Jay Trail Campground
01 reviewnull
Jay Trail Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
The fee for each campsite at Jay Trail is $15 per night. No amenities like BBQs, campfire rings, or food lockers are included.
About this campground
Escape the crowds and discover Jay Trail Campground, a secluded hike-in sanctuary nestled deep within Big Basin Redwoods State Park. This primitive camping experience strips away modern distractions, offering only the essentials: a cleared space for your tent and the profound silence of the redwood forest. Without fire pits, BBQs, or grills, this back-to-basics site attracts adventurers who measure luxury in solitude and starlit nights rather than amenities. Here, the journey begins where the road ends, rewarding those willing to carry their gear into the heart of California's ancient forest.
Jay Trail Campground offers primitive hike-in campsites designed for tent camping. The sites lack advanced amenities and facilities, catering to campers seeking a rustic outdoor experience.
Historical SignificanceYour tent sits within California's pioneering conservation story—Big Basin Redwoods became the state's first park in 1902, born from a grassroots movement to save these ancient giants from the logger's saw. For over a century, these grounds have sheltered both trees and travelers, though nature reminded everyone of its power during the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire. Today, camping here means witnessing both resilience and renewal, as the forest writes its next chapter around the charred sentinels that survived and the vibrant new growth pushing through the forest floor.
Weather and SeasonsBundle up for your redwood adventure—this mountain retreat embraces a crisp, invigorating climate year-round. Winter temperatures hover around a brisk 48.5°F during the day before plunging to a teeth-chattering 26.2°F after sunset, creating perfect conditions for cozy sleeping bags and hot morning coffee. Moderate winds whisper through the towering trees, while remarkably dry conditions (averaging just 0.0707 inches of precipitation weekly) mean fewer rainy interruptions to your wilderness escape. Pack layers and prepare for the kind of cold, clear nights that make the stars seem close enough to touch.
ElevationWhile Big Basin's dramatic terrain climbs from sea level to peaks exceeding 2,000 feet, Jay Trail Campground's exact perch within this vertical wonderland remains part of its mystery. The park's varied elevations create distinct microclimates and ecosystems, from fog-kissed lower canyons to sun-drenched ridgelines. This topographical diversity means your hiking adventures can range from creek-side strolls to lung-burning ascents, all within reach of your wilderness basecamp.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral where ancient redwoods and their younger siblings create a multi-generational forest community. The 2020 wildfire transformed this landscape into a fascinating study of nature's regeneration—blackened bark tells stories of survival while carpets of ferns, sorrel, and pioneering wildflowers paint the understory in hopeful greens. Morning fog drifts between the massive trunks like earthbound clouds, while afternoon light filters through the canopy in golden shafts. This is a place where every sunrise reveals new growth and every sunset highlights the enduring majesty of trees that have witnessed centuries.
Geological RegionPerched within the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains, Jay Trail Campground occupies a remarkable convergence of ecosystems shaped by millions of years of geological drama. The terrain showcases nature's diversity—from moisture-loving redwood groves clustered in shaded canyons to sun-baked chaparral slopes that burst with wildflowers after winter rains. Riparian corridors snake through the landscape, creating ribbons of lush habitat, while the varying aspects and elevations support everything from towering conifers to hardy shrubs. This geological variety, combined with the fire's recent influence, has created a dynamic landscape where hikers can experience multiple California ecosystems within a single day's exploration.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessibility features such as wheelchair parking and accessible restrooms at the former Headquarters Area of Big Basin Redwoods SP. Specific details for each campsite are not provided.
Sites SizeTent pads are standardized at dimensions of 10 feet by 10 feet.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy considerations for individual campsites are not mentioned in the source materials.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoosing sites #2 or #4 is recommended for accessibility and space.
Best CampsitesSites #2 and #4 are described as generally accessible with ample flat ground.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Amaximum stay limit hasn't been explicitly stated in the information provided.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each campsite accommodates up to 6 guests.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutPrimitive hike-in sites with minimal amenities. Sites are flat and feature compacted soil.
Open and Closed SeasonNo specific open/closed seasons are indicated, but services and facilities are limited due to ongoing recovery after the fire.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.
Walk-in AvailabilityOnly reservations are mentioned for hike-in sites. Walk-up availability not explicitly confirmed or denied.
Cancellation PolicyThe cancellation policy is not explicitly mentioned in the source.
Amenities available
Showers
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Jay Trail Campground is within Big Basin Redwoods SP, offering access to a range of activities including hiking, nature viewing, and cultural programs. While activities specific to Jay Trail Campground are not elaborated upon, the park offers trails suitable for various skill levels, including the Redwood Loop Trail showcasing ancient redwood trees.
Hiking
Big Basin Redwoods SP boasts numerous trails, including the Redwood Loop Trail (0.6 miles) which passes through some of the oldest trees in the park. The park provides opportunities for easy to strenuous hikes, but specific trail access from Jay Trail Campground is not mentioned.Biking
Mountain biking is allowed on all fire/service roads within Big Basin Redwoods SP. Gazos Creek Road and Chalks Road are highlighted as rewarding routes.Wildlife viewing
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, raccoons, bobcats, and bird species like Steller's jays and marbled murrelets. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant within Big Basin Redwoods SP.Cultural and Educational Programs
Big Basin Redwoods SP offers interpretive programs, guided tours, and cultural events like the Big Basin Art About project, though none are specific to Jay Trail Campground.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as hiking are available year-round but no specific winter recreation options like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not applicable to Jay Trail Campground or broader park activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are not allowed in the campground. No fire pits or grills are provided.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsVisitors should be aware of potential hazards such as downed trees, uneven terrain, and recovering forest areas due to the 2020 fire.
Active alertsServices are limited, and facilities like drinking water are currently unavailable. Check trail conditions before planning hikes.
Weather forecast
77
°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
The nearest emergency services would be accessible via Santa Cruz, which is 25 miles away. Specific details on emergency facilities are not provided in the source.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal and recycling facilities are emphasized as part of Big Basin Redwoods SP's 'Crumb Clean' initiative. Specific trash facilities for Jay Trail Campground are not detailed.
Proximity to water featuresNearby creeks and streams are likely, but specific proximity to water features is not detailed.
Common complaintsNull
HostNo specific host information is provided for this campground.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsThe campground is part of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, located 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz via Highways 9 and 236. From Hwy 9 in Boulder Creek, turn north onto Hwy 236, and the park entrance is 9 miles down the highway. Note: All roads into Big Basin are curvy.
The roads leading to the park are curvy, and currently, no oversized vehicles or trailers are allowed for parking. A pilot shuttle service is available during summer weekends and holidays. Ride-sharing and car-sharing apps are discouraged due to the lack of cell service.Nearby places
Santa Cruz: 25 miles (approximately 1-hour drive). San Francisco: 65 miles (approximately 2-hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be accessed in Santa Cruz (25 miles away). Specific details on supply options closer to Big Basin are not mentioned.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Jay Trail Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Rodney Williams states the camp was 'clean and well maintained.' While this review provides positive feedback, no additional specific reviews for Jay Trail Campground have been provided.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground was described as clean and well-maintained.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No complaints have been explicitly noted in the source materials.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors should plan ahead for limited amenities, particularly the lack of potable water, food lockers, and campfires.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No seasonal-specific reviews were available for Jay Trail Campground.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
Direct user quote: 'Camp was clean and well maintained.'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews for Jay Trail Campground were not provided.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility appears to be a focus at Big Basin Redwoods SP, with features like accessible parking and restrooms noted.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at Jay Trail Campground, limiting suitability for pet owners.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025