Camping options near Scotts Valley offer experiences within the coastal redwood ecosystem. Located in a transitional microclimate zone 6 miles from Santa Cruz, this area typically experiences 30-40°F temperature swings between morning fog and afternoon warmth. Many campgrounds sit at elevations between 300-600 feet, providing both redwood shade and occasional ocean glimpses.
What to do
Hiking trails beyond campgrounds: Access redwood hiking trails from Mount Madonna County Park where the terrain includes both redwood forests and hilltop views. "There are a few trails that started from the campground, which was nice," notes one camper about nearby Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Visit Roaring Camp Railroad: Located minutes from Felton campgrounds, this historic attraction features vintage steam locomotives. "Hike into the redwoods or go a few miles down the road and take a ride on the Roaring Camp Big Trees Railroad," suggests a camper who stayed at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Water activities along San Lorenzo River: Some campgrounds like Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort offer river access. "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," says one reviewer.
What campers like
Temperature variation benefits: Morning coastal fog keeps sites cool while afternoons warm up. "In the morning it's raining under the redwood trees but not under the madrone or tan oak trees, which is wild," notes one camper at Mount Madonna County Park, describing how redwoods harvest fog moisture.
Geological features: Some campgrounds sit above coastal bluffs with direct beach access. At New Brighton State Beach, "The premium spots seem super worth it with panoramic views of the Pacific," according to one reviewer who adds that "the bathroom was empty" when tent camping there.
Proximity to towns: Many sites offer convenient access to supplies while maintaining natural settings. "Great spot to camp, close to grocery stores and gas stations," mentions one Henry Cowell visitor, highlighting the convenience of in-town camping while still experiencing forest surroundings.
What you should know
Trail access limitations: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Scotts Valley restrict pets to campground roads and designated areas. "Great place to hike and 'get lost' in the woods. No dogs on trails though. California state park rule," explains a visitor to Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Wildlife awareness needs: Yellow jackets and other insects can be problematic in warmer months. "The park has a bit of a yellow jacket problem that they don't really seem too concerned about addressing. Yellowjackets on trails, in campsites and near bathrooms. 5 in our group got stung," warns a camper about Henry Cowell.
Tent site limitations: Some RV-focused parks offer limited tent camping areas. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, "Upon arrival we were really bummed to find out tent camping was in a back corner of the RV park, the websites photos are deceiving. It would be nice for families or a group."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and recreational facilities. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, "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."
Kid-friendly hiking options: Look for shorter, flatter trails suitable for younger explorers. Big Basin offers "scenic hikes, a popular and short hike is to Sempervirens Falls," notes one family, while another mentions the park has "easy flat trails to walk."
Beach access considerations: For coastal campgrounds, prepare for stairs or steep paths. At Sunset State Beach, "You can walk to it from the campground some sites are further away than others since there are three big loops of sites," and access requires descending "about 100 stairs or you can drive down and park."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Water and electrical services differ significantly between parks. At Smithwoods RV Park, "We were in 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."
Connectivity challenges: Cell service and WiFi availability fluctuate throughout the area. "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 an RVer at Smithwoods.
Space limitations: Many redwood sites have tight clearances for larger RVs. "We loved camping here with our 25ft camping trailer. There was plenty of room for it on site 105, however if it was any higher it would be hitting tree limbs," explains a camper at Henry Cowell regarding branch clearance considerations.
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