Most homes in the Lompico area have about 20-30 redwood trees growing on their property, so sometimes it already feels like you've gotten away from it all for a relaxing retreat in the forest. However, with all the great camping spots in and around our neighborhood, it would be a shame not to get out and spend the weekend at one of them. Not only is their camping in ancient redwood forests, next to lakes and rivers, but also on the beach!

Big Basin State Park
21600 Big Basin Way
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Phone: (831) 338-8860

Tent camping and tent cabins are available year round.

Big Basin is California's oldest State Park, established in 1902. Home to the largest continuous stand of Ancient Coast Redwoods south of San Francisco, the park consists of over 18,000 acres of Old Growth and recovering Redwood Forest, with mixed conifer, oaks, chaparral, and riparian habitats. The climate ranges from foggy and damp near the ocean to sunny, warm ridge tops. The park has over 80 miles of trails, so be sure and pick up a map at park headquarters before your hike and take a look at the multimedia kiosk in the Sempervirens Room (next to park headquarters). There you will find great information, photos, and video of some of the most popular trails. View panoramic photos of Big Basin State Park.

Castle Rock State Park
15000 Skyline Boulevard
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Phone: (831) 338-8861

Tent camping is available year round.

Located along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park is a treasure of diversity and wilderness that is seldom seen next to a large metropolitan area. The parks 3,600 acres of semi-wilderness has spectacular views, rolling meadows and shady forests with waterfalls. The park's steep canyons are sprinkled with unusual rock formations that are popular with rock climbers. The park is crisscrossed by 32 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails and hosts picnic areas and primitive backpack campsites. View panoramic photos of Castle Rock State Park.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 North Big Trees Park Road
Felton, CA 95018
Phone: (831) 335-4598

Tent camping is available year round.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park presents 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through 1,800 acres of forest that looks much the same as it did 200 years ago. Zayante Indians once lived in the area, where they found shelter, water and game. The park is the home of the Redwood Grove, with a self guided nature path, and Douglas fir, madrone, oak and the most unusual feature of the park, a stand of ponderosa pines. The park has a picnic area above the San Lorenzo River. Anglers fish for steelhead and salmon during the winter season. The park has a nature center and bookstore. The Redwood loop trail offers wheel chair access on a paved trail through the redwood giants, so even the those with limited mobility can enjoy a day in the trees. View a video of the park.

Loch Lomond Lake
100 Loch Lomond Way
Lompico, CA 95018
Phone (831) 420-5320

Day camping is available from March to September.

Loch Lomond Lake is nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains in the heart of Lompico and comprises an 87-acre lake stocked with Trout, Bluegills and Largemouth Bass. Twelve miles of trails wind their way across the woods and along two miles of lakeshore. One spectacular five mile loop goes along the lake to Deer Flat and to Highland Trail and up to the ridge where the view is worth every step. Fishing is always an option; just bring your pole. This 180 acres of recreation area offers picnic tables, a children's playground, nature center, interpretive walks with rangers and a lake side store where you can rent an electric or row boat, as well as pick up bait, tackle, fishing licenses, hot and cold drinks, and snacks. View the Loch Lomond Lake panoramas.

New Brighton State Beach
1500 Park Avenue
Capitola, CA 95010
Phone: (831) 464-6330
View it on the map

Tent camping is available year round.

New Brighton State Beach is one of the most popular and most visited state beaches in California. This 93-acre park along the beautiful coast of Santa Cruz offers spectacular views of the Monterey Bay. It is famous for its family-oriented campground which sits on the towering bluffs high above the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful, lush vegetation of towering pine trees, Monterey Cypress, oak, eucalyptus trees, and wild berry vines surround campers with a peaceful tranquility. Surfing, fishing and digging for clams are popular sports here. Once the site of a Chinese fishing village, it now offers locals and visitors a haven from the hectic pace of city life.