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60 campgrounds and RV Parks near Zayante, CA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
60 campgrounds
5470 campsites
211 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Zayante, CA
Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort
Scotts Valley, CA (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+5
Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
Felton, CA (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(84 sites)
+6
Smithwoods RV Park
Felton, CA (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(150 sites)
+4
Cotillion Gardens RV Park
Felton, CA (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(81 sites)
+11
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
Scotts Valley, CA (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(107 sites)
+4
Redwood Resort RV Park and Campground
Boulder Creek, CA (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
+3
Santa Vida RV Park and Campground
Santa Cruz, CA (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(45 sites)
+4
Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park
Santa Cruz, CA (9 miles away)
New Brighton State Beach
Capitola, CA (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(102 sites)
+7
Little Basin Cabins and Campground - Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Boulder Creek, CA (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(38 sites)
Seacliff Center RV Park
Aptos, CA (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(32 sites)
+3
Seacliff State Beach
Aptos, CA (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Showers Tables Toilets Internet Grills Dump station Laundry Cable TV General store
Campgrounds near Zayante
Zayante is an unincorporated community in Santa Cruz County, California, sitting along Zayante Creek in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The area is surrounded by redwood forest in the San Lorenzo Valley, with the town of Felton a few minutes away and the city of Santa Cruz about fifteen minutes south via Highway 9.
RV travelers have several options within a short drive. Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort and Smithwoods RV Park sit in the valley near Felton. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort is set along the San Lorenzo River with full-hookup sites backed by Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Cotillion Gardens RV Park is also nearby in Felton. For state-park camping under the trees, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground offers around one hundred sites in a shady pine and oak forest off Graham Hill Road near Felton. Together these properties cover full-hookup resort stays and forested state-park camping within minutes of Zayante.
Things to do near Zayante
The headline attraction is the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, a short self-guided walk through old-growth redwoods, with the tallest tree about 277 feet tall and over 1,500 years old. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has about 20 miles of hiking trails, including a climb to the Observation Deck at 805 feet for views across the park toward Monterey Bay. Families ride the Roaring Camp Railroad steam train from Felton through the redwoods or down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. In summer, the San Lorenzo River offers swimming holes, including the Garden of Eden. The Santa Cruz beaches, Wharf, surf breaks, and the Mystery Spot are all within a short drive, making Zayante a convenient base for both forest and coast days.
Camping spots and RV parks near Zayante, CA
When to visit Zayante
- spring
March - May
64° / 46°F 55 mmGreen hills, flowing creeks, lighter crowds before summer
- summer
June - August
75° / 52°F 3 mmPeak bookings; morning coastal fog, dry warm afternoons
- fall
September - November
70° / 48°F 35 mmWarm settled days; rain returns by mid-November
- winter
December - February
57° / 45°F 150 mmWettest season; atmospheric rivers can close mountain roads
The Santa Cruz Mountains have a Mediterranean climate: wet, mild winters and dry, warm summers. Summer is peak season. Comfortable temperatures make summer camping popular, and reservations are essential during the busy season between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Coastal fog often pushes inland in the morning, then burns off by midday. Sites at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, Smithwoods RV Park, Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort, and Cotillion Gardens RV Park fill weeks ahead on weekends.
Spring brings green hillsides, flowing creeks, and lighter crowds. Fall is often the most settled stretch, with warm days into October and uncrowded campgrounds. Winter is the wet season. Atmospheric rivers can deliver heavy rainfall, and storms have prompted evacuation orders, power outages, and landslides in the Santa Cruz Mountains in recent years. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground now operates year round following the closure of Big Basin to camping, while private RV parks in the valley also stay open through winter.
Top Hosts near Zayante, 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 Zayante area campgrounds
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground reserves through California's state system. Camping reservations are recommended and are made through ReserveCalifornia or by calling 800-444-PARK. Reservations open six months in advance from the current date, and summer weekends typically book out at the six-month window. Cancellations are handled through the same portal or phone number, a cancellation fee is assessed, and late cancellations submitted after 6 p.m. the day before arrival are also charged the first night.
Private parks book directly. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort, Smithwoods RV Park, and Cotillion Gardens RV Park accept reservations through their own websites or by phone, with peak summer dates often filling well in advance. Riverside and premium sites tend to go first.
