Butano Trail Campground

Star3.80
7 reviews
1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060
Peace & QuietGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

1,634 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens California 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
Butano Trail Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reservations for Butano Trail Camp are required and cost $15 per night. Additional fees may apply for vehicle entry.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
(650) 879-2040interp@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

3.80

Mixed Reviews

Based on 7 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullocationhiking

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Reviews highlight the campground’s unique appeal for backpackers seeking isolation amidst towering redwoods. Positive feedback emphasizes its seclusion and natural beauty, while common complaints focus on mosquitoes, lack of water sources, and minimal facilities."

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Campground Map

1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060

Butano Trail Campground

1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060

Driving directionsExit Highway 1 at Pescadero Road. Continue northeast for 3 miles, then turn right at Cloverdale Road and follow for 5 miles to the park entrance.
The roads within Butano State Park are narrow and winding, which could be challenging for larger vehicles such as buses. The park roads are paved but steep at times.
Nearby places
Pescadero (4.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes) and Half Moon Bay (approximately 20 miles, around 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Pescadero, approximately 4.5 miles from the park entrance.

Best Time to Camp at Butano Trail Campground

Beneath the protective embrace of ancient redwoods, Butano Trail Camp maintains its own microclimate of perpetual coolness. Summer visitors find refuge from California's heat in these naturally air-conditioned groves, where temperatures rarely climb above the low 70s. Winter transforms the forest into a mystical realm of mist and gentle rains, with occasional frost painting delicate patterns on fern fronds. The canopy overhead acts as nature's umbrella, creating a consistently damp, moss-friendly environment that keeps the forest floor soft underfoot year-round.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Cool refuge from heat under canopy but summer brings peak use and significant mosquito complaints.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Should offer quieter trails, pleasant weather and strong scenery; fewer summer pests noted in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring brings new growth and amphibians; seasonal streams may be present but water is unreliable in dry months.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 23% in CA

Open year-round; winter noted for mushrooms and amphibian viewing but cooler, wetter conditions exist.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Summer months are typically peak season due to favorable weather.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; however, site-specific reservations are required.
  • Current Alerts: None currently noted.

About Butano Trail Campground

Deep within the heart of the redwood forest, Butano Trail Camp awaits those seeking true wilderness solitude. This collection of 8 primitive campsites requires a rewarding 5.5-mile journey from the Visitor Center, where the modern world fades away with each step along the trail. Here, towering redwoods create a natural cathedral overhead, while essential amenities like pit toilets and bear-proof food lockers ensure safety without compromising the authentic backcountry experience. Leave your expectations of running water and electricity behind—this is camping as it was meant to be.
The Butano Trail Campground offers eight primitive backcountry sites accessible only via a 5.5-mile hike. These sites are ideal for those seeking solitude and wilderness experiences.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Butano Trail Campground’s remote location provides opportunities for activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. No designated recreational facilities are present, ensuring visitors can enjoy the natural beauty undisturbed.
HikingButano Trail Campground is accessible via a 5.5-mile hike along the Butano Fire Road, which can be approached from multiple trailheads. Trails like Jackson Flats and Año Nuevo Fire Road offer varying levels of difficulty, with scenic views and opportunities to photograph redwoods, mushrooms, and wildlife. "Ascending Año Nuevo/Goat Hill feels like a lot of climbing from the get-go but then it’s somewhat mellow," one user notes.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is home to diverse wildlife, including coyotes, mountain lions, and birds such as woodpeckers and Pacific wrens. Banana slugs and newts are often seen on wet trails. "You’ll likely hear or see evidence of coyote or mountain lions or a wake-up call of cawing crows," a user review shared.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential risks include encounters with wildlife such as coyotes and mountain lions. Poison oak is also prevalent.
Active AlertsNone currently noted.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are provided at each campsite to protect against wildlife.

Weather at Butano Trail Campground

Reviews

3.8
7 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Butano Trail Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground’s unique appeal for backpackers seeking isolation amidst towering redwoods. Positive feedback emphasizes its seclusion and natural beauty, while common complaints focus on mosquitoes, lack of water sources, and minimal facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground’s remote location, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to scenic hiking trails. "Beautiful terrain the entire way. You’re under the redwood canopy," one reviewer noted.
Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes are a major drawback, with one user warning, 'Was not expecting mosquitoes though, so I got eaten alive!' Others mention the lack of water sources and insufficient amenities like tables...
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Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring adequate water and bug repellent. Prepare for steep climbs and pack light due to the long hike. Use gas stoves for cooking as campfires are prohibited.
Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter months offer opportunities to observe mushrooms and amphibians like newts. Summer poses mosquito challenges but provides warmer weather for hiking.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Ascend via Jackson Flats for a gradual climb, but expect steep sections near the campsites.' - Drew 2. 'Prepare to carry out all of your trash and bring your own toilet paper for the pit...
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Primitive campsites #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6 are available for $15 per night. Each site accommodates up to 8 people. They feature food lockers and a shaded area but lack fire pits, grills, and water...
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Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited due to the hike required to reach the campground. No specialized features for disabilities are noted for Butano Trail Camp.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at the Trail Camp to protect local wildlife such as endangered birds and amphibians.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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