How much does camping cost at Lane Trail Campground?

Camping fees at Lane Trail Campground range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lane Trail Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lane Trail Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Lane Trail Campground?

Lane Trail Campground is open Peak season details not provided.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lane Trail Campground?

Lane Trail Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Lane Trail Campground?

Fire policies at Lane Trail Campground: Campfires, BBQs, and grills are not allowed at Lane Trail Campground due to park regulations.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lane Trail Campground have?

Lane Trail Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lane Trail Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Lane Trail Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lane Trail Campground?

Lane Trail Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lane Trail Campground?

Popular activities at Lane Trail Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lane Trail Campground

2.17

6 reviews

Top 18% in CAWinter

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Tent Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,306 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,306 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Lane Trail Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

All campsites are priced uniformly at $15 per night, regardless of specific site features.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

(831) 338-8867trailcamps@thatsmypark.org

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Lane Trail Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Lane Trail Campground

37.2151, -122.2244

Nearby places

Santa Cruz (25 miles, ~40 minutes), San Francisco (~65 miles, ~1.5 hours)

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies are available in Boulder Creek, 9 miles away from the park entrance. Fuel stations also exist in Boulder Creek.

Driving directionsFrom Hwy 9 in the town of Boulder Creek, turn north onto Hwy 236. Continue approximately 9 miles down Hwy 236 to the park entrance kiosk. Be aware that all roads leading into Big Basin Redwoods State Park are curvy. Ride-sharing and car-sharing apps are not recommended due to poor cell service at the park entrance.

Roads are curvy and challenging to navigate. No oversized vehicles or trailers are permitted for day-use parking. Ride-sharing and car-sharing apps (e.g., Uber, Zip Car) are discouraged due to unreliable service in the area.

Weather at Lane Trail Campground

Current alert: Ongoing fire recovery efforts restrict access to certain areas of the park. Visitors should confirm trail conditions before arrival.

Best Time to Camp at Lane Trail Campground

Winter brings the forest to life. Daytime highs run 45–60°F, nights drop to the mid-30s and 40s. Waterfalls and seasonal streams peak after autumn rains. The damp, fog-filtered forest is at its most photogenic, and you'll see far fewer people than in summer. Summer breaks hotter and drier. When temperatures climb, so does the bug population. Reviews consistently mention mosquitoes during warm months.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 18% in CA

Winter brings cooler, wet conditions and active forests; no winter-sport infrastructure though.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season details not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open seasonally for reservations and subject to ongoing fire recovery efforts.

About Lane Trail Campground

Lane Trail Campground sits deep in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, accessible only by hiking in. The six primitive sites cost $15 per night and accommodate up to six guests each. You get bear lockers and vault toilets. That's it. No water, no tables, no fire rings. Cell service is nonexistent.

Lane Trail Campground emphasizes primitive camping, making it suitable for hikers seeking a backcountry experience. It does not support RVs, group camping, or luxury accommodations.

Historical Significance

Big Basin Redwoods became California's first state park in 1902. The redwoods here are over a thousand years old. The 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire burned through the area, and the forest is actively recovering. Blackened bark next to new growth.

Weather and SeasonsWinter brings the forest to life. Daytime highs run 45–60°F, nights drop to the mid-30s and 40s. Waterfalls and seasonal streams peak after autumn rains. The damp, fog-filtered forest is at its most photogenic, and you'll see far fewer people than in summer. Summer breaks hotter and drier. When temperatures climb, so does the bug population. Reviews consistently mention mosquitoes during warm months.

ElevationElevation details are not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryCoast redwoods tower above the sites, some old-growth survivors from the 2020 fire, others second-growth recovery. The forest floor shifts between cool, fern-covered canyon bottoms and drier ridges where chaparral takes over. Partial shade reaches the sites. A natural water source sits about 3 miles down the trail. Bring a filter. The elevation here is 2,306 feet, and ocean fog regularly drifts through the canopy, creating that signature redwood atmosphere.

Geological RegionPerched within the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains, Lane Trail Campground occupies a unique ecological crossroads where ocean fog meets mountain terrain. This remarkable setting showcases both majestic old-growth coast redwoods that survived the recent fires and recovering second-growth forest painting a picture of regeneration. The varied topography creates distinct microclimates—from the cool, damp canyon bottoms where ferns and sorrel carpet the forest floor to the warmer, drier ridges where hardy chaparral species thrive. It's a living laboratory of California's coastal mountain ecology, where each turn of the trail reveals another facet of this complex and beautiful ecosystem.

Scenic ViewsThe campground is surrounded by towering redwoods and provides close access to Redwood Loop Trail, where some of the oldest trees in the park can be seen.

Lodging & AccommodationsLane Trail Campground only offers primitive campsites; no hotel-style lodging or other accommodations are available.

