- Big Basin Redwoods State Park/
- Camping
The best camping in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, CA
98% (362)
Soak up the shade of old growth redwood trees & take some selfies with banana slugs!
The best camping in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, CA
Sequoia Group Camps
1. Sequoia Group Camps
100%
(29)
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sempervirens Campground
2. Sempervirens Campground
99%
(57)
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Big Basin Tent Cabins
3. Big Basin Tent Cabins
99%
(69)
Sky Meadow Group Camps
4. Sky Meadow Group Camps
98%
(27)
Blooms Creek Campground
5. Blooms Creek Campground
97%
(15)
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Redwood Retreat
6. Redwood Retreat
93%
(15)
4.5mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 2 sites
Tucked away in the Santa Cruz mountains you will find yourself among towering old redwood trees. There is a seasonal creek that runs down the property in the winter in which you can hear the tranquil sounds of water flowing as you sleep. Paved access to our property can accommodate up to 25 foot rv's and trailers. Wildlife such as turkey's, birds, deer, fox's, and bobcats can be seen on the property at times. Hiking trails are within hiking distance. Also the SLV river is a great spot to cool off in the Summer.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$25
/ night
Waldhaus Redwood Retreat
7. Waldhaus Redwood Retreat
100%
(19)
6mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 1 site
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
Santa Cruz's Rudy Ranch
8. Santa Cruz's Rudy Ranch
95%
(197)
6.9mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 10 sites
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
Private Sunny Redwoods Retreat
9. Private Sunny Redwoods Retreat
99%
(39)
7.4mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 1 site
Blooming Echo is a very private, beautifully wooded and wild land. She has a few springs, seasonal creeks, huge trees and a big sunny meadow where we grow our corn. We have a dome for ceremonies and chilling, an outdoor kitchen, two compost toilets, many swings, a trampoline and a slack line. Lots of land to walk and explore, many many wild and native medicinal herbs. This property is totally off grid. You can track wild boar, deer, wild turkeys and mountain lions, and listen to hermit thrush sing in the morning, hawks call during the day and owls hoot at night.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$97
/ night
May's Luxury Farmstays
10. May's Luxury Farmstays
96%
(123)
7.7mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 5 sites
Relax and recharge at our retreat in Los Gatos. Whether you’re here to reconnect with nature, hike the trails, camp under the stars, or explore the Bay Area, Harlan’s Retreat, has everything for a worry-free stay! With nature trails on-site and the Saratoga Gap down the road, you won’t have to go far, For fun drive into the city. Come home and admire the amazing views from your secluded glamp-site with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and Silicon Valley 2,800 feet below.
This very private site offers breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay and the south bay. The views at night are transcendent. The Apple building and Moffet field are clearly visible. you look down from above the clouds to the valley floor 2,800 feet below.
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
$99
/ night
Huckleberry Campground
11. Huckleberry Campground
96%
(153)
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Wastahi Campground
12. Wastahi Campground
92%
(12)
Alder Trail Camp
13. Alder Trail Camp
Jay Camp Bike-In
14. Jay Camp Bike-In
Jay Trail Camp
15. Jay Trail Camp
Lane Trail Camp
16. Lane Trail Camp
Rancho Del Oso Horse Camp
17. Rancho Del Oso Horse Camp
Sunset Trail Camp
18. Sunset Trail Camp
Twin Redwoods Trail Camp
19. Twin Redwoods Trail Camp
Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
20. Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
99%
(153)
8mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 1 site
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all.
Situated on top of a ridge with expansive redwood forest and coastal views, the Audrey Edna Cabin provides a completely private gathering place and destination for visitors with reservations. The cabin has spectacular views of forest, sky, ocean and the Butano ridgeline. It's a short hike to 8000+ acres of county parkland where you can hike, bike and ride horses (though please note, there are no facilities for horse boarding at the cabin.) The cabin is located at Alpine Ranch, a property adjacent to Sam McDonald County Park that was protected by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
Whether you are looking for an active experience or just want to relax in a peaceful, remote setting, there's something here for everyone.
