Best Campgrounds near Soquel, CA
The Soquel, California area encompasses a variety of coastal and forest campgrounds, ranging from beachfront state parks to redwood-shaded retreats. New Brighton State Beach Campground offers ocean-view sites on bluffs above the Pacific, while Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park provides camping amid ancient redwood groves just northwest in Santa Cruz. Accommodation options span from basic tent camping to full-hookup RV sites, with several properties also offering cabins, yurts, and glamping facilities. Mount Madonna County Park and Santa Cruz KOA represent additional developed campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of Soquel.
Campground availability in this region typically requires advance planning, with most developed sites bookable up to six months ahead. The coastal climate remains mild year-round, though summer fog is common along the shoreline campgrounds, with clearer, warmer conditions usually arriving by late summer and early fall. Most campgrounds provide drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables, while shower availability varies by location. RV-friendly sites with hookups can be found at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort and Santa Cruz KOA, though many state park campgrounds offer only dry camping. A visitor noted, "So nice to fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Early summer can be foggy, but it tends to get sunnier by late summer/early fall."
Campers consistently rate beach access as a primary attraction, with New Brighton State Beach earning particular praise for its ocean views and beach trail. Proximity to both natural settings and urban amenities creates a unique camping experience, as most campgrounds are within minutes of grocery stores and restaurants. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of being able to walk or bike to nearby towns like Capitola Village from New Brighton. While roadway noise can be noticeable at some coastal sites, campgrounds nestled in the redwoods provide quieter alternatives. Bathroom cleanliness received positive mentions across multiple campgrounds, though many state park facilities require quarters for showers. Fire pits and picnic tables are standard at developed campgrounds throughout the area, with firewood typically available for purchase from camp hosts.
