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Best Campgrounds near Santa Cruz, CA

747 Reviews

Santa Cruz camping options include Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, a well-liked spot among tall redwoods. This campground has basic restrooms and drinking water for campers. New Brighton State Beach Campground sits just a short drive away from Santa Cruz. It has great ocean views and you can walk right to the beach from your campsite. Both places stay open all year, but spring and fall bring the best weather. Summer gets busy, so book early if you plan to visit then. You can drive right up to these campgrounds on good roads, though your phone might not work in some spots. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring for evening cookouts. While camping near Santa Cruz, you can check out the Beach Boardwalk or hit some of the hiking trails in the area. Bring clothes for different temperatures since it can be warm during the day and cool at night. Santa Cruz has good camping for everyone from beginners to old pros.

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Best Camping Sites Near Santa Cruz, California (115)

    1. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Mount Hermon, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 438-2396

    $7 - $35 / night

    "An inexpensive way to stay & vacation in Santa Cruz."

    "Near downtown Santa Cruz and Felton."

    2. New Brighton State Beach Campground

    44 Reviews
    Capitola, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 464-6330

    $35 - $185 / night

    "You can walk a short ways to see the ocean and there are several trails down, but the one with real stairs is closed so you better be sure-footed if you're taking the other trail."

    "Great campground and location. You can easily walk to the beach. Close to Capitola Village, Santa Cruz, and Kayaking at Moss Landing."

    3. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 335-8312

    "Close to 6 Santa Cruz county state parks and Santa Cruz beaches and town. We will stay here again! Side note. Don’t use hwy 9 south from Santa Cruz towing. The road is too winding and narrow."

    "Do not take highway 9 from Santa Cruz as the RV park will tell you. Our car navigation changed our route even after we were approaching 17 north. Keep your eyes out for the highway signs."

    4. Sunset State Beach

    27 Reviews
    Watsonville, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 763-7063

    "Not far from Santa Cruz, maybe 25-30 minutes depending on traffic. Sometimes there's a decent sandbar for surfing. Always had a good time at this campground."

    "You can walk down to the beach, take a trip to the henry cowel redwoods, go ride bikes in santa cruz. We have so much fun. Things we learned.. don't let your kids pick flowers."

    5. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 338-8860

    $35 / night

    "So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco."

    "Hiking trails throughout the park, private camping, and a quick trip to Santa Cruz. The winter months are super cold and on numerous occasions we have been the only people camping."

    6. Cotillion Gardens RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 335-7669

    "Friendly staff and a quick drive into the Santa Cruz beach communities."

    "The place is old, but it has a great location. There are great hiking trails assessable from the campground."

    7. Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

    16 Reviews
    Freedom, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 722-0551

    "A short drive to Santa Cruz and Monterey. They have a heated pool, laundry facilities and on site store. There are however some large raccoons so use caution with your trash."

    "There is also relatively quick access to Santa Cruz to the north and Monterey to the south.

    My only criticism is that it is not that woodsy. But hey, this is a KOA!"

    8. Mount Madonna County Park

    32 Reviews
    Gilroy, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-2341

    "There are plenty of trails to hike, as well as equestrian trails. No bikes on trails though."

    "We were happy to have the electric hook up since the redwood and oak tress surrounding all the sites are huge and block out the sun."

    9. Smithwoods RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    4 miles
    +1 (831) 335-4321

    "This is our favorite place to camp, Redwoods everywhere, 9 miles from Santa Cruz, kids love this place we have camped in the group area with 8 trailers and other spots on site great weather"

    "I’m so glad we did because we were surrounded by these beautiful red wood trees and we could hear the train whistle in the daytime coming from Roaring Camp Railroad."

    10. Seacliff State Beach

    7 Reviews
    Aptos, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 685-6442

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Santa Cruz, CA

260 Photos of 115 Santa Cruz Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Santa Cruz, CA

747 Reviews of 115 Santa Cruz Campgrounds

Guide to Santa Cruz

Camping near Santa Cruz, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Mount Madonna County Park said, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Pinnacles Campground mentioned, "There are beautiful tucked away campsites in the shade, by a creek."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground are great for families. One visitor noted, "Showers, restrooms, tables, and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure."