This is a rustic hike-in cabin designed for a introductory pack-in experience. Bedding is not provided. It is about a 1.7-mile hike on a rolling dirt road from the Sam McDonald County Park parking lot, with about 650 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers can reach the cabin in an hour or less. Guests should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before sunset, and pack water and flashlights or headlamps. Guests with limited mobility, please contact us for information regarding accommodations that will allow you to access this shared resource.
*A note about reservation availability: On the weekends, POST offers priority reservations for the cabin to our partners at the San Mateo County Health Department and Park Rx to provide patients with equitable access to the benefits of nature. Occasionally, we have last-minute public weekend reservation availability due to cancellations. The cabin is reservable up to 3 months in advance, on a rolling basis.
Love the idea of a hike-in cabin, but unable to visit us Sunday-Thursday? Check out the nearby Sierra Club Hiker's Hut in Sam McDonald County Park.
Property History:
At one time, the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains was a thriving center for trade between tribes of the coast and the bay, which we still find evidence of today in cultural sites and artifacts throughout the region. Native people have cared for this land since time immemorial, including the local Muwekma and Ramaytush Ohlone who are still active in the area today. This property specifically is host to a tributary to one of just a handful of waterways that support salmonids in this region, which are a species of tremendous importance to native people.
Over 1000 acres here were eventually purchased by entrepreneur Ridgeway Rowley, who built a home on the ranch in the 1880s as part of an unsuccessful wedding proposal to Fannie Page, daughter of a local mill owner (ever heard of Page Mill Road?) After being rejected by Fannie, Rowley operated the ranch for a decade in conjunction with his work as District Attorney and publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, before eventually returning to his hometown of Cortland, NY, where he lived as a bachelor until his death. Over the course of the 20th century, the ranch was divided, some parts of which became Pescadero Creek County Park. POST purchased the 350 acre home property, now called Alpine Ranch, in 2012 through our Heart of the Redwoods campaign, an initiative to protect 20,000 acres of Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Alpine Ranch borders Pescadero Creek County Park and Sam McDonald County Park, adding to the area’s protected open space and containing more than a mile of tributaries to Pescadero Creek, which flows year-round and is a major spawning stream for steelhead trout.
The Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch is situated at one of the property's most scenic overlooks. The cabin was built in the early 1900's, and completely reconstructed up to modern building codes by POST in 2018 so that all could enjoy this special place.
Toilets
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
$100
/ night
98% (362)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Big Basin Redwoods State Park adventure.
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Redwood Retreat
Redwood Retreat
93%
(15)
4.5mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 2 sites
Tucked away in the Santa Cruz mountains you will find yourself among towering old redwood trees. There is a seasonal creek that runs down the property in the winter in which you can hear the tranquil sounds of water flowing as you sleep. Paved access to our property can accommodate up to 25 foot rv's and trailers. Wildlife such as turkey's, birds, deer, fox's, and bobcats can be seen on the property at times. Hiking trails are within hiking distance. Also the SLV river is a great spot to cool off in the Summer.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$25
/ night
Waldhaus Redwood Retreat
Waldhaus Redwood Retreat
100%
(19)
6mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 1 site
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
Santa Cruz's Rudy Ranch
Santa Cruz's Rudy Ranch
95%
(197)
6.9mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 10 sites
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
Private Sunny Redwoods Retreat
Private Sunny Redwoods Retreat
99%
(39)
7.4mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 1 site
Blooming Echo is a very private, beautifully wooded and wild land. She has a few springs, seasonal creeks, huge trees and a big sunny meadow where we grow our corn. We have a dome for ceremonies and chilling, an outdoor kitchen, two compost toilets, many swings, a trampoline and a slack line. Lots of land to walk and explore, many many wild and native medicinal herbs. This property is totally off grid. You can track wild boar, deer, wild turkeys and mountain lions, and listen to hermit thrush sing in the morning, hawks call during the day and owls hoot at night.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$97
/ night
May's Luxury Farmstays
May's Luxury Farmstays
96%
(123)
7.7mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 5 sites
Relax and recharge at our retreat in Los Gatos. Whether you’re here to reconnect with nature, hike the trails, camp under the stars, or explore the Bay Area, Harlan’s Retreat, has everything for a worry-free stay! With nature trails on-site and the Saratoga Gap down the road, you won’t have to go far, For fun drive into the city. Come home and admire the amazing views from your secluded glamp-site with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and Silicon Valley 2,800 feet below.
