Best Tent Camping near Scotts Valley, CA

Are you in need of a campground near Scotts Valley, CA? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Scotts Valley. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Scotts Valley and user-submitted reviews.

Best Tent Sites Near Scotts Valley, California (18)

    1. Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    18 Reviews
    46 Photos
    73 Saves
    Pescadero, California

    Jan 2025 - due to to extensive damage from wildfires, this campground will be closed indefinitely.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 / night

    2. Uvas Canyon County Park

    9 Reviews
    53 Photos
    318 Saves
    New Almaden, California

    Welcom​e to Uvas Canyon County Park. This lushly wooded park of 1,147 acres, is nestled in upper Uvas Canyon on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz

    Mountains. This mountain park offers hiking, camping and picnicking opportunities throughout most of the year. Enjoy your visit today and return often to experience the many features of Uvas Canyon County Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $34 / night

    3. Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    8 Reviews
    18 Photos
    266 Saves
    Saratoga, California

    Castle Rock State Park is a land of sculpted sandstone, lush forests, and sweeping vistas. From one of the highest ridges in the Santa Cruz Mountains, park visitors enjoy hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. Rock climbers explore the park's caverns and rocks, including the namesake Castle Rock. Plant-lovers come for California black oaks, knobcone pines, and high-elevation coast redwoods. The park’s 34 miles of rugged trails conveniently connect to an extensive trail system that links the Santa Clara and San Lorenzo valleys to nearby Big Basin Redwoods State Park and open space preserves on the Skyline to the Sea Trail.

    The Castle Rock Trail Camp is open year round on a first-come, first-serve basis. The campground is a 2.5 mile (4 kilometer) hike from the parking area and you will have to carry all of your equipment into the camp. Castle Rock Trail Camp has trash receptacles, bathrooms, and 20 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Wood is available for sale during the wet season. Fires are not allowed during fire season.

    Camping is permitted only in designated camps. Campers are required to be in their campsites from sunset to 6 a.m.

    To register and pay your fees, check in at the Entrance Station at the Castle Rock parking lot. If you arrive when the station is not staffed, you can use the self-registration envelopes. Make sure you bring exact change or a check to use in case you must use the self-registration. Place your receipt on the dashboard in a visible place as proof of payment. Rangers will verify payment. For more information about camping and fire closure dates, please call Castle Rock State Park at (408) 867-2952. For more information and reservations for Waterman Gap Trail Camp, please visit the Santa Cruz Mountain State Parks Backcountry Trail Camp Page.

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water

    $8 / night

    4. Seacliff State Beach

    7 Reviews
    2 Photos
    332 Saves
    Aptos, California
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    5. Manresa State Beach Campground

    7 Reviews
    24 Photos
    289 Saves
    Freedom, California

    Manresa State Beach Camping is tents only, no RVs, mid-May through September. Parking for over 60 walk-in tent sites at Manresa Uplands is in a separate lot near the campground. Pets must not be left unattended in campsites. One vehicle is included in camping fees.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 / night

    6. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4 Reviews
    26 Photos
    42 Saves
    Mount Hamilton, California

    Hikers and equestrians have access to an extensive 51 mile trail system. Mountain bikes are permitted on over 75% of the park's trails as designated. The diverse trail system at the park makes this a popular place to stage large-scale organized trail events such as equestrian endurance rides, mountain bike events and foot races. Dogs are also allowed on the trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds as long as they are on a 6 ft. leash.

    Shaded picnic areas are available on a first-come first-served basis. Campers can choose from almost forty (40) reservable family campsites. Hot showers are available with paid campsite use. Group picnic and youth camping areas are available by reservation. One large lake and several smaller ponds are accessible for warm water fishing. Fires are permitted in designated fire rings only. Do not gather wood. Extinguish fires when unattended. When posted "NO FIRES", only campstoves or gas grills are permitted. For further questions please call the park office: (408) 274-6121.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian

    $15 - $400 / night

    7. Black Mountain Backpacking Camp

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    71 Saves
    Los Altos Hills, California
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Toilets

    $2 / night

    8. Towle Campground

    1 Review
    32 Saves
    Los Altos Hills, California
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $40 / night

    9. Joseph D. Grant County Park

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    55 Saves
    Mount Hamilton, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    10. Portola Redwoods State Park Campground

    1 Review
    8 Saves
    Loma Mar, California

    Portola Campground (sites 20-45)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 - $335 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Scotts Valley, CA

607 Reviews of 18 Scotts Valley Campgrounds



Guide to Scotts Valley

Discover the beauty of tent camping near Scotts Valley, California, where lush landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Amenities that enhance your camping experience

  • Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park offers well-spaced tent sites, fire pits, and access to potable water, making it a comfortable choice for campers.
  • At Uvas Canyon County Park, you'll find clean facilities, including flush toilets and showers, along with picnic tables for enjoyable meals outdoors.
  • Seacliff State Beach provides convenient access to the beach, along with amenities like drinking water and firewood for a cozy evening by the ocean.

Tent campers should check out local features

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Scotts Valley, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Scotts Valley, CA is Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY with a 4.8-star rating from 18 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Scotts Valley, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Scotts Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.