- Santa Cruz
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BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS
Hosted by Doug · Santa Cruz, California
2 sites · RV, Tent · 37 acres
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Doug & Denise is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Private sites
99% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
Select a site
RV/tent sites
2 sites
Creek Site
97%
(119)4WD recommended
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
96%
(110)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Reviews
97% Recommend246 ratings · 199 reviews
The campsite offers a peaceful retreat nestled among redwoods, appreciated for its seclusion and natural beauty. Doug and Denise, the hosts, are frequently praised for their warm hospitality and responsiveness, adding a personal touch to the experience. Despite the rustic charm, some campers noted the lack of amenities like proper toilets and restrictions on cooking, which may not suit everyone's idea of camping comfort. However, the overall sentiment suggests a positive experience, especially for those seeking tranquility and a connection to nature.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Recommends
· October 2026
18 ft truck camper ·
Creek Site
Great place! Nice people. Beautiful. Thank you!
Recommends
· October 2026
20 ft rooftop tent ·
Creek Site
Have now stayed here multiple times - always love it and the hosts are super responsive.
Recommends
· October 2026
Tent · With pets ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
Such a lovely, quiet spot! The hosts were wonderful and so welcoming. We even forgot a cooking pan and they completely saved dinner by loaning us their cast-iron skillet—beyond sweet of them.
Our dogs had a blast sniffing around the shaded property and meeting all the animals, especially the hosts' dog. Highly recommend if you're looking for a peaceful, dog-friendly getaway!
Recommends
· September 2026
Peace and Quiet 2 1/2hrs from Marin
12 ft campervan · With pets ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
Great location. Our large site had a ring-side view of an old-growth redwood, amongst all the other redwoods. Doug was great and he and his family and friends fought hard to save his forest during the last fires. What a story! We hired gas for the fire pit and packed out waste. Tip: there are garbage cans at the bottom of the hill at the beach. Oh, and you are just up the road from a beautiful beach, which we spent a half day at during our 2 night stay. Would definitely recommend. Our quiet dog loved the adventure! Thanks Doug and Denise for your hospitality.
The hosts were very kind! We loved seeing the animals and he even let us feed the horses! It was a lovely campground.
Doug and Denise were incredible hosts! Doug was especially generous with his time, showing our kids around the ranch and making them feel so welcome. We also really enjoyed a hike down to the creek.
The campsite itself was exactly what we were looking for: peaceful, private, and very secluded from both the main house and the other campsite on the property. It felt like we had our own little corner of the ranch.
We had a wonderful stay and would highly recommend this property to other Hipcampers!
Mixed feelings
· August 2026
Tent · With kids ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
The host was very responsive, kind, and friendly. The campsite was peaceful and private, and the hike to the creek was a great bonus. The kids had a lot of fun there.
However, there were a few downsides we didn’t expect considering the price. Not having a toilet was inconvenient, but my biggest issue was having to take the portable toilet/waste with us in the car when leaving, which was quite unpleasant.
There was only one small, partially broken table, and I think a campsite of this size needs at least two. Campfires were not allowed, which we respected, but we were also told we couldn’t cook meat on our propane grill, which felt very limiting for a camping experience.
The ground was also extremely dry and dusty. Even just walking around created clouds of fine dust, and with kids running and playing, everything quickly became covered in it.
Overall, we enjoyed the peaceful setting and really appreciated the host’s kindness. I hope they consider making a few improvements to make the experience better, especially given the price.
Not recommend
· August 2026
Tent · With kids ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
The host could not have been nicer—extremely warm, responsive, and friendly, and the private lake trail was great for the kids. However, the campsite itself needs significant work to justify the price. The biggest issue was the restroom situation: having to load used portable toilet waste into our personal car to haul away was completely unexpected and unpleasant. Additionally, the ground is extremely dry dirt, causing massive dust clouds over all our belongings as soon as anyone walked or played. Between the dirt, the waste setup, and restrictive cooking rules, the amenities fell short despite the lovely host.
Recommends
· August 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Creek Site
We love Doug and Denise land! The camping spot is very private, the creek is 5 mins walking distance where you can enjoy fresh water. Doug is super friendly and we love his horses. Highly recommend to fellow campers, we will definitely come back again
One of my new favorite spots on Hipcamp! We stayed at the meadows and it was very spacious and beautiful. Weather was perfect and our host Doug was so awesome! He showed us around his property and we got to see his cute farm. We can’t wait to come back again soon! Thanks Doug and Denise!
Recommends
· August 2026
23 ft campervan · With pets ·
Creek Site
Extremely private gorgeous spot. Great hosts! Killer location next to Henry Cowell !
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent · With pets ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
This was our first time using HipCamp and it literally could not have been better. Doug and Denise are so kind and helpful. Their property and our campsite was so much more than we could have dreamed of. They have built a STUNNING property that is beyond magical. Surrounded by redwoods with a gorgeous creek. Getting to be around their gorgeous, amazing horses is a very unique bonus so bring some carrots :) To Denise and Doug, we will never be able to thank you enough for opening your home to us, you guys should be the poster for Hipcamp's website. We will be back!!
Beautiful location and the meadow was very quiet and private. Hosts were super friendly when we checked in and when they rode by the next day. Can confirm also that the water is delicious. Be prepared not to have any cell service when you’re there though.
