If youre intrigued by sportfishing in the majestic Channel Islands, your best bet is probably to head over to Channel Islands Sportfishing for more information. The beautiful beach makes launching a breeze, and there are rentals and lessons available at nearby Carpinteria City Beach. My son loved it. It's the steepest railroad in North America and the skill of the engineers is impressive - it takes real skill and experience to run these trains on this line, it must take years to learn how to do it so well. You can walk into town very easily. Sunset cruises along this beautiful beach are just one of the ways cyclists can enjoy Carpinteria State Beach. 201 State Park Drive Aptos, CA 95003 831.685.6500 www.parks.ca.gov Book Now Location Beach Hours of Operation Open daily 8am to sunset. Santa Cruz is bigger than its sister campground Azalea, and its proximity to the beach means that it is usually the more popular Carpinteria camping option. The camping experience can now be tailored to suit individual interest in certain geographic regions, landmarks, and even animal species. The coast always provides ample opportunities for wildlife spotting. All campgrounds are equipped with picnic tables and pit toilets. Jul 2021 Friends. This park is more known for its expanses of white sand than hiking, but in addition to a lovely walk along the Pacific Ocean, visitors can also enjoy the Carpinteria Bluffs Trail, an easy hike (read: round trip and flat) that takes you to the nearby seal sanctuary (you know that sounds fun!) Sites are generally long and narrow, and tend to be close together. From Hwy 1 take the San Andreas Road exit. We are staying in Santa Cruz and wont have a car. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort - Felton, California - Campspot All "RV Parks" results in Santa Cruz County, CA, "Beautiful old school place nestled in the Santa Cruz woods, but close enough to downtown. (For now!) It sounded like people were using power tools and using fire works each night we were there. This is a remote island where you will need to pack everything in as well as everything out. Places to Stay FIND A PLACE TO STAY From a hotel on the beach, to a quaint inn or bed and breakfast, to a vacation rental for the family or a rustic campground, you can rest easy in Santa Cruz County. It's a cute RV" read more, "We stayed here for 5 nights in August 2017 and really enjoyed this RV park. Campgrounds in Santa Cruz 1 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Neighborhood: Felton 101 N Big Trees Park Rd Felton CA 95018 2 New Brighton Beach Neighborhood: Capitola 1500 Park Ave Capitola CA 95010 3 Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way Boulder Creek CA 95006 4 Cityteam Camp May Mac Neighborhood: Zayante However, I guess it all depends on the number of people in your group. Sharing is caring, y'all. Standard campsites are $35. Group sites at the upper loop can be a little windy. THE BEST 10 Campgrounds in Santa Cruz, CA - Yelp One of the most popular spots is the Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, which is nestled among acres of thriving Redwoods, and offers plenty of fresh air and wide, open spaces for hiking . No hike-in campsites are available. We went here at the suggestion of an acquaintance and we weren't let down. Felt safe in RV park. Santa Cruz is bigger than its sister campground Azalea, and its proximity to the beach means that it is usually the more popular Carpinteria camping option. Distancewise it is probably 10 miles or so but it took almost an hour for the train ride. Toilets at the top of the hill, in the summer all cars were open. Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground is not operated by Hipcamp and can only be booked externally. Camping Transportation The most popular catches are halibut, white seabass and rockfish; the halibut set world records, the seabass are the best in the state, and there are over 50 types of rockfish. The following items may not be brought to the park: 1901 Spinnaker Drive Enter your email below to be notified when we get access. Outer island campgrounds (San Miguel and Santa Rosa) have wind breaks for each campsite. The trains, the ride, the staff and train crews, the whole experience was great and, at $33 per person, was easily affordable. Join the movement to bring open data to your state today! The Santa Cruz mountains are a stunning destination for campers looking for a California coastal getaway. Santa Cruz Scorpion, Channel Islands National Park - Recreation.gov Hi, Currents are variable so make sure youre prepared for anything! I'm so glad it hasn't changed since I was there as a kid - it was great then and it's still just as great today. We learned a lot about the history of the forest, trains and area in general and met some very nice people. Camping in Santa Cruz, CA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2023 | Hipcamp Camping near Santa Cruz, California Redwoods and crashing waves are the backdrop of this seaside city by the mountains. Limited backcountry camping is available on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands. There are lessons about a mile away (well see you at Rubicon Point next summer!). Santa Cruz Campground is not operated by Hipcamp and can only be booked externally. There is currently one established campground on each island: above the Landing Cove on Santa Barbara, on the east islet of Anacapa, at Scorpion Canyon on Santa Cruz, at Water Canyon on Santa Rosa, and above Cuyler Harbor on San Miguel. We took the beach train