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Camping
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek. 831.338.8860
Nothing beats a weekend (or a week) in this gorgeous park, the state’s oldest and one of its biggest. Elevations vary from sea level to over 2,000 feet, and the climate ranges accordingly, from foggy and damp near the ocean to sunny and warm on ridgetops. The park's major campsites, high in the mountains, can be reached by automobile. Features include family and group camping, tent cabins equipped with wood stoves, backpacking camps, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian trails and of course gaping at 2,000-year-old giant trees. There are also about a dozen rustic backpacking sites available by reservation near the Waddell Creek entrance to the park, off Highway 1. The park is open year-round, and reservations are encouraged (downright necessary, actually) during the summer.
Take Highway 9 to Highway 236/Big Basin Way. Stay on this road; it runs into the park. Fees range from $6 entrance fee to $224 for a group site reservation.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 North Big Trees Park Rd, Felton. 831.438.2396
This park features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a redwood forest that looks much the same as it did 200 years ago. Adjoining the park is the Roaring Camp Railroad, which offers visitors a chance to journey back in time on an old steam locomotive. Camping fee is $25 per night; bring quarters for the hot showers.
From Santa Cruz, go north on Highway 17 to Mt. Hermon/Big Basin exit. Follow Mt. Hermon Road to Graham Hill Road and turn left. Park entrance is approximately two miles on the right.
Mt. Madonna County Park
7850 Pole Line Rd, Watsonville. 408.355.2201
Located in the mountains above Watsonville, this park is easily accessible and features clean restrooms, RV hookups and group camping sites. An archery range is one of the many surprises here, along with an amphitheater that can host outdoor events. Mt. Madonna has 17 partial hook-up sites with electricity and water for RV’s. Reservations are suggested for any type of camping.
From Santa Cruz, travel south on Highway 1 to 152 East. Follow through Watsonville and up the mountain to the summit. Park entrance is on the left.
New Brighton State Beach
1500 Park Ave, Capitola. 831.464.6330.
Once the site of a Chinese fishing village, New Brighton, at the northernmost tip of a 30-mile crescent of beach lining Monterey Bay, now offers locals and visitors a haven from the hectic pace of city life. It’s very popular for camping, with more than 80 sites located on the forested bluffs above the beach. Site has RV hookups, group sites, amenities and hiking information. Sites run $3-$125; standard campsites are $25.
From Santa Cruz, travel south on Highway 1. Take the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit, turn right at bottom of ramp and left at first stop sign. Follow the road to park gate.
Sunset State Beach
201 Sunset Beach Rd, Watsonville. 831.763.7063
Surrounded by fertile farmland, Sunset features a wooded campground, picnic area, group campground and 200-foot high dunes (the largest in the country) built up in front of coastal bluff. The beach itself stretches down to where it meets the mouth of the Pajaro River, providing three miles of unobstructed and spectacular shoreline. Group sites and bicycle sites available; fees range from $3 to $224, with standard campsites at $25.
Take Highway 1 six miles south of Santa Cruz, exit right on San Andreas Road and follow signs south.
