Butano Trail Campground
03 reviews1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060
Butano Trail Campground
$15.00 - $15.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Reservations for Butano Trail Camp are required and cost $15 per night. Additional fees may apply for vehicle entry.
About this campground
Deep within the heart of the redwood forest, Butano Trail Camp awaits those seeking true wilderness solitude. This collection of 8 primitive campsites requires a rewarding 5.5-mile journey from the Visitor Center, where the modern world fades away with each step along the trail. Here, towering redwoods create a natural cathedral overhead, while essential amenities like pit toilets and bear-proof food lockers ensure safety without compromising the authentic backcountry experience. Leave your expectations of running water and electricity behind—this is camping as it was meant to be.
The Butano Trail Campground offers eight primitive backcountry sites accessible only via a 5.5-mile hike. These sites are ideal for those seeking solitude and wilderness experiences.
Historical SignificanceThese grounds tell a powerful story of resilience and renewal. Where massive old-growth giants once fell to the logger's saw in the mid-20th century, a new generation of redwoods now reaches skyward, testament to nature's remarkable ability to heal. Butano Trail Camp stands as a living monument to California's conservation awakening—a place where visitors can witness firsthand how protected lands transform from industrial resource to treasured sanctuary. Each ring in these growing trees marks another year of successful preservation.
Weather and SeasonsBeneath the protective embrace of ancient redwoods, Butano Trail Camp maintains its own microclimate of perpetual coolness. Summer visitors find refuge from California's heat in these naturally air-conditioned groves, where temperatures rarely climb above the low 70s. Winter transforms the forest into a mystical realm of mist and gentle rains, with occasional frost painting delicate patterns on fern fronds. The canopy overhead acts as nature's umbrella, creating a consistently damp, moss-friendly environment that keeps the forest floor soft underfoot year-round.
ElevationTucked into the folds of a verdant canyon, Butano Trail Camp occupies a sheltered position within the undulating terrain of the coastal mountains. The surrounding redwood giants create their own vertical landscape, with some trees soaring over 200 feet above the forest floor. This natural amphitheater captures cool marine air and holds morning fog, creating the perfect conditions for the magnificent grove that envelops the campground.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an emerald wonderland where second- and third-growth redwoods stretch toward filtered sunlight, their massive trunks creating natural pillars in this outdoor sanctuary. Delicate streams weave through the campground, their banks adorned with sword ferns and sorrel, while overhead, moss drapes from branches like nature's own tapestry. The transition from creek bottom to ridge reveals a dramatic shift in scenery—from the cathedral-like redwood groves to sun-baked chaparral communities where manzanita and ceanothus perfume the air. Every turn of the trail reveals another photogenic moment in this diverse ecosystem.
Geological RegionPerched within the ancient Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano Trail Camp occupies a unique position where coastal fog meets mountain terrain. This geological wonderland formed over millions of years as tectonic forces lifted seafloor sediments into today's rugged peaks and valleys. The result is a dramatic landscape of steep-walled canyons carved by winter streams, ridgelines cloaked in drought-resistant chaparral, and fog-nourished valleys where redwoods thrive. This remarkable convergence of ocean influence and mountain topography creates one of California's most biologically diverse regions, where marine moisture sustains temperate rainforest conditions just miles from the Pacific.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information for Butano Trail Campground is limited. The nearby Butano SP Visitor Center provides some accessible parking spaces and restroom features.
Sites SizePrimitive campsites accommodate tents only with a pad length of approximately 20 feet.
Sites PrivacySites are secluded, nestled deep in the redwood forest, providing a tranquil and remote experience. As one user notes, 'You may hear or see camp neighbors but you're five miles into the redwoods: seclusion.'
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are spread out for privacy. Trail access involves uphill climbs; choose pathways based on fitness level.
Best CampsitesNo specific site ratings are provided, but all sites are similar in amenities and settings.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Reservations can be booked for up to 6 months in advance.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy is 8 people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are primitive, spaced for privacy, and located along the Butano Fire Road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; however, site-specific reservations are required.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through www.ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling (800) 444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites at Butano Trail Camp are not available for walk-up; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled through ReserveCalifornia; specific penalty details are not listed.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Butano Trail Campground’s remote location provides opportunities for activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. No designated recreational facilities are present, ensuring visitors can enjoy the natural beauty undisturbed.
HikingButano Trail Campground is accessible via a 5.5-mile hike along the Butano Fire Road, which can be approached from multiple trailheads. Trails like Jackson Flats and Año Nuevo Fire Road offer varying levels of difficulty, with scenic views and opportunities to photograph redwoods, mushrooms, and wildlife. "Ascending Año Nuevo/Goat Hill feels like a lot of climbing from the get-go but then it’s somewhat mellow," one user notes.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is home to diverse wildlife, including coyotes, mountain lions, and birds such as woodpeckers and Pacific wrens. Banana slugs and newts are often seen on wet trails. "You’ll likely hear or see evidence of coyote or mountain lions or a wake-up call of cawing crows," a user review shared.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are prohibited; only gas and backpack stoves may be used.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential risks include encounters with wildlife such as coyotes and mountain lions. Poison oak is also prevalent.
Active alertsNone currently noted.
Weather forecast
55
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 10.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are located in Pescadero, which includes basic medical facilities. For full emergency services, Half Moon Bay or Santa Cruz may be necessary.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer months are typically peak season due to favorable weather.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out all trash as no trash or recycling facilities are provided. Bear boxes are available for food storage to prevent wildlife interference.
Proximity to water featuresSeasonal streams may be nearby for water filtration, although they are unreliable and may dry up in summer.
Common complaintsSome visitors mention the lack of water sources and the need to pack in all supplies. Mosquitoes can be problematic during certain seasons.
HostNo campground host is available at Butano Trail Camp.
Campground Map
1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060
Driving directionsExit Highway 1 at Pescadero Road. Continue northeast for 3 miles, then turn right at Cloverdale Road and follow for 5 miles to the park entrance.
The roads within Butano State Park are narrow and winding, which could be challenging for larger vehicles such as buses. The park roads are paved but steep at times.Nearby places
Pescadero (4.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes) and Half Moon Bay (approximately 20 miles, around 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Pescadero, approximately 4.5 miles from the park entrance.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Butano Trail Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground’s unique appeal for backpackers seeking isolation amidst towering redwoods. Positive feedback emphasizes its seclusion and natural beauty, while common complaints focus on mosquitoes, lack of water sources, and minimal facilities.
Review Summaries
Users praise the campground’s remote location, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to scenic hiking trails. "Beautiful terrain the entire way. You’re under the redwood canopy," one reviewer noted.
Mosquitoes are a major drawback, with one user warning, 'Was not expecting mosquitoes though, so I got eaten alive!' Others mention the lack of water sources and insufficient amenities like tables...
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Bring adequate water and bug repellent. Prepare for steep climbs and pack light due to the long hike. Use gas stoves for cooking as campfires are prohibited.
Winter months offer opportunities to observe mushrooms and amphibians like newts. Summer poses mosquito challenges but provides warmer weather for hiking.
1. 'Ascend via Jackson Flats for a gradual climb, but expect steep sections near the campsites.' - Drew
2. 'Prepare to carry out all of your trash and bring your own toilet paper for the pit...
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Primitive campsites #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6 are available for $15 per night. Each site accommodates up to 8 people. They feature food lockers and a shaded area but lack fire pits, grills, and water...
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Accessibility is limited due to the hike required to reach the campground. No specialized features for disabilities are noted for Butano Trail Camp.
Pets are not allowed at the Trail Camp to protect local wildlife such as endangered birds and amphibians.
Last updated July 20, 2025