Campground Review: Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin Redwoods, located in the Santa Cruz mountains, is California's oldest state park.  One quick look around and you can see why lawmakers were quick to designate and protect this area in 1902.  The park is filled with beautiful redwoods, a plethora of wildlife, and over 80 miles of trails.

Hiking on the Redwood Loop Trail

While Big Basin is definitely worth a visit, it's not among our favorites.  The park is so large and spread out that you actually have to get in to your car to drive to the Visitor Center, General Store, or Nature Museum, or to the other trailheads and campgrounds.  You could walk or ride bikes, but the highway runs through the center of the park so there is a lot of traffic in the busy summer months.

The Redwood Loop Trail, which starts just across from the Visitor Center, is beautiful and the landmarks are well labeled.  The trail is smooth and wide and although it's only a half-mile, you'll want to budget at least 45 minutes to take pictures and let your little ones take it all in.  Dogs aren't allowed on the Redwood Loop Trail, or any other trails in the park, but they are allowed on the North Escape Road which is a combination hard-packed dirt and asphalt access road heading north through some of the picnic sites along Opal Creek.

Toby and Lil' H can't wait to get up and go hiking, unfortunately dogs aren't allowed on trails in most California State Parks

We visited the park in July 2014, when Lil' H was 20 months old.  The park was busy and crowded, even though we were there during the week (we couldn't get weekend reservations, everything was reserved).  We stayed in the Blooms Creek Campground, and we had enough room in our campsite to set up one large tent and a small pop-up trailer.  (Note: If you are driving to Big Basin Redwoods SP with a trailer, following Driving Route #1 through Boulder Creek, it's the least windy)

Lil' H enjoys her first S'more at Blooms Creek Campground

The Blooms Creek, Huckleberry, and Sempervirens Campgrounds all have potable water, restrooms, and showers (pay-showers only).  The Wastahi and Jay Campgrounds are for through-hikers (backpackers) only.  Fires are only allowed in the metal rings at the campsites, and you can purchase firewood from the general store if you don't bring your own.  Camping is available year-round, but not at all of the campgrounds.  Reservations are available online, and be sure to make reservations well in advance if you plan to camp at Big Basin Redwoods on a summer weekend!

Overall Impression:
This campground is best for families who have flexibility to camp mid-week but who don't want to travel far from home and want access to a lot of amenities.

Pros:
Short distance from Bay Area
Variety of camping options, including primitive campsites, group sites, and tent cabins
General Store and Gift Shop on site
Nature Museum and Ranger-led hikes and activities
Redwoods, everyone loves redwoods!

Cons: 
Windy roads to the park aren't recommended for camper trailers or carsick kids
Rustic/dated bathrooms and pay-showers only ($0.25 for 2 minutes)
Weekend reservations are difficult in the busy summer months, try for weekdays for more availability.
No hook-ups for RVs
Dogs not allowed on trails (true for most California State Parks)

If you have any other questions about this campground, or any others, let us know!