Big Basin Redwoods Sp Sequoia Group Campground

Closed — Closed indefinitely due to the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire. All campgrounds at Big Basin Redwoods State Park were destroyed in the fire and remain closed while California State Parks develops and implements a rebuilding plan. The park is currently open for limited day-use access only.

About

Sequoia Group Campground sits within Big Basin Redwoods State Park, established in 1902 as California's oldest state park. Located in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the park is home to ancient coast redwoods that tower over the landscape, with some giants reaching heights comparable to the Statue of Liberty and ages ranging from 1,000 to 1,800 years old. The park encompasses over 18,000 acres of diverse habitats, from lush canyon bottoms to chaparral-covered slopes, and features wildlife including deer, raccoons, bobcats, and varied bird species such as Steller's jays and marbled murrelets. The park's history took a dramatic turn on August 18, 2020, when the CZU Lightning Complex Fire swept through 97% of the property, destroying all historic structures and campground facilities. Despite the devastating fire, the majority of old-growth redwood trees survived due to their thick, fire-resistant bark and natural adaptations. The park has been steadily recovering, with new plant life vigorously growing and animals returning to the area. Before the fire, the campground offered group camping facilities with amenities. The Skyline to the Sea Trail, which connects the mountains to the Pacific Ocean, threads through the park along Waddell Creek, and visitors can explore the Redwood Loop Trail to see some of the park's biggest and oldest trees.

Directions

Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz. From Highway 9 in Boulder Creek, turn north onto Highway 236 and continue 9 miles to the park entrance. All roads into Big Basin are curvy.

Nearby Campgrounds