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."
