BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS
Hosted by Doug · Santa Cruz, California
2 sites · RV, Tent · 37 acres
Great for groups
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for larger groups.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
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Creek Site
98%
(102)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
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for NaN guests$130
/ night
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PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
97%
(88)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
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for NaN guests$125
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/ night2 sites
Reviews
97% Recommend207 ratings · 165 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
16 ft car ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
This is our second time to this beautiful property and we will return again. Doug and Denise are both very warm and welcoming. They are the perfect combination of offering help if needed but also giving us our space. The property is just beautiful with a river you can walk to and so many varieties of mushrooms. Don’t forget to look out for the banana slugs!
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Sarah S.
2 reviews
The site is beautiful, private and secluded. We loved the creekside location with the small little trail. Great place for dogs and very serene.
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Cheryl T.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Creek Site
We stayed at the Creek Site and it was perfect for my partner, pup and me. Doug and Denise were both super welcoming and took us down to the site as it is away from their home. It’s a short hike down to the creek, and worth it! It’s so magical down there. As far as location, it’s in the mountains and close to both the ocean and Santa Cruz. Great spot and would go again! As expected, totally off the grid – no cell service.
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Mackenzie D.
2 reviews
This site was a surprise-it was very isolated, peaceful and nature-filled. It has no amenities- so be sure you have a toilet, water and lots of lights! Luckily we came prepared and it was very serene. The creek sounds were lovely, although it was a bit of a steep hike to get to it. We loved that the site was all our own, there were very few bugs and it was the retreat we needed.
Anna R.
9 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
20 ft Class B ·
Creek Site
A beautiful, quiet space! It felt safe and was very private. Doug was super helpful when I arrived. The road in is rough but doable for 2-wheel drive.
A
Ann Marie B.
5 months on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· September 2025
Tent ·
Creek Site
We loved the forest on the property and appreciated the seclusion it offered. However, after factoring in all the extra fees, the price for three people over two night was quite steep. Therefore we were disappointed to find that the "Creek Site" was actually a clearing at the end of a fire road, and the creek was at the bottom of a very steep ravine, which made access quite challenging.
Another major drawback was the disturbance from a chainsaw and tree logging on Saturday morning. From 8:00 AM until we left at 11:00 AM, the constant noise was quite disruptive, especially considering the premium price we paid for the site—it felt inconsiderate.
Lastly, while we understood the request to take our trash with us, we were not prepared for needing to take our poop out too. The toilet was a very small bucket with a plastic liner, located out in the open without any privacy. For the price we paid, we were expecting a bit better facilities. As a result, we drove into Davenport to use a proper restroom to avoid the uncomfortable situation which was not what we intended.
While the property had potential, these issues made our stay less enjoyable than we had hoped.
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Claudia B.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
Beautiful and so quiet! Only thing that was challenging was the no toilets. I hope the plan for the space is to eventually add a portable toilet at least cus that was a little more rustic than I prepared myself for. Still, super lovely property and we had a great time.
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Molly P.
1 year on Hipcamp
We had an amazing weekend in the peace of the woods and dipping in the creek! This spot is a real gem, the hosts are so nice and welcoming. Great place to spend some time outside with kids! We will be back!
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Juliette And D.
5 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
16 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
It was a beautiful, peaceful and secluded site. It was easy to get to and the hosts were very hospitable.
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Gerald H.
4 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent · With pets ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
Wonderful site! Huge, super private, easy to access, and with incredibly kind hosts!
Just be aware about the bucket toilets - but our whole crew (of adults and kids) worked them with no problem!
Eric S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
Camping on Doug & Denise’s property was lovely! We drove up from LA to escape into some Santa Cruz magic and it did not disappoint. Thank you for having us!
Ps. Bring mosquito repellents for the evening.
Nancy M.
5 years on Hipcamp
Denise’s place is absolutely amazing. Complete privacy, in the clearing of a redwood Forrest, on a running creak, 10 minutes from the coast. I’ve stayed at over a dozen Hipcamps and this is my favorite spot to date. I’m already planning another visit.
Ethan E.
7 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
20 ft pop-up camper · Group trip ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
We had a large group and had plenty of space to spread out, with lots of room to play in the meadow in the midst of the redwoods. Having a water hose at the edge of the camp was great. The walk to the creek (~ a mile) was beautiful, and the creek itself was lovely. The intro to the horses at the barn at feeding time was fun. The hosts were friendly and very accommodating to our needs and last minute changes.
P
Paula H.
9 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
16 ft car · With pets ·
Creek Site
The creekside campsite was absolutely amazing. Ample privacy and beautiful surroundings. Doug was extremely hospitable. The mandatory check in makes sense once you arrive at the property. Can’t wait to stay again!
M
Matt A.
2 years on Hipcamp
We tent-camped on the sole upper meadow site surrounded by the classic Redwood forest with massive Douglas Firs and two graceful Madrone Oaks above us. Hidden hammock on a little hill steps away. Three-quarter mile walk down to a sublime creek. Very friendly and helpful hosts, Doug and Denise, who encourage a visit with their horses.
Jim M.
3 reviews
Our family had a great time camping at Doug and Denise's Family Ranch. The hosts were friendly and greeted us upon arrival and led us down to the creek site, which was quiet (except the sound of the babbling brook) and secluded. We would spend our mornings and evenings at the camp site and explore the surrounding area during the day. A great 3 night stay in a beautiful forest.
