Wilder Ranch Campground

4.06

17 reviews

1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Wilder Ranch Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Equestrian campsites are available for $20 per night. Additional vehicles are charged $10.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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) 423-9703wilderranch@ports-ca.us

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What Campers Say

4.06

Satisfactory

Based on 17 reviews

2266 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewssites

"User reviews for Wilder Ranch are generally positive, highlighting the scenic trails, historical sites, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Some negative feedback reflects limited amenities and occasional issues with park staff."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Wilder Ranch Campground

1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Driving directionsThe park is north of Santa Cruz, immediately west of Highway One, just a mile or so past the Western Drive stoplight.

Accessible via Highway One, with a tunnel under the highway connecting the cultural preserve to the trail network.

Nearby places

Santa Cruz (5 miles, ~10 minutes), Watsonville (21 miles, ~30 minutes), Monterey (50 miles, ~1 hour), San Jose (40 miles, ~1 hour)

Nearby supplies

Santa Cruz offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel stations within ~5 miles from the park.

Best Time to Camp at Wilder Ranch Campground

Blessed with California's famously mild coastal climate, Wilder Ranch maintains comfortable temperatures between 50°F and 70°F throughout the year, making it an ideal four-season destination for riders. Summer days bring brilliant sunshine that warms the inland trails, perfect for early morning rides before the afternoon heat sets in. Winter transforms the landscape with refreshing rains that green the hillsides and fill seasonal creeks, though the mild temperatures keep trails accessible. Morning fog often rolls in from the Pacific, creating an ethereal atmosphere that burns off by midday to reveal sparkling ocean views.

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: Not specified, but conditions are favorable in spring and summer.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Equestrian campsites are available year-round.
Current Alerts: Backcountry trails occasionally close due to weather conditions. The Visitor Center is closed due to flooding.

About Wilder Ranch Campground

Saddle up for an extraordinary camping experience at Wilder Ranch State Park, where six exclusive equestrian campsites nestle within the grounds of a beautifully preserved historic ranch. Here, the legacy of California's ranching heritage comes alive as you explore miles of scenic trails that wind through coastal bluffs and redwood groves, all while staying in campsites designed specifically for horse enthusiasts. Beyond the corrals and pastures, discover breathtaking ocean vistas and fascinating historical landmarks that tell the story of this remarkable landscape.

The campground at Wilder Ranch is exclusively designed for equestrian camping with six designated sites providing basic amenities. No RV, tent, group, or glamping options are available.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this living museum where the stories of California's past unfold before your eyes. The crown jewel of the park is an exquisite 1897 Victorian farmhouse, its gingerbread trim and wraparound porch standing as a testament to the prosperity of the dairy farming era. Just steps away, the ingenious 1896 water-powered machine shop still demonstrates the innovation of early California ranchers. But the history runs even deeper – long before European settlement, the Ohlone people called this land home for thousands of years, leaving behind shell middens and ancient pathways that remind us of their enduring connection to this sacred coastline.

Weather and SeasonsBlessed with California's famously mild coastal climate, Wilder Ranch maintains comfortable temperatures between 50°F and 70°F throughout the year, making it an ideal four-season destination for riders. Summer days bring brilliant sunshine that warms the inland trails, perfect for early morning rides before the afternoon heat sets in. Winter transforms the landscape with refreshing rains that green the hillsides and fill seasonal creeks, though the mild temperatures keep trails accessible. Morning fog often rolls in from the Pacific, creating an ethereal atmosphere that burns off by midday to reveal sparkling ocean views.

ElevationFrom sea level to soaring heights, Wilder Ranch offers an exhilarating range of elevations that challenge riders and reward them with ever-changing vistas. The park's trails climb dramatically up the flanks of Ben Lomond Mountain, reaching an impressive 1,800 feet where panoramic views stretch from the Monterey Bay to the distant Sierra Nevada on clear days. This varied topography creates diverse ecosystems and riding experiences, from gentle coastal meadows to challenging mountain switchbacks.

Natural Features and SceneryNature's grandeur unfolds at every turn in this diverse coastal paradise. Dramatic cliffs drop away to reveal hidden coves where tide pools teem with colorful sea stars and hermit crabs. Ancient redwood groves provide cool, cathedral-like sanctuaries where filtered sunlight dances on the forest floor. Golden grasslands ripple in the ocean breeze, dotted with wildflowers in spring. Keep your eyes peeled for the park's charismatic wildlife – playful harbor seals bask on offshore rocks, sea otters float in the kelp beds, and if you're lucky, you might spot the elusive bobcat padding silently through the underbrush at dawn or dusk.

