Soquel Campground
4.4747 reviews.
Quick Facts
Price
$41/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Season opens May 16 ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$41/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Season opens May 16 ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSoquel Campground
$41.00 - $41.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $41 per night during peak season (May 16 - September 13), with an additional $2 charged during holidays. Reservation fees are separate and...
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Standard Site Fee$41.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$41.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider559-642-3212clm@clm-services.com
What Campers Say
4.47
Recommended
Based on 47 reviews
32 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanfriendly
"Overall, user sentiment about Soquel Campground is positive, with an average rating of 4.319 for campgrounds specifically. Campers appreciate its serene, remote location and natural beauty, but they also highlight challenges such as the absence of potable water, uneven dirt roads, and occasional safety concerns."
Fees & Passes at Soquel Campground
$41/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Campers can stay for up to 14 nights per visit, as per the year-round stay limit rule.
Cancellation: Campers can cancel the reservation anytime before the scheduled check-in date, but late cancellation...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official null website.
Best Time to Camp at Soquel Campground
Summer at Soquel brings a delightful rhythm of cool, crisp nights that give way to pleasantly warm afternoons. While rain and snow rarely interrupt the peak season experience, mornings arrive with a refreshing chill courtesy of Willow Creek's cooling influence. Pack that extra layer for dawn coffee sessions and evening campfire gatherings – you'll appreciate the cozy warmth as mist rises from the creek and the forest awakens around you.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 16 - September 13 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Season opens May 16 and closes September 13 annually, marking the peak camping period.
- Current Alerts: "Fire restrictions may occur during dry weather, limiting campfire and charcoal usage."
About Soquel Campground
Discover the tranquil embrace of Soquel Campground, where two inviting loops rest peacefully along the babbling waters of Willow Creek. Here, towering pines and majestic firs create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches weaving a cool canopy that shelters primitive campsites perfect for both intimate tent camping and small trailer adventures. Each site offers an authentic connection to the wilderness, where the gentle murmur of the creek becomes your evening soundtrack.
Soquel Campground offers primitive camping with no hookups, tailored to tents and small trailers. Reservations are site-specific.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in California's rich heritage, where your campground serves as a gateway to the awe-inspiring Nelder Grove and its ancient giant sequoias. Just a short journey away, these magnificent trees have stood sentinel for centuries, witnessing the passage of time and human history. The nearby Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad adds another layer to the area's storied past, offering glimpses into the logging era that helped shape the Sierra Nevada's modern identity.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Soquel brings a delightful rhythm of cool, crisp nights that give way to pleasantly warm afternoons. While rain and snow rarely interrupt the peak season experience, mornings arrive with a refreshing chill courtesy of Willow Creek's cooling influence. Pack that extra layer for dawn coffee sessions and evening campfire gatherings – you'll appreciate the cozy warmth as mist rises from the creek and the forest awakens around you.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryTucked within the scenic Highway 41 Corridor of the Bass Lake Ranger District, Soquel Campground offers an immersive Sierra experience where nature's symphony plays continuously. The melodic voice of Willow Creek provides a constant companion, while towering pines and firs frame breathtaking vistas at every turn. This strategic location places you at the doorstep of Nelder Grove's majestic sequoias, where some of Earth's largest living beings await your visit, their massive trunks and soaring crowns creating an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Geological RegionYour adventure unfolds on the western slopes of the central Sierra Nevada, where the Sierra National Forest showcases nature's dramatic versatility. From the gentle, oak-studded foothills that roll like golden waves to the densely forested middle elevations where ancient trees reign supreme, this landscape tells a story millions of years in the making. Above it all, the High Sierra's alpine wilderness beckons with its stark, breathtaking beauty – a pristine world of granite peaks and crystal-clear mountain air that captures the imagination of every visitor.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground appears to have basic accessibility, but specific features for campers with disabilities are not detailed in the source materials.
Sites SizeCampsites can accommodate small trailers and tents, as noted in the official description. Reviews confirm that even smaller sites can fit two tents and a trailer.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy at campsites varies, with some reviewers noting that sites are "nicely spread apart," while others commented that campsites "were too close together."