from Felton to Santa Cruz. If youre a novice boater, just come to terms with it befoRead more. Our family recently rode the steam train up Bear Mountain on the Roaring Camp Railroad. During this time, visitors will encounter seabird rookery conditions: guano, strong odor, constant noise, bird carcasses, and birds protecting their territory. (831) 633-6800. We saw a blue whale on the way out and there were plenty of foxes to keep us on our toes! Super fun, informative, interesting and impressive! How does wading into the surf, rod in your hand, hot sun on your back, and the entire afternoon stretched before you like a wide expanse of beautiful state beach sound? The $15.00 per night-per site fee includes both the National Park Service fee that supports the operation and maintenance of the campgrounds and the reservation fee charged by the contractor that manages the National Reservation Service. Visitors and residents regularly take advantage of numerous campgrounds in the Santa Cruz Mountains and along the coast. Getting into that gorgeous water is really what this park is all about. We integrate with the National Weather Service to provide valuable fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers. Will do it again on a sunny day and no Fido. Check out local surf shops and the visitor center in Ventura for more information. There are also picnic tables and ample restroom facilities. Make sure you plan ahead to see which trails to undertake before you have to get on the boat to leave the island, unless youre about the backpacking and camping lifestyle. Some are as tall as the Statue of Liberty! My youngest is 3, and the oldest is nearly 8. Slow was great for us. I would not recommend it. There are also about a dozen rustic backpacking sites available by reservation near the Waddell Creek entrance to the park, off Highway 1. I would like to receive news, exclusive offers, and fun updates from Hipcamp. 10 / 10 / 10 This category addresses the park's setting and site layout, function and identification of signage, overall exterior building maintenance, noise, trash disposal, litter and debris around the grounds and sites, and appearance of grounds, sites and entrance area. Pack clothing for cooler weather at night and warmer weather middays. KOA, at least this one, is like the Rolls Royce of camping - they have everything: general store, wi-fi, lodges, pool, hot tub, laundry, mini golf and a mechanical bull to boot. Pack clothing for cooler weather at night and warmer weather middays. Kayaking the Channel Islands is probably one of the coolest and most exciting things you could do in your life, but be warned that it IS quite dangerous if you do it without a guide. Located in the mountains above Watsonville, this park is easily accessible and features clean restrooms, RV hookups and group camping sites. 10 / 10 / 10The first campground rating evaluates completeness and quality of facilities.In this category we rate interior roads, sites, registration area, hookups, recreation, swimming, security, laundry, store and building maintenance. However, a reservation fee is charged for camping on the islands. In addition, at the Scorpion Canyon campground on Santa Cruz Island, foxes and ravens are capable of opening zippers. Would you recommend Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground? The parks sunsoaked location in Southern California also means that those looking to darken their tan line (or simply warm their bones) get the chance to bake on the sparkling shoreline. Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. Camping fee is $35 per night; bring quarters for the hot showers. Home to the largest continuous stand of ancient redwoods south of San Francisco, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and explorers alike. Its technically back country camping but there are pit toilets. Because concession boats fill to capacity much faster than campground limits are met, campers must first secure transportation for an overnight trip to Channel Islands National Park. Click here for more information on hantavirus. This park is more known for its expanses of white sand than hiking, but in addition to a lovely walk along the Pacific Ocean, vRead more. The sea caves are an incredible sight, but they are treacherous Read more. There are few actual operating vintage steam engines in regular use and this one was a fine example. 800.833.3494or 831.425.1234. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. 2.5-Hour Electric Bike Tour Along 17 Mile Drive of Coastal Monterey, BEST Redwood Forest Steam Train, Santa Cruz Harbor Day Trip from San Francisco, 3-Hour Monterey Bay Winter Whale-Watching Tour in California, Introduction to Wilderness Survival Clinic in Santa Cruz, 2-Hour Monterey and Pacific Grove Sea Car Tour, Capitola Watercolor Journaling Experience, Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose, Private Wine and Brew Tours in a Vintage VW Bus, Coastal Pebble Beach 17 Mile Drive Guided E-bike Tour, Carmel, Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Private Day Trip from San Francisco, Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow-Gauge Railroad. We felt the drive at night I was bit scary, but I guess that comes with being in the mountains. (For now!) We took the family for a little day trip out to Roaring Camp and it was well worth it. If you come in winter/spring, the northwest swells are ideal for surfing on the northRead more. Great knowledge. Carpinteria State Beach is home to pretty much every fun activity you can do in the water, and that, of course, includes paddling your way around the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Put this on your list! looks like all open log cars? ENTER YOUR RESERVATION DETAILS. Group sites and bicycle sites available; fees range from $10 to $270, with standard campsites at $35. We are planning our day for the steam train ride and the tickets say 12:30-2. Gray whale watching is best in December to March while the massive blue whale migrates from spring to summer. LOVED the conductor John! I highly recommend this excursion as a destination or if you're just in the Santa Cruz area. Check in. Carpinteria State Beach is home to pretty much every fun activity you can do in the water, and that, of course, includes paddling your way around the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. 