Beach camping near Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz beach camping lets campers stay close to the surf, sand, forest, and mountains.

95% (449 reviews)
95% (449 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Santa Cruz

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Beach camping near Santa Cruz guide

Overview

Whether you prefer the beach, the forest, or the mountains, Santa Cruz has it all. Set on the north end of Monterey Bay, this town has deep California style—catch some waves or enjoy the rides at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, then ride a train through the forest in Felton, or hike under redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Beach campers can also look for wildlife at Moss Landing State Beach or at Monterey Bay Aquarium. In winter, head to Natural Bridges State Beach to see thousands of monarch butterflies. Plenty of Santa Cruz beach camping options exist, including tent and RV campsites on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean at New Brighton State Beach in nearby Capitola, and at Seacliff, Sunset, and Manresa state beaches further south. For more amenities, like RV sites with full hookups, laundry facilities, playgrounds, and wifi, look to private RV parks in the Santa Cruz area.

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