96% (473) • 49 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near San Carlos
Redwood Paradise Camping
1. Redwood Paradise Camping
91%
(283)
30mi from San Carlos · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging
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.
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.
CAMPGROUND GUIDELINES
Pack out your trash.
Rinse feet before using the pool.
No pool toys or floaties.
Always supervise kids.
Don’t sit on chair edges or pool cover box.
Use stumps or your own table for cooking (not ours).
Keep the area clean—no food scraps on the ground.
No dogs in the pool area; leashes and cleanup required.
No eating in rooms or cabin.
Check out on the deck.
No smoking (vapes only, away from common areas).
Propane grills only—no open flames or campfires.
Thanks for helping us keep this place awesome!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$105
/ night
Redwoods Mountain Getaway
2. Redwoods Mountain Getaway
97%
(150)
31mi from San Carlos · 2 sites · Lodging
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.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$140
/ night
Santa Cruz's Rudy Ranch
3. Santa Cruz's Rudy Ranch
95%
(197)
27mi from San Carlos · 10 sites · Lodging
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!
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
$145
/ night
Portola Redwoods State Park
4. Portola Redwoods State Park
97%
(72)
59 sites · La Honda, California
Explore the otherworldly beauty of old-growth redwoods—a tranquil sanctuary and ideal getaway.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Castle Rock State Park
5. Castle Rock State Park
93%
(22)
52 sites · Saratoga, California
Hikers and climbers love Castle Rock State Park.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Waldhaus Redwood Retreat
6. Waldhaus Redwood Retreat
100%
(19)
16mi from San Carlos · 1 site · Lodging
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.”
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$900
/ night
Redwood Rain Forest Camp
7. Redwood Rain Forest Camp
94%
(17)
24mi from San Carlos · 16 sites
Redwood Rain Forest Camp is Easterseals Camp Harmon. For more that 50 years it has been a magical place for people with special needs to experience the wonder of camp. During our off season we invite you to enjoy the beauty and wonder of a rain forest. Winters in the redwoods are a fantastic time to really experience nature. Even during the rain one can hike and see the amazing forest in action.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
8. Big Basin Redwoods State Park
98%
(362)
274 sites · Boulder Creek, California
Soak up the shade of old growth redwood trees & take some selfies with banana slugs!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Mount Tamalpais State Park
9. Mount Tamalpais State Park
96%
(207)
50 sites · Stinson Beach, California
See redwoods, trail run, and climb the Bay Area’s second tallest peak.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
10. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
98%
(50)
107 sites · Felton, California
Big trees keep on growing in this famed Northern California treasure.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
11. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
100%
(2)
2 sites · Aptos, California
Behold natural wonders aplenty in the Forest of Nisene Marks.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
12. Samuel P. Taylor State Park
94%
(167)
68 sites · Lagunitas Forest Knolls, California
Romp in an untouched wilderness where ancient trees guide your explorations.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
96% (473) • 49 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near San Carlos
Redwood Paradise Camping
1. Redwood Paradise Camping
91%
(283)
30mi from San Carlos · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging
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.
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.
CAMPGROUND GUIDELINES
Pack out your trash.
Rinse feet before using the pool.
No pool toys or floaties.
Always supervise kids.
Don’t sit on chair edges or pool cover box.
Use stumps or your own table for cooking (not ours).
Keep the area clean—no food scraps on the ground.
No dogs in the pool area; leashes and cleanup required.
No eating in rooms or cabin.
Check out on the deck.
No smoking (vapes only, away from common areas).
Propane grills only—no open flames or campfires.
Thanks for helping us keep this place awesome!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$105
/ night
Redwoods Mountain Getaway
2. Redwoods Mountain Getaway
97%
(150)
31mi from San Carlos · 2 sites · Lodging
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.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$140
/ night
Santa Cruz's Rudy Ranch
3. Santa Cruz's Rudy Ranch
95%
(197)
27mi from San Carlos · 10 sites · Lodging
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!