2023 Copyright Visit Santa Cruz County. The beautiful beach makes launching a breeze, and there are rentals and lessons available at nearby Carpinteria City Beach. This campground is on the northeastern shore of the island, a flat and easy walk from the landing site. Fortunately, the ranger was easy to find and they were on the boat out of there in no time. Getting into that gorgeous water is really what this park is all about. Prior to this trip the most camping I did was a week at Girl Scout camp back when I was in the single digits and I certainly wasn't roughing it. how to get to Roaring Camp Railroads by public transport? Mid October was strong sun and hot at the 12:30 ride but perfect temps when we started in the redwoods full of shade, Relaxing train ride through redwood forest with Santa Cruz Boardwalk as a bonus. OtherCityGuides, 2023 SantaCruz.com: A City Guide by Boulevards. These are some rv parks with a large number of reviews in Santa Cruz County, CA. We have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp and are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper community be inclusive. Securing transportation prior to booking a campsite is not required but recommended. 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. RV Park - Santa Cruz Harbor 303 Water Street, Suite 100 Sunset cruises along this beautiful beach are just one of the ways cyclists can enjoy Carpinteria State Beach. Camping - Channel Islands National Park (U.S. National Park Service) The best surf is found on Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands, depending on the swell. Discover and book tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glampingeverywhere from national parks to blueberry farms. There are several bike-in campsites, as well as trails that lead along the beach and through the surrounding countryside. Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday. Please see the table below for more information on campground distances from landings. There were a few teeny tiny issues that affected our stay 1. By continuing below, you agree to Hipcamps. Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA - Yelp Located off of Highway 1 just 20 miles north of Santa Cruz, this site is Californias oldest state park in existence today. We've created a coalition with REI, Sierra Club and dozens of other organizations called Access Land, which successfully advocated for California State Parks and the Federal Government to require open data in their future contracts. We attended the 1:30 Sunday afternoon ride and wish that we'd allowed more time to experience the other activites at the camp prior to the train ride up the mountain and through the Redwood Forest. Yeah, we think so too. Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. Real-time Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watch Warnings help keep our community safe. Check out whats biting and be sure to get your fishing license, then get ready for a perfect afternoon trying your luck in the beautiful waters of Carpinteria State Beach (you can find the local fishing report here). Visit an 1880s logging town located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. It's a great conservation area and important American heritage site that has been going strong since the 1950s. And you can swim/snorkel/dive but its chilly, Id recommend a wetsuit even in summer. New Brighton State Beach - Yelp Sunset cruises along this beautiful beach are just one of the ways cyclists can enjoy Carpinteria State Beach. Beautiful beaches, but no solitude. Not many amenities, but you don't need many aside from the hiking trails and company of the redwoods." Roaring Camp Railroads (Santa Cruz) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Santa Cruz Camping : The Official Santa Cruz Guide Bicycles are permitted on all fire roads and the lower portion of the Skyline to the Sea Trail from the base of Berry Creek Falls to the Rancho del Oso ranger office. Pets No Pets KOA Pet Policy. FEES - There is a $10 vehicle day-use fee. We are retired but really enjoyed this train ride. Santa Cruz is home to an assortment of wonderful attractions and places the whole family will love! Fog can occur on the islands during any season producing cool, damp conditions. Site has RV hookups, group sites, amenities and hiking information. Get your monthly guide to Santa Cruz County's events, attractions, and more. It can accommodate fully self-contained vehicles only, up to 42 feet long. Book Now Reserve: 800-562-7701 Email this Campground Get Directions RV Sites Lodging Tent Sites Extended Stays Pet Policy Cancellation Guideline Deluxe Cabin (Full Bath with Shower), Patio 2 RM with KOA Paw Pen View Floor Plan View Details Sleeps up to 6 people. Events / I want to camp here the night of the 2nd. There are picnic tables and pit toilets and youll have to bring plenty of your own water! Campers must be prepared for the primitive campground facilities and weather conditions. 