Programs & ActivitiesInterpretive programs and guided tours are available nearby but not specific to Lane Trail Campground. "View a list of park events and guided hikes," states the official source.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

02:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6guests per campsite

Groups

Group camping is not supported at Lane Trail Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSix hike-in sites spread along the trail. Each has a bear locker. Tent pads measure roughly 10 by 10 feet. Shared vault toilets serve all sites. The layout doesn't provide much privacy between spots.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks at thatsmypark.org.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground does not appear to offer walk-up or first-come-first-served sites. All reservations must be booked in advance for $15 per night.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not provided in the available information.

AccessibilityLane Trail Campground lacks designated accessibility features. Its primitive nature may pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.

Site SizeTent pads are approximately 10 feet in length and width, offering space for small to medium-sized tents.

PrivacyThe campground provides partial shade but does not offer privacy-enhancing features like tree coverage or secluded site layouts.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesSite selection does not appear to be site-specific as all campsites are hike-in primitive and offer the same amenities (food lockers, tent pads, shared pit toilets).

Need help booking Lane Trail Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveCalifornia Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Lane Trail Campground is a primitive hike-in campground located within Big Basin Redwoods State Park. This campground provides minimal facilities, emphasizing a wilderness experience. It lacks potable water and picnic tables. "Be aware that this camp has neither water (-1) nor tables (-1)," a user review highlights the absence of basic amenities like tables and water. The campsites are equipped with food lockers but no fire pits or grills, and the bathroom facilities are pit toilets shared among campers.

Food storage lockers

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Lane Trail Campground offers a range of activities centered around its wilderness setting. Campers can access various hiking opportunities, explore wildlife habitats, and enjoy the solitude of the surroundings. "Hiking - Please check current trail conditions while planning your hike," suggests the official source, though no activities like biking, fishing, or swimming are directly supported by this specific campground.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential dangers include rattlesnakes, ticks, poison oak, and lack of water sources within the campground. Mosquitoes and other bugs can be abundant during warm conditions.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Lane Trail Campground; pit toilets are the only restroom facilities provided.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at all six campsites, which helps mitigate wildlife interactions.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires, BBQs, and grills are not allowed at Lane Trail Campground due to park regulations.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located in Boulder Creek, approximately 9 miles away from the park entrance. This includes nearby hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are expected to pack out their trash as no dedicated trash or recycling facilities are provided. "Dispose of all food and trash properly and don't leave any behind where animals can get to it," emphasizes the park's Crumb Clean initiative.

Water FeaturesNearest water source is a natural spring located approximately 3 miles away.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Lane Trail Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

2.2

6 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Lane Trail Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User experiences emphasize Lane Trail Campground's primitive nature. Reviews highlight the lack of basic amenities like potable water and picnic tables, the prevalence of bugs, and the overall wilderness atmosphere.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the secluded, primitive atmosphere and proximity to hiking trails, providing a true backcountry experience.

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints include the absence of potable water, picnic tables, and issues with bugs: "The warm night challenged my four-season Black Diamond I-tent," remarked one user about bug issues.

Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsites are numbered and described as primitive: "Hike In Primitive Campsite #Lane #6" offers a tent pad of 10 feet by 10 feet and lacks amenities such as grills, fire pits, and picnic tables.

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing adequate water and bug repellents and preparing for minimal facilities. "Dispose of all food and trash properly," is also emphasized by official sources.

Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not specify seasonal differences, but users encountered bugs in warmer months, suggesting this may be a summertime concern.

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Be aware that this camp has neither water (-1) nor tables (-1)." 2. "The warm night challenged my four-season Black Diamond I-tent...and I finally opened the tent netting to cool down at the cost...

Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited, as the campground lacks features like flat terrain or accessible restroom facilities.

Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at Lane Trail Campground, consistent with park-wide restrictions.

Based on 6 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Backcountry tent campers who can carry all their water in and want Skyline-to-the-Sea or Redwood Loop Trail right outside camp. Fall and winter are the sweet spot: cooler temps, fewer people, and waterfalls running after the rains.

Skip if

No potable water on-site, no fire rings, and 10x10 tent pads with minimal privacy between sites. Mosquitoes are brutal in warm months, and fire recovery means some trails may be blocked without warning, so check conditions before you drive out.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.5

(100)

Hike And Bike Campsites

9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Four hike-and-bike campsites sit within Portola Redwoods State Park's Huckleberry Campground, available first-come, first-served throughout the season. The sites occupy a canyon in the Santa Cruz Mountains where old-growth and second-growth redwoods create a mixed evergreen forest at 1,180 feet elevation. Sites cost $35 per night and include 10-by-10-foot tent pads, bear lockers, and access to flush toilets and showers.