Santa Cruz
Campgrounds

Santa Cruz

Camping, Campsites, and Hiking

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park— Remote Camps

Aptos Creek Rd. & Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA  (831) 763-7062

The park has 10,000 acres of rugged semi-wilderness, rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains of more than 2,600 feet.

Manresa State Beach - Family camp sites

205 Manresa Beach Rd.,  La Selva Beach, CA 95076 (831) 763-7063

The beach features a beautiful expanse of sea and sand, with surf fishing, and recreation.

New Brighton State Beach — Campgrounds

201 State Park Drive.,  Aptos, CA  (831) 464-6330

The park features picnic areas, swimming, fishing and a nearby forest of Monterey pine. The camping area's campsites are located on a bluff overlooking northern Monterey Bay.

Seacliff State Beach

201 State Park Drive.,  Aptos, CA  (831) 429-2850

The park is known for its fishing pier and concrete freighter, the Palo Alto. The beach is also a popular swimming spot. There is a long stretch of sand backed by bluffs.

Sunset State Beach — Campgrounds

201 Sunset Beach Rd., Watsonville, CA  (831) 763-7062

The park features pine trees, mountainous sand dunes, and Pacific Ocean side picnic spots. Bordered by large agricultural fields between the cities of Santa Cruz and Monterey, the beach is a year-round destination for thousands of visitors.

North of Santa Cruz

Camping, Campsites, and Hiking

Half Moon Bay State Beach

95 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-8819

Four miles of broad, sandy beaches stretch out to welcome visitors to Santa Cruz. This picturesque setting is ideal for sunbathing, fishing and picnicking. A campground provides accommodations for those who wish to visit longer.

Directions: The beach is located a half-mile west of Highway 1 on Kelly Avenue in Santa Cruz. There are three parking and beach access points: Francis Beach, at the end of Kelly Ave. in Santa Cruz. Venice Beach, at the end of Venice Blvd. off Highway 1. Dunes Beach, at the end of Young Ave. off Highway 1.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park -- Primitive campgrounds

Rancho Del Oso, Hwy 1   831-338-8860

Located 25 miles north of Santa Cruz on Hwy. 1, the park has miles of trails, which serves hikers and equestrians, links Big Basin to Castle Rock State Park and the eastern reaches of the Santa Cruz range. Maps

Costanoa Coastal Lodge -- Privately owned

2001 Rossi Road at Hwy. 1, Pescadero, CA (650) 879-1100

Connected to four State Parks - 30,000 acres of hiking trails - and a vibrant wildlife reserve - Costanoa offers the unique opportunity to experience outdoor living in comfortable stylish surroundings.  Accommodations include canvas cabins - Douglas Fir Cabins - and a forty-room Lodge. Special features include on-site spa services - horseback riding - mountain bike rentals - children's activities - and a general store and cafe.

Portola Redwoods State Park

650-948-9098

The park has a rugged, natural basin forested with coast redwoods, Douglas fir and live oak. Eighteen miles of trails crisscross the canyon and its two streams, Peters Creek and Pescadero Creek.

Sweetwood Group Camp

Half Moon Bay, CA

California State Department of Parks & Recreation, 800-444-7275.

Directions: Highway 1 at Ruisseau Francais, north of Half Moon Bay.

Pigeon Point Light Station — Hostel

210 Pigeon Point Rd. Hwy 1, Pescadero  (650) 879-0633

On California Highway 1, 20 miles south of Half Moon Bay and 27 miles north of Santa Cruz

Butano State Park — Campgrounds

1500 Cloverdale Rd., Pescadero, CA  (650) 879-2040

A 2,200-acre redwood park in the Santa Cruz Mountains, featuring excellent hiking through the redwood groves. Only three miles from the Pacific coast, the park's trails offer views of the Pacific Ocean and the Año Nuevo islands.

Santa Cruz Mountains

Camping, Campsites, and Hiking Ben Lomond,
Boulder Creek, Felton

Big Basin Redwoods State Park — Campgrounds

21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA   831-338-8860

The park has miles of trails that link Big Basin to Castle Rock State Park and the eastern reaches of the Santa Cruz range.  The trails are utilized by both hikers and equestrians.

Big Basin Tent Cabins — Open Year Round

21600 Big Basin Hwy, Boulder Creek  (800) 874-8368

Butano State Park — Campgrounds

1500 Cloverdale Rd., Pescadero, CA  (650) 879-2040

A 2,200-acre redwood park in the Santa Cruz Mountains, featuring excellent hiking through the redwood groves. Only three miles from the Pacific coast, the park's trails offer views of the Pacific Ocean and the Año Nuevo islands.

Castle Rock State Park — Backpacker campgrounds

15000 Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos, CA   (408) 867-2952

Along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park contains 3,600 acres of coast redwood, Douglas-fir, and madrone forest. Steep canyons are sprinkled with unusual rock formations that are popular with rock climbers, and hikers can enjoy the 32 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

101 North Big Trees Park Rd., Felton, CA   (831) 438-2396

The park features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a forest that looks much the same as it did 200 years ago. The park is the home of the Redwood grove, with a self-guided nature path, and Douglas fir, madrone, oak and the most unusual feature of the park, a stand of Ponderosa pine.

Portola Redwoods State Park

650-948-9098

The park has a rugged, natural basin forested with coast redwoods, Douglas fir and live oak. Eighteen miles of trails crisscross the canyon and its two streams, Peters Creek and Pescadero Creek.

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