This very private site offers breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay and the south bay. The views at night are transcendent. The Apple building and Moffet field are clearly visible. you look down from above the clouds to the valley floor 2,800 feet below.
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
$99
/ night
Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
99%
(153)
8mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 1 site
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all.
Situated on top of a ridge with expansive redwood forest and coastal views, the Audrey Edna Cabin provides a completely private gathering place and destination for visitors with reservations. The cabin has spectacular views of forest, sky, ocean and the Butano ridgeline. It's a short hike to 8000+ acres of county parkland where you can hike, bike and ride horses (though please note, there are no facilities for horse boarding at the cabin.) The cabin is located at Alpine Ranch, a property adjacent to Sam McDonald County Park that was protected by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
Whether you are looking for an active experience or just want to relax in a peaceful, remote setting, there's something here for everyone.
This is a rustic hike-in cabin designed for a introductory pack-in experience. Bedding is not provided. It is about a 1.7-mile hike on a rolling dirt road from the Sam McDonald County Park parking lot, with about 650 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers can reach the cabin in an hour or less. Guests should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before sunset, and pack water and flashlights or headlamps. Guests with limited mobility, please contact us for information regarding accommodations that will allow you to access this shared resource.
*A note about reservation availability: On the weekends, POST offers priority reservations for the cabin to our partners at the San Mateo County Health Department and Park Rx to provide patients with equitable access to the benefits of nature. Occasionally, we have last-minute public weekend reservation availability due to cancellations. The cabin is reservable up to 3 months in advance, on a rolling basis.
Love the idea of a hike-in cabin, but unable to visit us Sunday-Thursday? Check out the nearby Sierra Club Hiker's Hut in Sam McDonald County Park.
Property History:
At one time, the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains was a thriving center for trade between tribes of the coast and the bay, which we still find evidence of today in cultural sites and artifacts throughout the region. Native people have cared for this land since time immemorial, including the local Muwekma and Ramaytush Ohlone who are still active in the area today. This property specifically is host to a tributary to one of just a handful of waterways that support salmonids in this region, which are a species of tremendous importance to native people.
Over 1000 acres here were eventually purchased by entrepreneur Ridgeway Rowley, who built a home on the ranch in the 1880s as part of an unsuccessful wedding proposal to Fannie Page, daughter of a local mill owner (ever heard of Page Mill Road?) After being rejected by Fannie, Rowley operated the ranch for a decade in conjunction with his work as District Attorney and publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, before eventually returning to his hometown of Cortland, NY, where he lived as a bachelor until his death. Over the course of the 20th century, the ranch was divided, some parts of which became Pescadero Creek County Park. POST purchased the 350 acre home property, now called Alpine Ranch, in 2012 through our Heart of the Redwoods campaign, an initiative to protect 20,000 acres of Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Alpine Ranch borders Pescadero Creek County Park and Sam McDonald County Park, adding to the area’s protected open space and containing more than a mile of tributaries to Pescadero Creek, which flows year-round and is a major spawning stream for steelhead trout.
The Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch is situated at one of the property's most scenic overlooks. The cabin was built in the early 1900's, and completely reconstructed up to modern building codes by POST in 2018 so that all could enjoy this special place.
Toilets
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
$100
/ night
BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS
BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS
97%
(211)
9.3mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Purchased from the original owner in 1998.
Doug has been clearing and improving the ranch for over 20 years.
After surviving the CZU Fire in the summer of 2020, the clearing is continuing and the green growth is thriving all over the ranch.
Come revive and energize your soul as you experience the the magic of this private redwood forest.
Feel the soothing sound and atmosphere of the pristine creek and its' endless flow as it meanders through the ranch.
The seclusion and calmness of this place is addicting!
