Portola Redwoods State Park Campground

Good place for camping but no plug points for charging. No light at night
4 7 years ago (23-12-2017)

I'll start with the positive. This place doesn't cost much to camp, it has a ranger station that supplies camp-like items and tourist trinkets, and it offers nature hikes. You can bring your doggos, but just make sure to keep them on their leashes. You cannot bring them on the trails however. This place is about two hours from Santa Cruz, but is about twenty minutes, maybe less, from Los Gatos. The bathrooms are separated by sex and are stalled (there's only three). There are outlets in the bathroom, so that was an unexpected surprise. There is also only two showers per camp site area. This place didn't seem too popular when I went, so I wouldn't expect much of a crowd. Mosquitoes swarm in hives where I was at. No matter how many citronella candles were lit and Off I was wearing, it still wasn't enough. There isn't any cell service and the emergency phone outside the ranger station is useless. If you do stay here, just know that there are mountain lions in this area. One came in our camp site (we think it was after our two small dogs who were in our tent). It took over an hour for the ranger to get to the camp after we finally were able to call 911. We had heard the mountain lion screaming for the past couple of nights and it finally wandered into our tent. If you don't know what they sound like, youtube it. It's the scariest sound you will ever hear. What may have been scarier was the fact the ranger didn't know they made that sound. Also during our stay there was a pervert who tried something on a seven-year-old. The cops came and the little girl was okay, but there were no rangers anywhere. The only reason why we knew about it was because we pulled in when the sheriffs were there. I can't recommend this place. Also, there were no redwoods anywhere. Just a typical forest campground.
2 7 years ago (02-11-2017)

Beautiful campground nestled in a redwood forest. I stayed in site 41, which was shady, albiet not as private as some of the other sites. Sites are equipped with a fire ring with a heavy duty grate for cooking. All sites have metal lockers to keep your food in. Garbage bins are close to sites so it's easy to just throw out garbage as you generate it. Modern restroom facilities are available, as well as showers. Showers require quarters. It's $0.25 per minute and you start with $0.50/2 min. Make sure to bring quarters; camp office hours are irregular and they don't have a lot of change. Firewood is available for $10/bundle. Make sure to have exact change or pay with credit. Suggest stocking up to ensure you don't run out. There are plenty of varying length hiking trails. I highly recommend the one that goes to Tip Toe falls. Walking along Pescsdero Creek is also very nice. A great campground for peace and quiet. People seem to go to sleep at a decent time and there are no problems with loud noises. A good choice for families too (lots of kids around). Oh and there is no cell service here. This is nice as it lets you disconnect. You can get Verizon 1x by the camp office. For stronger service you need to drive out a ways. Just something to know in terms of communicating with others you're going to meet there, etc.
5 7 years ago (28-07-2017)

Great place great staff.
5 6 years ago (14-05-2018)

Great getaway from the hussle of the bay. Verry pretty. DRIVE THE ROAD SLOW!!!!
5 7 years ago (15-10-2017)