Manresa State Beach Campground
Nearby Sunset State Beach is yet another beachside option for Santa Cruz camping Manresa State Beach. Youll have to haul in your gear from the parking lot to one of the 60 tent-only campsites on the grassy Manresa Uplands overseeing the beach. That gives the campground a more remote, less-crowded feel.
Youll be rewarded with sweeping views of Monterey Bay, the sandstone cliffs and the forested hills of the Monterey Peninsula. There are nice bathrooms and showers available.
Ive been to this campground a handful of time, and keep coming back. Walk up sites, clean restrooms, private beach, you can bring the pup and its off the beaten track a bit. There are a LOT of raccoons, so pack up your stuff well. The Dyrt camper Lizzy C.
Sunset State Beach Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper J.D.E.
Around 30 minutes south of Santa Cruz county lies a beach that isnt that crowdeda rarity in this region. The Sunset State Beach is a popular spot for Santa Cruz camping, but maintains as remote of a feel as possible on a California beach, especially during the off-season or weekdays.
Sunset State is surrounded by strawberry fields. There are dozens of dune-protected family sites for tents and RVs on a bluff. Its a short walk down some stairs to the wide open beach. Remote-controlled glider enthusiasts have a port to fly their planes.
Nice lots on a cliff above the beach protected from the wind by some doug firs and eucalyptus. Beach is long and expansive with very few people on an average day. Nice place to take a stroll and relax Sometimes theres a decent sandbar for surfing. Always had a good time at this campground. The Dyrt camper Mauriel O.
Visiting Henry Cowell Redwoods
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is most famous for the 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees. Its historical significance and spectacular scenery draw travelers from around the world. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, and camping on more than 4,650 acres of forested and open land. These skyscraping redwoods were admired by explorer John C. Frémont, President Theodore Roosevelt, and inspired some of Californias earliest redwood preservation efforts. Take a walk beyond the redwood grove and youll find four diverse habitats that this park preserves: grasslands, river/riparian, sandhills, and redwoods. The tallest tree in the park is approximately 277 feet tall, about 16 feet wide, and around 1,500 years old. Keen-eyed visitors may spot banana slugs, black-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, or steelhead trout.
A few miles north is the Fall CreekUnit a second-growth redwood forest with a fern-lined river canyon and remnants of a successful lime-processing industry. Fall Creek is open for day use only, and includes almost twenty miles of connecting trails. Parking and trailheads are marked on Felton Empire Road off Highway 9.
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Where Can I Camp In Santa Cruz
9 Favorite Santa Cruz Campsites from the Forest to the Beach Santa Cruz Camping in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Butano State Park. New Brighton State Beach. Portola Redwoods State Park. Mount Madonna County Park. Santa Cruz Camping In Sanborn County Park. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Sunset State Beach Campground.
Mount Madonna County Park
Santa Clara County manages the Mount Madonna County Park, located between Gilroy and Watsonville. Included in the 4,600-acre park are redwood forests, but also oak woodland, dense chaparral and grassy meadows.
Mount Madonna is one of the more activity-filled parks in the region both hikers and equestrians can enjoy the 14 miles of trails before taking advantage of historical and cultural interpretive centers nearby. Campers can even take advantage of the many events held here, including weddings!
Camping in Mount Madonna is available at any one of the 118 drive-in and walk-in reservable campsites spread throughout four campgrounds. RV campers have a choice between 17 sites with partial hookups, all with access to a dumping station. Theres even some yurts available for reservation for those glampers who would prefer a mattress!
A beautiful spot in a redwood forest. Zero cell coverage or Internet. Handy to Sunset Beach and to legendary farmlands. Nice roomy campsites. The Dyrt camper Jeffrey C.
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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is an international tourist destination and campground tucked into the Santa Cruz Mountains, less than five miles from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This nearly 70-year-old park encompasses over 4,600 acres of mountainous terrain and gains its notoriety from the 40 acres of old-growth redwood trees within its borders.
The tallest tree at Henry Cowell stands approximately 277 feet tall and is estimated to be over 1,500 years old. One of the best hiking trails near Santa Cruz tours these behemoth and ancient trees and is a two-mile hike from the park’s campground. And the highest point in the park, an observation deck with big views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, is a half-mile hike from the campground.
The park’s campground has over 100 sites for tents and RVs dispersed throughout a shady forest. The campsites have natural privacy and access to flushing toilets and coin-operated showers. Special ranger-led campfire programs occur near the campground between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Reservations are highly recommended during this same season.
Address: 101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton, California
Castle Rock Trail Camp Is Nowpart Of The Backcounty Trail Camp System
Starting Febuary 10th, Castle Rock Trail Camp will now have 15 of 20 campsites available by reservation only as part of the Backcountry Trail Camp System. You can make reservations by using the Backcountry Trail Camp Request Form, below.
