As much as we love to help you find homes in the city, we love to help you find homes away from home as well. Sometimes, a little getaway from the everyday motions are just what you need to hit your personal reset button. Fortunately, for residents of Santa Cruz, there’s no shortage of ways to kick back, relax, and get back to nature by the beach, in the forest, or near town.

Here are some of our most recommended places to camp this summer, whether you’re a tenting weekend warrior or a well-equipped ‘glamper’.

Sunset State Beach Campground

Sunset Beach offers great access to the beach and plenty of sites for whatever style of camping you prefer. If there’s one thing that everyone can agree on, it’s that Sunset State Beach is one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the area. The cool ocean breezes are not only refreshing, but they also keep the bugs at bay so you can relax, cook, and play without swatting and spraying throughout the day.

Sunset Beach State Beach is just 30 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz via the Cabrillo Highway.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is easily one of the most beautiful and family-friendly parks around. The campground has over 100 sites for tents and RVs with full-service bathrooms that include toilets and showers. Families have their choice of over 20 miles of wilderness trails to explore at their leisure nearby. Not into hiking? The Roaring Camp Railroads is just down the road so you can take a train ride through the forest and up to Bear Mountain, or learn more about the park’s ecosystem at an interpretive exhibit. Other activities can include geocaching, wildlife viewing, picnicking, fishing, and taking a guided tour.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is just 16 minutes north of Santa Cruz via Highway 9.

Big Basin State Park

If you love being immersed deep in the heart of the woods, then Big Basin State Park is a must-see for you. This old-growth forest is not just one of the largest parks in California, it’s also the oldest. The 146 campsites here are nestled beneath the forest’s towering canopy, so even if it’s raining you’ll hardly notice. If you don’t have your own camping gear, that’s okay too! The campground also offers tent cabins with two double beds in each. Like many state parks, Big Basin also has full-service bathrooms on site so you don’t really have to rough it. Bring your bike and your hiking shoes, because there’s no shortage of trails to check out, and don’t be surprised if you see a horse coming your way, they’re more than welcome here too.

Big Basin State Park is also located 45 minutes north of Santa Cruz by Highway 9 and the Basin Highway.

Lauren Spencer has lived in Santa Cruz County for over 49 years, so she’s not just a great resource for local real estate, she’s also a passionate resident. For more information about Santa Cruz real estate or just to chat, send her a message or give her a call at 800.226.4717.

Posted by Lauren Spencer on
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