Best Campgrounds near Scotts Valley, CA
Campgrounds surrounding Scotts Valley in California's Santa Cruz Mountains offer diverse camping experiences amid redwood forests and coastal terrain. 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 established 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 established 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.
