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Big Basin Redwoods
Overview
Big Basin Redwoods State Park stands as California’s oldest state park, offering a unique opportunity to witness the resilience of nature. Located in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the park is currently in a phase of limited reopening following the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex fire. While the landscape has changed, the majestic old-growth redwoods continue to draw travelers who appreciate a quiet, reflective atmosphere amidst a regenerating forest ecosystem.
Location & Surroundings
Situated near Boulder Creek, the park is tucked into a rugged stretch of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The journey to the park involves navigating narrow, winding roads lined with towering trees and dense foliage. This remote setting provides a complete escape from the bustle of Silicon Valley and the coast. Visitors are surrounded by a coastal mountain microclimate that often brings cool morning mists, providing a refreshing break from the California sun.
Amenities & Park Features
Camping here is a rustic, back-to-basics experience. There are currently no hookups available, making it essential for RVers to arrive with full tanks and charged batteries. The sites are generally smaller and better suited for camper vans and short trailers, as the mountain roads can be quite tight. Standard amenities include picnic tables and fire rings, but the primary draw is the direct access to the recovering wilderness right outside your cabin or rig door.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
While many trails are still undergoing restoration, several routes allow visitors to view the iconic Redwood Loop and various waterfalls. A short drive away, the charming town of Boulder Creek offers local shops and dining. For those wanting a change of pace, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is less than an hour away, providing classic seaside fun. Hikers also frequent nearby Castle Rock State Park for its unique geological formations and climbing opportunities.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for adventurous dry campers and nature lovers who prioritize scenery over luxury. Because of the size limitations and technical driving required, it is best suited for those with compact RVs or van builds. If you seek a quiet, unplugged experience where the focus is on hiking and environmental recovery, Big Basin provides a profound and educational stay unlike any other in California.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Sirisha Aisola
Amazing park with giant redwoods and peaceful walking trails. The board says no dogs allowed, but we went with our pup and saw many other people with dogs too, so it doesn’t seem very strict. The trail was clean and easy to walk, but the path had a lot of yellow snails everywhere, so walk carefully. Good place for a quiet walk.
SK HD
Visiting Big Basin was an unforgettable experience! Despite the visible scars from the 2020 lightning fires, the park is slowly and beautifully coming back to life. It was inspiring to witness nature’s resilience firsthand. The towering redwoods still offer an incredible sense of awe, and I learned a lot about the ecosystem through the interpretive signs on the trail — a meaningful and educational visit! The Redwood Loop Trail was easy and mostly shaded, making it perfect for a relaxing stroll while still enjoying those iconic redwood views. Many other trails are currently partially closed, so I recommend checking ahead online or at the visitor center — it would’ve been helpful if closures were posted more clearly at the entrance. Getting to the park is an adventure in itself. The road includes several narrow, one-lane sections and steel plates that act almost like surprise speed bumps — so definitely drive cautiously and take your time. Once you’re in, though, it’s worth every turn. The park has a mix of sunny and shaded areas, so come prepared for both. Overall, Big Basin is a place of quiet beauty, powerful renewal, and majestic trees, perfect for anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
Valdemar
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is absolutely beautiful. The trails are moderate and easy to enjoy even if you’re not a pro hiker. Not too crowded, and parking is easy to find. The redwoods are stunning — massive and full of quiet power. It’s sad to see how much was lost after the fire, but what’s left still takes your breath away.
Andrea A
The park is mostly driving through it with one parking lot with hikes. The bathrooms were ok kinda porta potty like near the trails. They make you write down which trails you are going, just in case you get lost, they know what direction to start looking. Luckily we opted for the smaller loop which is pretty well marked. We got here around 8am Saturday with no reservations and we got lucky to get in! Although there wasn’t many people around until after we left maybe about a hour later people started to show up
Roopak
A great park for a walk and stroll. Not the most ideal to experience redwood trees, but it stand as testament to the what first fires can do to such a great space. You can experience a unique sight of green trees completely charred on the surface from the last fire!