PITCH YOUR TENT UNDER THE MAJESTIC REDWOODS ON THE OLDTIMERS SKID LANDING AND ENJOY THE PRIVACY, SERENITY AND THE SOUNDS OF NATURE ALL AROUND YOU.
EASY WALKING ON OUR PRIVATE LOGGING ROADS.
SEE THE RESULTS OF THE CZU FIRE AS YOUR HIKE DOWN TO THE PRISTINE AND BEAUTIFUL YEAR ROUND CREEK THAT RUNS THOUGH THE RANCH.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$125
/ night
Redwood Paradise Camping
Redwood Paradise Camping
91%
(283)
9.6mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 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
Redwoods Mountain Getaway
97%
(150)
11mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 2 sites
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
Bear Gulch Hide Out
Bear Gulch Hide Out
100%
(82)
12mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
This 60 acre property is located approximately 3 miles east of San Gregorio Beach in the San Gregorio area. There is no home here, only a travel trailer on the upper level. It is very peaceful, quiet and beautiful throughout the seasons.
We are 5 minutes away from the San Gregorio General Store and cafe and 20 minutes from Alice's Restaurant. We have great cell coverage for Verizon.
There are three campsites, each with easy 4WD access. Two of the sites offer total isolation with amazing views while the third site, while in a nice setting, is more useful for a quick overnight stay with no views of the ocean or canyon. Please note that five easy-going cows (no bulls) reside on this property.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$45
/ night
Camp Jaron
Camp Jaron
99%
(41)
12mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Completely private 19 acres to explore while only being 10 min from downtown Los Gatos (FYI has great cell reception). Plenty of flat empty land to pitch tents. There is a compost toilet and an outdoor shower with cold water. There is plenty of room to explore, half of the property is pretty dense wilderness but the main half has hammocks, slack line, fire pit, bbq, tables, etc.
*FYI due to the steep driveway (see pic) the property is only accessible by AWD or 4-wheel drive SUV or truck; cars, vans, or RVs will not be able to make it (if you are not sure please ask before booking).
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$68
/ night
Felton Open Space Camp Sites
Felton Open Space Camp Sites
94%
(559)
13mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Next to Historic Winery in the heart of Santa Cruz Mountains in the quaint town of Felton. Located between two state parks, Henry Cowell and Fall Creek. Just 6 miles, up in the mountains, from the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Bay. Half a mile from the famous Roaring Camp Railway. Wine & Cider tasting next door at Hallcrest Vineyards; Dine in Felton, hiking, biking and local shops to explore. Please note when booking that each of the sites are limited to 4 adults only. Children are welcome.
Pets
Toilets
from
$41
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
P
Paige
1 week ago
Weekend Trip to Happy Valley Haven
We loved staying here! It was a beautiful, clean, and peaceful space - we especially loved the kitchenette.
See more
Lauren
1 week ago
Tent
This campsite is completely secluded with breathtaking views. My dog had a blast as well. Be prepared to hike a bit to the site if you don’t have 4WD. The host is a great communicator and was very descriptive about expectations. An issue came up which he immediately remediated and then some. Truly great experience, I hope to come back again and would absolutely recommend to others!
See more
Elle
2 weeks ago
Tent
Upon booking, Art was immediately helpful and recommended The Ridge for the best view and moat privacy. His directions to his farm were clear, and he was quick to reply every time. He met me at the gate to escort me up to the top. I felt safe with him and on his property as a single female camper. He was extra generous with offering me anything that I may need. I really appreciate how comfortable he made me feel. Truly a sweetheart and genuine human.
I'm glad I switched my booking to The Ridge. It's a long strip of land overlooking a valley on both sides and an ocean view. I personally enjoyed the farmland view a little bit more;) I could see cows all around in different pastures. It's a great spot to soak in nature, which I did. I headed a bit down the ridge from where I set up camp, found a sunny patch with a great view, and took a nap. You can find all sort of special spots along the ridge which you have to yourself!