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Reviewers frequently praise sites near the creek, such as site #4 and site #1, for their proximity to water and serene soundscapes."
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is at noon.
Check-out
Check-out is at noon.
Stay Limit
Campers can stay for up to 14 nights per visit, as per the year-round stay limit rule.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout"Two-loop layout near Willow Creek, offering sites spaced out with moderate privacy."
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens May 16 and closes September 13 annually, marking the peak camping period.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in Availability"Reviews indicate that walk-up spots might not always be available due to high demand during peak season. Arriving early is recommended."
Cancellation PolicyCampers can cancel the reservation anytime before the scheduled check-in date, but late cancellations (starting from midnight 1 calendar day before the scheduled check-in) will result in a $10 cancellation fee and deduction of the first night's recreation use fee from the refund.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Soquel Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and proximity to natural attractions. Trails nearby include the 3.7-mile Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail and the Miami Motorcycle Trails for off-road enthusiasts. "The Shadow of the Giants, a grove of giant sequoias, is a popular 1-mile hike just a short drive north of the campground," according to official materials.
Hiking
Several hiking opportunities exist nearby, including the Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail (3.7 miles) and the Shadow of the Giants trail (1 mile), a grove of giant sequoias.Biking
The Miami Motorcycle Trails nearby provide biking opportunities for dirt bike and off-road enthusiasts.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities exist, but campers are warned about the potential for bear sightings. For instance, one reviewer noted, "Our neighbors spotted a bear 1/2 a mile away."Winter Activities
The campground operates primarily in the late spring to early fall. Winter activities are not described.Water Sports
No specific non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- "Campfires and charcoal usage may be restricted during dry conditions."
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazards"Be bear aware: keep food in approved containers or locked inside vehicles, as bears have been spotted within proximity of the campground."
Active alerts"Fire restrictions may occur during dry weather, limiting campfire and charcoal usage."
Weather at Soquel Campground
55
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 - September 13 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities, including dumpsters, are available on-site, as noted by a reviewer: "Dumpster on site."
Proximity to water features"The campground is located on the banks of Willow Creek. A frequently mentioned highlight is the ability to fish for trout directly from campsites near the creek."
Common complaints"Issues frequently mentioned include pothole-ridden access roads, lack of running water, and occasional presence of yellow jacket wasps during meals."
Host"Camp host "Mike" is frequently praised for being helpful and keeping the campground clean. Some reviews note "KEEP OUT" signs near the host area, which may make certain visitors uncomfortable."
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Fresno, take Highway 41 north through the town of Oakhurst. Take the Sky Ranch Road (Road 632) east for 7 miles, turn southeast on Forest Road 6S40, and travel 1 mile to Soquel Campground.
"Access roads to Soquel Campground have been described by users as "unpaved and uneven," with potholes making travel difficult for larger vehicles such as motorhomes."Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
47 reviews
Soquel Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user sentiment about Soquel Campground is positive, with an average rating of 4.319 for campgrounds specifically. Campers appreciate its serene, remote location and natural beauty, but they also highlight challenges such as the absence of potable water, uneven dirt roads, and occasional safety concerns.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers frequently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the helpfulness of the camp host, and the serene environment. Quotes include: "The vault toilet is the cleanest one I have ever seen,"...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the absence of potable water and showers, rough access roads, and occasional issues with insects like yellow jackets. One reviewer noted, "The road to get there is dirt for...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing plenty of water and being prepared for dirt roads. Tips include: "Bring your own drinking water," and "Review the weather for the next day before you enter the campsite due...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is most active in summer, with reviewers emphasizing cool nights and serene conditions. However, some note that holiday weekends can bring increased activity and noise. Winter closures...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great clean campground. Restrooms were available. Dumpster on-site." (Rico Mcgrady)
"Mike (camp host) did a great job keeping the place clean and checking in on new arrivals." (Alvaro Picado)
"What...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites along the creek are highly preferred, with Site #1 mentioned positively for its proximity to water. One camper remarked, "Our host put us in site #1 right along the creek, which was great."
Based on 47 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Based on 47 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but campers are reminded to leash them at all times. "No more than two pets per site and leashed at all times," according to official rules.
Based on 47 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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