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61 campgrounds and RV Parks near Pasatiempo, CA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
61 campgrounds
5604 campsites
214 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Pasatiempo, CA
Santa Vida RV Park and Campground
Santa Cruz, CA (1 miles away)
$$$$$
(45 sites)
+4
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
Scotts Valley, CA (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(107 sites)
+4
Cotillion Gardens RV Park
Felton, CA (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(81 sites)
+11
Smithwoods RV Park
Felton, CA (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(150 sites)
+4
Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
Felton, CA (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(84 sites)
+6
Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort
Scotts Valley, CA (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+5
Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park
Santa Cruz, CA (3 miles away)
New Brighton State Beach
Capitola, CA (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(102 sites)
+7
Seacliff State Beach
Aptos, CA (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
Seacliff Center RV Park
Aptos, CA (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(32 sites)
+3
Redwood Resort RV Park and Campground
Boulder Creek, CA (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
+3
Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
Watsonville, CA (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(174 sites)
+10
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Showers Tables Toilets Grills Internet Dump station Laundry General store Cable TV
Campgrounds near Pasatiempo, California
Pasatiempo is a small community in the Santa Cruz Mountains just north of the city of Santa Cruz, off Highway 17. The area sits between coastal beaches and the redwood-forested foothills, making it a practical base for RV trips that mix surf, boardwalk attractions, and old-growth forest. Most camping options within a short drive are private RV parks plus one state park campground, so RVers can choose between full-hookup commercial parks and a more rustic state park experience.
Close-in options include Santa Vida RV Park and Campground, a family-owned park set on roughly 23 acres of redwoods, madrone, and oak with full hookups and accommodations for rigs up to about 35 feet. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground sits in a shady pine and oak forest off Graham Hill Road, with around 110 reservable sites a short walk or drive from the park's old-growth Redwood Grove. Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort, Cotillion Gardens RV Park, and Smithwoods RV Park provide additional full-service options along the Highway 9 corridor through Felton and Boulder Creek.
Things to do near Pasatiempo
The headline attraction is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, where the Redwood Grove Loop Trail passes ancient trees, some over 1,500 years old and approaching 277 feet tall. The park offers roughly 20 miles of trails, including a hike to the Observation Deck at 805 feet for views over Monterey Bay. Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton runs steam-train excursions through the redwoods and down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Families head to the Boardwalk for the rides, arcade, and beach. The San Lorenzo River offers swimming holes in summer, and the coast around Natural Bridges State Beach is good for tidepooling and surf-watching.
Camping spots and RV parks near Pasatiempo, CA
Seasonal patterns and what to plan around
- spring
March - May
63° / 46°F 55 mmDrying out; cool nights; good shoulder-season availability
- summer
June - August
72° / 54°F 3 mmPeak season; book state park sites six months out
- fall
September - November
68° / 50°F 40 mmWarm, clear early; rains return by November
- winter
December - February
59° / 43°F 130 mmWettest season; storm closures possible in the mountains
Summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day is peak season. State park sites at Henry Cowell are highly competitive, and ReserveCalifornia opens bookings six months in advance from the current date on a rolling window, so popular weekends are claimed early. Private RV parks in Felton, Scotts Valley, and Santa Cruz also fill on summer weekends and around major holidays. Coastal mornings often start with marine-layer fog that burns off by midday; inland canyons near Felton tend to be warmer than the beach.
Fall is a quieter, often clearer window with smaller crowds. Late fall through early spring is the wet season, when the Santa Cruz Mountains see most of the year's rain and storm-related road or trail closures can occur. The Henry Cowell campground has at times operated year-round, but seasonal status and post-wildfire trail closures still shift. Confirm current status on the California State Parks website before booking off-season trips.
Top Hosts near Pasatiempo, CA
Alfredo77 trips - Joined Aug 2022 - Superhost
Love renting from Alfredo he always takes great care of us and is flexible when needed.
Jason S. - Oct 2026
Alfredo and crew did a fantastic job! FIVE STAR!
Steve S. - Aug 2026
Farzan25 trips - Joined Feb 2024 - Superhost
They are excellent especially Farzan is very prompt and patiently answering all questions.
