P
Paula S.
Guide
GuidePinto Lake City Park
Urban Setting, Long Time Campers
This was a very urban park with the majority of obviously long term campers. Lots of geese and lots of bird droppings all over the park. Expensive for the value
Camping near Scotts Valley, CA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Scotts Valley spans redwood forests and coastal terrain in California's Santa Cruz Mountains, with campgrounds ranging from tent sites to RV parks with hookups and cabin rentals, most situated within 10-15 miles of town. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground provides spacious, shaded sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes in a wooded setting. Several RV-friendly options exist, including Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort and Cotillion Gardens RV Park in nearby Felton. The region supports tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals, with most campgrounds situated within 10-15 miles of Scotts Valley proper.
Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer months when coastal proximity makes them popular destinations. Most developed sites feature drinking water, restrooms, and showers, though amenities vary significantly between state parks and private RV resorts. The terrain consists primarily of forested hillsides with moderate temperatures year-round, though morning fog is common during summer and fall months. Cell service can be limited in some campground areas, especially those tucked into redwood groves. One camper noted, "Most of the sites are large, with the sites around the loops perimeters more private. The sites on the inside of the loops not so much. Lots of poison oak."
Campers consistently highlight the redwood setting as a primary draw for the area's campgrounds. Sites at Henry Cowell receive particularly positive reviews for their spaciousness and privacy compared to more densely packed RV parks. Several visitors mentioned the convenient proximity to both forest hiking trails and coastal attractions in Santa Cruz, making the area ideal for mixed outdoor activities. "We had site 95 and I have to say that our 26 ft trailer plus our truck was a tight squeeze. There were bigger sites that would've suited us better but it was a nice little tucked in site," shared one reviewer. Bathroom facilities at campgrounds are generally well-maintained, though some visitors note the prevalence of poison oak throughout the region's natural areas, which requires careful attention when setting up camp or hiking nearby trails. When planning your camping trip to Scotts Valley, consider that the best campsites tend to fill quickly during peak season from late spring through early fall.
Best Campgrounds near Scotts Valley (124)
1. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
"The nearest place is in Scotts Valley but it was closed on Sunday. After that the nearest station is New Brighton Beach, 30 mins away."
"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."
from $7 - $35 / night
Check Availability2. New Brighton State Beach Campground
"Camped with electricity and water, situated on a bluff near the ocean. Easy walking distance to the water, nice roomy campsites with fire rings and tables. Not too close to other campers."
"New Brighton is a jewel on the California coast. Camping is on a bluff above beach and you must walk down stairs to get to the beach. Camping in the woods with the beach below is perfect."
from $35 - $185 / night
Check Availability3. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
"They are a bit narrow, so much of the camp side you will have a close look at your neighbors utilities. When the park is full, it is close. Go on weekdays, not as busy and more room is likely."
"Sites surrounded by redwoods, friendly helpful staff, close to attractions."
4. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED
"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 Availability5. Cotillion Gardens RV Park
"Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once your at your site you can relax. Bathrooms are a little dated, no cell service but good WiFi if your close to the office."
"The place is old, but it has a great location. There are great hiking trails assessable from the campground."
from $60 - $100 / night
Check Availability6. Sunset State Beach
"Dogs can be allowed on beach if you go to the right of the main entrance. No dogs to the left. Camp sites vary but the best loop is South Loop. Some with ocean views but those are hard to reserve. "
"Strawberry fields surround the campground and are next to the Hike and Bike area. The walk is not too difficult down to the beach."
7. Mount Madonna County Park
"Great spot if you're looking for a quick escape from the Bay Area with that classic California redwood experience."
"We were happy to have the electric hook up since the redwood and oak tress surrounding all the sites are huge and block out the sun."
8. Sanborn County Park
"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 Availability9. Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
"I would recommend booking away from the jump pillow or playground, unless easy playground access is important, because the spots are pretty noisy."
"Although this is not our preferred type of camping, after five nights in California State parks with limited amenities, we stayed here for hot showers, laundry, and full hookups for van maintenance."
10. Smithwoods RV Park
"The location is mostly flat and surrounded with Redwoods. Shady and sunny locations; larger and small RV spots. No tent camping. It backs into Henry Cowell State Park and you can walk into it."
"I’m so glad we did because we were surrounded by these beautiful red wood trees and we could hear the train whistle in the daytime coming from Roaring Camp Railroad."
Drive Time
- 4 min from Santa Cruz, CA
- 30 min from San Jose, CA
- 42 min from Salinas, CA
- 1 hr 5 min from San Francisco, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Scotts Valley, CA
220 Photos of 124 Scotts Valley Campgrounds
Mauriel O.
Santa Cruz Ranch Campground
Chesney S.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
Christina R.
Smithwoods RV Park
Corrie G.
Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
Aidan P.