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Brandon K.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent ·
PEACEFUL REDWOOD LANDING
Nice and quiet getaway with easy access to Felton, Davenport and Santa Cruz.
R
Randy D.
2 reviews
The Space:
The Creek Site was a short drive down from the main property. We were able to make it down and back in our 24' RV with no issue. The campsite itself is open, level, and spacious. It overlooks the creek on a bit of a cliff and is close enough to hear the peaceful sound of running water all day and night. It is also just a short walk down to splash around in the water. It felt very private to be only surrounded by nature and the redwood forest.
The People:
Doug and Denise are awesome! We also got to meet the horses, chickens, and dogs. My three girls LOVED getting to help June with feeding the horses and even helping clean up the pen a little. They were so welcoming and friendly! We cannot wait to come back and visit!
A
Andres M.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
16 ft car · With kids ·
Creek Site
Beautiful location and Doug and Denise were very friendly and kind.
Hope to return again soon.
D
David T.
8 months on Hipcamp
This is easily one of my all-time fave Hipcamps. Tucked away in a forest with a private creek, it doesn’t get much better. The property spans about 40 acres of beautiful, wooded land that made us feel like we were deep in the backcountry—yet it's easy to get to and not too far from Santa Cruz proper (the hosts provided impeccable directions prior to our arrival). The creek was the perfect place to relax and recharge. Once our hosts showed us to our site, we didn’t see or hear another soul—just how we like it when we camp. The hosts were incredibly welcoming and seemed genuinely happy to share their stunning piece of land with us. Tip: They aren't exaggerating when they say their water is delicious--make sure to get some!
Courtney M.
10 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Creek Site
Doug and Denise are very friendly and helpful. The space is very private but not very shaded during the day (we stayed in June) so definitely rent the pop-up tent or bring your own.
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Cathy C.
7 months on Hipcamp
This is a super convenient place to get away from it all...but also be 15 min away from Davenport and their convenience store and shops (as well as the coastal beaches). There is lots of space and sun in the meadow spot, and we walked past the creek spot on our hike down to the beautiful creek. The creek was a great place to be able to walk to during the hottest part of the day. Choose the creek site if you really want to camp and just be away from everything (the drive to it would be a mini adventure). Choose the meadow if you want to get in and out easily. It also has some great trees for hanging your hammocks. The whole experience was peaceful and the perfect weekend of camping. Obviously you have to appreciate a camp in/camp out experience (including your own poo), but Doug and Denise made it as easy and convenient as they can. Highly recommend having or renting from them the propane pit during the summer no-burn months.
Katie T.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Creek Site
Really great hospitality - kids loved meeting and feeding the animals. The trek to the creek was steep, but the kids loved it (ages 4-8). Lovely, quiet site with sounds of the running creek and nothing else around. FYI no wood fires in summer, but they did provide a propane fire pit as an alternative. Would stay again!
K
Katharine S.
10 months on Hipcamp
We loved staying at Redwood landing! It gets very sunny during the day, so our canopy came in handy. Each morning was beautifully foggy and cool, and there was a really nice breeze in the afternoons. The redwoods are beautiful all around the site. It’s close to the beach so we took day trips there. Doug and Denise were excellent hosts. Our dog had a blast (but watch out for poison oak and ticks). Definitely recommend this wonderful private campsite!
Cece P.
5 years on Hipcamp
We loved camping at Banks Ranch. Doug and Denise were such wonderful couple and they sincerely welcomed us to their ranch. We got to meet the animals. Our kids loved feeding them and we got eggs as well. Our walk down the creek was beautiful too. Make sure you take screenshots of the direction cause you may no have service down there. The family with us were first time campers and they loved this place. Highly recommend this place.
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Shemmi P.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Creek Site
Met all expectations of tranquility and privacy. Nice flat campsite with the sound of the nearby creek. Doug was great, helped us to our site and made us feel welcome and comfortable. Would definitely recommend and return.
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J M.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Creek Site
The campsite was great! Super clean and private. Denise was very friendly upon arrival.
K
Kyle W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent ·
Creek Site
We had such a fun time staying at Doug and Denise's creek campsite. The sound of the creek and the shade from all those beautiful redwoods was by far my favorite. This place is perfect to escape the heat of the summer. To top it all off Doug was such a humble and kind person, he gave us a tour of his ranch and filled us in on all the hard work and time he's put into this land. Thank you again for being kind hosts and for hooking it up with some fresh eggs, we will definitely be back again.
Christian P.
1 year on Hipcamp
The site was epic and really well maintained. It felt secluded, but not dangerously remote for my girlfriend's first time camping. The directions were fairly clear and the spot was easy enough to find. Doug and Denise were super friendly and accomodating. My only critique is the site could use a better bathroom option. We ended up bringing our own fold up tent toilet setup purchased from Amazon. 9/10 We'd love to come back and try out the Creek site.
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Dark Sky Matters D.
9 months on Hipcamp
This camp site was a lovely gem to find that was perfectly secluded yet not a far drive into town. We drove a 30 ft trailer and some parts were a little narrow getting to the site but made it with no problem. The kids loved the short hike to the creek. We definitely were happy we chose the redwood spot vs the creek given the length of our trailer. Doug was a great host and we were all happy to hear all about their animals. Would love to stay again if we are ever back in Santa Cruz.
Yvette M.
3 reviews
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 April 2021Things to do nearby
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