Neelima V. - Nov 2025
BEST VACATION WE HAD IN YEARS! THE RV HAS ALL YOU NEED, RIGHT SIZE AND ALL THE EQUIPMENT TO MAKE THINGS EASY ON THE ROAD, VERY CLEAN AND WORKS PERFECTLY, FARZAN WAS JUST GREAT EXPLAINING HOW THE RV WORK AND ANSWERING ALL OUR QUESTIONS AT ANY TIME. DEFINITELY WE RECOMEND THIS RV
JOSE L. - Aug 2025
How to book a site near Pasatiempo
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground is reserved through ReserveCalifornia, the state's central booking system. Reservations are released on a rolling six-month window, with new dates opening daily at 8 a.m. Pacific time, and the system can be used online or by phone at 1-800-444-7275. Cancellations carry a small fee, and late cancellations made after 6 p.m. the day before arrival are typically charged the first night. Maximum trailer length is 31 feet and maximum motorhome length is 35 feet. Private parks near Pasatiempo, including Santa Vida RV Park and Campground, Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort, Cotillion Gardens RV Park, and Smithwoods RV Park, are booked directly through each park's website or by phone. Summer weekends and holiday weeks should be booked well in advance.
What to expect on the ground
Expect tight, winding mountain roads on Highway 9 and the back routes into Felton and Boulder Creek; large rigs should plan routes carefully. Santa Vida advises drivers approaching from the east to avoid Granite Creek Road and Vine Hill Drive and stay on Highway 17. Many sites sit under heavy redwood canopy, which means cooler temperatures, damp ground, and limited rooftop solar charging. Cell coverage is patchy in the canyons and inside the state park campground. At Henry Cowell, showers are coin-operated and require quarters, and food must be stored in the provided bear-proof lockers because of active wildlife. Private parks generally offer full hookups, while the state park campground does not.
Own an RV? Earn up to $31,284/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Pasatiempo, CA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Pasatiempo, CA?
RV rental in Pasatiempo, CA is more affordable than many travelers expect when you book directly from local hosts on RVezy. Expect roughly $95 to $175 per night for a campervan rental near Pasatiempo, $135 to $235 for a Class C motorhome rental, and $200 to $400 for a Class A. Travel trailers often run $85 to $165 per night, a popular pick for families. For a cheap RV rental in Pasatiempo, target shoulder season (April, May, late September, October) when Santa Cruz County rates typically dip and the coastal fog burns off earlier. Pro tip: book midweek and stay at least four nights, since many hosts offer weekly discounts.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pasatiempo%2C%20CaliforniaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Pasatiempo?
Good news: a standard driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Pasatiempo, CA. California does not require a special RV license or commercial driver's license (CDL) for any motorhome you can book on RVezy, including Class A coaches. You will need to be at least 25 years old and verify your ID through the RVezy platform during booking, which usually takes just a few minutes. Visiting from abroad? Pair your home-country license with an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local auto association, usually under $20. Once that is squared away, your host handles the rest with a full walkthrough at pickup, so even first-time renters feel confident before turning the key.
dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/recreational-vehicles-and-trailers-ffdl-06/Is my Pasatiempo RV trip protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every booking on RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so your Pasatiempo RV trip is covered from the moment you pull out of the driveway. The protection plan covers physical damage to the RV based on the coverage level you select, giving you real financial peace of mind without calling your auto insurer. During checkout you choose the plan that fits your trip, whether that is a quick weekend at Henry Cowell Redwoods or a longer RV road trip from Pasatiempo down to Big Sur. Combined with round-the-clock roadside help for flats, lockouts, and tows, you can focus on the redwoods and the coastline instead of the what-ifs.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Pasatiempo RV rental?
Booking is low-risk because RVezy sets a consistent cancellation policy across the platform rather than leaving it to individual hosts. Refunds depend on how far out you cancel and the policy tier applied to your booking, and the details are explained in the RVezy Help Center so you do not need to hunt through listings for fine print. If a host cancels on you, RVezy issues a refund or travel credit. Pro tip: if a wildfire closure or atmospheric river hits the Santa Cruz Mountains right before your trip, contact RVezy support quickly so they can walk you through your options.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Pasatiempo RV trip?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental in Pasatiempo is easy to find on RVezy. Toggle the Pet-Friendly filter and you will see many motorhomes and travel trailers where dogs are welcome. Your pup will love the area too: leashed dogs are allowed on most trails at Wilder Ranch State Park, and Mitchell's Cove Beach in Santa Cruz has designated off-leash hours for dogs in the early morning and evening. Note that dogs are not permitted on the sand at New Brighton or Seacliff State Beaches, only in the campgrounds on leash. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet rules and ask about pet-friendly campsites at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort in Felton.
cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/parks-recreation/parks-beaches/dogs-in-parks-beachesCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Pasatiempo?
