Portola Campground

About

Portola Redwoods State Park protects one of the finest remaining stands of old-growth coast redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains, including the Shaw Flat Trail's ancient specimens. The campground occupies a shaded canyon along Peters and Pescadero Creeks, surrounded by towering redwoods, Douglas fir, and a lush understory of ferns and sorrel. Despite being less than an hour from San Jose, the park feels remote and sees lighter crowds than many Bay Area parks. The main campground has 55 family sites suitable for tents and small RVs (max 24 ft motorhomes, 21 ft trailers). Sites 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 19 can accommodate RVs, though none offer hookups. Four walk-in sites require a short carry from parking. Amenities include flush restrooms, pay showers (25 cents for 2 minutes, may close during droughts), drinking water, a campfire center, firewood sales, and a visitor center staffed on weekends. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring with grate, and bear-proof food locker. Beyond car camping, the park offers four group camps (25-50 person capacity), first-come-first-served hike-and-bike sites at Huckleberry Campground, and the Slate Creek Trail Camp about 2.5 miles in for backpackers. Over 18 miles of trails wind through the forest, connecting to adjacent Big Basin Redwoods and Pescadero Creek Park for extended hiking.

Directions

From Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard), take Alpine Road west for 3 miles to Portola State Park Road. Turn left and continue 3 miles to the park entrance. Alternatively, from Highway 84 in La Honda, take Pescadero Creek Road south for 1 mile, then turn left onto Portola State Park Road and continue 4 miles to the park.