The Best Camping in Santa Cruz

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a great weekend option for Bay Area residents. With approximately 30 miles of hiking trails, the incredible Garden of Eden swimming hole, and proximity to Santa Cruz - this campground is not to be missed! On sunny days, view...

Ox Road Trail to Garden of Eden is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Felton, California.

This Capitola camping spot is the place to be if you're looking to do a variety of activities in a variety of landscapes. You can swim, fish, or explore the nearby forest of Monterey Pine and coastal Oak. In the evening, walk into Capitola for live music and great fish tacos.  The S.S. Palo Alto,...

Epicenter to Five Finger Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Aptos, California.

Sand Point Overlook Via West Ridge Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Aptos, California.

Hinkley Basin Fire Road to Santa Rosalia Mountain is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Soquel, California.

All 64 tent campsites here are walk-in, making them further in from the road, and more roomy. Each site comes with a fire ring, picnic table, and food locker. There is access to bathrooms and showers, as well. You can make a reservation here. 

Campsites here come with a fire ring and picnic table, as well as bathroom and shower access. These sites are particularly recommended for families and large groups. Make a reservation here.

Amidst the giant redwoods, Sempervirens is a breath of fresh air from the every busy Silicon Valley. Make sure to arrive in time to explore Sempervirens Creek. The wooded trails are perfect for running or hiking. Each campground comes with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for enjoying camp...

Big Basin Redwoods State Park features towering redwoods and a refreshing forest experience. This is a great campground for Bay Area or Santa Cruz residents looking to get into the woods for a weekend.  Huckleberry Campground offers 30 tent campsites and 36 tent cabins. The tent campsites are rel...

This trail and campsite is currently closed (learn more). Looking for a more authentic hiking and camping weekend, without having to drive hours away to find it? Then the Sunset Trail Camp within Big Basin Redwoods SP is your ticket. To access this site, you'll need to hike the famous Skyline-to...

Big Basin is currently closed including the campgrounds. Please visit the Parks.ca.gov site for updated details.  An hour away from the thrumming city of San Jose, ancient immense trees live in a forest full of vibrant ferns and rushing waterfalls. Big Basin Redwoods State Park encompasses 10,00...

Mount Madonna Meadow Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Watsonville, California.

Sprig Trail, Merry-Go-Round, and Tan Oak Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Gilroy, California.

Sanborn Skyline Park to Castle Rock State Park is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Saratoga, California.

Castle Rock Trail Camp has a different policy than other backcountry camps in the area (i.e. campsites along Skyline to the Sea). This campground is open all year and is available on a first come, first served basis. If you can, grab a spot a Frog Flat Camp. To get to the camp, park your car at t...