The best camping near Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Big Basin Redwoods State Park adventure.

The best camping near Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Big Basin Redwoods State Park adventure.

Camping near Big Basin Redwoods State Park

97% (361 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Big Basin Redwoods State Park adventure.

Soak up the shade of old growth redwood trees & take some selfies with banana slugs!  

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Community favorites near Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Basin Redwoods State Park

100%
(48)

The Secret Gardens by the Bay

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Watsonville, CA
This is a brand new listing on Hipcamp. The Secret Gardens is located about 2 minutes drive from the beach and the Monterey bay, about 12 miles away South of Santa Cruz. The beaches here are more peaceful and spread out as long as your eyes can see. We are 33 miles away from Monterey aquarium but you almost don't have to go anywhere when you are here. There are many things to do such as hiking at Land of Medicine Buddha or Forrest of Nisene Mark, Stroll around at Capitola Village, Have coffee and do awesome thrift shopping in downtown Aptos or in Soquel, Get some free foods from Free Food church on Wednesday evening (Yes, locally grown organic produce!), have a picnic on the cliff to watch the sunset, this town kind of remind you what's like to be in town without big boxes and franchise stores everywhere, life as its finest. This campground is also a great setting for your celebrations with two stages, a celebration area, a stone fired pizza oven and a sound systems (These are extras). What to expect: - Access to fully stocked kitchen: Propane powered grill and stove (commercial grade), refrigerators, freezer, pots, pans, utensils, kitchenware, dinnerware, basic spices and olive oil. - Hot showers and flushable toilettes - If you reserve a cabin, it comes with beddings (sheets, blankets, pillows) - A heater in your cabin What not to expect: - Towels - Free smores
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from 
$89.10
 / night
Booked 10 times

Redwood Grove

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Watsonville, CA
The camp site is on/next to an original logging road. So many activities within 25 miles! - View of Monterey Bay from the driveway - Next door to Mt. Madonna Stables (Offering horse/pony parties, lessons, training and trail rides through Mt Madonna County Park) We can provide you with the number if requested. - Within walking distance of Mount Madonna County Park (Extensive 14-mile hiking/horseback riding trail system, one-mile self-guided nature trail around the ruins of Henry Miller's summer home, Endless Redwood trees, reservation for weddings and other special functions available and picnicking) - 1.5 miles to Mount Madonna Center (Yoga classes) - 2.5 miles to the Tu Vien Kim Son Monastery - 9 miles to Gilroy Gardens Amusement Park - 12 miles to Gilroy - 16 miles to Morgan Hill - 25 miles to Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk and The Mystery Spot (Santa Cruz) About the site: - Multiple car parking short distance from camping site - Camp site surrounded by iconic redwoods - Area is adjacent to horse paddocks - Within sight, but not close to main house Amenities are: - Portable commode toilet - Trash can - Firepit (when weather permits)
Toilets
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Trash
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(211)

Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping

2 sites · Tents9 acres · Aptos, CA
Nestled in a canopy of redwoods, less than 10 miles from the beach sits a private and cozy campground. Fern Ridge Flats combines the best of Santa Cruz county. Abundant trees and misty mornings await you at our property in Aptos. Equipped with electricity, water, and a picnic table for your convenience. There are trails on the land for you to explore, animals, and nature to dive into. *************** Smoking and the use of drugs are strictly prohibited. This is a safe and quiet neighborhood with many families including my own. Please do not request to book if you have the intention of partying or using illegal substances. If these rules are violated, local authorities will be called and you will be removed from the campsite. *************** The campsite is less than a 5 minute walk from the parking spot but is relatively steep. Although it is paved it is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues. *************** As an added precaution to protect the lush landscape, the firepit at the campsite utilizes clean burning propane. We chose a burner that closely replicates the size and heat of a wood to enhance our campers' experience.
Toilets
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from 
$65
 / night
97%
(530)

