It's a little unorthodox when you first pull in, you're basically camping in Bob and Jean's backyard but it's roughly 10 acres and wooded. But once you get to the camping area it is not near their house. Some of the reviews we read made us nervous, but Bob and Jean and their niece couldn't have been nicer!! The tents are no closer then any other campsite, bathroom is well lighted and very clean! Shower is operated by quarters 5 minutes for .25 cents. You can't have campfires because of city ordinance but we were on with that, you don't have to deal with smelling smoke all night. Nothing creepy or scary and they are dog friendly! Totally worth staying here!, it's a bargain and.a blessing to a lot of people.
I had much higher expectations of this campground. The owner was barely friendly enough, and the entire place was run down. The ground at our campsite seemed level, but was extremely bumpy. Camping is supposed to be relaxing, but the bumpy ground coupled with the noise of people walking on the train tracks which run right against the campground made getting a good nights rest nearly impossible. The bathrooms are comparable to porta potties, and there was only one functioning shower, which was being fought over the entire morning. I wasn't even able to wash my face, as the sink had no hot water. I would only recommend staying at this campground as a last resort.
Jean's a sweet lady. James is a cool dude. Conveniently located in the city of Santa Cruz. 2 miles from downtown, but with a country charm. $15 per person. So $30 for the girlfriend and I. Tent camping. No campfires due to city ordinance. Hot showers. Clean bathrooms. The only drawback if any is the proximity to the tracks. It's not the trains, it's the track walkers.
This was our second time staying here and once again it was great. Quite little spot close to downtown. Clean, plumbed bathrooms and a coin op shower, sinks and mirrors even. James, the camp host is a pretty cool guy. We enjoyed our visit and will be back again next year!
This was my second time staying here... first time back in the actual campground. The first time I stayed it was full and I camped out front where James has his setup. . For the cost... I find it a real bargain! There are a lot of similarities to any other campground I've stayed at in my lifetime... -the ground -the trees -my own space.. usually not too far from the other spaces - bathrooms - a camp host A few extras... - a shower that runs instant hot water for 5 minutes for $0.25! No sudden loss of hot water when someone else takes their shower there's only one or someone flushes a toilet on the same waterline. - close to town - close to Pogonip and a nice singletrack mtb trail . Sure... the 3 bathrooms are just plywood enclosures on a cement slab... but they are clean, flush, and there's a light on at night. Sure... some of the other campers might not respect the 10pm cutoff for noise... but I'm a big enough guy that I usually get away with walking up and reminding them about it, without too much trouble. Plus... one can always walk to James's place and ask him to deal with them. Noisy campers are part-and-parcel to any campground I've ever stayed at. Some have electricity at the campsites which allow some folks to run radios... this place does not, so it's actually quieter than other campgrounds costing more! . Speaking of cost... I do like staying in motel/hotels... and there's one that's my favorite on MIssion.... close to several businesses I like to visit... but that one can run $200/night during the peak tourist season. Paying $25/night is a pretty damn good deal to me. I sleep fine on my nice mat, in my sleeping bag. . Overall... I'm happy with Bob's Pine Grove Campground. It delivers only what it advertises, and I feel it's safe, and run as well as any other.
Planned a trip to Santa Cruz and made reservations at bob's... It was the only "campground" with reservations available. On the phone I was told the sites were very spacious and the location sounded perfect 1mile to downtown 2miles to the pier and backed up right against the massive redwood forest. When we arrived we pulled up to bob's house, he pulled out a hand drawn map which nobody with eyes would've needed.... It was thirty bucks to camp in his backyard 30ft from his house the entire camping area was maybe MAYBE five hundred square feet each site no more than five to 7 feet apart. You can't have a fire and if you've seen any horror movie in your life you will not camp there You'll know what I mean by that if you do happen to go there. Only good thing about this place is the bathrooms are nice. But trust me this is the ultimate last resort. The camp host was friendly and I feel bad posting this, but we got there paid 30$ saw our site and drove away desperately looking for another place we could go- didn't even bother asking for a refund.
I called to make reservations for this place a few weeks in advance. The guy who claims to be the owner but sounded like a young guy screamed at me on the phone because it was difficult to hear him. The last words he yelled at me were "I said you have reservations!!!" Then hung up on me. I decided to call today to be sure my reservations were still there. Sure enough the same guy answered and told me I canceled my reservations when I never did. He completely ruined my birthday plans. This was the most disrespectful man I have ever talked to in my entire life. Don't even give these people business. I feel sorry for the poor women that has to work with him.
Last minute trip to Santa cruz and they were the only place on a Friday night during the summer with a spot. Super hot water in the shower and conveniently located to the beach, downtown, or the redwoods.
the staff was awesome ! security was tight and the facilities were super clean . rustic setting just like it should be . i will stay here every time i go to santa cruz to visit ....thanks again for a great camping experience
Had a nice quiet relaxing time weekend before memorial day. Really nice hosts and cool surroundings. Hot shower and good restrooms. Great place for the price!