Geological RegionPerched along the rugged Santa Cruz coastline, Wilder Ranch showcases a fascinating geological story written in stone and soil. The park's distinctive wave-cut terraces, carved by ancient seas and thrust skyward by powerful seismic forces, create a dramatic staircase landscape that tells of millions of years of Earth's restless movements. These marine terraces now support a rich tapestry of ecosystems – from windswept coastal prairies where native bunch grasses sway, to sheltered oak woodlands that provide refuge for countless species. This unique geological foundation has created one of California's most diverse and visually stunning state parks.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum occupancy of 8 guests per site, with 3 vehicles.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy of 8 guests per site.

Groups

No group camping sites are offered at Wilder Ranch.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutEquestrian sites are pull-through with moderate driveway grades.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via phone at (831) 423-9703.

Walk-in AvailabilityEquestrian sites are first-come, first-served for availability.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details are not specified.

AccessibilityAccessible parking and ramps are available for visitors at the main park area. Visitors requiring assistance to access historic structures can make arrangements with park staff.

Site SizeEach equestrian site is equipped to accommodate rigs consisting of trucks and two horse trailers. Additional vehicles incur an extra fee.

PrivacyThe equestrian campsites offer minimal privacy as they are clustered together and lack natural barriers like trees or dense vegetation.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to the trailhead for reduced walking distance to equestrian staging areas.

Amenities available

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Wilder Ranch State Park offers extensive recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Trails span over 35 miles, accommodating varying difficulty levels and offering incredible views of the coastline and natural landscapes. Historical tours are available on weekends, providing an educational window into the area's ranching history.

HikingThere are 35 miles of multi-use trails with diverse terrains, from flat coastal bluffs to steep ascents in the hills. Noteworthy trails include the Ohlone Bluff Trail with stunning ocean vistas and the Enchanted Loop showcasing coast redwoods. The Old Cove Landing Trail is highly recommended for an easy hike.

BikingA network of trails is suitable for mountain biking, noted for being beginner-friendly. Trails like Wilder Ridge Loop and Chinquapin Trail are popular among riders for their scenic beauty and manageable terrain.

Wildlife viewingThe park is home to diverse wildlife including pelicans, harbor seals, sea otters, coyotes, and deer. Migrating whales can be spotted offshore between December and April.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsWeekend tours of historic ranch buildings and demonstrations of water-powered machines offer educational insights into California's early ranching history.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMountain lions have been observed, especially during dusk. Trails are exposed to the sun, increasing risk of heat exhaustion.

Active AlertsBackcountry trails occasionally close due to weather conditions. The Visitor Center is closed due to flooding.

Fire PolicyCampfires and BBQ pits are prohibited.

Emergency ServicesDominican Hospital, ~6 miles away in Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz Police Department, ~5 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are present in the main park area. Specific arrangements for campsite waste disposal are not indicated.

Water FeaturesOceanfront bluff trails and nearby tidepools. Wilder Beach Natural Preserve is closed to public access.

Camp HostHosts are not explicitly mentioned.

Weather at Wilder Ranch Campground

Reviews

4.1

17 reviews

Satisfactory

Wilder Ranch Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Wilder Ranch are generally positive, highlighting the scenic trails, historical sites, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Some negative feedback reflects limited amenities and occasional issues with park staff.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the trails for their stunning views, ease of navigation, and diverse terrains. Historical sites and educational tours are also frequently appreciated. Wildlife viewing, particularly...

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative reviews mention limited amenities such as no fire pits, grills, or shaded areas at campsites. Poor experiences with park staff and docents were also noted by some visitors.

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing offline maps due to spotty cell service, carrying sunscreen for exposed trails, and arriving early for tours or hiking to avoid crowds.

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight high temperatures and sun exposure on trails, advising hats and sunscreen. Winter reviews emphasize the lack of seasonal activities but note that wildlife viewing,...

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The bluff trail is very scenic. The ranch buildings give a vision of the past." - Gregg Wagener 2. "Mountain lions are present all over the Bay Area, so same rules apply everywhere." - B.K. 3....

Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Equestrian campsites are noted for their basic setup, accommodating horse trailers and providing pipe corrals. However, their lack of fire pits and other amenities detracts from their appeal.

Based on 17 reviews