See more
charles
2 weeks ago
20 ft pop-up camper
I made a last minute stop here over the weekend, and it was a perfect spot to get away from the busy town and get some peace and quiet. The directions were easy to follow, and i was able to find my spot and setup in the dark with no issues
See more
Philippa
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Amazing campsite - beautiful views, and Art was great
See more
M
Monty
2 weeks ago
18 ft campervan
Sites were good. Not hard to find. Though a little close. Good for van camping.
See more
L
Leslie
2 weeks ago
19 ft campervan
Beautiful, quiet space and close to Santa Cruz. We saw several deer when we were there.
See more
J
Josh
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Great open spot with beautiful view of the hills and very nice host to welcome you and show you around. Will hopefully be back to see the other Ridge spot on the property.
See more
M
Margaret
2 weeks ago
17 ft campervan
With pets
Getting there means driving on a very narrow and winding road for about 5km. It is however well worth it. It feels very private and secluded even though there are houses sprinkled through the valley. Lots of room to set up and enjoy 360’ views from sunrise to sunset. My two dogs enjoyed the freedom of running around without having to stay tethered to my camper. Clean porta potty. I didn’t see any potable water but I’m sure I could get some from the host if I needed it. Given a chance in the future, I would return.
See more
J
Jared
3 weeks ago
Tent
Super quiet and peaceful. Awesome spot. Compost toilet could use a solid deep cleaning however.
See more
Sven
3 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
Great property. Quiet and dark. Walk to porta potty is down a steep gravel road and if you’re not sure footed you might slip. Art is very accommodating.
See more
H
Hugh
3 weeks ago
27 ft pop-up camper
Michael was great at helping me navigate my adventure. The stay was great and relaxing. The nearby reservoir was an easy drive for a morning of fishing and the property was quiet and relaxing. The steep entry was no joke, but was no issue in a 2025 Subaru Outback wilderness. I would not recommend in a RWD/FWD coupe
See more
M
Mike
3 weeks ago
12 ft campervan
Straightforward check-in and excellent location. Highly recommend this place.
See moreE
Eva
3 weeks ago
Tent
Tent camping here was a blast! Beautiful land surrounded by redwoods. Close enough to drive into town or head to the beach, but secluded enough to make you feel disconnected from “everyday life”
See moreS
Samuel
3 weeks ago
Tent
The campsite seemed very nice! I planned a trip with my best friend to visit UC Santa Cruz, and we chose to stay overnight there at the campground. We arrived extremely late, which is not recommended by him, but we planned it at the very last minute, so we didn't read the full instructions. Likely a mistake on our part, but the link to the location of the sight took us to the wrong spot at first. However, after going further up the road, we found the driveway entrance. When we were lost, Scott was incredibly helpful and understanding. I recommend you stay there if you want to camp a bit in Santa Cruz. It's a bit expensive, but a good spot.
See moreD
David
3 weeks ago
17 ft travel trailer
All the sites were quite lovely and easy to get into with our trailer. We had site one, which has a little more space than the others and worked well for our setup Bodhi the dog is a big friendly goofball who visited us several times, but be warned he will try to steal food (and dog toys) if you let him. He and our dog got along really well and were playing together nicely the whole weekend.
The winery tasting room is an easy walk from any of the sites and has some great wines and ciders on tap. Would definitely visit again.
See more
Hayley
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Happy Valley Haven
Wonderful experience stopping for the night at the Haven. Plenty of hot water in the outdoor shower, too👌🏻
See more
B
Barrie
January 2026
16 ft pop-up camper
Beautiful location and super easy to find. Thank you
See more
Alyssa
January 2026
1 night at Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
This is an amazing and well-appointed cabin in such a beautiful part of the forested mountains. We loved our stay and also learning about the great work that POST does. Thank you!!
See more
D
Dariusz
January 2026
Weekend Trip to Dreamy California Coast Airstreams
My wife and I had the best time staying in this airstream! It was clean and spacious inside with a huge private area outside with a firepit. Also had incredible views of the ocean and especially gorgeous sunsets. Looking forward to visiting again in the future!
