Campgrounds and RV parks near Monte Sereno, CA

The Redwood Grove Loop Trail at Henry Cowell is a short self-guided walk through ancient redwoods, with the tallest tree reaching about 277 feet and estimated at around 1,500 years old. The park has roughly 20 miles of hiking trails, including a route to an Observation Deck at 805 feet with views over the Santa Cruz Mountains and Monterey Bay. Swimmers head to the San Lorenzo River, including the Garden of Eden swimming hole reached from a trailhead on Highway 9. Families can ride the Roaring Camp Railroad between Felton and Santa Cruz, visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for amusement rides, or drive over Highway 17 to the wharf and beaches. Closer to Monte Sereno, downtown Los Gatos has restaurants, parks, and the Los Gatos Creek Trail for biking and walking.

The Santa Cruz Mountains have a Mediterranean climate: a wet winter and a dry, warm summer. Summer is high season for camping. Daytime temperatures in the redwoods are cooler than in San Jose proper, and coastal fog often pushes inland in the morning before burning off. Reservations are advised during the busy stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when sites fill quickly. Late fall through early spring brings most of the year's rain, with storms arriving in waves off the Pacific. Trails become muddy, the San Lorenzo River runs high, and occasional storm damage can close roads or trails. The Henry Cowell campground was closed through the 2025 season for accessibility upgrades and is scheduled to resume operations in spring 2026, so confirm current status on ReserveCalifornia before planning. Private RV parks along Highway 9 generally stay open year-round. Wildfire risk rises in late summer and early fall, so check current conditions with Cal Fire and the park before arrival. Shoulder seasons in April, May, September, and October usually offer the best balance of mild weather and lighter crowds.

Expect winding two-lane roads on the approach from Monte Sereno over Highway 17 and down Highway 9. Grades and curves are manageable but require attention with a larger rig. Many sites sit under heavy tree cover, which limits rooftop solar and satellite reception and can make GPS and cell signal patchy. At Henry Cowell, campsites include picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof food lockers, with flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers in the campground (bring quarters). Generators are permitted only between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. The state park campground does not have direct access to a major beach, but ocean beaches in Santa Cruz are a short drive away. Bring layers; redwood shade keeps days cool and nights chilly even in summer.