have various rules regarding alcohol, pets, and fire restrictions. "It is also a crumb free park and they take it very seriously," notes one visitor about Butano State Park. Research specific regulations before arrival as they vary by location and season.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly backpacking: For families wanting to try backpacking, Black Mountain offers an ideal starting point. "The pit toilet and bear boxes on site take a lot of the stress out for beginner backpackers, and the view at sunset was gorgeous," says Lily H. The shorter hiking distance makes it manageable for children.

Accessible facilities: Uvas Canyon County Park provides family-friendly amenities. "Restrooms and showers were clean, and some even have baby changing stations. Park ranger and County Maintenance's presence was there periodically to pick up trash and to clean facilities," mentions a reviewer. The consistent staff presence adds security for family campers.

Educational opportunities: Redwood forests offer natural learning environments. "The campsites are nicely maintained. Plenty of area to pitch a tent, all the sites have a BBQ, fire pit, and picnic table," notes one camper about Uvas Canyon. The relatively small size of the park makes it easy to explore with children.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV access: Most tent campgrounds near Santa Cruz have significant limitations for RVs. At Seacliff State Beach, one camper observed "Full hookups in one area and dry camping in overflow area. All camping spots are adjacent to the 'boardwalk' beach path and the beach." Reservations for RV sites with hookups are extremely difficult to obtain.

Size restrictions: Many Santa Cruz mountain camping areas cannot accommodate larger RVs. "Not sure if it can handle longer recreational vehicles and the road leading to the campground itself is quite narrow," notes a reviewer about Uvas Canyon. Roads leading to campgrounds often feature tight turns and steep grades unsuitable for longer vehicles.

Alternative parking options: Some campgrounds offer parking arrangements for those with non-traditional camping setups. One visitor attempted to camp at Seacliff in their Subaru Outback which was "rigged up as RV (built in bed, self contained toilet, refrigerator and food prep area and more)" but encountered issues with enforcement. Check specific vehicle policies before arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best oceanfront tent camping sites in Santa Cruz?

For oceanfront tent camping near Santa Cruz, Andrew Molera State Park Campground offers a beautiful setting with a short, easy walk from the parking area to campsites that feature intermittent views of the river. While most sites are exposed, they provide excellent sky views and access to the coast. Another option is Manresa State Beach Campground, which provides direct beach access for tent campers. Both locations require reservations during peak seasons, and it's advisable to bring extra shade if camping during summer months when temperatures can rise significantly.

Which Santa Cruz mountain camping areas allow tent camping?

Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park is an excellent mountain tent camping option located near the Saratoga Gap. This hike-in campground features 20 sites with picnic tables and fire rings (when fire restrictions allow), accessible via a 2.5-mile trail with beautiful ridge views. Sites are nicely spaced for privacy, with Frog Flat offering more seclusion. Black Mountain Backpacking Camp is another mountain gem with a moderate 1.5-mile hike in and multiple trail options to extend your adventure. The small campground often has low occupancy, providing a peaceful mountain experience.

What family-friendly tent camping options are available in Santa Cruz?

Uvas Canyon County Park is ideal for families seeking tent camping near Santa Cruz. Located in the eastern Santa Cruz Mountains, this small campground offers 25 sites equipped with food lockers, fire rings, picnic tables, and parking for two vehicles. Each site accommodates up to eight people, perfect for family groups. The campground features clean bathrooms with hot water and showers. Families particularly enjoy the short hikes along Uvas and Swanson creeks right next to the campground, with mostly shaded trails. At $34 per night, it provides good value for families looking for a comfortable camping experience with convenient amenities.

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