Best Campgrounds near Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz County offers several established campgrounds set in diverse environments from coastal beaches to redwood forests. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground provides shaded sites among towering trees, with both tent and RV camping options. Other developed camping areas include New Brighton State Beach Campground on the coast and Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort in Felton. Most campgrounds in the region feature standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water, with many offering full hookup sites for recreational vehicles.
Reservations are strongly recommended for all campgrounds in the Santa Cruz area, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends when sites fill quickly. The climate remains mild year-round, though coastal fog is common during summer mornings while inland areas experience warmer temperatures. Most campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, though winter camping may bring occasional rain. Facilities vary widely between locations, with state parks typically offering coin-operated showers and flush toilets while private RV parks provide more extensive hookups. "Bathrooms were clean but no soap, looked like each campsite had trees to hang a hammock," noted one camper about Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
The region's campgrounds receive consistently positive reviews for their natural settings and proximity to attractions. Campers particularly appreciate the redwood forest environments where sites offer privacy and shade. Many visitors highlight the excellent hiking opportunities, especially at Henry Cowell Redwoods where multiple trails connect directly to the campground. "We really enjoyed our stay at this campground. We reserved site #69 and found it to be very spacious and flat. We had plenty of room for our 10 person tent and still had room for a few more," reported one visitor. While some campgrounds like Henry Cowell provide more secluded experiences, coastal options like New Brighton and Sunset State Beaches allow easier access to beach activities and ocean views, though they tend to be more exposed and less private than their forest counterparts.
