Little Basin State Park Campground

Closed — Closed due to damage from the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire. All campgrounds at Big Basin Redwoods State Park remain closed as the park undergoes multi-year reconstruction. No reopening date has been announced for camping facilities.

About

Little Basin Campground is nestled within Big Basin Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains, surrounded by ancient coast redwoods, some over 1,000 years old. This campground has a unique history—it was originally developed as a private retreat for Hewlett-Packard employees before being acquired by California State Parks in 2007. The site offered both tent camping and cabin accommodations in a more intimate setting compared to the park's main campgrounds. On August 18, 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire swept through 97% of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, destroying historic structures and dramatically altering the landscape. All campgrounds, including Little Basin, were closed and sustained significant damage. While most of the old-growth redwood trees survived and new vegetation is vigorously recovering, the camping infrastructure requires extensive rebuilding. California State Parks is managing a multi-year reconstruction effort. According to the park's rebuilding plan, Little Basin will be reconstructed with a mix of car camping sites, cabins, small group sites, and walk-in sites on the edges of the old-growth forest. The area will also include a mixed tribal use area with a cultural center and space for Indigenous ceremonies and restoration projects. While the park has reopened for limited day-use access as of July 2022, no timeline has been established for the reopening of campgrounds.

Directions

Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains within Big Basin Redwoods State Park. From Highway 9 in Boulder Creek, turn north onto Highway 236. Little Basin is near the intersection of Highway 236 and Little Basin Road, about 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz.

Nearby Campgrounds