Beautiful beaches or serene mountains not your thing. Do you want to camp or park your RV close to fine dining, unique shops and exciting nightlife? The City of Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley or Watsonville just might be the ticket! If you’re looking for a RV park that is close to the beach, boardwalk and downtown Santa Cruz, you can’t get much better than upper Santa Cruz Harbor. It’s just a short walk to Seabright Beach, restaurants and the “brewery”. You’ll probably want to bike, bus or drive downtown or the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, though!   Happy Camping! 

City of Santa Cruz Campgrounds

If you’re looking for a RV park that is close to the beach, boardwalk and downtown Santa Cruz, you can’t get much better than upper Santa Cruz Harbor. It’s just a short walk to Seabright Beach, restaurants and the “brewery”. You’ll probably want to bike, bus or drive downtown or the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, though!

 

Beach RV Park

Full time RV Coastal Living for retirement or snow birds. Lots of activity for the retired who are very active.

Major rating websites rate Beach RV Park 3.5 to 4.1 stars out of 5.

Address: 2505 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: (831) 462-2505
Website: https://www.beachrvcoastalsantacruz.com/

Santa Vida RV Park & Campground

Santa Vida is minutes from downtown Santa Cruz, and offers RV sites in a 23 acre forest setting of beautiful redwoods, madrone, and oak.

Major rating websites rate Santa Vida RV Park & Campground 3.6 to 4.5 stars out of 5.

Address: 1611 Branciforte Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Phone: (831) 425-1945
Website: https://www.santavidarvpark.com/

Seacliff Center RV Park

Seacliff Center RV Park is located near Seacliff State Beach by the historic S.S. Palo Alto cement ship that once floated offshore as an entertainment vessel for dining, dancing and fun, now permanently moored at Seacliff California State Beach.

Major rating websites rate 3.5 to 3.7 stars out of 5.

Address: 234 State Park Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
Phone: (831) 688-3813
Website: https://seacliffrvpark.com/

Santa Cruz Beach Campgrounds

If your dream campsite is near a Santa Cruz beach, you may want to look at Seacliff State Beach. It is located along a long stretch of beach backed by bluffs. It’s known for its fishing pier, swimming and concrete ship. Another great spot is New Brighton State Beach.
 

Big Basin / Rancho Del OsoBig Basin Redwoods State Park — Horse Camp

The ocean end of Big Basin, Hwy 1 831-338-8860 Located 20 miles north of Santa Cruz on Hwy. 1, the park has miles of trails, which serves hikers and equestrians, links Big Basin to Castle Rock State Park and the eastern reaches of the Santa Cruz range. Maps

The Rancho del Oso Horse Camp, with reservations, allows riders to camp overnight with their horse. For reservations for the Horse Camp, please call Big Basin Headquarters at 831-338-8861. Please note, dogs are not allowed in any portion of Rancho del Oso, including the Horse Camp.

Major rating websites rate 4.0 to 5 stars out of 5.

Address: 3600 CA-1, Davenport, CA 95017
Phone: (831) 427-2288
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=863

Manresa State Beach — Tent Camping

Tents camping only, no RVs, mid-May through September. Parking for over 60 walk-in tent sites at Manresa Uplands is in a separate lot near the campground. Pets must not be left unattended in campsites. One vehicle is included in camping fees. Additional funds may be collected on site for up to ONE additional vehicle at a nightly rate. Visit Reserve California to make campsite reservations.

The beach features a beautiful expanse of sea and sand, with surf fishing, and recreation.

Major rating websites rate Manresa State Beach 4.5 to 4.6 stars out of 5.

Address: 1445 San Andreas Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone: (831) 724-3750
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=545

New Brighton State BeachNew Brighton State Beach — RV Park

201 State Park Drive., Aptos, CA (831) 464-6330 The park features picnic areas, swimming, fishing and a nearby forest of Monterey pine. The camping area’s campsites are located on a bluff overlooking northern Monterey Bay.

Major rating websites rate New Brighton State Beach 4.0 to 4.5 stars out of 5.

