8 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several RV parks cluster around Scotts Valley, California, providing convenient bases for exploring the region. Santa Cruz Ranch Campground offers year-round RV sites with full hookups including 30-amp service, water, and sewer connections. Just a short drive away in Felton, Smithwoods RV Park accommodates big rigs with pull-through sites, full hookup capabilities, and maintains a 4.5-star rating among RV travelers. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort provides both 30 and 50-amp electrical service options with level concrete pads suitable for larger motorhomes. "We stayed at Smithwoods October 18-20. We were in site J, on the point. It was nice and big. Full hook ups," notes one RVer who appreciated the spacious accommodations.
Navigation to some RV parks in the area requires careful driving, as roads leading to Felton campgrounds can be narrow with tight turns. Cell service varies significantly between locations, with Smithwoods RV Park offering limited connectivity - "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." Most RV campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though reservations are strongly recommended during summer and fall weekends. Dump stations are available at most parks, with Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort and Smithwoods both providing on-site sanitary dump facilities. Pet-friendly policies are standard across local RV parks, with designated dog areas at several locations. Propane service can be found at select parks or in nearby towns, making extended stays convenient for RV campers.
"Great camp hosts and relaxing quiet site"
"Not quiet though, lots of kids."
"Family friendly and tight community with an awesome river down a few steps! 15 mins down to the boardwalk! Ocean during the day and camping a night. We loved our experience. Highly recommend!"
"Cozy tight quarters but just enough room for a picnic bench, fire pit and hanging out area. This campground is covered entirely by redwoods with plenty of shade for a cool vacation."
"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."
"Marginal cell coverage. Camp WiFi is acceptable. Need to use WiFi to supplement cell service."
from $60 - $100 / night
"Full hook ups. We had a great view of the San Lorenzo River and Henry Cowell State Park. The staff is great and helpful."
"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."
"It’s a simple gravel parking lot set up - clean bathrooms / showers, full hookups. Not what I would call camping but a great place to stay with proximity to the things that matter."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $95 - $180 / night
"We got a nice spot close to the dump station near front. Their pool is huge and very very well kept. The spot was 30amp and back in however they have 50amp/pull through also."
"Got propane filled, nice staff. No full hookups but dump station was convenient. Lots of nice activities going on."
"It doesn't look like all of the pull-through spots are still pull-through really even though the campground map indicates they are."
"There’s a dog park close by if you want to go get down to the sandy beaches within walking distance great hookups water pressure is a little high."
"Only about 8 minutes from Santa Cruz beach/boardwalk. Off a quiet street. Reasonable price for the location."
"Almost level ajoining asphalt parking slots face boats in harbor. Water / electric / sewer connection at back of parking slot. Picnic tablet in parking slot."
from $65 / night
"Nice super clean close to the PCH walking distance from a amazing beach. Nice facility as well. No views but I would stay again. Super safe feeling as well."
"I have a camper van and I didn’t need all the hook up. There is a Best Western right next to this place were we ended up getting a room instead as that was less expensive."
"Monthly rates are the most expensive in the country, for a military camp, but still about 2/3 of what it is off base. Watch out for golf balls, stay in spots 7-10."
"Some sites have partial hookups and some have full hookups. This is at the edge of the Monterey Pines Golf Course. In fact you check in at the golf course office."
Guidepro: close to the city, very quiet and dumping is possible. con: 60$ for dry camping is even for California brazen! The sites are very short and super close. RV’s are only allowed under 21 feet! But there are 3 sites behind the playground that are at least 30 feet!
Ranger3 day limit. $50 per site basic RR. Close to town.
ScoutAs mentioned in other reviews - beautiful views but beware that some of the RV sites are on a slope. We booked #3 unaware that it was on quite an incline - we ended up driving onto the camping space as we wouldn’t have been able to sleep on the designated RV space. Otherwise nice, but basic campsite and not busy at all in October
TravelerThis is a great camp ground. Plenty of activities. Showers are clean, laundry room takes tap pay.
TravelerHenry in the office is amazing. Bathrooms are clean. laundry room very large and has many washers and dryers. Subway close walk, MUNI is at the park entrance. A gas station and Grocery store are both across the street.
ScoutHas hot showers & laundry room! A 5 min walk to the ocean as well. Super peaceful
TravelerOur favorite place. We have stayed here 14 times. Always clean.
TravelerIt’s absolutely beautiful. There are no hook ups, but I have a solar generator. I’m working with or learning to use.
GuideNice big campsites, creek running but unsure if clean enough to go in. There’s a dog park with lights which is really awesome for our old dogs. There are definitely some long term campers here but it still has a nice feel. Only reason it’s not 5 star is we are close to the road so it’s loud.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Scotts Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Scotts Valley, CA is Santa Cruz Ranch Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Scotts Valley, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 96 RV camping locations near Scotts Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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