Van Life Campgrounds @ Enchanted Forest
Carina B.
New Brighton State Beach Campground
John G.
Redwood Resort RV Park & Campground
Name
Sunrise Point at Candlestick Point SRA - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Athena J.
Uvas Canyon County Park
Kali C.
Sanborn County Park
Carina B.
Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
Laura D.
Manresa State Beach Campground
Recent Reviews near Scotts Valley, CA
844 Reviews of 124 Scotts Valley Campgrounds
Lee D.
LegendSanta Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
Many options for families
General: So many options, including full hookup back-in or pull-thru sites, sites with just w/e, pet sites, nine different types of cabins, and tent sites. Some sites are paved and some are gravel.
Bath/Shower: The one closest to our site had a women's and men's restroom, and the showers are individual units but shared for both genders. I expected a more upscale shower (it was ok but a little tight, skimpy on hooks and no bench).
Activities/Amenities: So many amenities including a pool and hot tub, playground, jump pad, climbing “palms”, rec center with bike rentals and concessions, and a train (I’ve probably missed a few). Laundry is available on site (operated via an app and your phone).
Although this is not our preferred type of camping, after five nights in California State parks with limited amenities, we stayed here for hot showers, laundry, and full hookups for van maintenance. This was a typical KOA in many ways, but one thing that was different was that we had to wear wristbands, and there was a gate to enter and leave. While it should have made us feel safe, I wondered why there were extra security features.
- MMike T.Guide
Laguna Seca Recreation Area
Unusual but works...
First time I've camped at a racetrack but it worked. Was car camping and had my choice of sites overlooking the valley by the entrance to the Fort Ord trail. Check in was friendly but their payment app on a mobile was a bit buggy. Small issue with the tent sites was flatness but I got there. Benches / fire pits/ decent shower facilities. It was late so I didn't get a chance to check out the store (if it had one). Glorious sunrise with the marine layer below in the valley.
Phillip S.
ScoutBeach RV Pleasure Point
Very Convenient Spot
A very nice and well kept spot to park and enjoy Santa Cruz. You are close enough to walk to the beach and several restaurants. The sites are very close together. We were pleased on how clean and neat the area is kept. The temperatures were amazing for July.
- Lee D.Legend
Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
Popular coastal camping
General: 52 RV/tent sites, four walk-in oceanfront tent sites, and a hiker/biker camp. 28 sites have electric hookups. No sewer (there is a dump station) and shared water spigots.
Site Quality: Sites are paved with room for an additional vehicle and are level. Some sites have decent spacing between them, but others have no privacy/separation (the internal sites with electric have less privacy). IMO, sites 48 and 16 are the best sites.
Bath/shower: Two bathhouses each with all-in-one toilet/sink combos. They could use a little TLC. Showers are standard CA state park requiring tokens to use. Did not use them.
Activities/Amenities: There are three trails for easy ocean access. Beach is long and ok for walking, but in the springtime, the beach is littered with “blue sailfish”. Dogs are not allowed. Walking north is better than south. The 7.5-mile Half Moon Bay Coastal multi-use trail is easily accessible from the campground. Little Free Library. There is a host on site who sells firewood for $15 from 4:30-9:30 pm daily.
There are not many camping options in this area, and the campground was fully booked during the week in mid-May. We had to make reservations several months in advance and could only get two nights, and we had to move sites. Four stars due to the lack of privacy between many of the sites.
- KKimberly W.Guide
Costanoa Coastal Lodge & Campground
Outstanding coastal access and amenities!
I loved my stay here! I had a lot of tasks and couldn't have asked for a better place to accomplish them. I particularly appreciated the close coastal access, the birds and the clean, comfortable surroundings. Staff was welcoming and friendly throughout my stay. Highly recommend this gem!
Chris C.GuideJoseph D. Grant County Park
Pleasant!
Very nice for a one night stop. Very windy road to get to the park. Sites are well kept and have a solid amount of room. Super clean bathrooms and good free showers. Lots of wildlife to see and hear (coyotes). Didn’t get 5 starts cause it was quite busy with loud neighbors!
Christina R.GuideVeteran's Memorial Park Campground
Nice spot
I pulled in at 5pm on a Friday and there were several spots open. I picked #6 by the park and it was wonderful. Super quiet at night. The grassy area was perfect for my dog.
The site is $50+10 for a RV or van. I had to leave and get more cash. $5 discount for veterans. You leave the cash in an envelope in a slot at the entrance. Very easy and straight forward.
As a single woman I felt safe. I slept well, it was quiet. Close to restrooms and showers which you can pay for.
Genavieve A.
TravelerDumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Quite and Clean
Really wonderful spot to be. They have multiple camping options and day pass options. For RV setups your choices are parking, water only, and the works (water, electrical, waste dumping with fire pit and camping table).