Recommends
· July 2026
16 ft campervan · With pets ·
Creek Site
So beautiful! The campsite was a private paradise in the redwoods with the stream close by. Nice touch of having a propane heater for the evenings from Doug and Denise. Also nice to fill up on water there. Great directions, one of the nicest places to camp!
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
Amazing huge peaceful area, super great hosts, a perfect getaway
Recommends
· July 2026
12 ft pop-up camper · With kids ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
Peaceful Redwood Landing is such a lovely spot. Doug was delightful and his Redwood trees are amazing. There is a nice hike down to the creek below where we had some fun relaxing in the water. We will definitely be back.
I had a great solo stay at the Creek Site at Banks Ranch. Doug and Denise were very welcoming, helpful, and easy to communicate with, and they provided all the details I needed before arrival.
The site itself felt very secluded, surrounded by redwoods and close enough to the creek that I could hear the water flowing. It was very tent-friendly, with flat ground, a nice picnic table, and a propane fire pit provided. There is no cell service, which made it a perfect spot to truly unplug and enjoy some quiet time alone.
A few things to be aware of: this is a pack-in/pack-out site, including all camp waste, as described in the listing. The temporary privacy tent was a bit difficult to use because it blew over easily, and the path down to the creek was more slippery and challenging than I expected, so good shoes are important. Families with young kids may need to assist them going down to the creek.
Overall, I really enjoyed the peaceful, private redwood setting. The challenges were disclosed, but they were still a little tougher in person than I had anticipated.
Recommends
· June 2026
Tent · With pets ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
Doug was a wonderful host and the place was really nice. We had some damp weather so the banana slugs were out! Our kids had a blast and the camping area was well maintained and cleared.
The hosts were prompt and responsive on Hipcamp chat before arriving. It was a great spot to spend quality time together for three families with young kids. There was plenty of space for 2 cars, 1 camper van, 4 tents (two sleeping and two shade shelters). It could definitely fit more than that. The little cousins enjoyed running around and interacting with the farm animals ("helping" to feed the horses and chickens). The hike down to the creek was great, and the creek itself was picturesque and the water temp refreshing. A couple of things to note is that wood fire is not allowed in the summer months (propane fireplace set up as alternative), and that it will be mostly a dry camping experience (bucket toilet with privacy tent, and packing all your waste out), with the exception of a spigot that provides well water. All in all we enjoyed the space for a nice rustic family gathering.
Recommends
· May 2026
22 ft campervan · With pets ·
Creek Site
Superb spot. Very private. Canyon creek sound is sublime.
There are 2 camp spots. One at the top of the property near their home, but away far enough for privacy.
The creekside camp is about a 10 or 15 minute walk from the top.
Dead ends to a trail down to the creek.
The owner of the property Doug is super nice and very accommodating.
He lead us down to the creek spot via his ATV. You for sure would like to have a 4 wheel drive to get to creekside spot. But seems doable at a slow pace with a solid vehicle.
Perfect for a weekend get away!
Thank you to Doug & Denise for sharing the very special place that is Banks Ranch. We had a lovely time as family & friends in the Redwood Grove. It was quite peaceful. The trek down to the creek was the perfect activity for our four year old kids and we all left feeling grateful for the experience
What a magical place. We loved this secluded spot.
Really amazing site, and just what we needed! Peaceful, beautiful location. The experience with Doug and Denise was seamless - friendly and easy going hosts!
Recommends
· May 2026
22 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
We loved our stay here. The site felt remote and private while still being close to Santa Cruz, hiking, and the beach. Doug and Denise were friendly and helpful but gave us plenty of space. The location is beautiful, flat, surrounded by trees, and fit our 22' trailer easily. The hike on the property down to the creek was a highlight. Even with other campers on the property, it felt like we had the forest to ourselves. This is easily at the top of our list of places we’ve stayed, and we’ll definitely be returning. Highly recommend!
Recommends
· May 2026
18 ft campervan · With pets ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
Doug was extremely kind and helpful. The appropriately advertised space is rustic and beautiful. It was a great place to spend a few days outside. We would definitely visit again.
Really special spot that is totally private and perfect for families! Doug and Denise are the most gracious hosts- delivering firewood, shade covering, table cloth, even farm fresh eggs! We are so happy to come here annually in April, despite the high chance of rain. No cell reception, no bathrooms, and totally worth it!
I got to meet Doug in person, such a generous host. Was great with our girls (7 and 11).
The setup itself is primitive, so be prepared for a bucket for a toilet and a faucet for water. Pack it in and pack it out.
As long as you know what you’re in for, you’ll have a great time!
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent · With kids ·
Creek Site
Doug and Denise’s site was beautiful. Short little jaunt down to the creek where our kids could swim and play with newts in the water.
The site is in a valley which was nice to have no wind and was so peaceful.
Banks Ranch is beautiful, rejuvenating and amazing. Be sure to scan property from drive in/entrance for high spots to place tent if its going to rain. Also, if it has recently rained or rain is forecasted, move fire pit to right side of lone redwood ( as looking in from driveway) the left side is where water pools. We are seasoned campers, so we were able to plan 4 and navigate 3 days of rain. The bucket toilet was easy 2 use and hosts supplied the bags. You must pack it out but were used 2 that. Hosts are super responsive (b4 the trip) and nice. We didnt get cell service at the property so didnt receive their messages during stay. They require u buy their firewood ( which is like most places) but their wood is denser and smells amazing! Bring a hatchet 2 split 4 easier fire access.
Location
Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Doug & Denise B.
Joined in August 2021Things to do nearby
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