Address: Capitola, CA 95010
Phone: (831) 464-6329
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=542

Seacliff State BeachSeacliff State Beach — RV Park

201 State Park Drive., Aptos, CA (831) 429-2850 The park is known for its fishing pier and concrete freighter, the Palo Alto. The beach is also a popular swimming spot. There is a long stretch of sand backed by bluffs.

Major rating websites rate 4.0 to 4.6 stars out of 5.

Address: State Park Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
Phone: (831) 685-6442
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=543

 

Santa Cruz Mountains Campgrounds

If warmer weather is your cup of tea, camping in the Santa Cruz Mountains around Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek, or Felton may be your best bet. You will have to give up the ocean views, but the sights and sounds of the coastal redwoods towering above your campsite can be downright euphoric. Too much? How about blissful or extremely enjoyable. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is a good pick for family campgrounds, group campsites, and tent camping.

Big BasinBig Basin Redwoods State Park — Temporarily Closed

The park has miles of trails that link Big Basin to Castle Rock State Park and the eastern reaches of the Santa Cruz range. The trails are utilized by both hikers and equestrians.

Big Basin has several camping options for those wanting to experience the redwoods for more then one day. Big Basin has Standard Campsites, Group Camps, Tent Cabins, horse camps and backcountry trail camps. For more information on camping options, please click https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29761. 

Major rating websites rate Big Basin Redwoods State Park 4.8 stars out of 5.

Address: 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006 
Phone: 
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540

Castle RockCastle Rock State Park — Backpacker campgrounds

15000 Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos, CA (408) 867-2952 Along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park contains 3,600 acres of coast redwood, Douglas-fir, and madrone forest. Steep canyons are sprinkled with unusual rock formations that are popular with rock climbers, and hikers can enjoy the 32 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails.

Castle Rock Trail Camp has 15 of 20 campsites that are available by reservation only. Castle Rock Trail Camp still has five sites available on a first come first serve basis. To get one, check in with staff at the Robert C. Krikwood Parking Lot on Highway 35. Do not hike to the Castle Rock Trail Camp and attempt to find a site before registering!

Castle Rock Trail Camp has trash receptacles, bathrooms, and 20 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings.

Major rating websites rate Castle Rock State Park 4.4 to 4.7 stars out of 5.

Address: 15451 CA-35, Los Gatos, CA 95033 
Phone: (408) 868-9540
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=538

Cotillion Gardens RV Park — RV, Tent and Cabins

The RV Park is located right next to Henry Cowell Redwood State Park, nestled in the giant redwoods and San Lorenzo River. They offer a year round destination for those looking to explore the bay area and redwood forests.

Major rating websites rate Cotillion Gardens RV Park 3.5 to 4.0 stars out of 5.

Address: 300 Old Big Trees Rd, Felton, CA 95018 
Phone: (831) 335-7669
Website: https://www.cotilliongardens.com/

Henry Cowell Redwoods State ParkHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park

The park features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a forest that looks much the same as it did 200 years ago. The park is the home of the Redwood grove, with a self-guided nature path, and Douglas fir, madrone, oak and the most unusual feature of the park, a stand of Ponderosa pine.

The park’s 107-site lies in a shady pine and oak forest, and a separate entrance from the day-use area, which is located off Graham Hill Road in Scotts Valley. Reservations are highly recommended between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Henry Cowell campground closes in the winter season. For more information, please click here https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29725

Major rating websites rate Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 4.5 to 5.0 stars out of 5.

Address: 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA 95018
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=546

Redwood Resort RV Park and Campground

The Redwood Resort of Boulder Creek California is a small privately owned RV park and campground nestled amongst the majestic redwood trees. The RV park is open year round and the campground is open May through September.

Major rating websites rate Redwood Resort RV Park 4.0 to 4.4 stars out of 5.

Address: 150 Grove St, Boulder Creek, CA 95006 
Phone: (831) 338-3413
Website: http://www.redwoodresort.net/

Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

Situated on the beautiful San Lorenzo River and backed by Henry Cowell State Park our clean, newly renovated RV Park and campground offer guests a year round, family oriented, place to relax or a base camp for your outdoor adventure.

