Oak trees and scrub pines create a canopy over this 112-site campground located within Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, where campers navigate narrow roads with overhanging branches to reach mostly private sites scattered throughout the forested terrain. The campground operates year-round with sites ranging from $7-35 per night, though advance reservations fill quickly during peak seasons.
Each site features different configurations and sizes, with some accommodating larger RVs while others suit tent camping better. "Really nice campsite, and sites had ample trees and shade," notes Sarah J., adding that the tree coverage works well for hammock setup. Sites include bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire pits, with firewood available for purchase on-site.
The campground provides coin-operated showers at $0.50 for two minutes, flush toilets, and multiple water spigots throughout the area. Clean restroom facilities receive consistent praise from campers, though several mention encountering yellow jackets around campsites, trails, and bathroom areas during warmer months. Multiple hiking trails connect directly from the campground, including access to the park's redwood grove where visitors spot banana slugs along the forest floor.
Road access requires careful navigation for larger rigs, as branches overhang the narrow camp roads and some sites present tight maneuvering challenges. Poison oak grows extensively throughout the campground and along trails, requiring constant awareness when moving around sites or hiking. Campers arriving before check-in wait at the day-use area several miles away from the main campground.
The location provides easy access to Santa Cruz beaches and the Roaring Camp Railroad, which runs through the redwoods down to the coast. For additional camping options in the area, see campgrounds near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Book well in advance during summer months when sites fill to capacity.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground is located in California
Directions
Located South of Felton, on Graham Hill Road in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Exit from Highway 17 in Scotts Valley at the Mt. Hermon Road exit, go through Scotts Valley and continue on Mt. Hermon Road to Graham Hill Road. Turn left on Graham Hill Road, turn right into the Henry Cowell campground.
Address
101 North Big Trees Park Rd
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Coordinates
37.032968898265146 N
122.04243990412888 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 64 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 64 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 min from Santa Cruz, CA
- 32 min from San Jose, CA
- 40 min from Salinas, CA
- 1 hr 7 min from San Francisco, CA

















































