Huckleberry Campground
05 reviewsnull
Huckleberry Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard campsites are $35 per night. Group sites may have different pricing, but exact details not available.
About this campground
Nestled within the ancient groves of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Huckleberry Campground invites you to sleep beneath towering giants that have stood sentinel for over a thousand years. These magnificent coast redwoods, some of the tallest and oldest on Earth, create a natural cathedral around well-appointed campsites equipped with picnic tables and secure food storage lockers. Here, modern comfort meets primeval wonder in California's most storied state park.
Huckleberry Campground features various camping accommodations, including tent sites and tent cabins. Group sites and primitive camping are not specifically mentioned.
Historical SignificanceAs California's oldest state park, established in 1902, Big Basin holds a special place in conservation history as the birthplace of the state park movement. While the devastating 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire claimed many beloved historical structures, the resilient spirit of this sacred place endures. Today's visitors witness both the scars of fire and the inspiring regeneration of nature, becoming part of a new chapter in Big Basin's remarkable story.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground enjoys a gentle microclimate shaped by the protective redwood canopy, with moderate coastal breezes and occasional light rain that nourishes the forest floor. Summer visitors are blessed with approximately 13 hours of filtered sunlight each day, creating an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow through the towering trees.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable elevation in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the campground offers a refreshing escape from coastal fog and valley heat, creating ideal conditions for year-round camping adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where ancient coast redwoods stretch skyward like living skyscrapers, their massive trunks creating a mystical landscape of fern-lined groves and sun-dappled trails. Crystal-clear creeks babble through the recovering forest, while chaparral-covered slopes burst with wildflowers and provide habitat for deer, foxes, and countless bird species. This is a landscape in renewal, where every visit reveals nature's remarkable ability to heal and flourish.
Geological RegionHuckleberry Campground sits in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, a rugged coastal range where tectonic forces have created a dramatic landscape of deep canyons and steep ridges. Here, the world's tallest tree species thrives in the fog-kissed valleys, while sun-loving chaparral claims the exposed slopes, creating a stunning mosaic of ecosystems that showcase California's incredible biodiversity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNear the former Headquarters Area, the parking lot and temporary visitor center are wheelchair accessible, with plans to restore accessibility on the Redwood Loop Trail in the future.
Sites SizeSites include tent pads ranging from 10x10 feet to 20x20 feet, as detailed in campsite-specific data.
Sites PrivacySites offer shaded areas and privacy due to the natural forested environment. User reviews appreciate the quiet and tranquil setting but complain about occasional loud groups.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites #157S and #158S are suitable for tents with full shade and picnic tables.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsites like #157S, #158S, #159S are highly rated.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay duration is unclear.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each campsite accommodates up to 8 guests.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutLayout includes numbered campsites (#157S, #158S, etc.) with shared amenities.
Open and Closed SeasonDetails about seasonal opening and closing are not provided.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online for parking. Specific camping reservation platform details are missing.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited due to reservation policies.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules are not explicitly stated.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Huckleberry Campground provides access to several recreational activities, including nearby hiking trails, biking, wildlife viewing, and opportunities for horseback riding.
Hiking
Multiple trails are accessible from the Big Basin Redwoods SP area, including the Redwood Loop Trail, Ocean View Summit Loop, Gazos Creek Road Loop, and others, ranging from easy to strenuous hikes. Trails pass through old-growth redwoods and recovering forest areas, with some offering ocean views.Biking
Mountain bikes are permitted on fire/service roads such as Gazos Creek Road and Chalks Road. Trails are not accessible for biking.Wildlife viewing
The park hosts diverse wildlife, including deer, raccoons, bobcats, and birds such as Steller's jays and fire-following lazuli buntings. User reviews mention encounters with mountain lions and their cubs, emphasizing the wild and natural setting.Cultural and Educational Programs
Guided tours and interpretive programs are available, emphasizing the park’s natural and cultural history, such as the Redwood Loop Trail guided walks and the First Day Hikes initiative.Winter Activities
Visitors can experience waterfalls appearing in the forest during rainy seasons, as noted by user reviews.Water Sports
Water-related activities like kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not highlighted for this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsFire hazards due to past CZU fire damage. Wildlife such as mountain lions reported in the region.
Active alertsClosures due to fire and storm damage as of recent reports.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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 hospital and police services are located in Santa Cruz, approximately 25 miles away. Boulder Creek has a ranger station.
Good to know
Peak season datesDates for peak season pricing are not available.
Trash and recyclingThe park enforces strict 'Crumb Clean' policies, emphasizing proper disposal of food and trash to protect wildlife such as the endangered marbled murrelet. Recycling facilities are available for glass, plastic, and aluminum.
Proximity to water featuresNear creeks and damp canyon bottoms.
Common complaintsComplaints include noise during quiet hours and difficulties in reservation systems. Service quality has been criticized.
HostRanger presence noted but no specific host details available.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Hwy 9 in Boulder Creek, turn north onto Hwy 236. Drive 9 miles to reach the park entrance kiosk. Note: Roads are curvy.
Access roads into Big Basin are curvy and may present challenges for large vehicles. No oversized vehicles or trailers are allowed for parking.Nearby places
Santa Cruz: 25 miles, ~45 minutes
San Francisco: 65 miles, ~1.5 hours
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies can be found in Boulder Creek, ~9 miles away, including groceries, camping equipment, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Huckleberry Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide a mixed picture of Huckleberry Campground, praising the natural beauty and wildlife while criticizing noise levels and reservation difficulties.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
"Bathrooms were clean, as well as our cabin, upon arrival." "Wonderful family memories made, even during social distanced Covid-19 times." "The cabins and setting are wonderful."
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Noise complaints are frequent: "Groups of young adults partied late into the night despite the 10pm quiet hours." "Hours and hours waiting on the phone for reservations."
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring mosquito repellent for areas near the creek. Avoid weekends if seeking a quieter experience due to louder groups.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Rainy seasons provide a magical experience with waterfalls and fewer visitors. However, mosquitos are more prevalent near the creek during warmer months.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Cannot wait until they reopen; this place is magical, especially in the off or rainy seasons." "We just returned from another wonderful family stay at the Huckleberry Tent Cabins." "Every year it is...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites #157S to #161S are noted for their amenities, including shared flushing toilets, picnic tables, and shaded coverage. Tent pads range from 10x10 to 20x20 feet.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible features include flat ground at some campsites and accessible restrooms and parking near the visitor center.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed within the campground but must be kept on a leash. Dogs are restricted from trails, as per park policies.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025