They welcome families, groups, and RV clubs of most sizes. All RV sites are full hook-up (electric, water, sewer, and cable TV). Other features include: well maintained showers, a nearby river, comfortable clubhouse recreation room, fire pits, and a playground for the kids.

Major rating websites rate Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort 4.0 to 4.5 stars out of 5.

Address: 4980 CA-9, Felton, CA 95018 
Phone: (831) 335-8312
Website: https://www.santacruzredwoodsrvresort.com/

Smithwoods RV Park

Family owned since 1920, they are located among the redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains — 1.5 miles south of Felton between Highway 9 and the San Lorenzo River.

Major rating websites rate Smithwoods RV Park 4.0 to 4.2 stars out of 5.

Address: 4770 Hwy 9, Felton, CA 95018 
Phone: (831) 335-4321
Website: http://www.smithwoodsrvpark.com/index.htm

Aptos & Soquel Campgrounds

If you’re looking for a RV park that is close to the beach, boardwalk and downtown Santa Cruz, you can’t get much better than upper Santa Cruz Harbor. It’s just a short walk to Seabright Beach, restaurants and the “brewery”. You’ll probably want to bike, bus or drive downtown or the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, though!

 

 Forest of Nisene MarksNisene Marks State Park — Remote camping

The park has 10,000 acres of rugged semi-wilderness, rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains of more than 2,600 feet. Please note that the West Ridge Trail Camp is closed.

Major rating websites rate Nisene Marks State Park 4.3 to 4.8 stars out of 5.

Address: Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos, CA 95003
Phone: (831) 763-7063
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=666

Scotts Valley Campgrounds

Maybe Santa Cruz is just too much fun? Try reviewing our list of Scotts Valley RV parks and campgrounds.

Santa Cruz Ranch RV Park

917 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA (831) 438-1288

Nestled in the trees just minutes away from Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz our resort is here to serve your RV vacation needs.
 
    

 

Watsonville Campgrounds

Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA — Cabin, RV Park and Tent Camping

The perfect sunny base camp for exploring all that the California coast has to offer. Try their fully furnished Deluxe Cabins or Camping Cabins or park your own RV at their Pull-Thru RV Site with KOA Patio®. Amenities include free cable and Wi-Fi.  Tent sites are conveniently situated with picnic tables and fire rings.

Major rating websites rate Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA 4.0 to 4.5 stars out of 5.

Address: 1186 San Andreas Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076 
Phone: (831) 722-0551
Website: https://koa.com/campgrounds/santa-cruz/

Marina Dunes RV Resort

Marina Dunes RV Park in Marina, CA is one of the best-located Monterey Bay RV parks, situated near the ocean and close to everything the area has to offer. You can be near it all and not only enjoy one of the most convenient RV sites but also all the amenities the area has to offer. We offer beachfront access on Monterey Bay and are within driving distance to downtown Monterey.

Major rating websites rate Marina Dunes RV Resort 3.5 to 4.1 stars out of 5.

Address: 3330 Dunes Dr, Marina, CA 93933 
Phone: (831) 384-6914
Website: http://marinadunesrv.com/

Pinto Lake Park — RV Park

Quiet lakeside RV campground in Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz area. Enjoy RV park, the local attractions, the nearby wildlife or just go fishing. The RV Park is open year round, however may be subject to periodic closure during the winter months due to weather and lake level conditions.

Major rating websites rate Pinto Lake Park 3.5 to 4.3 stars out of 5.

Address: 451 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076 
Phone: (831) 728-6194
Website: https://www.cityofwatsonville.org/1525/Pinto-Lake

Sunset State BeachSunset State Beach — Campgrounds

201 Sunset Beach Rd., Watsonville, CA (831) 763-7062 The park features pine trees, mountainous sand dunes, and Pacific Ocean side picnic spots. Bordered by large agricultural fields between the cities of Santa Cruz and Monterey, the beach is a year-round destination for thousands of visitors.

Major rating websites rate Sunset State Beach 4.0 to 4.6 stars out of 5.

Address: Sunset Beach Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone: (831) 763-7063
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=544