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Henry Cowell Redwoods
Overview
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers a profound connection to California’s natural history and the majestic beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Home to ancient old-growth redwoods that have stood for over 1,500 years, this park provides a unique opportunity to camp among giants. The campground serves as a quiet, forested retreat where RVers can trade the sounds of the city for the gentle rustle of the canopy and the cooling evening fog that characterizes this coastal region.
Location & Surroundings
Tucked away in Felton, California, the park is a jewel of the San Lorenzo Valley. While the famous redwood groves are the primary draw, the campground is actually situated in a diverse ecosystem of sandhills and ponderosa pines. Its location offers a perfect balance between the rugged wilderness of the mountains and the convenient proximity to the California Central Coast, making it a versatile base for exploration. The drive into the park involves winding mountain roads that set the stage for a secluded getaway.
Amenities & Park Features
The camping experience here is intentionally rustic, focusing on the environment rather than modern frills. The sites can accommodate RVs and travel trailers up to 35 feet in length, providing a cozy footprint within the trees. While there are no individual utility hookups available, the park maintains well-kept restrooms and coin-operated showers, a convenient dump station, and water filling stations. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a heavy-duty fire ring for classic campfires.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure waits just outside your camper door with over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails. A highlight for every visitor is the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, where you can walk inside the famous Fremont Tree. For a unique historical perspective, the neighboring Roaring Camp Railroads offers steam train tours through the forest. If you crave the ocean, a short drive south leads you to the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and world-class surfing at Steamer Lane.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is a premier choice for eco-conscious travelers and those who enjoy a traditional dry camping style. It is ideal for smaller motorhomes and campervans looking for a genuine immersion in nature rather than a resort experience. Families will find endless discovery in the seasonal interpretive programs, while solo travelers and photographers will appreciate the deep tranquility and dramatic lighting found beneath the towering forest canopy.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
SK HD
If you ever need a reminder of just how magical nature can be, go spend a day at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 🌲✨ The trees there aren’t just tall—they’re ancient giants, the kind that make you feel wonderfully small in the best possible way. Walking through the Grove Trail feels like stepping into another world. The light filters down through the canopy in this soft, golden glow, and everything is quiet except for the crunch of leaves and the occasional bird call. It’s peaceful, humbling, and honestly a little surreal. And then there’s the train 🚂 — such a fun, nostalgic touch! Hearing it chug through the forest while surrounded by towering redwoods somehow makes the whole experience even more special. It’s like nature and history meeting in the most charming way. But the highlight of the day? Our completely unofficial (but very serious) banana slug competition 🍌🐌 We always play this game of spotting as many as we can—and today we absolutely crushed it with 22+ slugs spotted! Bright yellow, just casually hanging out on the trail like they own the place. It turned into this hilarious mix of excitement and determination every time someone yelled “I found another one!” Between the majestic trees, the peaceful trails, the adorable wildlife, and the pure joy of a silly slug-counting game, this place is just pure magic. Already counting down to the next visit 💛
Hannah Lambert
Did a lovely 0.8mile hike with small kids. They loved it. The trail is very well marked (you are closed in by little fences to protect the essential undergrowth). Lots of neat facts and cool info to learn.
Sohrob H
🌲 An Awesome and Accessible Natural Wonder If you are looking for an awesome place that is easy to walk and great for families, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is hard to beat. My main takeaway from this visit is just how accessible these ancient giants are. Often, seeing old-growth redwoods requires a strenuous hike or navigating steep terrain, but here, the experience is incredibly welcoming for everyone. Whether you have small children in tow or just want a peaceful stroll without the heavy cardio, this park delivers a world-class nature experience that feels both grand and manageable. 🚶 Effortless Exploration Among the Giants The layout of the park is perfectly designed for those who want to see the best scenery with minimal effort. The Redwood Grove Loop: This trail is the highlight. It’s almost entirely flat and very well-maintained, allowing you to look up at the towering trees instead of constantly watching your footing. Inclusive Trails: Because the main paths are so level, it’s a perfect spot for strollers or family members who might have a harder time on traditional hiking trails. You can truly immerse yourself in the forest at a leisurely pace. 👨👩👧👦 A Perfect Family Destination The park is exceptionally family-oriented, making it a "no-brainer" for a weekend outing. Interactive Nature: Kids love the scale of the trees, especially the famous "Fremont Tree," where you can actually step inside the hollowed-out base of a living redwood. It’s the kind of hands-on nature experience that children remember for years. Proximity to Fun: Being located right next to Roaring Camp Railroads adds another layer of excitement. Hearing the steam train whistles echo through the redwoods while you walk adds a unique, historical charm to the whole day. 🌳 Final Thoughts and Recap To recap, this is an awesome place that I highly recommend for anyone visiting the Santa Cruz area. It strikes the perfect balance of being an ancient, awe-inspiring forest while remaining easy to walk and great for families. The combination of well-marked, flat trails and the sheer majesty of the 1,500-year-old trees makes it a 5-star experience every time. It’s a rare find where you can enjoy the "big trees" without the "big hike." I’ll definitely be returning with family in the future!
Sonia
This location offers a truly exceptional experience, showcasing the remarkable beauty of nature. The grandeur of the trees is particularly impressive. All pathways were clearly marked and meticulously maintained. This is an essential destination if you are visiting Santa Cruz. Please note that not all paths are accessible to dog owners; kindly adhere to park regulations. The Pipeline Road Trail is highly recommended for those accompanied by dogs. For visitors without canine companions, all trails are available for exploration. The Redwood Grove Trail features the world's tallest and second-tallest standing trees. When you're on any trail, please make sure to pay close attention to the ground, there are several species of mushrooms growing around the park and among them were the death cap mushrooms, please stay away from them! The Roaring camp can also be accessed from the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Dakota Pierson
Probably my favorite state park in the Bay Area. Very clean, beautiful paths with various accessibility levels, kind employees/rangers, fun items in the gift shop, and great educational visitor's center! The main Redwood Grove loop is kept nice enough to even take my daughter in her stroller. Plenty of shade and typically cooler weather due to the trees and proximity to the coast. Gorgeous all year long!