RV camping options near Scotts Valley, California provide diverse settings from redwood groves to coastal views. The region sits at elevations ranging from 550 to 700 feet in the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering moderate year-round temperatures. While summer brings comfortable 70-80°F days, winter camping sees temperatures dropping to the 40s with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Explore redwood hiking trails: Several campgrounds offer direct access to redwood hiking paths. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, campers can find "a neat little beach" along the San Lorenzo River via "a goofy little descent/climb to get there and out but worth it," according to one visitor. The campground is conveniently located near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Visit nearby beaches: Thousand Trails Morgan Hill provides a central location for coastal explorations. "We made 2 day trips to Monterey and Carmel by the Sea and spent time in Morgan Hill and Gilroy," notes one camper who appreciated the strategic location during their October visit.
Enjoy family recreation: Cotillion Gardens RV Park offers numerous activities for families. "Plenty of trees for shade, there's a pool, hiking trails, a little river. So beautiful and peaceful here," writes one reviewer, while another mentions "the pool and clubhouse" as favorite features for their young children.
What campers like
Shaded camping spots: Smithwoods RV Park receives praise for its natural setting. "The location is mostly flat and surrounded with Redwoods. Shady and sunny locations; larger and small RV spots," shares a family who visited with five children in October, noting the park "backs into Henry Cowell State Park and you can walk into it."
Clean facilities: Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort maintains well-kept amenities. "Well maintained, super clean restrooms," reports one camper. Another notes the "Restrooms and Laundry requires a password code to get in provided at check in" and that facilities are "Cleaned and stocked daily."
Strategic location: Campers value the proximity to attractions. "There are great hiking trails assessable from the campground. There is a nearby store, and you are close enough to Santa Cruz to spend a day on the boardwalk," explains a Cotillion Gardens visitor, highlighting practical advantages beyond just scenery.
What you should know
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, "Getting there takes some attention. Do not take highway 9 from Santa Cruz as the RV park will tell you... Roads to the sites are narrow, so again, keep your eyes pealed."
Site sizes vary significantly: At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, "Sites are a little tight, but there are definitely some gems hidden in the redwoods." Similarly, Santa Cruz Ranch Campground has "a small plot to the side of the rest of the rv slots with a little grass to pitch a tent. Not secluded at all from the hustle and bustle."
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires preparation. During rainy months (November-March), many campgrounds remain open but can experience muddy conditions. Summer weekends (June-August) see maximum occupancy at most RV sites near Scotts Valley, California, with advance reservations highly recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options for children: The Garlic Farm RV Park in nearby Gilroy provides convenient access to family activities. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, the camp host "Happily told us things to do with our kids and how close places were. Santa Cruz is only 10 miles away."
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Smithwoods RV Park receives high marks for family comfort. "We went there with our 5 children from Sunday-Thursday in October. The location is mostly flat and surrounded with Redwoods... Kids could ride bikes freely, heated pool (90 degrees), clean shower and restroom, plus laundry room."
Safety considerations: Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort earns praise as "A safe and quiet location. I felt safe, with my young kids, that everyone was driving slowly and respecting the rules." This practical consideration matters especially for families with younger children.
Tips from RVers
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies widely between parks. As one Smithwoods RV Park visitor notes: "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."
Hookup logistics: At Marina Dunes RV Park, RVers should note "the location of the electrical/water is awkward." Similarly, 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."
Site selection strategy: Many experienced RVers recommend requesting specific sites. At Smithwoods RV Park, "We were in site J, on the point. It was nice and big." Similarly, at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, partial shade sites under redwoods provide the best balance of sun and cooling shade for optimal comfort.
