Situated on the northern fringe of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a captivating destination known for its ancient redwoods, world-class surfing beaches, and picturesque coastal mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the area's natural beauty, waking up to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean or slumbering beneath lush forest canopies. The city boasts some of California's premier surfing spots, featuring a diverse coastline that ranges from sandy shores to dramatic cliffs and fascinating tidal pools. A short distance from the city center, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers an array of amusement park rides and games for those seeking urban excitement. Alternatively, visitors can meander along the wharf, indulging in shopping and dining experiences with stunning waterfront views. The bay area provides numerous opportunities for recreation and wildlife observation, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Camping Near Santa Cruz
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of coastal forests, where the sound of ocean waves meets the towering redwoods.
Find Available Camping
5 Best Campgrounds Near Santa Cruz
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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
Scotts Valley, CA
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground is a beautiful option for camping near Santa Cruz. Nestled among towering redwoods, this campground offers a serene setting just minutes from downtown. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, with access to clean restrooms and showers. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, including paths that lead to ancient sequoias. The lush surroundings make it perfect for families and nature lovers. Due to its popularity, reservations are highly recommended, especially during the summer months.
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Santa Cruz North KOA
Pescadero, CASanta Cruz North KOA is a family-friendly campground ideal for camping near Santa Cruz. This well-equipped site offers tent camping, RV sites, and cabins for various camping experiences. Amenities include a swimming pool, playground, and recreation room, making it a great spot for families. The campground is conveniently located near the beach, boardwalk, and other attractions. Guests can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the scenic coastline. With a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a perfect base for your Santa Cruz adventures.
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Natural Bridges State Beach Campground
Santa Cruz, CANatural Bridges State Beach Campground provides an unforgettable experience for camping near Santa Cruz. Located near the famous Natural Bridges rock formations, this campground offers stunning ocean views and easy access to the beach. Each site features picnic tables and fire pits, with restrooms nearby. Visitors can enjoy tide pooling, beachcombing, and scenic walks along the coast. The campground’s location allows for easy exploration of the Santa Cruz area, making it a popular choice for beach lovers and families. Reservations are essential during peak seasons.
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park Campground
Santa Cruz County, CABig Basin Redwoods State Park Campground is an excellent choice for camping near Santa Cruz, located in California's oldest state park. This picturesque campground offers sites surrounded by towering redwoods, providing a tranquil atmosphere. Each campsite features picnic tables and fire rings, and restrooms are conveniently located throughout the area. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, including those leading to stunning waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. The campground is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, but reservations are recommended, especially in peak season.
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Seabright State Beach Campground
Aptos, CASeabright State Beach Campground is a charming option for camping near Santa Cruz, just a short walk from the sandy beach. This campground features cozy sites with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for enjoying outdoor meals. The proximity to the beach allows for swimming, surfing, and beachcombing. Additionally, the lively Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is nearby, offering entertainment and dining options. With its convenient location and welcoming atmosphere, Seabright State Beach Campground is a great choice for a fun-filled beach getaway.
Hardest to Book Campgrounds Near Santa Cruz
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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Big Sur, CAPfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers breathtaking coastal redwood forests, hiking trails, and scenic views. Known for its popularity, this park requires reservations months in advance.
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Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Big Sur, CAJulia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is home to the famous McWay Falls, with limited camping sites offering incredible ocean views. The small number of sites makes this park very difficult to book.
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Limekiln State Park
Big Sur, CALimekiln State Park combines stunning ocean views with redwood forests and waterfalls, making it a popular but hard-to-reserve camping spot due to its limited campsites.
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New Brighton State Beach
Capitola, CANew Brighton State Beach offers beachside camping with spectacular ocean views, making it a top choice for campers. However, the high demand makes it challenging to reserve a spot.
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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Felton, CAHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers camping among towering redwoods, close to hiking trails and scenic views. The popularity of this park often leads to fully booked campsites.
Best RV Camping Near Santa Cruz
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Kirk Creek Campground
Big Sur, CAKirk Creek Campground is an oceanside paradise, offering spacious sites and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Perfect for RVs, with proximity to hiking trails and Sand Dollar Beach.
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Fremont Campground
Los Padres National Forest, CAFremont Campground is located in Los Padres National Forest and provides a peaceful, forested setting for RV camping. It offers easy access to the Santa Ynez River and nearby hiking trails.