Castle Rock Trail Camp will still have 5 sites available on a first come first serve basis. To get one for the first come first serve sites, check in with staff at the Robert C. Krikwood Parking Lot on Highway 35. There you will register and pay your fees. Do not hike to the Castle Rock Trail Camp and attempt to find a site before registering at the Robert C. Krikwood Parking Lot.
Castle Rock Trail Camp has trash receptacles, bathrooms, and 20 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings.
There is currently NO WATER avalable at Castle Rock Trail Camp and you will have to hike in all of your water. Castle Rock Trail Camp is a 2.5 mile hike from the parking area.
The Castle Rock Trail Camp will continue to allow fires during the rainy season in the designated metal fire rings. Fires are not allowed during fire season. Signs will be posted indicating whether or not fires are permitted. Do not gather wood for fires. Firewood will be available when fires are allowed and cost $13.00 per bundle. Please bring cash and exact change to purchase fire wood. Please call Castle Rock State Park at 868-9540 to ask about fire closure.
Big Basin Redwoods, Castle Rock, Portola Redwoods, and Butano State Parks.
Trail Camp Rules:
Fees
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Pole Line Rd Watsonville
Located in the mountains above Watsonville, this park is easily accessible and features clean restrooms, RV hookups and group camping sites. An archery range is one of the many surprises here, along with an amphitheater that can host outdoor events. Mt. Madonna has 17 partial hook-up sites with electricity and water for RVs.
Santa Cruz Camping In Sanborn County Park
Sanborn County Parkmanaged by Santa Clara Countyis so close to the South Bay you could think youre camping in someones backyard, but the park still offers a remote feel to campers. Part of that is the walk-in-only tent campground, meaning you have to carry all your stuff from the parking lot up a gravel path to the campsitebut its very short. The park provides help to haul your gear, and there are lockers near the campsites.
The campground is a popular jumping-off point for the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail, and is close to the hiking-friendly Castle Rock State Park.
For RV campers, theres a campground at the same parking lot. Its open year-round with full electric and water hookups and a dumping station. There are over 22 miles of trails in the park, so get those hiking shoes ready! In the summer, the park is also home to Silicon Valley Shakespeare, an outdoor theater company.
I kind of like this setup since it makes it feel a little more remote and you dont get bothered by cars constantly passing your site The campground is full of magnificent redwoods with a creek passing right through. The Dyrt camper Kali C.
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California Beach Camping By Area
Starting in southern California and working north, here are the best places for beach camping anywhere along the California coast.
Southern California Beach Camping: You might expect to find quite a few places for beach camping in sunny Southern California, and youd be right. What might surprise you is that some of them are actually in the middle of busy urban areas.
Ventura County California Beach Camping: Just north of Los Angeles, Ventura County is the place to go if you have visions of setting up your RV parked right next to the ocean. Youll also find some beautiful campgrounds where you can pitch your tent at the beach.
Santa Barbara California Beach Camping: Youll find a few places to camp close to the beach near Santa Barbara, but dont expect to set up your camper and walk into town for dinner. Most of them are quite a few miles away.
Central Coast California Beach Camping: Between Santa Barbara and Big Sur, youll find the only place in California where you can set up your RV right on the sand thats in Pismo Beach. Youll also find some beautiful places for beach camping between Morro Bay and Santa Cruz especially the state parks just south of Santa Cruz.
Northern California Beach Camping: From Santa Cruz to the Oregon border, youll only find a few places for camping near the beach, as the coastline grows steeper and rockier and colder.
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The Best Camping In Santa Cruz
A giant in Californias rich surf history, Santa Cruz is a spot you cant pass up if youre driving the length of the California coastline.
If youre looking to spend the night in Santa Cruz, there are several highly-rated RV parks and KOAs available to you. If youre looking for a more simplistic camping experience, the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is just north of Aptos, CA. The best camping near Santa Cruz, overall though, is found at Manresa State Beach. If youre looking to head from campground to surf site, you wont have to travel far. Its only a 10-mile drive from the campsites at Manresa to Pleasure Point and other famous surf spots.
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Discover The Best Places To Go Glamping Near Santa Cruz And Book Private Manresa State Beach Camping Cabins Today
Start putting together your CA camping itinerary and look forward to your next adventures of glamping in California with this collection of Manresa State Beach cabins for rent. We know how difficult it can be working those mundane nine-to-five jobs at times when all you want to do is enjoy some precious time away from it all and go glamping in California. Beach rentals near Santa Cruz of this caliber and quality simply wont let guests down who are looking for somewhere they can really unwind and relax in style. Dont be afraid to take control of your California staycations properly and forget about CA hotels! Theyre likely going to be crowded and cause more panic than theyre worth. So, make sure you start browsing our favorite Manresa State Beach camping accommodation today and look ahead to staying in your very own private and secluded rentals near Santa Cruz, California.
Santa Cruz Mountains Backcountry Trail Camps
Trail camps impacted by CZU August Lightning Complex Fires
The following trail camps are currently OPEN and operating in the California State Parks in the Santa Cruz Mountains:
- Castle Rock Trail Camp and Waterman Gap Trail Camps at Castle Rock State Park
- Slate Creek Trail Camp at Portola Redwoods State Park.