Redwood Retreat: Camping & Cooking

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Watsonville, CA
Located on 16 acres, Redwood Retreat is nestled among majestic redwood trees. Don't let weather worries keep you from booking-we give a 100% refund in the case of inclement weather! We have a cottage, a tent cabin with a queen air mattress, and two camping sites for up to 4. Sites 1 & 2 combine nicely for a group of up to 8 and site 3 can accommodate a group of 6 (w/ host approval). Enjoy the owls, ravens, doves, hummingbirds, and salamanders and NO WIFI. Harken back to the days of yore cooking in the outdoor kitchen, playing darts, cornhole, ring toss, or ask to use the telescope & binoculars to star gaze. (Learn about Redwood Trees by copying and pasting this URL into your web browser- https://www.giantsrising.com/discover/#mytreestory) When you book you will receive an extensive list of recommendations of things to do in the area with web links, links to camping recipes, as well as seasonal menus for food that you can order from Chef Mima. Our common area includes bbq's, propane burners, picnic tables, propane griddle, cooking supplies, dish-washing area as well as outdoor games. Other amenities such as shower, fridge, microwave, toaster oven, more cooking supplies and books are also available to you in another common area. The terrain on our property is NOT hikeable and you may NOT WALK OFF THE PROPERTY but we provide you with links to many trails as well as recommendations for lots to see and do in the area. We are equi-distant between Monterey and Santa Cruz (also approximately 30 minutes but depends on traffic) for all of your more "touristy" desires. Under 2 hours to San Francisco. Imagine a peaceful, serene neck of the woods with NO WIFI. Feel the restorative power of nature building resilience and buffering tomorrow’s stress. Welcome to Redwood Retreat in the mountains above the sweet town of Corralitos, approximately a half hour to either Santa Cruz or Monterey and 20 minutes to nearest beach. If you are the type of camper that likes to play music or be loud, this is not the camp for you. This is a refuge from that. When multiple sites are reserved, this spot is perfect for family vacations, company retreats, small celebrations etc. It is strongly recommended that you book all three sites if you wish to entertain. No amplified noise. A noise curfew is in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. for anything but talking. Sound carries and we must respect neighbors and other campers.THX!
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from 
$72.25
 / night
95%
(279)

WindTree

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents64 acres · Los Gatos, CA
WindTree is an awesome retreat perched high on top of the Santa Cruz Mountains in California, over looking the entire Monterey Bay and Santa Clara Valley. WindTree is sacred land used by many over the past 30 years for retreat and ceremony. It has also been a working "Wwoof" -ing farm for volunteers from all over the world to come and learn about organic gardening in a fun, beautiful, nurturing community restoring our sense of interrelatedness and encouraging planetary sustainability by our choices and concerns for the wellness of the environment. You can make your experience apart of this community or enjoy a quiet private camp site away from any activities. We are off the grid with solar power and our own well. We have small organic gardens with chickens and goats. You will love it up here under the stars. Note: RV's over 21 feet will have difficulties on our driveway.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night

The best camping near Big Basin Redwoods State Park guide

Overview

About

In the heart of the Santa Cruz mountains you can find California’s oldest state park. It is home to the largest continuous stand of ancient Coastal Redwoods. Some of the giant trees are more than 50 feet around and as tall as the Statue of Liberty. In addition to the beautiful, historic trees (some which predate the Roman Empire), the park offers insane views of the Pacific Ocean (hikers adore the 10.5-mile Skyline to Sea Trail!). Berry Creek falls is just one of the many waterfalls to explore.

Elevation in the park varies from sea level to above 2,000 feet and the natural features are diverse, ranging from wet forest to arid and desert-like. With over 18,000 acres of area to hike, bike and play in, there is no opportunity for boredom at Big Basin. Big Basin offers 146 campsites, four group sites, tent cabins, backcountry hike-in trail camps, and horse camping. So what’re you waiting for? Book your Big Basin camping adventure!

When to go

The best time to visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers longer days for exploration, though it can be busier. Winter may present challenges with wet conditions and limited access.

Know before you go

  • Check current trail conditions and closures before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Day-use parking is limited; reservations are recommended and can be made online.
  • Cell service is unreliable, so plan ahead and download maps or directions.
  • Remember, this is a Crumb Clean park; always dispose of trash properly to protect wildlife.
  • For a seamless visit, arrive with a full tank of petrol as there are no filling stations nearby.

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