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Lake Alpine Silver Tip Campground
Stanislaus National Forest, CASilver Tip Campground in Stanislaus National Forest is ideal for RV camping, offering outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching amidst a serene forest environment.
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New Brighton State Beach
Capitola, CANew Brighton State Beach is a beautiful coastal campground offering RV sites with beach access and stunning ocean views. Popular for its proximity to Capitola and the Santa Cruz area.
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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Felton, CAHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers RV camping among towering redwoods, with hiking trails, beautiful forest views, and proximity to Santa Cruz.
Best Tent Camping Near Santa Cruz
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Kirk Creek Campground
Big Sur, CAKirk Creek Campground offers spacious tent campsites with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. It is close to trails and beaches, making it ideal for nature lovers.
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Fremont Campground
Los Padres National Forest, CAFremont Campground is a tent-friendly site nestled in a shady forest near the Santa Ynez River. It offers access to hiking, fishing, and other recreational activities.
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Los Prietos Campground
Los Padres National Forest, CALos Prietos Campground offers roomy tent sites shaded by mature oak trees. It's a popular spot for hiking, biking, and water-related activities at the nearby Santa Ynez River.
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Sunset State Beach
Watsonville, CAThis beachside campground offers spacious sites nestled among sand dunes with scenic views of Monterey Bay. It's ideal for families, with easy access to a pristine stretch of beach for picnics, swimming, and fishing.
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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Felton, CAHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park provides tent campers with an immersive experience among towering redwoods, with easy access to trails and nearby Santa Cruz.
Camping near Santa Cruz guide
Big Basin Redwoods
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is home to an awe-inspiring 2,000-year-old Redwood named Mother of the Forest, towering at an impressive 300 feet. The protected groves of coast redwoods in Big Basin and its neighboring Little Basin are among the state's most magnificent and resilient natural wonders. Once the area recovers from wildfires and reopens to the public, visitors will once again have the opportunity to enjoy tent camping and cabin rentals amidst these majestic giants.
Felton
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park encompasses 40 acres of old-growth redwood trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This park is renowned for its popular swimming hole, aptly named the Garden of Eden, as well as its extensive network of trails perfect for hiking and horseback riding. Adjacent to Felton, outdoor enthusiasts can experience a unique adventure at Roaring Camp Railroads, where they can embark on a nostalgic journey through the forest aboard a vintage steam locomotive.
Capitola
New Brighton State Beach is perched atop a scenic bluff surrounded by fragrant eucalyptus trees. The campground offers a variety of accommodation options, including tent sites and RV sites with hookups. For those seeking a dedicated RV park, Seacliff State Beach is an excellent alternative. Further south along Monterey Bay, Sunset State Beach Campground provides a tranquil escape overlooking a serene, uncrowded beach near Pajaro Dunes. Families looking for a campground with extensive amenities might consider the Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA, which offers a wide range of facilities and activities.
Monterey
Follow the scenic Highway 1 around the bay to reach Monterey, home to a world-class, state-of-the-art aquarium. En route, make a worthwhile stop at Elkhorn Slough, part of the Moss Landing State Wildlife Area. Here, campers can rent kayaks and paddle alongside playful sea otters, immersing themselves in the area's rich marine ecosystem.
The summer season in Santa Cruz attracts significant crowds, with beaches and campsites often reaching capacity. To ensure a spot, it's advisable to book well in advance or consider exploring during the off-season. Autumn and spring typically offer pleasant temperatures, while the cooler months may require preparations for occasional rainfall. From December to February, nature enthusiasts can witness a spectacular phenomenon at Natural Bridges State Beach, where thousands of monarch butterflies overwinter in Monarch Grove, a dedicated natural preserve. This beach also offers year-round access to fascinating tidepools, providing endless opportunities for marine life observation.
- Some parks and forest trails may remain closed due to hazardous conditions or fire damage.
- Dogs are permitted in select campsites, picnic areas, and designated trails within California state parks.
- Participate in the Crumb Clean Campaign to safeguard the marbled murrelet, an endangered seabird that nests in the forest canopy.
- Surfboards and equipment, including wetsuits, can be rented at Cowell Beach on the Santa Cruz Wharf for those looking to catch some waves.
- Felton features a charming historic downtown where campers can stock up on provisions at a natural foods store, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy wine tasting and craft beer experiences.