Big Basin Redwoods Sp Sempervirens Campground

Closed — Permanently closed. The campground was destroyed in the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire and will not be rebuilt. The area is proposed to be restored to old growth redwood habitat.

About

Sempervirens Campground was one of several seasonal campgrounds in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California's oldest state park established in 1902. Located three-quarters of a mile from the park headquarters at the confluence of Sempervirens and Blooms creeks, the campground was set among impressive lowland coast redwoods, some over 50 feet around and as tall as the Statue of Liberty. On August 18, 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire swept through 97% of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, destroying all campground infrastructure including Sempervirens. While most of the ancient old-growth redwood trees survived the fire, all camping facilities were lost. The park gradually reopened for day use only, with parking by reservation. As part of the multi-year rebuilding process, California State Parks released plans indicating that Sempervirens Campground, along with Blooms Creek and Wastahi campgrounds, will not be rebuilt. Instead, these former campground areas in the more sensitive old growth zones are proposed to be removed and restored to old growth redwood habitat to better preserve the ecological health of the ancient forest. New camping facilities are planned for other locations within the park on the edges of the old growth forest.

Directions

The campground was located in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz via Highways 9 and 236. From Highway 9 in Boulder Creek, turn north onto Highway 236 for 9 miles to the park entrance.

Nearby Campgrounds