The Soquel area sits at the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, with elevations ranging from sea level at coastal campgrounds to over 1,800 feet at inland mountain sites. Winter camping temperatures typically range from 40-60°F, while summer brings average highs of 70-75°F along the coast and 80-90°F in the inland campgrounds. Morning fog is common during summer months at coastal sites, often clearing by midday.
What to do
Hiking through redwood forests: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground offers several trails directly accessible from campsites. "We stayed here for a night and thought that it was a clean campground. Our site was on the smaller side, but it accommodated us all. There were a few trails that started from the campground, which was nice," reports Queenie M.
Access to water activities: At coastal campgrounds like Manresa State Beach Campground, water-based recreation is steps away. "The beach was clean and not crowded. Beautiful sunset views," notes Laura D. The beach is about a "5-7 minute walk down" from the campsites.
Visit historical sites: Several campgrounds provide access to local history. At Mount Madonna County Park, "you can drive up to where the old homestead was and see some ruins," explains Weston W. The park preserves remnants of cattle baron Henry Miller's 19th-century summer home.
Archery opportunities: Mount Madonna County Park features a dedicated archery range with targets throughout the forest. "There is an archery trail with 28 targets on a trail through the woods. We were there 3 days in a row and did 20 of the 28. It's really pretty and a cool challenge," shares April N.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Mount Madonna County Park receives high marks for site separation. "While the sites are a little close to each other, those on the outside of the loop had a great deal of privacy. Inner loop sites have none, but would be great if you were camping with friends," notes Lori T.
Clean facilities: Consistent bathroom maintenance ranks high with campers. At Uvas Canyon County Park, visitors appreciate that "bathrooms and shower were clean, and some even have baby changing stations. Park ranger and County Maintenance's presence was there periodically to pick up trash and to clean facilities," according to Mon M.
Wildlife viewing: Several parks offer unique wildlife experiences. Mount Madonna County Park features "pens with white fallow deer. They are descendants of the exotic zoo at William Randolph Hearst's mansion down the coast," explains April N.
River access: Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort provides water access beyond the ocean beaches. "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," shares Jaime C.
What you should know
Reservation timing: The best places to camp near Soquel require advance planning. At Sunset State Beach, getting spots can be challenging. "If you can get a reservation here (which is VERY difficult) you will have the best time," notes Kate L.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. At Uvas Canyon, "Verizon cell service worked at the campground," reports Mon M., while at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, "Wifi provided, however it would go out late at night after 10 pm until the morning time."
Wildlife concerns: Raccoons are commonly reported at coastal sites. At Manresa State Beach, "There are a LOT of raccoons, so pack up your stuff well," warns Lizzy C., while at Sunset State Beach, one camper "suffered the consequences when we awoke to a family of raccoons raiding the box."
Temperature variations: The redwood campgrounds are significantly cooler than surrounding areas. At Mount Madonna, "prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!" shares April N.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday offers extensive family activities. "TONS of activities on site- huge bouncy pad, a climbing wall, ping pong tables, a swimming pool, pedal go karts, the list goes on and on," reports Daniel D.
Biking opportunities: Several campgrounds feature paved roads ideal for children's bikes. At Mount Madonna County Park, it's a "great campground for the kids to bike at but there are a few big hills so make sure they know how to use their brakes," advises Weston W.
Beach proximity: For families who want easy beach access, Sunset State Beach offers direct paths. "You can walk to it from the campground some sites are further away than others since there are three big loops of sites," notes Kelly S.
Extra supplies: Weather changes can require additional gear. For redwood campgrounds, "bring layers" advises Kelly M. from Manresa State Beach, where "wind picks up in the afternoon."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Cotillion Gardens RV Park requires preparation for RVers. "Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once you're at your site you can relax," notes Ben T. Multiple reviewers mention that some sites are uneven.
RV size limitations: Many campgrounds near Soquel have restrictions on larger rigs. At New Brighton State Beach, one camper notes they "had one of the electric sites in the interior of the campground. The sites on the bluff overlooking the Pacific looked spectacular!"
Hookup information: Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort provides full service sites. "Hookups at every campsite. Water, Shore power, Cable," reports GotelRV, adding that there's a "$5 fire pit rentals for your entire stay."
Dump station access: Several campgrounds have dump stations with varying wait times. One camper at New Brighton State Beach cautions that "the line for the dump station wound through nearly the entire park."
