Nestled between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the stunning coastline of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Cruz offers some of the best camping spots that showcase the beauty of both worlds. Whether you’re looking to camp among towering redwood trees, relax by the beach, or explore hiking trails, Santa Cruz really does have it all.
Camping is a great way to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. While these campgrounds have all the tools to connect you to nature, Santa Cruz is conveniently located very close if you want to explore the Boardwalk or downtown areas.
In this article, we’ll share the best camping spots in Santa Cruz that range from the mountains to the beach. So, jump in your RV or grab your easy popup family tent, sleeping bag, and s’mores ingredients, and get ready to explore the great outdoors!
Where is Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is a coastal city located in Santa Cruz County, California, United States. It is situated on the northern edge of the Monterey Bay, approximately 75 miles (120 kilometers) south of San Francisco and 30 miles (48 kilometers) southwest of San Jose.
What is special about Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, surf culture, bohemian downtown area, and proximity to natural attractions such as redwood forests and state parks. It’s also a university town (with a hippy culture) so has a reputation as a “party city,” along with Santa Barbara. But don’t let that scare you away (or reel you in more!). There are so many family-friendly adventures to be had in Santa Cruz, which can be done safely and sanely. After all, camping is such a special and intimate way to experience a destination.
Quick Tips:
- Family size tents that pop up easily are so nice if you’re tent camping. Depending on your family size, this 12 person tent or this 9 person tent is more than enough space for a family of 4 or 5 and belongings.
- If you are no longer a teenager like me, you may be more of a glamper, and in that case, you’ll need this luxury queen blow up mattress with built-in pump.
- A multiple burner camping stove is better than a single burner, unless you’re spectacular at single pan meals.
- Roasting sticks are perfect for marshmallows or hot dogs!
- A handy kitchen essentials kit is perfect for either RV or tent camping, and not having to worry about packing all your own kitchenware from home.
- A set of lanterns come in handy when you’re in the complete dark. What was that noise? Did you hear that? Grab the lantern!
Santa Cruz Beach Camping Spots
New Brighton State Beach
This campground is gorgeously located on a redwood tree filled bluff overlooking the beach and offers stunning views of Monterey Bay. It offers beach access (though this is a few minute walk), hiking trails, and picnic areas. This campground is spacious and offers privacy because of its luscious trees. Also, because it’s not right on the beach, it is often less crowded compared to the right-on-the-sand beach camping.
Reservations: reservecalifornia.com
Amenities: 1500 Park Ave, Capitola, CA 95010
- Tent and RV camping
- Max trailer length: 36
- Showers and restrooms available
- Picnic tables and fire pits available
- Beach access
- RV dump station
- Group campsites available
- Junior ranger program for kids
- Hiking trails nearby
- Dog-friendly beach area
- Fishing allowed with a valid fishing license
- Camp store for supplies and souvenirs
Seacliff State Beach Campground
2023 Update: The campground is closed for the remainder of 2023 due to winter storm damage.
By far my favorite campground in the Santa Cruz area, Seacliff SB campground puts you right there on the sandy beach. That being said, you typically need to book far in advance, or get lucky and find a last minute cancellation. It can be done! Located on a scenic stretch of coastline, this beachside campground is perfect for families looking to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand and don’t want to have to walk very far for the beach. Seacliff State Beach Campground is located in Aptos, California, just south of Santa Cruz. The beach has long been known for its long fishing pier and the sunken concrete ship, the SS Palo Alto. However, the pier was destroyed from all the storms in early 2023 and removal of the pier began March 2023.
Reservations: reservecalifornia.com
Amenities: State Park Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
- Offers 60 campsites for RVs or trailers up to 36 feet long
- No tent camping allowed
- Each site has a fire pit and picnic table
- Some sites have full hookups (water, electricity, and sewer)
- Showers and restrooms available for campers
- Direct access to Seacliff State Beach, which features a long sandy beach, fishing pier, and visitor center
- Restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers
- Dump station for RVs
- Nearby attractions include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Capitola Village, and several state parks and beaches.
Manresa Campground
Manresa State Beach campground is located on the scenic coast of Santa Cruz County and is an ideal spot for beach tent camping. There are no RV sites, and some of the sites are hike in only, making it very private and naturey. The campground is nestled among rolling hills, with easy access to a beautiful sandy beach, perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The campground offers several amenities to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
Reservations: reservecalifornia.com
Address: 205 Manresa Uplands Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
Amenities:
- 64 campsites for tents, with picnic tables and fire rings.
- No hookups available.
- Restrooms with flush toilets and showers are available for campers.
- Firewood and ice can be purchased on-site.
- The campground has direct access to the beach, with ample opportunities for hiking and exploring the coastline.
- The nearby Manresa Uplands State Park provides excellent opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.
- Pets are allowed in designated areas of the campground and on the beach.
Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA
While not typically my favorite style of campground, the Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA has many amenities and is still gorgeous because it’s Santa Cruz. This family-friendly campground is technically located in La Selva Beach, California, just south of Santa Cruz. Like all KOA’s, there are tons of amazing amenities, such as pool, playground, laundry facilities, convenience store, tent cabins, cabins with kitchens and bathrooms, and more. We planned a camping trip with another family who stayed in a cabin, so this is a great travel destination if someone isn’t “set up” for camping, but wants to experience other camping, like a cozy firepit.
