Family-friendly a-frames near Saratoga
Experience the Santa Cruz Mountains and Pacific Ocean while camping near Saratoga.
- Saratoga
Popular camping styles for Saratoga
Family-friendly a-frames near Saratoga guide
Overview
Sitting at the edge of the Santa Cruz Mountain Range, Saratoga is a great starting point for exploring alpine trails and local culture. Castle Rock State Park offers an extensive trail system for hiking and cycling through the mountains, while Monte Bello Open Space Preserve provides a haven for local grassland and mountain wildlife. Tent campsites in both parks make it easy to step right into nature, while campsites closer to Saratoga put urban fun at the doorstep.
Where to go
Castle Rock State Park
With one of the highest elevation points in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock Park is an exciting destination for rock-climbers, hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. The trail system covers mountain and forest landscapes, allowing campers to admire the area’s redwood and black oak forests. Some backcountry tent camping sites are available within the park, and early reservations are encouraged to score a spot. Note that there’s no cell service inside Castle Rock Park.
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
With over 3,000 acres of protected open space, Monte Bello is the perfect place to explore the region’s mountain and grassland scenery. Designated campsites inside the preserve allow campers to catch a glimpse of local species like mule deer, wild turkeys, and California scrub-jays. Pick up a permit to camp at Monte Bello, or make a day trip to enjoy the park’s hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Big Sur is a stretch of rugged mountains and expansive Pacific Ocean views that runs from Carmel to San Simeon. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers scenic hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and an array of camping opportunities. Find tent campsites along Big Sur River, as well as a larger campground for tents and RVs. A central lodge with accommodations, a grocery store, and cafe makes it easy to stock up on essentials without leaving the park. In addition to self-guided adventures through Big Sur, campers can find nature walks and other activities available for a day-use fee.
When to go
The area surrounding Saratoga is a popular camping destination year-round, since the climate makes it comfortable to camp in tents and RVs through winter. Some campers prefer late spring and early fall, when competition for campsites typically declines. Summer highs often reach 75°F in August, while lows fall to 45°F in December.
