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Henry Cowell Redwoods
Overview
Overview
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers a deeply immersive experience for those looking to park their RV near one of California’s most iconic natural landscapes. While the state park itself is primarily known for its protected old-growth forest, it provides a quiet, nature-focused atmosphere for visitors. The camping experience here is largely rustic, emphasizing a connection to the towering canopy rather than modern resort-style luxuries. It is a destination for travelers seeking serenity under the shadows of ancient redwood trees.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the park is located just outside the charming town of Felton, CA. This mountain setting provides a cool, shaded environment that feels worlds away from the busy coastline. Visitors find themselves surrounded by lush evergreen forests and steep canyon walls, making it an ideal base for exploring the diverse ecosystems of the central coast. The elevation provides a refreshing escape from the warmer temperatures of the nearby valleys.
Amenities & Park Features
The camping facilities at Henry Cowell Redwoods are designed to keep the focus on the environment. The campground features sites suitable for smaller RVs and trailers, though it is important to check size limitations before arriving as the park is best suited for mid-sized rigs. You will find basic necessities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and accessible restrooms. While there are no full hookups, the park offers a peaceful setting with dedicated dump stations for your convenience.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the trails, the area is rich with history and recreation. You are just a short drive from the Roaring Camp Railroads, where you can ride vintage steam trains through the mountains. Additionally, the proximity to Henry Cowell Redwoods trails allows for easy access to hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The local town of Felton provides a unique community atmosphere, while the vibrant beaches of Santa Cruz are only a brief excursion away for those seeking salt air.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is the perfect choice for nature enthusiasts and photographers who prioritize scenery over extensive park amenities. If you are traveling in a compact RV or camper van and desire a quiet, wooded retreat, this location will exceed your expectations. It is less suited for those seeking high-end resort features like pools or expansive utility hookups, but it remains a premier destination for those who value the majesty of California state park wilderness.
Features & Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Amber Low
So beautiful!!! The views are stunning, the parking lot might be slightly small but there’s tons of parking around the area as well. We saw some banana slugs too and mushrooms!!! Garden of Eden is beautiful and the railroad tracks to get there is fun haha
Wei Meng Lim
This park is a wonderful place to enjoy nature. The forest is cool, peaceful & filled with majestic redwood trees that tower high above the trails. Walking through the forest feels refreshing, especially with the sunlight filtering through the canopy & creating stunning views along the way. It was one of my most memorable hiking adventures, & I enjoyed the experience very much.
Chlochlo
Some parts of the trails are paved, which are great. Definitely plan to arrive early if you want to avoid the waiting in line to get into the park. The parking lot fills up at 10:30am on a Sunday. Amazing view. I really enjoyed the trails and the view. A little nice getaway from the city’s view and noises.
Cathy Chun
Easy trail is good for someone who doesn't want a long loop or hilly path. Trees are numbered and there's a nice self guided brochure. There were a few helpful doesn't aling the way. One showed us a photograph taken at the same tree 100 years ago. He had found the historical photo searching through archives on his own! This was a perfect stop on our way to Santa Cruz for a 4 pm hotel check in.
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 💛