Camping cabins near Soquel, California offer overnight shelter options across Santa Cruz County's varied elevations. The region features significant temperature variations, with coastal areas remaining 10-15 degrees cooler than inland locations during summer months. Redwood forest campgrounds often experience morning fog that collects on tree canopies, creating a unique microclimate that can be considerably colder than surrounding areas.
What to do
Hike through redwood forests: Mount Madonna County Park provides multiple hiking trails directly accessible from campsites. "The park itself contains miles of hiking trails that wind through the redwoods and along the ridgetops," notes one visitor who appreciated the convenience of trail access for day excursions while staying in the park's cabin accommodations.
Explore nearby beaches: Seacliff State Beach offers direct beach access from its camping area. "All camping spots are adjacent to the 'boardwalk' beach path and the beach. Yes, your rig is within 20' of the beach at all campsites," explains a reviewer who enjoyed the proximity to ocean activities.
Visit local wildlife exhibits: Some parks maintain educational wildlife areas with guided programs. At Mount Madonna, "Near the ranger station there are pens with white fallow deer. They are descendants of the exotic zoo at William Randolph Hearst's mansion down the coast," explains a camper who participated in the park's nature programs.
Try archery: Mount Madonna County Park features a dedicated archery trail rarely found at other campgrounds. "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 a visitor who discovered this unique activity.
What campers like
Free clean showers: Several campgrounds provide well-maintained bathroom facilities. "Absolutely soo clean and a great place to camp without having to travel so far. Bathrooms are constantly cleaned and showers are free and clean," notes a Mount Madonna camper who appreciated the maintenance standards.
Unique camping structures: Beyond basic cabins, several properties offer distinctive accommodation options. Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA provides upscale options with amenities not typically found at campgrounds. "We stayed in one of the yurts and it was great, albeit a little cold for them at night. I believe there are 2 dog friendly yurts," mentions a visitor.
Morning redwood microclimate: The forest creates a distinctive weather pattern visitors find remarkable. "This is the only place I've seen the redwood trees harvest the fog and make their own rain, which is pretty cool. In the morning it's raining under the redwood trees but not under the madrone or tan oak trees, which is wild," explains a camper about the natural phenomenon.
Campsite privacy: Specific site recommendations help visitors find secluded spots. "When booking campsites here, I recommend taking some time to research the campsites as they vary in size and privacy. I would recommend 301, 320, 323, 324 in the Valley View 3 area. They offer large sites and privacy," advises a Mount Madonna reviewer.
What you should know
Temperature variations: Redwood forests experience significant temperature drops compared to nearby towns. "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!" warns a Mount Madonna visitor.
Site selection matters: Cotillion Gardens RV Park has varying site sizes that affect camping experience. "Sites are a little tight but worth being nestled in the redwoods. Lots of hiking and exploring right from the campsite," explains a reviewer who found the tradeoff acceptable despite space limitations.
Wildlife encounters: Nocturnal animals frequent several campgrounds. "Keep an eye out for skunks," advises one camper who had unexpected wildlife visitors. "We saw a few skunks and one wandered right into our campsite at night."
Seasonal closures: Following winter storms in 2023, some facilities remain unavailable. "Campground has been closed since winter storms washed most of it away in 2023," reports a Seacliff State Beach visitor, highlighting the importance of checking current status before planning trips.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday organizes daily programs for children. "They have activities daily and things to do which are sent out daily in a text. The store has many items that may be needed and some souvenirs," shares a camper who appreciated the structured entertainment options.
Recreation options: Multiple campgrounds provide organized play areas and equipment. "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 a family who stayed at the Santa Cruz KOA.
Biking opportunities: Safe cycling areas provide additional recreation for children. "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 a Mount Madonna visitor who brought bicycles.
Theme weekends: Seasonal events provide extra entertainment. "We especially enjoy the Halloween and other theme weekends they have. They have made tons of improvements over the last 10 years we have been going," mentions a family who regularly visits the KOA properties with children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. "Sites are not level," notes a visitor to Thousand Trails Morgan Hill, indicating the need for leveling blocks and equipment.
Utility placement variations: RV hookup locations differ across properties. "The location of the electrical/water is awkward," mentions a Marina Dunes RV Park visitor, suggesting travelers should bring extension cords and longer water hoses.
Limited cell service: Communication capabilities vary significantly. "No cell service but good WiFi if your close to the office," explains a Cotillion Gardens camper, recommending visitors plan ahead for limited connectivity.
Space constraints: RV size restrictions affect site selection. "Spots are way too small. My slide almost sat on the neighbors table. Do not come here, sites are more suited for a tent," warns a frustrated RVer at Cotillion Gardens, emphasizing the importance of verifying space requirements before booking.
