Lane Trail Campground

Star2.67
6 reviews

Quick Facts

2,306 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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
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

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Reserve California
Provider
(831) 338-8867trailcamps@thatsmypark.org
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What Campers Say

2.67

Mixed Reviews

Based on 6 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

Some mention

bugsmosquitoes

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Lane Trail Campground

37.2151, -122.2244

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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Lane Trail Campground

Nestled within the protective embrace of ancient redwoods, Lane Trail maintains the forest's signature cool, misty ambiance year-round. Morning fog often drifts through the canopy, creating an ethereal atmosphere that defines the coastal redwood experience. Summer occasionally breaks this pattern with warmer temperatures that transform the typically damp forest floor into a drier landscape. Seasoned campers note that these warmer evenings can awaken the forest's insect population, so come prepared for nature's smaller residents during heat waves.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Reviews note bugs in warmer months and no potable water; summer can be buggy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Cool, misty redwood forest year-round; no specific fall data available.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Likely pleasant in spring but no explicit seasonal reviews; data limited.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Forest remains cool and misty; open seasonally but no winter-sport access noted.

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

About Lane Trail Campground

Venture into the heart of Big Basin Redwoods State Park and discover Lane Trail Campground, a secluded hike-in retreat where adventure begins at the trailhead. This primitive camping experience welcomes up to six guests per site, offering the rare opportunity to sleep beneath towering redwoods far from the crowds. While you'll find secure food storage lockers to protect your provisions from curious wildlife, this back-to-basics destination embraces simplicity—no running water, picnic tables, or campfire rings disturb the natural setting. It's pure wilderness camping at its finest, where the journey to your site becomes part of the adventure itself.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
02:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers
Vault toilets

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.
HikingHiking trails such as the Redwood Loop Trail and Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail are accessible nearby. These trails vary from easy loops to strenuous backcountry routes. "Be aware that you may come across blocked trails that we do not know about," warns the park's official source about changing trail conditions.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer, raccoons, and birds—including endangered species like the marbled murrelet—can be observed in the park. "Common creatures include deer, raccoons, bobcats, and birds, including dark-eyed juncos, acorn woodpeckers," states the authoritative text.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive 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.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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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.
Active AlertsOngoing fire recovery efforts restrict access to certain areas of the park. Visitors should confirm trail conditions before arrival.
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.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at all six campsites, which helps mitigate wildlife interactions.

Weather at Lane Trail Campground

Reviews

2.7
6 reviews
Mixed 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

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...
Show more
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

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

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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