Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

Star4.57
288 reviews
2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95060

Quick Facts

805 ft

Price

$10 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

107 campsites

Season

Campground is open s...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
$10.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges $35 per night for campsites. Vehicle day-use fees are $10, with discounts for seniors ($9). Additional vehicles are charged...
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Standard Site Fee$35.00
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
831-438-2396mtnspecevent@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 288 reviews

330 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanshowersrestrooms

"User reviews generally praise the natural beauty and convenience of the campground, including proximity to Santa Cruz and clean facilities. Common sentiments highlight the well-maintained restrooms and showers, along with varying campsite sizes and privacy levels."

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Campground Map

2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95060

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95060

Driving directionsFrom Hwy 17, take the Mt. Hermon Rd. exit. Follow Mt. Hermon Rd. until it ends at Graham Hill Rd. For the campground, turn left onto Graham Hill; the entrance is about 2.5 miles down on the right.
The campground is easily accessible from major roads. Graham Hill Road is paved, and the entrance is clearly marked. Seasonal closures may occasionally affect accessibility due to weather conditions.
Nearby places
Santa Cruz (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Felton (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes), Davenport (20 minutes), Moss Landing (30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Convenience stores are located within 3 minutes of the campground entrance. Costco and other stores are approximately 15 minutes away in Santa Cruz.

Best Time to Camp at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

Experience the gentle rhythms of mountain weather, where summer mornings begin crisp and cool in the high 40s before warming to pleasant mid-80s perfect for afternoon adventures. Winter brings its own magic, with temperatures dancing between the upper 30s and comfortable mid-50s. The Santa Cruz Mountains are known for their mercurial moods—morning fog can give way to brilliant sunshine in moments, adding an element of delightful unpredictability to every camping experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (Memorial Day–Labor Day): pleasant warm days and ranger programs, but busy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall is quieter with good hiking, though closures or inclement weather can occur.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers cool mornings, vibrant trails and good wildlife/hiking opportunities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Campground may close for inclement winter weather; winter offerings limited at low elevation.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campground is open seasonally. Closures may occur due to inclement weather during fall and winter.
  • Current Alerts: Rincon Fire Road remains closed due to 2023 winter storm damage.

About Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

Nestled within a tranquil forest canopy where towering pines and ancient oaks create nature's own cathedral, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground offers an enchanting escape into California's wild heart. Here, campers discover a world where rare geological wonders meet centuries-old redwood giants, and winding trails lead through landscapes that have inspired generations of nature lovers.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground supports a range of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. Specific options like primitive and group camping are not explicitly confirmed.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground offers a wide array of recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural programs. Unique features include the Redwood Grove Loop Trail and access to rare ecosystems like the Santa Cruz Sandhills.
HikingThe park boasts over 30 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks like the Redwood Grove Loop Trail to challenging hikes such as Four Crossings, which includes river crossings. Highlights include views of Monterey Bay from the Observation Deck and trails through ancient redwood groves.
FishingFishing in the San Lorenzo River is available, primarily catch-and-release steelhead trout fishing. Licensing and regulations apply.
SwimmingSwimming is available at Cable Car Beach and other river areas, but dogs and alcohol are prohibited.
BikingBiking is permitted on designated fire roads such as Pipeline Road and Powder Mill Road. Trails like Rincon Fire Road offer scenic routes but require advanced skills due to steep terrain and river crossings.
Wildlife viewingWildlife commonly observed includes deer, coyotes, and rare species like the Zayante band-winged grasshopper and Mount Hermon June beetle. Viewing areas include riparian zones and grasslands.
Beach activitiesBeach-related activities are centered around river areas like Cable Car Beach. Activities include picnicking and swimming.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison oak is common. Seasonal restrictions may apply to campfires due to drought. Wildlife such as coyotes may visit.
Active AlertsRincon Fire Road remains closed due to 2023 winter storm damage.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at all sites for food storage. This is included in the standard site fee.

Weather at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

Reviews

4.6
288 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the natural beauty and convenience of the campground, including proximity to Santa Cruz and clean facilities. Common sentiments highlight the well-maintained restrooms and showers, along with varying campsite sizes and privacy levels.
Review Summaries
Based on 288 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms and showers, convenient access to Santa Cruz, well-maintained trails, and ranger presence for maintaining order. 'The park Rangers n the Camp Host keeps this park quiet n orderly.'
Based on 288 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include poison oak prevalence, occasional maintenance issues with showers, and limited cell service. Some users felt quiet hours were overly restrictive: 'Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6...
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Based on 288 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring quarters for showers, avoid poison oak, choose inner sites for shade, and plan visits during less crowded weekdays for better experiences.
Based on 288 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) sees heavy crowds, but events like ranger-led hikes add value. Fall and winter closures may occur due to inclement weather.
Based on 288 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Always love this place. They keep bathrooms and showers clean DAILY.' 'Loved our stay. Its 10 min from Santa Cruz beach, and 5 min from Felton.' 'Sites are private and large, there are fire rings...
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Based on 288 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Favorite campsites include #2, #10, #12, #14, #23, and #107, noted for views, privacy, and proximity to amenities.
Based on 288 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA-accessible sites are praised for usability. Accessible trails include portions of the Redwood Grove Loop Trail and River Trail.
Based on 288 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed in designated areas but prohibited in the Redwood Grove Trail. Some campers appreciate pet-friendly policies but note restrictions on trails.
Based on 288 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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