See moreThe best camping in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, CA guide
Overview
About
In the heart of the Santa Cruz mountains you can find California’s oldest state park. It is home to the largest continuous stand of ancient Coastal Redwoods. Some of the giant trees are more than 50 feet around and as tall as the Statue of Liberty. In addition to the beautiful, historic trees (some which predate the Roman Empire), the park offers insane views of the Pacific Ocean (hikers adore the 10.5-mile Skyline to Sea Trail!). Berry Creek falls is just one of the many waterfalls to explore.
Elevation in the park varies from sea level to above 2,000 feet and the natural features are diverse, ranging from wet forest to arid and desert-like. With over 18,000 acres of area to hike, bike and play in, there is no opportunity for boredom at Big Basin. Big Basin offers 146 campsites, four group sites, tent cabins, backcountry hike-in trail camps, and horse camping. So what’re you waiting for? Book your Big Basin camping adventure!
When to go
The best time to visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers longer days for exploration, though it can be busier. Winter may present challenges with wet conditions and limited access.
Know before you go
- Check current trail conditions and closures before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Day-use parking is limited; reservations are recommended and can be made online.
- Cell service is unreliable, so plan ahead and download maps or directions.
- Remember, this is a Crumb Clean park; always dispose of trash properly to protect wildlife.
- For a seamless visit, arrive with a full tank of petrol as there are no filling stations nearby.
98%
362 ratings · 58 reviews
Absolutely love visiting these campgrounds BUT it is first come first serve and we luckily came early on a holiday weekend but quickly saw everyone fill up these spots the next day. Prepare for a backup plan just in case. There was a nice bathroom facility and great hikes as well as such wonderful sunset views.
N
Natalie G.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2020
Just camped here over July 4th weekend and it was fantastic! Beautiful campground within the Redwoods, lots of shade, plenty of space between your neighbors. The staff did a fantastic job of keeping the restrooms clean often. Only one downside was the check-in process this weekend but it is understandable with the holiday. Would highly recommend this site!
Claudia C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· April 2020
My GF and I have stayed at site 125 and 116. Site 125 has HUGE redwoods that are incredible to wake up to, but it's not very secluded. Site 116 is very secluded and surrounded by beautiful redwoods, this spot is INCREDIBLE; however, it's very hard to reserve because it's always booked! Either way - this place is fantastic!
Sam O.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2020
Love camping here under the beautiful redwoods! Can get crowded, but with planning you can find some semi-private ones and/or not right on top of each other.
Shana B.
2 reviews
July 2019
Overall enjoyable experience, with clean/functional bathrooms and away from the busy atmosphere of the main big basin parking area. No reception, but free wifi at the visitor's center a five minute drive away. "Walk in", but only a few minutes' walk from the lot.
Went in mid June, and regretted not having DEET spray; the natural citronella spray didn't do anything for all the mosquitos (and whatever else bit me) at the campgrounds.
This campground is described as 'remote' and 'quiet', but you can definitely see (and hear) at least three or four other tents near yours. Maybe on a weeknight in the off season you'd get quiet, but otherwise prepare for the typical speakers blasting at night, kids screaming in the early morning experience.
A
A H.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2019
The bugs are really bad near the showers.
K
Kristina G.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2018
We found a lovely, secluded, walk-in site with an incredible stargazing spot a short hike away. The racoons will steal your food, though.
Brittney R.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2018
Peaceful and serene. Crazy aggressive raccoons.
Lisa M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2018
Groups can get loud here.
Lisa M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2018
It is cold here basically year round. The cabins are a great option if you have any reluctant campers.
Lisa M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2018
Do not underestimate the raccoons. Pack food in a locked trunk immediately after use.
Lisa M.
3 reviews
October 2018
We've gone to the Sequoia Group Camp for the past 10 years. There are two sites. The lower camp seems more popular for groups with kids and is closer to the bathroom. We stay at the upper camp. The tent sites are a little farther apart. Each site has one fire ring and you have to supply your own firewood. The bathrooms are great: flush toilets and hot showers for $0.50/2minutes. There is fairly short trail down to the ranger station/store and major trailheads. Be sure to use the lockers for your food - raccoons have been a problem in the past.
