Camping areas near Davenport, California range between 200-2,000 feet elevation along the Pacific Coast Highway, with summer temperatures typically 60-75°F and winter lows around 40-45°F. Campers encounter coastal fog in summer mornings that burns off by midday. Winter camping offers fewer crowds but requires preparation for occasional rainstorms that can make tent sites muddy.
What to do
Hiking at Butano State Park: Trails range from easy 1-mile nature walks to challenging 9-mile ridge routes with 1,500 feet elevation gain. "This is a hidden gem. A little bowl full of redwoods, a creek and great hiking. If you hike up to the ridge on a clear day you can see the ocean," notes a Butano State Park visitor.
Beach exploration: Most coastal campgrounds offer beach access within 0.5-1 mile walking distance. "We stayed here for three nights and it was beautiful! You can walk down to the beach, take a trip to the henry cowel redwoods, go ride bikes in santa cruz," shared a camper at Sunset State Beach.
Train rides: Several campgrounds are within 10-15 minutes of the Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton. "We could hear the train whistle in the daytime coming from Roaring Camp Railroad. This location isn't too far from Santa Cruz and Felton if you want to go into town and do activities," mentions a Smithwoods visitor.
What campers like
River access: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Davenport feature river spots for cooling off. "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 a camper at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Proximity to beaches: Most campgrounds are within 10-15 minutes of coastal access points. "Spots were leveled with dirt. Hookups at every campsite. Water, Shore power, Cable. Perfect woodsy campsite would recommend and return for future visits," notes a Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort reviewer.
Natural settings: Camping areas balance privacy with amenities. "Very user-friendly campsites surrounded by redwood trees. Great ferny hiking trails for every level of camper/hiker. Very easy access to campsites and near Pescadero and Highway One," explains a visitor to Sanborn County Park.
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: Summer fog often blankets coastal campgrounds until midday. "Great weather, lots of shade at the campsite and on the hikes. Coast was a cool 60's-70's but warm in the sun (the coast/beaches are windy), night time was a lovely 55-59 degrees," reports a Butano State Park camper.
Campground closures: Check current status before planning trips. "Read up on the Ca State park website. Campground was scheduled to reopen 8/1/25 not yet," warns a visitor to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Cell service limitations: Most redwood camping areas have minimal connectivity. "There is no cell service. Wifi provided, however it would go out late at night after 10 pm until the morning time," notes a Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort camper.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds book 3-6 months in advance, especially for summer weekends. "Hard to find a spot here these days but a great camping spot above the beach," shares a New Brighton State Beach visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Choose campgrounds with recreational options. "This is an awesome spot to camp with your family. Hiking and biking trails, nature walks, showers, flush toilets, it has it all for the not so campy campers," mentions a Henry Cowell camper.
Campsite selection: Request specific site numbers when booking for privacy. "We had site J, on the point. It was nice and big. Full hook ups. We had a great view of the San Lorenzo River and Henry Cowell State Park," shares a visitor to Smithwoods RV Park.
Wildlife awareness: Several campgrounds report aggressive wildlife. "The park has a bit of a yellow jacket problem that they don't really seem too concerned about addressing. Yellowjackets on trails, in campsites and near bathrooms. 5 in our group got stung," warns a Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park camper.
Tips for RVers
Parking limitations: Most redwood campgrounds have tight access roads. "Getting there takes some attention. Roads to the sites are narrow, so again, keep your eyes pealed. I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose," advises a Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort camper.
Campsite dimensions: RV sites vary widely in size and privacy. "Spots are way too small. My slide almost sat on the neighbors table. Sites are more suited for a tent," cautions a Cotillion Gardens RV Park visitor.
Off-season benefits: Winter camping provides more availability. "We went in mid March on a Thursday and the place was at capacity. Since it was COVID, we didn't actually have any personal contact with any of the staff except for the maintenance guy who brought us wood," notes a Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort camper.
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