Discover the perfect campsite: Plan your State Parks adventure
Camping at state parks or beaches is a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. This guide provides essential information to ensure a safe, enjoyable and memorable visit.
Nestled in stunning natural landscapes, these campsites offer a unique opportunity to connect with the outdoors. Whether you’re planning a summer adventure or a peaceful retreat any time of year, there’s a campsite to suit your needs. State parks and beaches in Santa Cruz and coastal San Mateo counties offer campgrounds that are year-round, seasonal, full-service, tent-only and even a horse camp!
Let this guide help you make the most of your stay and create lasting memories in the great outdoors.
Campground Information:
- The 52-site campground is located at Francis Beach, one of four beaches at Half Moon Bay State Beach.
- There’s a maximum occupancy of eight people and three vehicles per campsite.
- Campgrounds here are suitable for tent camping, trailers and recreational vehicles, depending on the site.
- Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.
- The maximum length for trailers, campers and motorhomes is 40 feet.
- A dump station is available for a $10 fee.
- Flushing restrooms, potable water, trash cans and coin-operated hot showers are available.
- Campsite reservations must be made through ReserveCalifornia: 1-800-444-PARK (7275) or online.
Directions:
From Santa Cruz, drive north on Highway 1 for 48 miles. In the City of Half Moon Bay, turn left onto Kelly Avenue. Drive approximately .75 miles down Kelly Avenue to Francis Beach at the end of the street.
From the Peninsula, take Highway 280 to Highway 35. Take Highway 35 to Highway 92 West and drive for 14 miles before turning left onto Highway 1. After turning, follow Highway 1 down for approximately .25 miles before turning right onto Kelly Avenue. Drive approximately .75 miles down Kelly Avenue to Francis Beach at the end of the street.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (seasonal)
Campground Information:
- The 113-site campground is located in a shady pine and oak forest on Graham Hill Road, three miles north of the City of Santa Cruz. It includes one bike site
- The campground is seasonal. This year (2025), it will be open late (Aug. 1) due to construction and close Oct. 10.
- There is a maximum occupancy of eight people and two vehicles per campsite.
- Campgrounds here are suitable for tent camping, trailers and recreational vehicles, depending on the site.
- The maximum length for trailers is 31 feet, while the maximum length for campers and motorhomes is 35 feet.
- Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring and food box.
- Restrooms, potable water, trash cans and coin-operated showers are available.
- Firewood is available for purchase at the campground. Proceeds benefit local state parks and beaches.
- A campsite is available for cyclists who are touring the area and pedaling into the park. Register at the campground kiosk on Graham Hill Road.
- Camping reservations are recommended. Make reservations through ReserveCalifornia or by calling 800-444-PARK. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, call the Henry Cowell Campground for detailed information at 831-438-2396.
Directions:
There are three separate vehicle entrances to this park: the day-use area, the campground and the Fall Creek Unit. To get to the campground, follow Mount Hermon Road until it ends at Graham Hill Road. Turn left at Graham Hill Road and continue approximately 2.5 miles. The entrance is on the right side of the road at 2591 Graham Hill Road.
Manresa Uplands State Beach (seasonal)
Campground Information:
- The 64-site tent-only campground is adjacent on the cliff above the beach.
- The campground is seasonal and is open from mid-May to October.
- There is a designated area for equipment drop-off. Visitors will walk 10-200 yards from the drop-off area to their campsite.
- There is a maximum occupancy of eight people and two vehicles per campsite.
- Camping in vehicles is not permitted here.
- Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring and food box.
- Restrooms, potable water and coin-operated showers are available.
- Firewood is available for purchase at the campground. Proceeds benefit local state parks and beaches.
- Camping reservations are recommended. Make reservations through ReserveCalifornia or by calling 800-444-PARK.
Directions:
From Highway 1, south of Aptos, take San Andreas Road southwest and continue for four miles. Turn right on Sand Dollar Road. Veer left to Manresa Uplands Campground.
Campground Information:
- The 109-site campground is adjacent to the beach, including 97 standard sites, nine tent-only sites for hikers and cyclists, and three group sites.
- 63 campsites are open year-round; the rest of the campground is seasonal from April to October.
- There is a maximum occupancy of eight people and two vehicles per campsite.
- The maximum length for trailers, motorhomes and campers is 36 feet.
- Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring and food box.
- There are 10 campsites with hook-ups for water and electricity.
- An RV sanitation station is available.
- A dump station is available for a $10 fee.
- Firewood is available for purchase at the campground. Proceeds benefit local state parks and beaches.
- Restrooms, potable water and coin-operated showers are available.
- Camping reservations are recommended. Make reservations through ReserveCalifornia or by calling 800-444-PARK.
Directions:
The beach is in Capitola, just south of Santa Cruz. Take the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit off Highway 1, turn right at the bottom of the ramp, and left at the first stop sign. Follow the road to the park gate.
Portola Redwoods State Park (seasonal)
Campground Information:
- The campground offers 63 sites, including 55 regular campsites, four group sites and four sites for hikers and cyclists.