What to expect at Zayante campgrounds
Expect a deeply shaded redwood and mixed-evergreen setting. Cell coverage is patchy in the canyons and along Zayante Road. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, RV sites feature full hookups with water, sewer, and 30 and 50-amp electric, plus complimentary WiFi and cable, and the resort accommodates big rigs with pull-through sites and welcomes tents and pets. At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, maximum trailer length is 31 feet and maximum motorhome length is 35 feet, and sites have flush toilets, coin-operated hot showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof food lockers.
RV access matters here. Highway 9 north from Santa Cruz is not a recommended route for RVs and trailers, so use the directions published by the park you are visiting and approach from Scotts Valley or Highway 17 where possible.
Own an RV? Earn up to $31,284/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Zayante, CA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Zayante, CA?
RV rental in Zayante is more affordable than you might expect for the Santa Cruz Mountains. Most rentals on RVezy range from about $95 to $175 per night for travel trailers and campervans, while larger Class A and Class C motorhomes typically run $200 to $325 per night. For a cheap RV rental in Zayante, book a midweek trip in late fall or early spring when redwood-country demand drops. Use the price-range filter to sort by budget, and look for hosts who include generators, kitchen kits, or linens at no extra charge. Pro tip: booking three to four nights instead of weekends only often unlocks better nightly pricing from local hosts.
visitcalifornia.com/things-to-do/california-rv-trips/Do I need a special license to rent an RV in Zayante, California?
Good news: for almost every RV rental in Zayante, your regular Class C driver's license is all you need. California only requires a noncommercial Class B license for housecars longer than 40 feet, and a noncommercial Class A license for trailers over 10,000 pounds GVWR, which is well above what most RVezy guests book. RVezy approved drivers must generally be 25 or older with a valid license, and ID verification happens inside the RVezy platform. Visiting from abroad? Bring an International Driving Permit alongside your home-country license. Stick with a Class C motorhome, campervan, or mid-size travel trailer and you are road-ready for the Santa Cruz Mountains.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection and roadside support come with my Zayante RV rental?
Every booking on RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so your Zayante RV trip is covered from the moment you pull out of the driveway. The protection plan helps cover damage to the vehicle and gives you real peace of mind on twisty mountain roads like Highway 9 and Zayante Road. During booking you choose the protection level that fits your trip, so you stay in control of coverage rather than relying on host-defined terms. If you get a flat near Felton or need a jump in Boulder Creek, one call to roadside assistance gets help dispatched. That safety net is why so many first-time renters feel confident booking a motorhome rental in Zayante.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Zayante RV trip?
Booking is low-risk because RVezy, not the individual host, sets the cancellation policy for every rental in the Santa Cruz Mountains. There is a grace-period window after booking during which you can cancel for a full refund, and if a host cancels you are refunded or offered travel credit. You will see the full policy details during checkout and inside your RVezy account, so nothing is hidden. Pro tip: book early to lock in your dates for your Zayante RV trip, then keep an eye on CAL FIRE updates as your trip approaches in case wildfire activity affects the Santa Cruz Mountains. With clear, platform-wide rules, you can plan with confidence.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Zayante RV rental?
Absolutely, a pet-friendly RV rental in Zayante is easy to find on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter and you will see plenty of hosts who welcome dogs. Once you arrive, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park allows leashed dogs in the campground, on paved roads, and on the Pipeline Road and Graham Hill fire roads, though most narrow dirt trails are off-limits. Nearby Quail Hollow Ranch County Park and the beach at Wilder Ranch State Park give your pup more room to roam on designated routes. Message the host before booking to share your dog's size and breed, and pack a long leash for shaded walks along Zayante Creek.
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=546Can the RV be delivered to my campsite in Zayante?
Yes, RV delivery in Zayante is one of the easiest ways to start your trip, especially if you are a first-time renter nervous about driving Highway 17 or the winding Zayante Road. Many local hosts will deliver and set up your motorhome or travel trailer right at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort in Felton, or a private driveway in Ben Lomond. They level the rig, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system before leaving. Filter listings by Delivery on RVezy to see who offers it. Delivery fees are typically based on mileage from the host, so closer pickups in Felton, Scotts Valley, or Santa Cruz keep costs down.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Zayante%2C%20CaliforniaHow far can I drive on a Zayante RV trip, and is unlimited mileage available?