Yes, RV delivery in Pasatiempo is one of the most popular options on RVezy, and it is a game-changer if it is your first time renting an RV. Many hosts will drive the rig to your campsite at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort in Felton, New Brighton State Beach in Capitola, or even your driveway in the Pasatiempo neighborhood, then level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system. That means no white-knuckle driving on Highway 17 over the mountains. Filter by Delivery on the search page to see hosts who offer it, and expect a delivery fee based on distance. Pro tip: ask for setup and pickup as a bundle so you arrive to a fully ready RV and leave without lifting a finger.
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=542How far can I drive on a Pasatiempo RV trip?
Plenty far, and Pasatiempo's location just off Highway 17 puts you within easy reach of California's best scenery. From your starting point, Monterey and Cannery Row sit about 45 miles south, Big Sur (Bixby Bridge) is roughly 90 miles south via Highway 1, San Francisco is about 75 miles north, Yosemite Valley is around 200 miles east, and Lake Tahoe is about 240 miles northeast. Many hosts on RVezy offer 100 to 150 free miles per night, and some list RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is the smart pick for a longer Pasatiempo RV trip. Pro tip: ask the host about their mileage package before booking and share your rough route so they can recommend the best-value option.
visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/santa-cruz/Where should I stay in my RV near Pasatiempo?
You have great choices for RV camping in Pasatiempo and the surrounding Santa Cruz area. Top picks include Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort in Felton (full hookups under towering redwoods along the San Lorenzo River), New Brighton State Beach in Capitola (bluff-top sites with ocean views), Seacliff State Beach (RV sites near the sand), Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort in Scotts Valley (close to Pasatiempo with a pool and wifi), and Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA in Watsonville. Pro tip: book state park sites exactly six months ahead at 8 a.m. Pacific on ReserveCalifornia, because the best New Brighton bluff sites disappear within minutes.
reservecalifornia.com/When is the best time of year to rent an RV in Pasatiempo?
The sweet spot for an RV rental in Pasatiempo is late August through October, when the coastal fog (locals call it the Marine Layer) finally clears and you get warm, sunny days in the 70s with cool nights in the 50s. June and July can actually be the foggiest months on the coast, a phenomenon known as June Gloom, while September brings the warmest ocean water of the year. Winter (December to February) is mild, with highs near 60 and rainy stretches, perfect for redwood hikes with fewer crowds. Spring wildflowers peak in March and April. Pro tip: if you are chasing sunshine, head inland to the Santa Cruz Mountains where Pasatiempo sits, since the fog often stops a few miles from the coast.
weather.gov/mtr/I have never driven an RV before. Will I be okay around Pasatiempo?
You will be just fine, and most first-time renters are surprised how quickly it clicks. Every RVezy host gives a hands-on orientation at pickup covering driving, leveling, water, propane, and dump procedures, and they stay reachable by phone throughout your trip. For your first time renting an RV in Pasatiempo, start with a smaller Class C motorhome or campervan, which handle more like a large van than a bus. Avoid Highway 17 to San Jose during weekday rush hours (it is a twisty, busy commuter route), and stick to Highway 1 south toward Monterey for an easier, scenic first drive. Pro tip: choose a host who offers delivery so your very first miles behind the wheel are on open road, not a Santa Cruz cul-de-sac.
dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/road-informationWhat happens if the RV breaks down during my trip?
Take a breath, you are covered. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance, so a flat tire on Highway 1, a dead battery in a Felton campground, or a lockout at the Boardwalk parking lot is one phone call away from help. Your host is also your first point of contact and can often troubleshoot small issues (like a tripped breaker or a finicky slide-out) over the phone in minutes. RVezy's support team is available before, during, and after your trip if anything escalates. Pro tip: snap a photo of the RV's VIN, license plate, and propane tank info at pickup and save them in your phone, so if you need roadside help in a remote stretch of the Santa Cruz Mountains, you have everything ready.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionCan I take my Pasatiempo RV rental across state lines or into Mexico?
Cross-state road trips are absolutely on the table, and Pasatiempo is a fantastic launchpad. Popular routes include Highway 1 north to the Oregon Coast, Interstate 80 east to Reno and Lake Tahoe, and Highway 395 through the Eastern Sierra to Death Valley. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance does not extend across the border. Canada may be allowed depending on the host and protection package, so message the host directly to confirm before booking. Pro tip: a classic 7-day RV road trip from Pasatiempo loops south on Highway 1 through Big Sur, San Simeon (elephant seals!), Pismo Beach, and back inland via Paso Robles wine country, totaling around 500 to 600 miles.
cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-goHow much should I budget for fuel on a Pasatiempo RV trip?
