Camping Near Felton, Ben Lomond, and Boulder Creek: From Beginner Sites to Backcountry
Most people who live in the San Lorenzo Valley don't realize how spoiled we are for this. You don't need to plan weeks out or drive to another state - Henry Cowell, Big Basin, and Portola Redwoods are all within a short drive of Felton, Ben Lomond, and Boulder Creek, and there's something for a first-timer and a backcountry regular alike. Here's the breakdown by experience level.
First, know what kind of camper you are
Never camped before - start with a developed campground near Felton or Ben Lomond with bathrooms, fire rings, and other people around. Comfort matters when you're learning. Camped a few times - you're ready for less infrastructure. Pit toilets, quieter sites, more nature. Comfortable camper - dispersed or backcountry sites in the Boulder Creek area and beyond will actually suit you better than a developed site will.
Beginner sites - close, easy, worth it
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
Distance from Felton: 10 min · Ben Lomond: 15 min · Boulder Creek: 25 min
Site type: developed - 107 sites for tents, trailers up to 31 feet, and RVs up to 35 feet
Amenities: modern restrooms, hot showers ($), fire rings, picnic tables, junior ranger and campfire programs
Best for: first-timers and families with young kids
Reservations: required in peak season, up to six months out through ReserveCalifornia (800-444-7275)
Worth knowing: $35/night, and it books up fast between Memorial Day and Labor Day - grab a date the moment your window opens
Mid-level sites - more nature, less noise
Portola Redwoods State Park Campground
Distance: about 40–45 minutes from Ben Lomond or Boulder Creek, off Highway 35 near La Honda
Site type: 53 sites for tents and RVs up to 24 feet, plus 4 walk-in sites - no hookups
Amenities: flush toilets, showers, drinking water, a campfire center, fire ring and table at every site
Best for: campers who want real quiet and don't need full infrastructure
Reservations: open April through October, book through ReserveCalifornia
Worth knowing: the last six miles in are steep, narrow, and winding, and there's no cell service once you're in - download everything you need before you leave Highway 35
Backcountry and primitive - for the experienced camper
Rancho del Oso walk-in camping, Big Basin Redwoods (coastal side)
Distance: about 45 minutes from Boulder Creek via Highway 236 and Highway 1
Type: walk-in, primitive - this is currently the only camping option connected to Big Basin
What to expect: coastal redwood and prairie terrain near Waddell Creek, a real walk-in from the parking area
Permit required: reservation through ReserveCalifornia
Worth knowing: Big Basin's main park - including its historic backcountry trail camps - is still being rebuilt after the 2020 CZU fire, with car camping and cabins planned but no firm return date yet. Check current status before you plan around it; this coastal-side option is the honest answer for now.
Where to gear up near the valley
REI Santa Cruz - full-service outdoor shop with gear, apparel, and an in-house bike and ski shop; 1662 Commercial Way, about 20–30 minutes from any of the three towns Rent before you buy - REI and several Santa Cruz outfitters rent tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks if you're not sure camping's for you yet
One more thing worth knowing if you live up here
A lot of this terrain burned in the 2020 CZU fire, and trail and campground conditions have changed in places since - check current status before you go, especially in the Boulder Creek and Big Basin area. It's also part of why fire awareness isn't background noise for people who live in Felton, Ben Lomond, or Boulder Creek. It's just part of loving this land.
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