Its a bit far from anything but if youre just looking to camp, charge, and relax then this is the spot for you. They have showes, bathrooms, and laundry on site.
Final notes, there are multiple hiking trails and wildlife to see, including a lovely group of Turkeys who don't mind you getting a little close for photo ops.
Guide to Scotts Valley
Camping options near Scotts Valley provide access to diverse ecosystems within the Santa Cruz Mountains at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,600 feet. The area experiences moderate temperature fluctuations throughout the year, with summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F and winter lows typically staying above 40°F. Most camping areas require advance planning as weekend spots fill 3-6 months ahead during peak season (May-September).
What to do
Hike among giant trees: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground features several trails that start directly from the campground area. "We stayed here for a night and thought that it was a clean campground. Our site was on the smaller side, but it accommodated us all. There were a few trails that started from the campground, which was nice," shares Queenie M.
Visit historic attractions: Located just a mile from Smithwoods RV Park, Roaring Camp Railroad offers steam train rides through redwood forests. "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.
Swim in natural settings: The San Lorenzo River runs adjacent to several campgrounds. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, campers can access the river via a short trail. "There is a little trail that goes down to the River where you can find a neat little beach. It's a goofy little descent/climb to get there and out but worth it," according to Jaime C.
Practice archery: Mount Madonna County Park offers a unique 28-target archery course through the forest. "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," explains April N.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Some of the best places to camp near Scotts Valley feature sites with ample room. At Sunset State Beach, "Very quiet area and pretty well spaced out sites (for a coastal campground). Once the sun went down there were very few people outside. Good beach access (down a ramped pathway and then staircase)," reports Karen.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high in visitor satisfaction. Mount Madonna County Park maintains high standards: "Absolutely soo clean and a great place to camp without having to travel so far. Bathrooms are constantly cleaned and showers are free and clean," writes Carolina M.
Easy beach access: Many campsites offer convenient ocean proximity. At New Brighton State Beach Campground, "We tent camped here but most people had a trailer. Translation: the bathroom was empty. 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," notes Alma L.
Unique camping options: Beyond standard tent and RV sites, some campgrounds offer alternative accommodations. At Santa Cruz KOA Holiday, "We stayed in one of the airstreams they have for rent there. The family loved it- it was the perfect size for us and everything worked and the outdoor patio had heavy duty tables and chairs along with fire pit and even a Weber grill," says Jay.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Campsite locations can significantly impact your experience. At Sanborn County Park, "Some campgrounds have tables and others don't - some are too close to others but the higher up hill, you're closer to the trail heads," advises Ellice O.
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report animal interactions. At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, "The park has a bit of a yellow jacket problem that they dont really seem too concerned about addressing. Yellowjackets on trails, in campsites and near bathrooms. 5 in our group got stung," warns Megan B.
Weather variations: The coastal-mountain interface creates unique microclimates. Mount Madonna County Park can be surprisingly cool: "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.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely across campgrounds. At Smithwoods RV Park, "Be ready for no cell or WiFi. We occasionally got 1 bar of cell service in our site if we stood in a certain spot. (AT&T) There was WiFi up at the office but it was inconsistent," reports David H.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Cotillion Gardens RV Park offers dedicated recreation spaces. "This R.V. Park is rustic, but has a lot of amenities and is very close to Santa Cruz. There are lots of things for the kids to do and lots of friends to play with... playground, bicycling, playing basketball, and swimming in the pool," shares Jessica R.
Biking opportunities: Several campgrounds have suitable terrain for young cyclists. At Mount Madonna, "Great campground for the kids to bike at but there are a few big hills so make sure they know how to use their brakes," advises Weston W.
Water features: Seasonal creeks and swimming spots provide natural entertainment. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, "The campground is all natural! Trees and nature all around. Viewing areas that allow all to enjoy the stream, at the back of the resort, and paths to take a closer look," notes Brittany F.
Gear transport assistance: For walk-in sites, campgrounds often provide equipment. Sanborn County Park has "a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites. The park provides carts to help with hauling gear, and storage boxes are provided at the site, near the picnic table," explains Amanda P.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites in the area require leveling equipment. At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, "We had site 95 and I have to say that our 26 ft trailer plus our truck was a tight squeeze. There were bigger sites that would've suited us better but it was a nice little tucked in site," shares Chesney S.
Dump station logistics: Plan for potential waiting times at popular campgrounds. At New Brighton State Beach, "Warning: the line for the dump station wound through nearly the entire park," observes Alma L.
Hookup locations: RV site utility connections may require extensions. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot," notes Patrick J.
Narrow access roads: Several campgrounds have challenging approach roads. Patrick J. warns about Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort: "Getting there takes some attention... Roads to the sites are narrow, so again, keep your eyes pealed."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Scotts Valley, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Scotts Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Scotts Valley, CA is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 43 reviews.
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