You have real range from Zayante, and yes, RV rental with unlimited mileage is available from select hosts on RVezy. Mileage policies are set by each host, so check the listing details and use the filters to find unlimited or generous daily allowances. From Zayante, popular drives include Big Sur (about 70 miles south on Highway 1), Yosemite Valley (around 200 miles east), Pinnacles National Park (about 80 miles), Lake Tahoe (roughly 250 miles), and the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt County (about 280 miles north). For a classic RV road trip from Zayante, follow Highway 1 down to Monterey and Big Sur, with overnight stops at coastal state beaches.
nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/driving.htmWhere are the best campgrounds near Zayante for RV camping?
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping in Zayante. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, just a few miles down Graham Hill Road, has 107 sites under pine and oak and accommodates RVs up to 35 feet and trailers up to 31 feet. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort in Felton offers full hookups along the San Lorenzo River. Cotillion Gardens RV Park sits beside the river in Felton with shaded sites. Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort in Scotts Valley adds a pool and laundry. For beach lovers, New Brighton State Beach and Seacliff State Beach are 25 minutes south. Book through ReserveCalifornia for state parks, ideally six months ahead for summer weekends.
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=546When is the best time of year for an RV trip to Zayante?
Zayante's Mediterranean mountain climate makes RV camping pleasant nearly year-round, but late spring through early fall is the sweet spot. From May through October, daytime highs sit in the mid-70s to mid-80s and nights cool to the high 40s and low 50s, which is perfect for sleeping with the windows open under the redwoods. June can bring coastal fog that burns off by midday, while September and October deliver the warmest, driest weather. Winter is still bookable and quieter, but expect rain, occasional Highway 17 closures, and chilly nights in the 30s. Pro tip: target the second half of September for empty trails at Henry Cowell and warm afternoons at the Garden of Eden swimming hole.
weather.gov/mtr/I'm a first-time RV renter. Will I get help figuring everything out?
You are in great hands, even if this is your first time renting an RV. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on walkthrough at pickup, covering the generator, slide-outs, water system, propane, leveling, and how to dump tanks. You can also message your host directly through the platform with questions before booking, during your trip, or while parked at your campground. Many Zayante-area hosts are happy to suggest beginner-friendly itineraries, like an easy first night at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort with full hookups. Combine that orientation with RVezy's 24/7 support and you have plenty of backup. Renting a smaller Class C or campervan rental in Zayante also makes mountain roads much easier to handle.
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/rv-safetyWhat if something breaks down during my Zayante RV trip?
You are never stranded on an RVezy trip. Every booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, so a flat tire on Highway 9, a dead battery at Henry Cowell, or a tow off Zayante Road is one call away. Your host is also reachable through the RVezy app for quick questions about quirky switches or appliances, and RVezy customer support backs you up if anything escalates. Cell service is generally good around Felton, Scotts Valley, and Ben Lomond but can drop in canyon pockets near Lompico and upper Zayante Creek. Pro tip: screenshot your host's number and the roadside line before leaving the driveway so you are covered even without signal.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Zayante RV rental on a longer road trip or across state lines?
You can absolutely turn your Zayante rental into a multi-state RV road trip. Many hosts allow travel throughout California, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona, and some welcome trips into Washington or British Columbia with advance notice. Just message the host before booking to confirm your route. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage does not extend there. Popular routes from Zayante include the Pacific Coast Highway down to San Diego, the eastern Sierra loop through Mammoth and Tahoe, and the Oregon Coast up to Cannon Beach. For a classic short trip, drive Highway 1 from Santa Cruz to Big Sur and back in three to four days.
dot.ca.gov/travelWhat should I budget for fuel on a Zayante RV trip?
California fuel prices run higher than the national average, so budget smart and you will be fine. Class C motorhomes typically get 8 to 12 miles per gallon, campervans 15 to 20, and large Class A rigs 6 to 9. With California gas often $4.75 to $5.50 per gallon in the Santa Cruz area, expect roughly $60 to $90 per fill-up for a midsize RV. Cheaper fuel is usually found in Watsonville and along Highway 101 in Gilroy compared to mountain stations in Felton or Boulder Creek. Pro tip: top off in Scotts Valley before climbing Highway 17, and use apps like GasBuddy to spot the best prices along your route.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far ahead should I book campgrounds near Zayante?
For the best campgrounds near Zayante, plan ahead. California State Parks like Henry Cowell Redwoods, New Brighton, and Seacliff release reservations on ReserveCalifornia exactly six months in advance, and summer weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day sell out within minutes of the booking window opening at 8 a.m. Pacific. Private parks like Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort and Cotillion Gardens are slightly easier to grab but still fill 2 to 3 months out for peak season. Midweek stays in May or late September are usually wide open. Pro tip: set a ReserveCalifornia account in advance with your payment info saved so you can check out fast when your booking window opens.
reservecalifornia.com/What are driving conditions like around Zayante?
