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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
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!
Danish
Such calm, peaceful and serene trails. During my last visit, I learned that Pine Trail and Eagle Creek Trail have a lot of sand because they are part of ancient sea floor. Would recommend coming before 9:30am to beat the rush of car traffic getting in and parking. Lots of Redwood grove trail is a must do!
Guru D
I've been here a couple times and had only done the loop closest to the parking lot, I had no idea how big this park really is. All this time I thought it was just that lil loop, wow was I surprised to find out that loop is a really small section of an amazingly big park. I'm planning on another visit this time with my Segway so I can see the whole park n not just what my lil legs can handle. This time I also hiked up to the lookout to see the ocean and the Santa Cruz board walk from the top of the hill. I also really like that the trains were still running at roaring camp which is also right off the parking lot. So here's a pro tip, come real early if you wanna parking spot, I got there at 830am and had my pick, by 9am it was completely packed. Also saw some folks park out on the 9 on the south east side of the road and they hiked in. Definitely one of my favorite redwood parks in California. Definitely bring money for the trains, there's two and I recommend both. The 4x4 train is steam and super cool the other takes you to the Santa Cruz boardwalk. I figure why spend $28 for 2 hours for parking and 45 minutes waiting for a spot in and leaving when you can park at Henry Cowell for $10 pay 45 for the train get dropped off and take a later return avoiding both the traffic and the really expensive parking. Did I mention the rain goes through the redwoods? Amazing!!
Cortney Dalton
We’re in the area for my brother’s treatment for a rare form of cancer at Stanford, and before his surgery, we wanted to check something off his bucket list — seeing the redwoods. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park was only 45 minutes from our Airbnb and recommended by our host, and lemme tell ya, it was absolutely 💯 worth it. Pictures don’t do it justice — you can’t truly fathom how massive and peaceful those trees are until you’re standing beneath them. The 0.8-mile loop trail is super easy, flat, and accessible for just about anyone. It’s quiet, serene, and feels almost magical as you walk beneath those towering giants. Seeing the Seymour Tree was really cool, but our favorite was the one that almost looks like a giant saguaro cactus — it’s incredible in person! 🌲 We’re so glad we went. It was one of those experiences that just stays with you — peaceful, grounding, and absolutely unforgettable. ❤️