Facilities

Club House

Laundry Room

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Fitness Center

Game Room

Rec Hall

Pavilion

Exercise Room

Restroom/Shower

Restroom Only

Shower Only

Restaurant

Groceries

RV Supplies

ATM Machine

WiFi

Dog Park

Cocktail Lounge

Dog Washing Station

Pit Toilet

Snack Bar

Play Ground

Sites

Water

20 Amp

30 Amp

50 Amp

Sewer

Cable TV

Services

Escort to Site

Self-Service RV Wash

Metered LP Gas

Firewood

Fishing Supplies

Pet Supplies

Onsite Rentals

Worship Services

Golf Carts

Fishing Guides

Onsite RV Service

Staffed RV Wash

Fishing Licenses

Complimentary Breakfast

Recreational activities in or near the park

Recreational Activities

Archery Range

ATV Riding

Biking

Boating

Body Of Water

Casino

Climbing

Dock

Driving Range

Fishing

Golf

Heated Pool

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Horseshoes

Kayaking

Lawn Bowling

Mini Golf

Paddle Boats

Pickle Ball

Putting Green

Ramp

Sauna

Shuffleboard

Snow Sports

Splash Pad

Swimming

Tennis

Wading Pool

Water Slide

Water Sports

Water Umbrella

Whitewater Rafting

Policies

RV Age Restrictions

Pets Welcome

Pet Restrictions

Pet Restriction on Quantity

Pet Restriction on Breed

Pet Restriction on Size

No Pets

Tent Camping Allowed

Folding Tent Campers Allowed

No Tents

No Overnight Guests

<h2>Overview</h2><p>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 <strong>ancient redwood trees</strong>.</p><h2>Location & Surroundings</h2><p>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 <strong>lush evergreen forests</strong> 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.</p><h2>Amenities & Park Features</h2><p>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 <strong>best suited for mid-sized rigs</strong>. 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 <strong>dedicated dump stations</strong> for your convenience.</p><h2>Nearby Attractions & Things to Do</h2><p>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 <strong>Henry Cowell Redwoods trails</strong> 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.</p><h2>Who This Park Is Best For</h2><p>This park is the perfect choice for nature enthusiasts and photographers who prioritize scenery over extensive park amenities. If you are traveling in a <strong>compact RV or camper van</strong> 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 <strong>California state park wilderness</strong>.</p>



Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located in Felton, California, in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The park is named after the pioneering conservationist Henry Cowell, who purchased the land in the early 1900s to protect the redwood forest. The park is home to some of the tallest and oldest redwoods in the world, and is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature lovers. The park features over 15 miles of trails, including the popular Redwood Loop Trail, which takes visitors through the majestic redwood groves. The park also offers a variety of activities, including fishing, swimming, and picnicking. Visitors can also explore the park's historic sites, such as the lime kilns and the old-growth redwood forest.

Henry Cowell Redwoods

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Plan your stay at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton, CA. Enjoy rustic RV camping nestled among ancient trees, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: RV Camping in Felton, CA

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

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.

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.

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.

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 💛

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.

🌲 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!

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.

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!

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!

On the weekends, there might be a might be a 10-15 minute wait at the entrance to pay for parking.
We took our time and spent about an hour enjoying the enormous trees and taking pictures.
I saw someone using a walker, so the pathway is easy to manage.
There are plenty of clean bathrooms, a souvenir store, and a visitors center for extra information.
There are volunteer docents available for guided tours.
Pack a lunch for afterward because there are plenty of picnic tables available.
The Roaring Camp Railroad is located nearby, about a 3 minute walk from the parking lot.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a serene escape into nature, featuring majestic redwoods and a variety of trails for all skill levels. My family and I loved walking among the towering trees, marveling at their size and the peaceful atmosphere they create. The park is well-maintained, with clear signage and accessible paths, making it easy to navigate.

The visitor center provides helpful information about the park's history and ecology, adding depth to the experience. Whether you're hiking, picnicking, or simply soaking in the beauty of the redwoods, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers a rejuvenating retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Incredible park, so clean and green.
Every time I come here it’s an absolutely amazing hike.
Kids usually enjoy it a lot, and there are tons of places for picnics (please pick up your trash).
The train passing through is also a great experience.
The restrooms here are really clean too!

Reviews

Henry Cowell Redwoods