Fuel is the single biggest variable cost, but it is easy to plan for. Class B campervans average 18 to 22 miles per gallon (mpg), Class C motorhomes 8 to 12 mpg, and Class A coaches 6 to 10 mpg. California gas prices are among the highest in the country, typically running $4.75 to $5.50 per gallon around Santa Cruz County, with diesel slightly higher. For a 300-mile loop down to Big Sur and back in a Class C, budget roughly $130 to $190 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up in Watsonville or Salinas on Highway 101 where prices are usually 20 to 40 cents cheaper per gallon than the stations right off Highway 17 in Scotts Valley.
energy.ca.gov/data-reports/energy-almanac/transportation-energy/california-retail-fuel-outlet-annual-reportingHow far in advance should I book a campground near Pasatiempo?
For the best campgrounds near Pasatiempo, plan ahead. California State Parks (New Brighton, Seacliff, Sunset, Henry Cowell) open reservations exactly six months in advance at 8 a.m. Pacific on ReserveCalifornia.com, and summer weekends and the bluff-view sites at New Brighton often sell out within the first hour. Private parks like Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort and Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort take bookings 9 to 12 months out and are more forgiving for last-minute trips, especially midweek. Pro tip: if you strike out on summer dates, set up a cancellation alert with a service like Campnab or CampScanner, since 4th of July and Labor Day weekend cancellations happen regularly two to three weeks before the date.
reservecalifornia.com/What are driving conditions like around Pasatiempo?
Driving in the Pasatiempo area is mostly relaxed, with two things to know. Highway 17 between Santa Cruz and San Jose is winding, has steep grades, and gets congested during weekday commute hours (7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.), so plan to cross it midday in a motorhome. Highway 1 south toward Monterey and north toward Half Moon Bay is gentler and far more scenic. Coastal fog can drop visibility on summer mornings, especially near Davenport, so use headlights and slow down. Winter brings occasional storms that close mountain roads. Pro tip: check Caltrans QuickMap before you roll out, particularly if you are headed over Highway 17 or up Highway 9 through Boulder Creek.
quickmap.dot.ca.gov/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Pasatiempo?
Campgrounds near Pasatiempo range from full-service resorts to rustic state parks, so you can match amenities to your style. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort and Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort offer full hookups (electric, water, sewer), wifi, laundry, hot showers, and pools. New Brighton State Beach has a small number of sites with hookups, plus a dump station, potable water, flush toilets, and coin-operated showers. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has over 100 sites with no hookups, but a dump station and showers are available. Pro tip: if your RV has a small fresh-water tank, fill up at the campground entrance before heading to a non-hookup site, and use the dump station on your way out.
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=542What features and equipment come with an RV rental near Pasatiempo?
Most RV rentals in Pasatiempo come fully equipped to live comfortably from day one. Expect real beds (queen or king in the master, plus bunks or convertible dinettes), a kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, sink, and basic cookware, a bathroom with toilet and shower, air conditioning, furnace, and seatbelted seating for the number of guests listed. Many hosts include a TV, wifi hotspot, outdoor chairs, a BBQ, and a generator on motorhomes. Bedding, towels, and kitchen kits are sometimes included and sometimes offered as add-ons. Pro tip: filter listings by Sleeps to match your group size exactly, and message the host to confirm seatbelt count, because California law requires every passenger to have one while the RV is moving.
dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/safe-driving/What add-ons and options can I choose for my Pasatiempo RV rental?
RVezy hosts in Pasatiempo offer lots of ways to customize your trip. Common add-ons include delivery and setup ($2 to $5 per mile is typical), generator hours, bike racks, kayak or surfboard racks (huge plus for a Santa Cruz trip), camp chairs and tables, bedding and linen packages, kitchen kits, portable BBQs, and pet packages. Mileage policies vary: many hosts include 100 to 150 miles per night, some offer unlimited mileage, and extra miles run around $0.35 to $0.50 each. Pickup is usually at the host's home in or near Pasatiempo, Scotts Valley, or Santa Cruz. Pro tip: bundle delivery + setup + kitchen kit on your first RV rental so you can walk straight from your car into a fully stocked campsite at Sunset State Beach.
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=543How does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and secure. You pay through RVezy at booking using a credit or debit card, never directly to the host, which protects you and creates a clear record if anything needs sorting out later. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment (amount set per listing) and released after the trip once the host confirms the rig came back clean, fueled, and undamaged. The deposit is separate from your protection plan, which already covers most accidental damage. Pro tip: do a quick video walkaround of the RV at pickup and drop-off and send it to the host via the RVezy in-app messenger, that simple habit prevents most deposit disputes and keeps your Santa Cruz RV trip ending on a high note.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksNearby cities with campgrounds
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