216 reviews of New Brighton State Beach "We camp here with the family in August. Unfortunately, I feel that I must ask for my money back because of our frustration and disappointment. Weather Use only enclosed, gas camp stoves. I'm glad to have supported such a wonderful place over the years. Hundreds of seabirds flock the shores (particularly on Anacapa Island), especially during seagull-hatching season in May. Online registration opens March 1 at 9am. CAMPING is available for tents and RVs. Read our. Visit Island Transportation for more information on park concessionaire boat and plane transportation. 42 years later it is stil the same magical place. What are some highly rated rv parks in Santa Cruz County, CA? 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. Reservations can be made by calling (877) 444-6777 or through Recreation.gov. We integrate with the National Weather Service to provide valuable fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers. Camping is available year round on all five islands in Channel Islands National Park in National Park Service-managed campgrounds. From the Pacific Ocean, the fog rolls across valleys with cascading waterfalls and groves of old-growth redwoods to grassy ridges. Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday On-line Campground Reservations (Watsonville) | KOA - Kampgrounds of America. Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park is your premier destination for RV-ing in the Santa Cruz area. The tidepools house a variety of critters like anemones, limpets, periwinkles, barnacles, and mussels that you can observe, but not collect! Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort | Camping In The Redwoods Felton CA Lucky paddlers have been visited by whales, seals and dolphins, while gulls and shorebirds roam the beach looking for their next meal. You can walk into town very easily. CAMPING - Find information about camping rules and regulations on the Camping page. There are lessons about a mile away (well see you at Rubicon Point next summer!). It's a cute RV park, friendly and great place for families that don't want to be far into the woods. Stay in a Top Rated RV Resort with easy access to the entire Bay Area; including Silicon Valley, Monterey, Carmel & SF. Adjoining the park is the Roaring Camp Railroad, which offers visitors a chance to journey back in time on an old steam locomotive. Would you recommend Santa Cruz Campground? He was very good a his job and added significantly to the trip. Packing your gear in backpacks, duffle bags, and containers with handles makes transportation easier. Big Basin Redwoods State Park - Visit Santa Cruz County Entrance is through a wooden covered bridge. This park is more known for its expanses of white sand than hiking, but in addition to a lovely walk along the Pacific Ocean, visitors can also enjoy the Carpinteria Bluffs Trail, an easy hike (read: round trip and flat) that takes you to the nearby seal sanctuary (you know that sounds fun!) Keep up the great work and don't ever change! The highlight is the conductor Charles who gave an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and humorous talk as we traveled up and back. Can you take a Lyft from Santa Cruz to roaring Camp Railroads. Located in the Santa Cruz North Harbor, you can enjoy convenient access to numerous beaches and restaurants, downtown Santa Cruz, Capitola, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Cons: small RV and tailor spaces, crowded, prettt noisy. Campers should plan to layer clothing, as weather conditions tend to change from cool and damp in the mornings to bright, warm, and windy during the afternoons. Sharing is caring, y'all. All in all the RV park was in a good location.". Camping in Santa Cruz, CA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2023 | Hipcamp Natural features you'll find at Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground. There are some massive fish over herebut if youre paying to boat over to the Channel Islands, they had better be legendary! The ferry can sell out and you just want to be sure you can get there before booking a campsite. There are several bike-in campsites, as well as trails that lead along the beach and through the surrounding countryside. Thirty-knot winds are not uncommon on Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands. Access 1643 trusted reviews, 800 photos & 393 tips from fellow RVers. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Santa Cruz Island is a little more than 10% National Park and the rest is under the Nature Conservancy. Backpacking trips are offered by the California State Parks Backpacking Adventures Program. If you come in winter/spring, the northwest swells are ideal for surfing on the north shore, while summer/fall is perfect for the south swell on the south shore. more. Getting into that gorgeous water is really what this park is all about. However, if sites are available it's likely seats on the ferry will be too. All Hosts should review and adhere to these standards around providing a positive Hipcamp experience, being a thoughtful neighbor, and serving as a responsible citizen. The park's major campsites, high in the mountains, can be reached by automobile. New Brighton SB - California State Parks