Sunset Trail Campground
01 reviewSunset Trail Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
About this campground
Step into a living cathedral of giants at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, where California's conservation story began in 1902. These ancient coast redwoods have witnessed centuries pass beneath their towering canopies, and today they stand as testament to nature's remarkable resilience. Though the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire transformed this landscape, visitors now witness an extraordinary chapter of renewal, where vibrant green shoots emerge from charred bark and wildlife returns to reclaim their ancestral home among these majestic titans.
Sunset Trail Campground offers tent camping as its primary accommodation option, with a focus on primitive camping amidst natural surroundings.
Historical SignificanceAs California's first state park, Big Basin represents the birthplace of the state's conservation movement. When these redwoods first took root over 1,800 years ago, the Roman Empire still ruled the Mediterranean. Native peoples lived among these giants for thousands of years before European settlers arrived, and their deep connection to this forest echoes through time. The park's establishment in 1902 marked a pivotal moment when citizens rallied to protect these irreplaceable groves from the logger's axe, preserving them for generations yet unborn.
Weather and SeasonsBig Basin enjoys a gentle coastal climate that creates perfect conditions for exploration year-round. During peak visiting weeks, comfortable temperatures hover between 43°F and 62°F, with the forest's natural canopy providing shelter from the elements. Mild winds whisper through the redwood groves while minimal precipitation ensures your outdoor adventures remain uninterrupted. Morning fog often blankets the forest floor, creating an ethereal atmosphere before giving way to filtered sunlight dancing through the branches.
ElevationFrom sea-level valleys to ridge tops soaring above 2,000 feet, Big Basin's dramatic topography creates a tapestry of microclimates and ecosystems. As you ascend through the park's varied elevations, watch the landscape transform from dense redwood groves in moisture-rich canyons to sun-drenched chaparral on exposed ridges. Each elevation zone harbors its own community of plants and wildlife, offering hikers an ever-changing panorama of natural beauty and sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
Natural Features and SceneryWander through groves where redwoods have stood sentinel for nearly two millennia, their massive trunks reaching skyward like nature's skyscrapers. Beyond these iconic giants, discover a rich mosaic of ecosystems: Douglas firs and tanbark oaks create a multi-layered forest canopy, while sun-loving chaparral blankets the ridges with fragrant sage and manzanita. Crystal-clear streams meander through fern-lined canyons, creating riparian corridors where wildlife gathers and wildflowers bloom in spectacular seasonal displays.
Geological RegionNestled within the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin showcases one of Earth's most extraordinary ecosystems where ancient coast redwoods reign supreme. This geological wonderland encompasses pristine old-growth forests that survived the millennia alongside thriving second-growth stands, creating a diverse woodland tapestry. The varied terrain supports an incredible array of life zones, from moisture-loving redwood groves and mixed conifer forests to hardy oak woodlands and drought-adapted chaparral communities. Riparian corridors thread through the landscape like emerald ribbons, completing this remarkable portrait of California's natural heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is available generally for Big Basin Redwoods State Park, but specific details for Sunset Trail Campground are not provided.
Sites SizeUser reviews mentioned that tent sites are flat and sheltered; further details on site sizes are missing.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are noted to be sheltered, but no explicit mention of privacy level.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No details regarding group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Activities you can enjoy
Camping at Sunset Trail Campground offers opportunities for nature exploration amidst ancient redwoods, with hiking being a prominent activity.
Hiking
Several trails are open in the park, including Redwood Loop Trail, Sunset Trail, and Skyline to the Sea Trail, offering experiences ranging from short loops to all-day backcountry adventures.Biking
Bicycles are allowed on all fire roads within the park, but not on trails.Wildlife viewing
The park provides opportunities to observe diverse wildlife, including deer, raccoons, bobcats, and various bird species such as Steller's jays, marbled murrelets, and lazuli buntings. One review highlights the importance of being "Crumb Clean" to protect endangered birds.Cultural and Educational Programs
The park hosts various interpretative programs, guided walks, and educational exhibits, including historical and cultural themes.Winter Activities
No explicit mention of winter activities.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not discussed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Active alertsPark closures may occur due to high wind events.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 90%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThe park encourages visitors to dispose of all food and trash properly as it is a "Crumb Clean" park to protect wildlife. Recycling facilities for glass, plastic, and aluminum are available.
Proximity to water featuresStreams and brooks run through parts of the park, enhancing its natural beauty.
Common complaintsLimited parking and unreliable cell service are common concerns.
Campground Map
Driving directionsThe park is 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz via Highways 9 and 236. From Hwy 9 in Boulder Creek, turn north onto Hwy 236, and the park entrance is 9 miles down the highway. Roads are curvy, and visitors should be advised that ride-sharing services and cell reception may be unreliable.
Roads leading to Big Basin Redwoods State Park are curvy and may pose challenges for oversized vehicles or trailers.Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Sunset Trail Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide insights into the campground's tent sites, which are described as flat and sheltered. However, some users note the lack of sunset views despite the campground's name.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"Flat, sheltered tent sites with food storage lockers for each site" are highlighted as a positive feature.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
"Fair warning: no sunset view to be had unfortunately".
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should be aware of the lack of cell phone reception and plan transportation accordingly.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Plenty of flat, sheltered tent sites with a food storage locker for each site. Fair warning: no sunset view to be had unfortunately."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are reviewed.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews explicitly addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed only in specific areas such as the parking lot and the first mile of North Escape Road. Pets are prohibited elsewhere within the park.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025