ALL TRAIL CAMPS in Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Butano State Park are CLOSED due to extensive fire damage. The Skyline to the Sea trail is open in Castle Rock State Park, but closed from Waterman Gap Trail Camp through Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
NO WATER at WATERMAN GAP TRAIL CAMP or CASTLE ROCK TRAIL CAMP
NO WATER Waterman Gap Trail Camp or Castle Rock Trail Camp
- All water must be packed into the camp.
- Remember all surface water must be treated before being used.
- Please plan accordingly.
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Santa Cruz Camping In Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Adventure M.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is Californias oldest state park. Its also home to the largest grove of redwoods south of San Francisco. Youll find giant trees who have called this area home for nearly 2,000 years.
Nestled right among the trees is a 142-site campground offering tent and RV spaces. The campsites offer fire rings, bear canisters and picnic tablesand plenty of redwood logs and fairy rings for kids to play around.
Camping in Big Basin Redwoods State Park gives you access to 80 miles of trails, including the popular Skyline-to-the-Sea three-day backpacking trail. You can also hike to the beautiful Berry Creek Waterfalls.
Even every single campsite is breathtaking so you cant lose I felt like a kid exploring this place, so small and insignificant in the big scheme of things. I will never forget this park, it will forever hold a spot in my heart and soul. The Dyrt camper Brittany S.
The Dyrt PRO ensures easy trip planning and helps you deal with last-minute cancellations. With the upgraded version of The Dyrt app, you can access campgrounds, maps, and photos for offline use during outdoor adventures.
Portola Redwoods State Park
Portola Redwoods State Park is north of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, accessible via Highway 35, also known as Skyline Boulevard. It’s approximately a 40-mile drive from Santa Cruz on either Highway 9 or Highway 17 to begin. However, with winding roads, including the long drop from the ridgeline into the park, expect the drive to Portola to take around 90 minutes.
This long descent from Skyline Boulevard to the park’s 2,800 acres offers a true escape from the surrounding busy region. It’s noticeably quiet in the redwood forests of Portola, and the sky-high trees add a sense of grandeur in every direction. The park has over 55 family campsites to soak in this scenery overnight.
The sites at Portola span the east side of Peters Creek, tucked between big trees. Car and van camping is the most prevalent, with only a few sites catering to RVs . All sites are in proximity to flushing restrooms and a shower house, as well as the park’s 18-mile network of hiking trails.
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Little Basin Cabins & Campgrounds
Little Basin is a new addition to the state park system. It’s a 500-plus-acre campground adjacent to BigBasin Redwoods State Park. It was previously a private corporate retreat space, and is now owned by the state and operated by an independent concessionaire,
Little Basin is a hidden gem for camping in the redwoods. Reservations are required for any of the 38 tent sites or dozen cabins available, all with proximity to an established network of trails, as well as nearby flushing toilets and showers.
The 2022 CZU Lightning Fire Complex tore through the Little Basin Property. As of 2022, the cabins and campgrounds are closed, with plans to reopen.
Address: 21700 Little Basin Road, Boulder Creek, California
Official site:
Fremont Peak State Park
Fremont Peak sits above the Salinas Valley southeast of Santa Cruz. It’s accessible from the city of San Juan Bautista and an approximately 45-mile drive from Santa Cruz. The last 10 miles of the route quickly gain elevation, with a narrow and winding route where RVs and trailers are not recommended. But stunning panoramic views of Monterey Bay await those who make the slow-going drive.
The park has 25 campsites split between two campgrounds: Valley View Campground and Oak Point Campground. Both enjoy big views, but Oak Point arguably has the better vantage points. Running water is available, but no flushing toilets are at either campground, only vault toilets. And perhaps because of the winding drive, the campground doesn’t tend to book out as fast as others in the region.
Spend some time on the park’s hiking trails if you’re staying the night. One of the best views from the park comes from the Peak Trail, easily accessible from both campgrounds. This is an excellent spot to bring along a flashlight and catch the sunset.
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Astonishing Camping Destinations In The Santa Cruz Area
People love California for its beaches and forests, and camping in the Santa Cruz area means access to both.
Next to the Pacific Ocean and amidst the majestic redwoods, this part of Californias Central Coast is legendarily laid back and beautiful. Its string of scenic beaches and enchanting small communities attract visitors from all over for much of the year.
While many of the campers come from across the country or even overseas, others make a much shorter journey. Its a favorite spot for quick getaways for many Californians who live in more congested areas.
Backcountry Trail Camp Request Form
Please click the link above to send a Backcountry Trail Camp Request. We process requests Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Sending a request does not mean you have a reservation. Reservations are confirmed upon payment. Requests for trail camps may be made up to 60 days in advance.
To make a same day reservation, please call 338-8867.For groups of 13 or more, you will need a group reservation. Group Reservations can be made by calling 338-8867.
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