Campgrounds and RV parks near Ben Lomond, CA

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is the main draw, with the Redwood Grove Loop Trail through old-growth trees, the San Lorenzo River for wading and fishing, and a network of hiking and equestrian trails. From the campground area, a short walk through the Santa Cruz Sandhills habitat reaches an observation deck at about 805 feet with views toward Monterey Bay. Families often combine camping with a ride on Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton, which runs steam excursions through the redwoods and a beach train down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Big Basin Redwoods State Park to the north has reopened day-use areas following the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire, and the beaches at Capitola, Seacliff, and New Brighton are within a 30-minute drive.

The Ben Lomond area camps comfortably from late spring through early fall. May, June, September, and early October generally offer the best mix of dry weather, mild temperatures, and lighter crowds. July and August are the busiest stretch: warm, dry, and almost rain-free, but campgrounds fill weeks in advance and weekend availability disappears quickly. Winter is the wet season. The San Lorenzo Valley receives most of its annual rainfall between November and March, and atmospheric river events can bring road closures, downed limbs, and flooding along the river. Some private parks stay open year-round. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground historically closed seasonally, but access has shifted following the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire and the closure of Big Basin, so confirm current dates with the park before booking. Late summer and fall are also peak wildfire-risk months in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and fire restrictions on campfires and charcoal are common.

Expect a forested, canyon environment. Cell service is spotty in parts of the San Lorenzo Valley and drops out on stretches of Highway 9 and inside Henry Cowell. Trees keep most sites shaded, which is pleasant in summer but can limit solar charging and satellite reception. Mornings are often cool and foggy even in July, with afternoons warming into the low 70s. Roads into the valley are narrow and winding, with low branches and tight turns on side streets. Drivers of longer or taller rigs should stick to Highway 17 and Graham Hill Road rather than mountain shortcuts. Henry Cowell posts a maximum trailer length of 31 feet and a maximum motorhome length of 35 feet, and not every site fits the maximum. Wildlife in the area includes raccoons, deer, and the occasional black bear, so store food in lockers or inside the RV.