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
$145
/ night
Portola Redwoods State Park
4. Portola Redwoods State Park
97%
(72)
59 sites · La Honda, California
Explore the otherworldly beauty of old-growth redwoods—a tranquil sanctuary and ideal getaway.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Castle Rock State Park
5. Castle Rock State Park
93%
(22)
52 sites · Saratoga, California
Hikers and climbers love Castle Rock State Park.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Waldhaus Redwood Retreat
6. Waldhaus Redwood Retreat
100%
(19)
16mi from San Carlos · 1 site · Lodging
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.”
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$900
/ night
Redwood Rain Forest Camp
7. Redwood Rain Forest Camp
94%
(17)
24mi from San Carlos · 16 sites
Redwood Rain Forest Camp is Easterseals Camp Harmon. For more that 50 years it has been a magical place for people with special needs to experience the wonder of camp. During our off season we invite you to enjoy the beauty and wonder of a rain forest. Winters in the redwoods are a fantastic time to really experience nature. Even during the rain one can hike and see the amazing forest in action.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
8. Big Basin Redwoods State Park
98%
(362)
274 sites · Boulder Creek, California
Soak up the shade of old growth redwood trees & take some selfies with banana slugs!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Mount Tamalpais State Park
9. Mount Tamalpais State Park
96%
(207)
50 sites · Stinson Beach, California
See redwoods, trail run, and climb the Bay Area’s second tallest peak.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
10. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
98%
(50)
107 sites · Felton, California
Big trees keep on growing in this famed Northern California treasure.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
11. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
100%
(2)
2 sites · Aptos, California
Behold natural wonders aplenty in the Forest of Nisene Marks.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
12. Samuel P. Taylor State Park
94%
(167)
68 sites · Lagunitas Forest Knolls, California
Romp in an untouched wilderness where ancient trees guide your explorations.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Amanda
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Redwoods Mountain Getaway
Amazing views. Quiet, peaceful setting. The outdoor shower was amazing! Bring headlamps for the short walk to the bathroom at night.
See more
T
Tiansong
October 2025
Tent
Thanks Ruth and her family for offering us a great camping experience!
See more
Sophia
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Ruth and Marshall were both great hosts! They were responsive to messages prior to arrival and were friendly and accommodating during our visit. When booking, I wondered if the pool would be visible from our campsite, but I was glad to find that it was very nice and private (a bit removed from the common areas and surrounded by trees). We loved the zipline and hammocks.
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A
Adeline
September 2025
Tent
What a lovely camp site! We were in the Redwood Paradise Campsite #1 (not by the pool) and it was amazing. Secluded and right in the lush redwoods. Definitely a bit of a hike from the car camping so wouldn’t recommend for anyone unable to trek their gear to their site, but it was worth it for the lovely spot. Ruth & Marshall were so welcoming and kind, serving delicious coffee every morning and Marshall played beautiful piano which was a nice touch. The pool is not heated but we didn’t mind it was a nice cold plunge at the end of a hot sweaty day. Shower and flushing toilet was nice to have; don’t expect anything extravagant but it was just fine for the weekend - much nicer than state park bathrooms/showers. Overall would 100% recommend and return!
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S
Shefali
September 2025
Tent
Beautiful site! Drive down is relaxing and the peace and quiet is something you can’t beat! There is an enjoyable common area with very nicely placed hammocks that allow you to observe the redwoods and enjoy what they offer! Would recommend this spot!
See moreA
Adam
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Ruth and Marshall are amazing hosts! Very accommodating. They have created quite the camping experience that was perfect for my family. Great balance of being out in nature but having facilities and community activities nearby. The pool was pristine and such a relief for when it became hot in the afternoon. Daughter enjoyed the trampolines as well. We all took a nap on the hammocks. The live classical piano music with coffee on the deck was an unexpected but welcomed treat. We read and were prepared for the hike to campsite 5 with all of our belongings. It was made easier with a wagon we brought but they also provide a wheelbarrow. “Hiking in” is often a requirement to get into nature that we welcomed but there are closer campsites if you’re not up for that. The bugs are also a part of camping but we came prepared with spray etc. The stars at night were amazing and all the sounds of wildlife. One deer joined us briefly. Any store you need is just half an hour away for example when the camp stove I bought was defective and I needed to quick replace it. Overall we had the best time and hope to come back again!
