Soquel, California sits at the edge of the Santa Cruz Mountains where coastal fog meets redwood forests. Morning temperatures average 10-15 degrees cooler than afternoon highs during summer months, making early starts advisable for hikers. Campers often encounter marine layer conditions that burn off by midday, creating distinct microclimates between coastal and inland campgrounds.
What to Do
Waterfall hiking trails: At Uvas Canyon County Park, several waterfall trails begin directly from the camping area. "The campsites and bathrooms are well maintained, and the camp host sells firewood. We went in April and there weren't many bugs. The campground map shows a creek, but there's a pretty steep drop between the campsites and the creek so it's not something you can play in easily," reports Joshua H.
Beach access points: Sunset State Beach provides direct coastal access via a staircase descent. "Awesome beach camping. We camped in the winter and had no reservations, but got a good spot anyway. Winter can be a very nice weekend!" shares Pete M. The beach stretches for miles with fewer crowds in off-season months.
Mountain biking routes: Several fire roads and single tracks exist near Mount Madonna County Park, offering varied terrain for cyclists. "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," notes Weston W. The park features multiple elevation changes across its road system.
What Campers Like
Weather variations: The region's diverse microclimates provide options for different temperature preferences. "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!" advises April N. about Mount Madonna County Park.
Tent-friendly sites: Sanborn County Park offers walk-in tent sites with convenient transport assistance. "This is a nice camping away from the car experience. It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites. The park provides carts to help with hauling gear, and storage boxes are provided at the site, near the picnic table," explains Amanda P.
Off-season availability: Winter camping can offer solitude and easier reservations. "We camped in the winter and had no reservations, but got a good spot anyway. Winter can be a very nice weekend!" notes Pete M. about Sunset State Beach. The coastal locations remain accessible during winter months when higher elevation sites may be closed.
What You Should Know
Reservation challenges: Many popular sites require booking well in advance. "If you can get a reservation here (which is VERY difficult) you will have the best time," shares Kate L. about Sunset State Beach, adding that "the campground is full the whole summer and sometimes the bathrooms suffer from overuse."
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings require careful planning. "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose," warns April N. about Mount Madonna County Park. Fog and coastal conditions can create significantly cooler camping experiences.
Campsite proximity: Privacy varies widely between campgrounds. "While the sites are spaced nicely and all the campsites have a BBQ, fire pit, and picnic table. The sites are close together so maybe bring ear plugs in case you have loud neighbors," cautions one camper about Uvas Canyon County Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly activities: Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday offers numerous structured activities for children. "The kids loved the jump pillow/the blob and the playground and the pool. We missed out on lots of activities due to time crunch," shares one camper. The campground maintains daily activity schedules.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on proximity to amenities versus quiet. "I would recommend booking away from the jump pillow or playground, unless easy playground access is important, because the spots are pretty noisy," advises Andrea A. about the Santa Cruz KOA.
Bathroom facilities: Family campgrounds vary in cleanliness and features. "Restrooms are great. Well maintained/clean facilities. Restrooms and showers were clean, and some even have baby changing stations," notes a reviewer about Uvas Canyon County Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Thousand Trails Morgan Hill provides electric and water connections at most sites. "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," reports Nicole R.
Site leveling needs: Pay attention to grading when selecting sites. "Sites are not level," warns Linda S. about Thousand Trails Morgan Hill, while another camper notes "If you plan to sleep in your car, you may want to take leveling blocks as I found the car parking spot to be not leveled at all" regarding Uvas Canyon.
Size restrictions: Know your vehicle limits for narrow access roads. "To get to Sanborn you will have to drive up a narrow road. We didn't have any issue with a 21' though," shares Ignasi M., while others caution that larger rigs may struggle at several glamping locations in Soquel, California and surrounding areas.
