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Redwood Camping and Backpacking

July 9, 2021

Santa Cruz Mountains

Redwood Camping and Backpacking

Sleeping among the towering California redwood trees is an unforgettable treat. Local parks offer a variety of options for family and group camping. Whether you want the comfort of coming back to campground at night after an inspiring day hike or the solitude of backcountry camping, the local redwood parks have just what you need.

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Plan your redwood camping trip today!

NOTE: Due to both COVID-19 restrictions and the recovery efforts from the 2020 wildfires, many parks may be closed or access may be limited. Whenever possible, consider how you can recreate responsibly and always check park websites for the latest information on available amenities, access, or closures.

Plan a trip to camp in these beautiful forests. For summer weekends, plan ahead and be sure to reserve your campsite online or by phone.

California State Parks: call 1-800-444-7275 or reserve online

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

NOTE: The majority of the park, including all camping facilities, is CLOSED for CZU Lightning Complex fire recovery until further notice, a portion of the Rancho del Oso area will be reopened as of May 29, 2021.

  • Visit the website
  • Campground sites: 146 family campsites
  • Backcountry areas or sites: Trail camps are open by reservation only
  • Group camping: 4 sites
  • Reserve online or call (800) 444-7275; For trail camps, call (831) 338-8861.

Learn more about Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

Butano State Park

NOTE: The majority of the park, including all camping facilities, is CLOSED for CZU Lightning Complex fire recovery until further notice.

  • Visit the website
  • Campground sites: 21 drive-in campsites and 18 walk-in campsites
  • Backcountry areas or sites: First-come first-served camping, contact the park directly for information (650) 879-2040
  • Group camping: n/a
  • Reserve online or call Reserve America at 1-800-444-7275

Learn more about Butano State Park.

Castle Rock State Park

NOTE: Some of this park's backcountry areas or sites may be impacted during CZU Lightning Complex fire recovery, please check with the park before visiting.

  • Visit the website
  • Campground sites: n/a
  • Backcountry areas or sites: 20 trail camp sites at Castle Rock and 6 trail camp sites at Waterman Gap. Castle Rock site available first come, first served.
  • Group camping: not available
  • Reserve: First-come first-served camping, or contact the park directly for information 408-867-2952. Waterman site reservations: call Big Basin Redwoods State Park (831) 338-8861

Learn more about Castle Rock State Park.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

  • Visit the website
  • Campground sites: Total sites: 50; Tent-only: 3 (closed in winter)
  • Backcountry areas or sites: n/a
  • Group camping: 1 site
  • Reserve online or call (800) 444-7275 (TTY 800-274-7275)

Learn more about Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Photo by ars5017

Huddart Park

  • Visit the website
  • Campground sites: n/a
  • Backcountry areas or sites: n/a
  • Group camping: 3 sites, each accommodating 50 people
  • Reserve online or call (650) 363-4021

Photo by San Mateo County

Little Basin State Park

NOTE: The majority of the park, including all camping facilities, is CLOSED for CZU Lightning Complex fire recovery until further notice.

  • Visit the website
  • Campground sites: 12 Cabins, 38 Tent Spaces
  • Backcountry areas or sites: n/a
  • Group camping: group of 20+
  • Reserve online

Learn more about Little Basin.

Memorial County Park

  • Visit the website
  • Campground sites: 158 family camp sites
  • Backcountry areas or sites: n/a
  • Group camping: 4 group camping areas available
  • Reserve online or call (650) 363-4021

Photo by Jason Goecke

Mount Madonna County Park

  • Visit the website
  • Campground sites: 118 drive-in and walk-in sites, including 17 RV sites
  • Backcountry areas or sites: n/a
  • Group camping: 5 sites
  • Reserve online or call (408) 355-2201

Photo by Peter Kemmer

Pescadero Creek County Park

  • Visit the website
  • Campground sites: none
  • Backcountry areas or sites: Hike-in camps are provided for the backpacker, first come-first serve at the Memorial Park Ranger Station, at Shaw Flat and Tarwater Trail Camps
  • Group camping: n/a
  • Reserve online or call 650-363-4021

Photo by Franco Folini

  • Visit the website
  • Campground sites: 52 tent sites, 4 walk-in sites
  • Backcountry areas or sites: Six sites at Slate Creek Trail Camp available late spring through mid-autumn. For trail camp reservations, call Big Basin Redwoods State Park at (831) 338-8861.
  • Group camping: 4 group tent sites
  • Reserve online or call (800) 444-7275

Learn more about Portola Redwoods State Park.

Photo by Laura Hamilton

Sam McDonald County Park

Photo by Airplane Journal

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

  • Visit the website
  • Campground sites: n/a
  • Backcountry areas or sites: Trail campsites are located six miles from the trail camp parking lot at the West Ridge Trailhead. First-come first-served camping, contact the park directly for information.
  • Group camping: n/a
  • Reserve: 831-763-7063

Photo by H Grimes

More to Explore

While some treasured places like Big Basin Redwoods and Butano State Parks recover from the CZU Lightning Complex fire, there are many more amazing redwood forests to explore in the Santa Cruz Mountains and new special and favorite spots to discover.

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