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D
Dalton
September 2025
Tent
With pets
The Host was super friendly and helpful and the area was super beautiful and amazing Forrest
See moreJ
Jack
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Incredible property and such welcoming hosts! We had a great time
See moreC
Cheyenne
September 2025
Tent
With kids
We had an exceptional experience camping at Ruth’s place. From the rich aroma of morning Peruvian coffee to refreshing last-minute swims in the pristine pool, every detail was thoughtfully curated. Marshal’s eclectic and phenomenal piano repertoire was the perfect finishing touch to an already unforgettable stay. This is truly a special place, and we look forward to returning.
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G
Gabriel
August 2025
Tent
Absolutely incredible. Beautiful, stunning site with massive gorgeous redwoods as soon as you come in. Very amenable and kind host who made us delicisious Peruvian coffee in the morning! Beautiful sunset and views from deck on house open to guests at campsite, and super nice to have a pool available. Quiet sites with no loud talking/drinking etc. Definitely recommend for families, couples, or friends seeking a quiet and peaceful getaway with amenities.
Only note is that there were a bit more bees/flies than one might typically expect camping at our site, which were slightly annoying getting into food, but that's nature and can't really be helped! (and might be a site specific thing, probably) Really wasn't a big deal, just beware in case you have a bee allergy.
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Jeannette
August 2025
Tent
Myself and my Adult daughter stayed 2 nights , it was a Mom and daughter weekend. We had no difficulty finding the location. Having a shower, bathroom and pool was a plus especially during the unuasl heat we had over the Labor Day weekend. And it just a short drive to the beach and shopping. Im glad we packed very light because even though the walk to our site was not very long it is a bit up and down and having to make too many trips back and fourth to the car would have been exhausting. I would'nt recommend some sites for anyone with walking disabilities or balance issues. Keep that in mind. It is noted in the description as well. Everything was mostly as described and Ruth and her family are gracious hosts. They open their home to campers and its visible that they do enjoy their position. We very much enjoyed Marshall's piano talent and the amazing coffee in the am's. Thank you for having us. It was a very nice change of scenery.
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D
Dane
August 2025
Tent
Ruth's camp was located in the middle of the redwoods and was a joy to stay at. The pool was a great bonus and it was nice to have bathrooms and a shower.
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J
Jessi
August 2025
Tent
With kids
My kiddos loved the trampolines. Our camp spot was private and woodsy. Everyone was really kind and we had a wonderful time.
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E
Emily
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Camp sites were clean and quite. Hosts were great. Pool was nice to have a round. It is a little bit of a walk to the sites so pack light. Over all a nice trip
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Alexander
August 2025
Tent
Ruth’s site was wonderful! She was very accommodating and generous. The campsite itself was beautifully nestled in a redwood grove. In the morning, we were treated to a piano being played and some of the best coffee I’ve had in a while. I’d definitely come back again!
See moreP
Philioppa
August 2025
Tent
Friendly host that worked with flexibility in my arrival time. Showed me the camp area’s invited me up to their deck for sunset as well as coffee in the morning. Lovely people. Fun slightly funky. Retreat pool trampolines. And lovely quiet in the redwoods.
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C
Cole
August 2025
Tent
With pets
It was a beautiful piece of property, the redwoods on property did not disappoint. The hosts were very friendly and accommodating, with some excellent coffee being served in the morning.
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S
Sarah
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Magical, healing, inspirational. I’ve stayed at over 200 campsites and Ruth’s Forest is definitely in the top 10. Would return in a heartbeat! My children loved our stay as well and are already asking to visit again! Both Ruth are her son were very kind and generous! Amazingly talented pianist too! Stay here!
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Alex
August 2025
Tent
Nice pleasant spot, not far from civilization even though it feels like it when you're at your campsite! Would definitely recommend for camping in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
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Shiloh
August 2025
Tent
With kids
My 5 year old and I loved our camping night here! The pool was nice and clean and the trampolines were a hit with the little one. Ruth and her son were so sweet and made me coffee on their beautiful deck in the morning. Would recommend, especially if you're camping with kids!
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