Driving around Zayante is part of the adventure, and a little planning makes it smooth. Zayante Road and East Zayante Road are narrow, winding two-lane mountain roads with redwood-lined curves, so take it slow, use lower gears on descents, and pull over at turnouts to let locals pass. Highway 17 between Scotts Valley and Los Gatos is steep and famously busy, especially Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings, so aim to drive midmorning or midday. Watch for fog near the summit and occasional winter storm damage. For larger Class A or fifth-wheel rentals, ask your host about delivery to your campsite so you can skip the mountain switchbacks entirely.
quickmap.dot.ca.gov/What amenities do campgrounds near Zayante offer for RVs?
Campground amenities near Zayante range from rustic to resort-style. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort and Cotillion Gardens in Felton both offer full hookups including electric, water, sewer, and cable, plus showers and laundry. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has no hookups but provides flush toilets, hot showers, fire rings, and a potable water fill station for RVs. The closest dump station to Henry Cowell is at New Brighton State Beach, about 20 minutes south in Capitola. Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort in Scotts Valley adds a pool and clubhouse. Pro tip: if you book a no-hookup site, ask your host whether the rental includes a generator and how long the freshwater tank typically lasts.
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=546What equipment and amenities come inside the RV rental?
RVs in the Zayante area come well-equipped for a family RV trip in Zayante. Expect real beds (queen or king in larger units, plus convertible dinettes and bunks), a full kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, and sink, a bathroom with toilet and shower, climate control, and seatbelts for everyone riding. Many listings include a generator, solar setup, outdoor awning, leveling blocks, and even bikes or paddleboards as add-ons. WiFi and TV vary by host, and cell service is solid in Felton but spotty deeper in the Zayante canyon. Check the Amenities section on each listing before booking, and message the host about extras like camp chairs, kids' bedding, or coffee makers.
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/rv-safetyWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts in the Zayante and Santa Cruz Mountains area offer a great mix of add-ons to customize your trip. Popular extras include linen and kitchen packages, generators, propane fire pits, bike racks, kayaks for the San Lorenzo River, child car seats, and pet kits for your pet-friendly RV rental in Zayante. Many hosts also offer Instant Book for quick confirmation, plus flexible pickup windows out of Felton, Scotts Valley, or Santa Cruz. Mileage policies vary, with daily allowances typically between 100 and 150 free miles plus a per-mile fee after that. Pro tip: bundle delivery, setup, and a propane refill into one add-on package so your first night under the redwoods is completely hands-off.
dot.ca.gov/travelHow does payment and the security deposit work when I rent an RV in Zayante?
Payment is simple and secure when you rent an RV in Zayante through RVezy. You pay directly through the platform with a credit or debit card, never in cash to the host, and your booking total is clearly itemized including nightly rate, mileage, generator, cleaning, and any add-ons. A refundable security deposit is authorized separately from your booking payment around the start of your trip and released after the RV is returned in the same condition. To protect your deposit, do a quick video walkaround with your host at both pickup and return, keep fuel and propane topped off, and dump tanks as instructed. That way the deposit comes straight back and you can start planning your next Santa Cruz Mountains RV trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhere can I park or overnight an RV legally around Zayante?
Knowing where to park an RV in Zayante saves headaches. Overnight parking on Santa Cruz County roads, including Zayante Road and East Zayante Road, is not allowed, and the City of Santa Cruz bans oversized vehicle parking from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. without a permit. Instead, plan to overnight at established campgrounds like Henry Cowell Redwoods, Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, Cotillion Gardens, or Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort. For travel days, the Casino 101 Travel Center in Salinas and Flying J in Gilroy are popular legal overnight stops. Pro tip: trailheads and beach lots are day-use only, so always confirm a reserved site before sunset to avoid a midnight scramble.
cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/police/parking-servicesNearby cities with campgrounds
Sacramento, CASan Jose, CASan Francisco, CAFresno, CAElk Grove, CARoseville, CARocklin, CASan Martin, CAEl Dorado Hills, CANipomo, CASanta Maria, CALodi, CATracy, CALivermore, CAFairfield, CACameron Park, CAUnion City, CAMather, CACitrus Heights, CAFolsom, CABrentwood, CASanta Rosa, CAVineyard, CAPismo Beach, CA