What you should know

  • Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground advised, "You will need to book a few months in advance."
  • Weather: Be prepared for varying temperatures. One visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "It gets very cold at night; always better safe than sorry when it comes to layers."
  • Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife, especially yellow jackets. A camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park shared, "We had two new types of visitors... aggressive yellow jackets."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly options like New Brighton State Beach Campground. One reviewer said, "Lots of families and lots of kids. Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A visitor at Big Sur Campground & Cabins mentioned, "You can go down and walk by the river float the river with the complimentary tubes."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground noted, "Having the options of a hot shower, restrooms, and the ability to have a fire pit makes this site worth it."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Arrive Early: Get there early to secure a good spot. A camper at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground advised, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of nearby attractions. One visitor at Pinnacles Campground said, "Exciting to see their first climbing and bouldering outside."

With so many options for camping near Santa Cruz, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available in Santa Cruz County?

Free camping options in Santa Cruz County are extremely limited due to high demand and land regulations. Sunset State Beach is not free but offers more affordable camping with fees typically ranging from $35-45 per night. For those looking to minimize costs, some areas in the nearby Los Padres National Forest (though outside county limits) offer free dispersed camping options. Most established campgrounds in Santa Cruz County, including state beaches and parks, charge fees. If you're determined to camp economically, consider visiting during off-peak seasons when rates may be lower and availability higher. Always verify current regulations before setting up camp to avoid potential fines.

What are the best campgrounds in the Santa Cruz Mountains?

Smithwoods RV Park is highly rated for its location among redwoods and proximity to Santa Cruz (about 9 miles away). Campers particularly appreciate the peaceful setting and family-friendly atmosphere. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort is another excellent option with well-maintained facilities nestled among the redwoods. Both offer convenient access to Santa Cruz attractions while providing the mountain forest experience. For those seeking a more natural setting with state park amenities, Mount Madonna County Park offers beautiful forest camping with hiking trails and stunning views. The Santa Cruz Mountains provide a perfect balance of forest tranquility and proximity to beaches, making these campgrounds ideal base camps for exploring the region.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Santa Cruz?

True dispersed camping options near Santa Cruz are limited as most of the area is developed or consists of state parks and private land. Your best bet for dispersed camping would be to head further inland toward the Santa Cruz Mountains or south toward Big Sur. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground offers a more natural camping experience while still being close to Santa Cruz. For those willing to drive a bit further, Los Padres National Forest (about 1-2 hours south) offers legitimate dispersed camping opportunities. Always check current regulations before heading out, as fire restrictions and seasonal closures can affect availability.

Is there free camping available in Santa Cruz County?

Free camping options in Santa Cruz County are extremely limited due to high demand and land regulations. Sunset State Beach is not free but offers more affordable camping with fees typically ranging from $35-45 per night. For those looking to minimize costs, some areas in the nearby Los Padres National Forest (though outside county limits) offer free dispersed camping options. Most established campgrounds in Santa Cruz County, including state beaches and parks, charge fees. If you're determined to camp economically, consider visiting during off-peak seasons when rates may be lower and availability higher. Always verify current regulations before setting up camp to avoid potential fines.

Is BLM land available for camping near Santa Cruz?

There is no designated BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land available for camping in the immediate Santa Cruz area. The closest BLM lands suitable for camping are located in the Clear Creek Management Area or Panoche Hills, both approximately 1.5-2 hours east/southeast of Santa Cruz. For camping options closer to Santa Cruz, consider New Brighton State Beach Campground or Moss Landing KOA Express, which is conveniently located between Santa Cruz and Monterey. If you're specifically looking for more primitive or affordable camping experiences similar to what BLM lands might offer, the Los Padres National Forest (south of Santa Cruz) provides dispersed camping opportunities under Forest Service management.

What are the best campgrounds in the Santa Cruz Mountains?

Smithwoods RV Park is highly rated for its location among redwoods and proximity to Santa Cruz (about 9 miles away). Campers particularly appreciate the peaceful setting and family-friendly atmosphere. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort is another excellent option with well-maintained facilities nestled among the redwoods. Both offer convenient access to Santa Cruz attractions while providing the mountain forest experience. For those seeking a more natural setting with state park amenities, Mount Madonna County Park offers beautiful forest camping with hiking trails and stunning views. The Santa Cruz Mountains provide a perfect balance of forest tranquility and proximity to beaches, making these campgrounds ideal base camps for exploring the region.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Santa Cruz?

True dispersed camping options near Santa Cruz are limited as most of the area is developed or consists of state parks and private land. Your best bet for dispersed camping would be to head further inland toward the Santa Cruz Mountains or south toward Big Sur. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground offers a more natural camping experience while still being close to Santa Cruz. For those willing to drive a bit further, Los Padres National Forest (about 1-2 hours south) offers legitimate dispersed camping opportunities. Always check current regulations before heading out, as fire restrictions and seasonal closures can affect availability.

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