How much does camping cost at Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground?

Camping fees at Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground are $6 - $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited first-come, first-served parking spots are available for day-use.

What is the best time to visit Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground?

Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend for day-use shuttle access.. 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 Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground?

Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground?

Popular activities at Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground?

Fire policies at Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground: Check park alerts for fire restrictions. Fires may be restricted during dry seasons or due to ongoing restoration efforts.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4 reviews

Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California

Featured in:Group Camping California

Quick Facts

1,316 ft

Price

$6 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Currently closed for...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,316 ft

Price

$6 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Currently closed for...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground

$6.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day-use parking fees are $6 per vehicle plus a $2 reservation fee, or $10 without a reservation. No camping fee information provided as all...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Reserve California

Provider

(831) 338-8860

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California

Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground

Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California

Nearby places

Boulder Creek (9 miles, approximately 20 minutes drive), Santa Cruz (25 miles, approximately 45 minutes drive), San Francisco (65 miles, approximately 1.5 hours drive).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Boulder Creek, 9 miles from the park entrance.

Driving directionsFrom Hwy 9 in Boulder Creek, turn north onto Hwy 236 and drive approximately 9 miles to the Big Basin Redwoods State Park entrance kiosk. Follow signage to Sky Meadow Group Campgrounds 1 & 2.

All roads into Big Basin Redwoods State Park, including access to Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2, are curvy and may pose challenges for oversized vehicles and trailers. Seasonal closures due to fire recovery work may impact accessibility.

Weather at Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground

Current alert: The campground is closed due to recovery efforts from the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire. Limited access and ongoing restoration work are active.

Best Time to Camp at Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground

Spring delivers the best conditions. Daytime temperatures typically reach 55-70°F, with nights dropping to 40-50°F in April and May. Winter rains create flowing creeks and waterfalls, and the new growth in redwood groves and meadows peaks in spring. Trails dry out enough for hiking and mountain biking by mid-spring. Summer brings morning fog and warm, dry afternoons. Weekdays see fewer visitors than summer weekends.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Overview states spring delivers the best conditions (55–70°F days, flowing creeks).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend for day-use shuttle access.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Currently closed for camping reservations due to fire recovery. The park remains open for limited day-use access with parking restrictions.

About Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground

Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground sits in Big Basin Redwoods State Park near Boulder Creek, where coast redwood groves meet oak-studded hillsides at 1,316 feet elevation. The two group sites cost $6-$10 per night. Note: these sites are currently closed.

The authoritative content does not provide specific information about Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground's accommodation types, though general information for Big Basin Redwoods State Park is included.

Historical Significance

Big Basin Redwoods became California's first state park over a century ago, preserved by early conservationists who fought to protect the old-growth redwood groves. Some trees here have stood for more than a millennium.

Weather and SeasonsSpring delivers the best conditions. Daytime temperatures typically reach 55-70°F, with nights dropping to 40-50°F in April and May. Winter rains create flowing creeks and waterfalls, and the new growth in redwood groves and meadows peaks in spring. Trails dry out enough for hiking and mountain biking by mid-spring. Summer brings morning fog and warm, dry afternoons. Weekdays see fewer visitors than summer weekends.

ElevationFrom sea-kissed valleys to ridgelines soaring above 2,000 feet, Big Basin's dramatic topography creates a vertical journey through distinct worlds. This elevation dance orchestrates a symphony of microclimates where fog-loving ferns thrive in shadowy canyons while sun-seeking wildflowers bloom on exposed peaks. Each change in altitude reveals new perspectives and ecosystems, offering campers a chance to experience multiple seasons and habitats within a single day's adventure.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies the transition zone where fog-nurtured coast redwoods give way to oak woodland and dense chaparral. Streams flow through the Santa Cruz Mountains terrain after winter rains. The underlying geology has created distinct ecosystems: redwood groves in the valleys, oak hillsides on drier slopes, and riparian corridors along waterways. Deer graze in meadows at dusk. The diverse plant communities support a variety of bird species and wildlife including bobcats.

Geological RegionDeep in the Santa Cruz Mountains' embrace, Big Basin reveals the geological poetry written over millions of years. This remarkable landscape showcases nature's diversity through its mosaic of ecosystems - from the fog-nurtured coast redwood groves to oak-studded hillsides, from dense chaparral thickets to lush streamside gardens. The underlying geology has created a perfect stage for this ecological theater, where tectonic forces, ancient seas, and time itself have sculpted a terrain that supports one of the most biodiverse regions in California.

Scenic ViewsSpectacular views of old-growth redwoods and some vistas of the Pacific Ocean from higher elevations. Many areas of the park also feature babbling brooks and lush vegetation.

Programs & ActivitiesFree interpretive programs and events such as guided walks are offered throughout the year.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Groups

Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground appears to cater to group camping based on the name, but the content does not clarify the capacity or facilities.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations for day-use parking can be made at www.thatsmypark.org/parks-and-beaches/big-basin-redwoods-state-park.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited first-come, first-served parking spots are available for day-use.

Recommended SitesChoose campsites farther from restroom facilities to avoid odor issues. Privacy and shade vary across site locations.

Amenities available

The provided data does not contain any specific details on the amenities available at Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground. Marking all fields as null for amenities.

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground

The authoritative content emphasizes several activities within Big Basin Redwoods State Park but does not specify which activities are available at Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground. User reviews do not provide additional clarity. Marking activity fields as null where specific evidence is absent.

Hiking4.0/5

Wildlife viewing3.5/5

Park home to deer, raccoons, bobcats and many bird species (dark-eyed juncos, acorn woodpeckers).

Biking3.0/5

Bicycles allowed on all fire roads; specific biking trails not mentioned.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Old-growth redwoods, creeks and ridge vistas provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, uneven terrain, and risks associated with post-fire areas like falling debris.

Fire PolicyCheck park alerts for fire restrictions. Fires may be restricted during dry seasons or due to ongoing restoration efforts.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospitals and emergency services are located in Santa Cruz, 25 miles from the park. Police and ranger stations are accessible within the park.

Water FeaturesSeveral creeks and streams are accessible within Big Basin Redwoods State Park, offering tranquil natural settings.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

The user review from Mark Smith provides limited insight into Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground, stating: "Great except camp too close to smelly toilets."

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

User reviews do not provide enough detail for positive highlights.

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

The proximity to smelly toilets was noted as a concern by Mark Smith.

Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The only available user review does not include specific site numbers.

Based on 4 reviews

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Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground

$6.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day-use parking fees are $6 per vehicle plus a $2 reservation fee, or $10 without a reservation. No camping fee information provided as all...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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) 338-8860

Go if

Old-growth redwood fans and group campers should bookmark this for whenever it reopens. Spring is the prime window, with wildflower meadows, flowing creeks, and daytime highs in the 60s. Boulder Creek 9 miles out handles resupply.

Skip if

The campground is closed. Day-use parking at Big Basin requires a reservation through thatsmypark.org and post-fire hazards like falling debris remain active, so even a scouting visit needs planning.

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