At the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA you will find tent sites, RV sites, and cabins, all nestled among towering trees and lush foliage. Another great perk, is it’s located walking distance to the beach, although it was about a 15 minute walk.
Reservations: Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA
Address: 1186 San Andreas Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
Amenities:
- Full hookups (water, electric, and sewer) for RV sites
- Pull-through RV sites up to 80 feet in length
- Tent sites with or without electricity
- Deluxe cabins with private bathrooms and kitchenettes
- Deluxe lodges with full kitchens, bathrooms, and separate bedrooms
- Outdoor pool and hot tub
- Playground and jumping pillow for kids
- Game room with pool tables, arcade games, and more
- Bike rentals
- On-site store with groceries, firewood, and camping supplies
- Laundry facilities
- Dog park
- Wi-Fi access throughout the campground
Santa Cruz Mountain Camping Spots
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a stunning natural destination in the Santa Cruz Mountains, known for its towering redwood trees and scenic hiking trails. The park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. The campground within the park offers a peaceful and rustic camping experience, with spacious campsites nestled amongst the redwoods. Henry Cowell is located near the town of Felton and features hiking trails, river access, and a historic train ride.
Reservations: reservecalifornia.com
Address: 101 Big Trees Park Rd. Felton CA 95018
Amenities:
- 107 campsites for tents or RVs up to 35 feet
- Restrooms and coin-operated showers
- Picnic tables and fire pits with grills
- Campfire center for educational programs and campfire talks
- Hiking trails with access to the redwood groves and nearby swimming holes
- Visitor center with exhibits and information on the park’s natural and cultural history
- Camp store with firewood, ice, and other camping essentials
- Reservations available up to six months in advance
Mt. Madonna County Park
Mt. Madonna County Park campground is located on the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Watsonville, CA. This lush and heavily treed park offers visitors the opportunity to escape into nature while still being close to modern amenities. The campground features primitive campsites and some RV sites nestled in the redwoods, providing a peaceful and secluded camping experience. Each site comes equipped with a barbecue pit, food locker, and picnic table. The campground also features vault toilets and water spigots. The park itself offers a variety of hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding area, and there is also a playground and picnic area for families to enjoy.
Reservations: Santa Clara County Parks
Address: 7850 Pole Line Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
Amenities:
- 116 drive-in and walk-in reservable campsites spread throughout four campgrounds
- Firewood for sale
- 29 partial hook-up RV sites
- Yurts are also available for reservation
- No dump station available
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Nearby opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, and beach access.
Smithwoods RV Park
Smithwoods RV Park is a small and cozy family-owned campground located in the heart of the redwoods in Felton, California. The park offers a peaceful and tranquil setting surrounded by majestic trees, and is perfect for RV and tent camping. The park is conveniently located near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Roaring Camp Railroads, and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Reservations: Smithwoods RV Park
Address: 4770 Hwy 9, Felton, CA 95018
Amenities:
- Full hookups (water, sewer, electric) for RVs
- Tent camping sites with picnic tables and fire rings
- Restrooms with hot showers
- Laundry facilities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Playground for children
- Billiards room, basketball and wiffle ball court
- Heated swimming pool
- Dog park for furry friends
- On-site store with firewood, ice, and camping essentials
- Propane refilling station
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
2023 Update: Campground is currently closed for overnight reservations, but day use is permitted.
Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is the oldest state park in California and is home to some of the tallest and most ancient redwoods in the world. The park has over 80 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks through the redwoods to strenuous hikes to mountain peaks.
The campground offers both tent and RV camping and has a range of amenities, including fire rings, picnic tables, showers, and flush toilets. It’s a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Reservations: Currently closed for overnight reservations.
Amenities:
- Tent and RV camping sites
- Hike-in campsites
- Group campsites
- Restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers
- Picnic tables and fire rings
- Potable water
- Campfire center with interpretive programs
- Camp store and gift shop
- Visitor center with exhibits and ranger-led activities
- Over 80 miles of hiking trails
- Interpretive nature walks and campfire programs
- Bike and Equestrian trails
- Nature museum
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Fishing (with license)
- Berry picking (in season)
- Mountain biking (on designated trails)
- Swimming (seasonal) in the nearby Little Basin Creek
Some popular trails include:
- Redwood Loop Trail
- Berry Creek Falls Trail
- Skyline to the Sea Trail
And there you have it! Santa Cruz offers a diverse range of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking both beachside and mountain experiences. Whether you prefer the calming sound of ocean waves or the serene beauty of towering redwoods, Santa Cruz has some of the most beautiful campgrounds in California. The beach campgrounds provide the perfect setting for coastal relaxation, with sandy shores, stunning sunsets, and a host of water activities. On the other hand, the mountain campgrounds offer a tranquil escape amidst lush forests and picturesque trails, ideal for hiking, biking, and reconnecting with nature. Santa Cruz has so many options for beautiful and relaxing campgrounds, now you just have to plan it!
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