- Bike and hike campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis from April 1 to May 21 and Sept. 2 to Oct. 31. They can be reserved from May 22 to Sept. 1.
- There is a maximum occupancy of eight people and two vehicles per campsite.
- The maximum length for trailers is 21 feet, and 24 feet for motorhomes.
- Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring with a grill and food box.
- Restrooms, potable water and coin-operated showers are available.
- Camping reservations are recommended. Make reservations through ReserveCalifornia or by calling 800-444-PARK.
Directions:
The park is located at 9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda. From San Jose and Santa Cruz take Highway 9 to Highway 35. Drive north on Highway 35 and turn left on Alpine Road. Take Alpine Road to Portola State Park Road.
From the Peninsula, take Highway 280 to Highway 84. Take Highway 84 west to Highway 35. Drive south on Highway 35 and turn right on Alpine Road. Take Alpine Road to Portola State Park Road.
Check in at the park office, which is located 1 mile inside the park on the main road. The road dead ends at the park. Use low gear on Alpine and Portola State Park roads as they are steep and winding.
Campground Information:
- There are five walk-in campsites available by reservation, including two that are generally accessible for people with limited mobility. There is one shared, non reservable bike-in site.
- Campsites are 50-200 feet from the parking area.
- There is a maximum occupancy of six people and two vehicles per campsite.
- Camping in vehicles is not permitted here.
- Each campsite includes a fire ring with a grill and food box.
- Restrooms are available.
- Firewood is available for purchase at the campground. Proceeds benefit local state parks and beaches.
- Dogs are not allowed.
- Camping reservations are recommended. Make reservations online, by calling 831-33-8867 or by emailing trailcamps@thatsmypark.org.
Directions:
From Santa Cruz: Drive north from Santa Cruz on Hwy 1 for 17 miles to the Waddell Creek Bridge. Parking is available on both sides of the highway.
From Half Moon Bay: Drive south from Half Moon Bay on Highway 1 for 31 miles to Waddell Creek Bridge. Parking is available on both sides of the highway.
Campground Information:
- There are 91 campsites available, including 89 regular campsites, one bike site and one group site.
- The South Camp is open year-round, while the Dunes, Pine Hollow and Group campsites are open from April 1 to Oct. 31.
- There’s a maximum occupancy of eight people and two vehicles per campsite.
- The maximum length for trailers, campers and motorhomes is 31 feet.
- Firewood is available for purchase at the campground. Proceeds benefit local state parks and beaches.
- Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring and food box.
- Restrooms, potable water and coin-operated showers are available.
- Camping reservations are recommended. Make reservations through ReserveCalifornia or by calling 800-444-PARK.
Directions:
The beach is 6 miles west of Watsonville. From Watsonville, head east on Highway 129 and turn right onto Lee Road before turning left onto West Beach Street. Follow West Beach Street for 1.5 miles and turn onto San Andreas Road. After two miles, turn left onto Sunset Beach Road and follow signs to the state beach.
Wilder Ranch State Park (horse camp only)
Campground Information:
- There are six first-come, first-served sites for visitors with horses. For access to the horse camp, call 831-423-9703.
- There is no other camping offered at the park.
Directions:
From Santa Cruz, go north on Highway 1 about 2 miles past Western Drive and turn left.
- Reservations for most campgrounds can be made by calling (800) 444-7275 or going online to ReserveCalifornia.com. Reservations made on the phone can be paid using a debit/credit card.
- Reservations can be made up to six months in advance of the arrival date.
- Once your reservations have been made, your confirmation will be mailed to you.
- Some campgrounds also have first-come, first-served campsites. Often, these are saved for cyclists.
- Reservations for the campground at the Rancho del Oso Unit are made through Friends of Santa Cruz State Park
- For the horse camp at Wilder Ranch, call 831-423-9703.
- You may check into your campsite any time after 2 p.m.
- Campers must check out by noon on the date of departure.
- Quiet hours for campgrounds are generally 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Do not feed or leave food out for wildlife.
- Bringing your dog camping with you? Check out these guidelines to make the most of the trip for canine companions.
- Alcohol is not allowed on beaches or in day-use areas.
- Campfires are permitted in fire rings only.
- Respect the quiet hours posted at each campground.
- For most parks, there is a 30-night maximum stay limit per customer in a calendar year.
- Make a reservation before your visit.
- Check the weather conditions a few days before your trip and bring the appropriate clothing.
- Bring enough food and water for the trip. While some locations are near grocery stores, some are in remote locations.
- Make a reservation before your visit.
- Check the weather conditions a few days before your trip and bring the appropriate clothing.
- Bring enough food and water for the trip. While some locations are near grocery stores, some are in remote locations.
- Learn about the park you’re visiting.
- Please note that some parks and beaches are subject to closures depending on the weather.
- Consider going to less popular campgrounds where reservations can be more readily available.
- The months of April, May, September and October are referred to as the shoulder season and are great times to visit state parks.
- Camping fees vary.
- Additional processing fees may apply to reservations.
- Extra vehicles incur additional charges that can be paid upon check-in.