Campgrounds
The following nearby state parks offer camping. Some campgrounds are only open seasonally, and all have varying amenities.
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park (Boulder Creek)
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Castle Rock State Park (Boulder Creek)
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Manresa State Beach (La Selva Beach)
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New Brighton State Beach (Capitola)
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Portola Redwoods State Park (La Honda; San Mateo County)
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Seacliff State Beach (Aptos)
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Sunset State Beach (Watsonville)
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Butano State Park (Pescadero; San Mateo County) - about 1 hour North by car
R.V. Campgrounds
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Beach RV Park (Eastside)
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KOA Kampgrounds of America (La Selva Beach)
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Pinto Lake Park (Watsonville)
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Redwood Resort (Boulder Creek)
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River Grove Park (Felton)
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Santa Cruz Ranch RV Park (Scotts Valley)
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Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park (Eastside)
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Santa Vida RV Park (Santa Cruz)
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Seacliff Center Trailer Park (Aptos)
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Smithwoods RV Park (Felton)
Camping Supplies
Also see: Sports and Outdoors
Santa Cruz City Municipal Code
According to the Title 6, Chapter 36 of the city ![[WWW]](http://wikispot.org/wiki/eggheadbeta/img/sycamore-www.png){kind=small}
municipal code, camping is essentially illegal on any public ground, unless it is explicitly designated for camping or one has procured the proper paperwork for doing so. There are a variety of stipulations, which you can read about on the Muni code webpage, following the link above, if you are so inclined.
Oddly enough though, the code states that '"Any person who violates any section in this chapter is guilty of an infraction and shall be subject to a fine of not more than twenty dollars"', which is cheaper than cost of $35 for one night of camping at a regular campsite. However, given the SCPD reputation for trashing people's campsites and hassling people in general, it probably isn't worth the risk.
Related Links
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UCSC Office of Physical Education, Recreation and Sports Offers group camping trips and other activities
