Little Basin State Park Campground

About

Little Basin State Park Campground is a forested retreat within Big Basin Redwoods State Park, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Boulder Creek. The 534-acre property was acquired by California State Parks in 2011 after serving as a retreat for Hewlett-Packard employees. Surrounded by old-growth coast redwoods, the campground offered a quieter alternative to the main Big Basin camping areas. Before its closure, Little Basin provided 37 tent sites arranged in group areas, 12 rustic camping cabins, and a single full-hookup RV site. The facilities included flush toilets, hot-water showers, potable water, and trash service. The campground distinguished itself with extensive recreational amenities: a recreation hall, tennis court, full basketball court, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, two sports fields, group BBQ areas, a playground, and an amphitheater. On August 18, 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire swept through 97% of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, destroying nearly all structures including Little Basin's facilities. The campground remains closed indefinitely as part of the Reimagining Big Basin project. Future plans call for rebuilding group camps, car camping, and tent cabins, along with a cultural center for partnership with Indigenous groups on ecological restoration and ceremonial activities.

Directions

From Highway 9 in Boulder Creek, turn onto Big Basin Way (Highway 236) and continue approximately 3 miles. Turn left onto Little Basin Road and follow signs to the campground entrance.