C
Christine N.
7 years on Hipcamp
July 2018
This was my first time coming to Big Basin. It was fun. We were lucky and booked a campsite for the 4th of July weekend one week prior! They held a talent show for the kids. Although, I had such low expectations for our campsite, since it was right at the entrance of the campgrounds and right next to the road. BUT!! It happened to be the best one. There was almost like a secret nook above our campsite, where we set up our tent. It does connect to a grove and trail towards HQ but no one came by.
I highly recommend campsite 104B. You do hear the cars drive by in the day but in the evenings it's dead quiet and super secluded.
Cielo L.
8 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· June 2018
Big Basin is beautiful, historic, and extremely family friendly (too family friendly for my purposes). Wastahi Campground is exceptionally hilly--few sites are remotely level--and partly due to this it's pretty loud. There is a lot of echoing of sounds, and the weekend I spent there seemed to have attracted particularly inconsiderate campers. There seemed to be little oversight on the site--music blasting at midnight--and toilet paper ran out early. If you are energetically sensitive like me, be aware that you are not out of the City sphere here. I could still feel the mass of people, and there are several airplanes per day that fly overhead.
Kristin C.
7 years on Hipcamp
May 2018
love this place do it ever year
Denise R.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2018
Hot showers available but need quarters
J
Juan N.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2018
Camped in February. Beautiful campsite! Can get a little chilly under the trees this time of year. You can pay for campsites with a card but need cash to buy wood.
M
Matthew O.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2018
Watch out for the raccoons. They'll steal food right out of your hands.
G
Gina F.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2018
very nice campground with nice showers and great hiking trails
M
Matthew Y.
8 years on Hipcamp
November 2017
Really enjoyed camping here. A lot of the campsites are very spaced out so you don't have neighbors right next to you. Campsite 63 was very private, while at the same time really close to the water spigot and not far from the bathrooms. The bathrooms have bright lights at night, so consider that before picking a site that's right next to the bathroom. The bathrooms themselves are very clean and are all individual unisex bathrooms, which is nice for privacy. The campsite had a nice deep fire pit and a food locker to keep your food away from the Jays, Ravens, etc. Only complaint was that our campsite was very slopey with not a lot of flat space, but we made it work okay. Overall this is a great place to camp, with some stunning Redwoods!
Christopher D.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
Crowded
B
Blair G.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
This place is beautiful but populated with party jerks.
Nikki T.
10 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
gorgeous, dogs only allowed on paved areas, campsites are close to each other
Hannah E.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2017
The redwoods are a must see for anyone traveling in the area!
C
Calvin B.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2017
Great family place, we went with a huge group and had a blast exploring old trees, hiking, the kids ran wild. Clean air, tall trees, moss beds and quiet neighbors.
M
Megan A.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2017
Earliest memories of camping in the backwoods of Silicon Valley. A safe zone amidst so much technology.
M
Matt C.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2017
I love this campground! It is nice and shaded. I also love it because it is untouched land. The nature here is beautiful and lush and thriving. The dirt is heavy and red and the trees are the tallest greet moss covered trees. There is also a creek that you can find! Some campsites will have the creek flowing by them. It's so refreshing and even fun/safe freshwater to swim in. It's a natural habitat.
M
Mia S.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2017
Try the supplied stuff for family of 4 if you have trouble getting out the door! !
C
Charlotte M.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2017
Most sites are private and it's generally quiet.
Z
Ze P.
8 years on Hipcamp
June 2017
Lovely campground - amazing to be able to sleep surrounded by giant redwoods. We came here on a rainy weekend in the fall and camped in the tent-only spot 61H. Though it's next to the restrooms, it was a quieter weekend so there wasn't too much noise or light distractions. And on that note, the restrooms were the cleanest I've seen of any campground!
However, beware if you're camping here during a particularly rainy period - we (along with most others in the campground) packed up a day early. Because the tent pitch areas are lower than surrounding areas, you may end up with your tent submerged in a few cm of water! I'm hoping to come back again to fully explore the Sea to Skyline trail.
Kristy W.
9 years on Hipcamp