Camping near Santa Cruz

Redwoods and crashing waves are the backdrop of this seaside city by the mountains.

96% (406 reviews)

United States
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California
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Santa Cruz

96% (406 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Santa Cruz

4 top campgrounds near Santa Cruz

Redwoods Mountain Getaway

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Ben Lomond, CA

Our property sits on 2 acres of pristine mix of redwoods, madrone, and oak trees. Amazing valley views, gate access from yard to hiking trails, and very quiet at night. Neighborhood overview Felton/Santa Cruz is full of things to do:The Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad is a 3 ft narrow-gauge tourist railroad.Henry Cowell State Park, most famous for the 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees.Mystery Spot: Experience gravity-defying demonstrations on the short but steep uphill walk.Garden of Eden: Secret swimming hole with lots of fun boulders to jump off and swim around. We will fill you in on how to get there.Cruise on bikes down West Cliff DriveHang out at beach and relax..And of course, world famous surfing in Santa Cruz. We have a two-night minimum on weekends.

Redwood Paradise Camping

15 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · CA

PLEASE READ Hello all! If you're looking for some glamping with creature comforts, while just being 10 minutes away from restaurants. This is the place for you. We are a 5 acre property and home surrounded by tall redwood and oak trees. Very green and lots of shade. These are the amenities/facilities you will have free access to: Pool, Pool chairs and umbrellas, Deck area with sunset view, Trampolines, and hammocks. There is not cooking allowed by or at any of the common areas, due to flies and critters. Cooking and eating is only allowed by your sites and not in any common areas: Hammocks, Trampolines, Pool Area, tables, sink, and deck please follow this rule because we want to prevent our shared areas to be fly and bug infested. We are still working on ridding the flies and cleaning. (please try to bring prepackaged food or something easy. If anything you can drive 10 minutes to nearby food and grocery). In the past we let people cook and eat around the pool but now our whole property is fly infested and I find scattered leftovers on the ground. Thanks for understanding. THERE IS A 1-2 MINUTE HIKE TO THE CAMPSITES 1-5! Poolside campsites are closer to the parking and are bigger. FOR ALL CAMPSITES Free coffee in the mornings on the deck! If you have pets make sure to include the extra fee per pet please! We are very near the Lost Empire Hiking trail less than a mile away! We ask you to please let us know your ETA 30 minutes before coming as there is spotty connection. FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE NOT POTTY TRAINED POOL DIAPERS ARE REQUIRED. WE DO NOT SHARE ELECTRICITY! CHECK OUT OUR NEW LODGING: This property is my home that I live in with my 2 kids. It is a rustic and homey vibe, definitely not a hotel. We want you to come knowing what to expect. Our property offers a pool, and trampolines for the kids. We have a deck patio area that overlooks an amazing view of the redwood forest. Most of our guests are those that come from foreign countries and they all LOVE the property. I love leaving a great impression of our area. RULES: Pack your trash. Rinse your feet before entering the pool. No floaties and pool toys of any type allowed. Do not leave children unsupervised. Do not sit on the edge of the reclinable chairs. Do not sit along the edge of the pool or on the pool cover box. All tables are solely for drinking, cooking is only available on the stumps or on tables brought by the camper. Be mindful of the area, do not litter or toss food anywhere except your trash bag. No dogs by the pool area. Dogs must be on leash at all times and clean up after them. No eating inside rooms or the cabin. Come to the deck to check-out. No smoking. (With exception of vapes, do not smoke in common areas) No campfires or any grills with a large open flame PROPANE ONLY!:) Thank you!:)

Waldhaus Redwood Retreat

1 site · Lodging40 acres · La Honda, CA

Tucked away in the Portola Redwoods, you will find your very own bohemian grove. Designed by prominent architect in San Francisco, your will find 4 comfortable cabins, modern open kitchen and spa-like bathrooms. Less than an hour away from the Silicon Valley, this is our weekend sanctuary. Like John Muir once said - “Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”

Santa Cruz's Rudy Ranch

10 sites · Lodging8 acres · Boulder Creek, CA

Are you looking for a serene getaway surrounded by the majestic redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains? Our rental is perfect for adults seeking tranquility in a peaceful setting. Our peaceful eight-acre parcel is 13 miles from Santa Cruz, CA, and within walking distance of downtown Boulder Creek. While we enjoy the liveliness of children, we've decided to host mature guests in our quiet neighborhood for a restful retreat. Before booking, please review all the information we provide to avoid any confusion upon your arrival. Have a fantastic time at our place, whether you're Gen X or Z, we dig all Hippies! Pool area officially opens May 27th!

Cooking equipment

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Boulder Creek, California

Bouldering on Castle Rock

Castle Rock State Park

Saratoga, California

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Aptos, California

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Felton, California

Portola Redwoods State Park

Portola Redwoods State Park

La Honda, California

Andrew Molera State Park

Andrew Molera State Park

Carmel Valley Village, California

Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest

Mission Canyon, California

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Santa Cruz guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping adventures! With over 87 options near Santa Cruz, California, nestled among the majestic redwoods, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your outdoor getaway. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), Walden Ranch (418 reviews), and DABUDAGE (367 reviews). At an average price of $80 per night, with options as low as $30, you can immerse yourself in nature without breaking the bank. Enjoy popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and toilets, and engage in exciting activities such as exploring historic sites, boating, and wind sports. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

Popular Santa Cruz trips

Camping with fishing

Lakeside camping

River, stream, or creek camping

Rv parks & camping

Top parks near Santa Cruz

Salt Point State Park

Castle Rock State Park

Half Moon Bay State Beach

Yosemite National Park

Tahoe National Forest

Death Valley National Park

Topanga State Park

Emerald Bay State Park

Top cities near Santa Cruz

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