Lane Trail Campground
01 reviewLane 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$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
All campsites are priced uniformly at $15 per night, regardless of specific site features.
About this campground
Venture into the heart of Big Basin Redwoods State Park and discover Lane Trail Campground, a secluded hike-in retreat where adventure begins at the trailhead. This primitive camping experience welcomes up to six guests per site, offering the rare opportunity to sleep beneath towering redwoods far from the crowds. While you'll find secure food storage lockers to protect your provisions from curious wildlife, this back-to-basics destination embraces simplicity—no running water, picnic tables, or campfire rings disturb the natural setting. It's pure wilderness camping at its finest, where the journey to your site becomes part of the adventure itself.
Lane Trail Campground emphasizes primitive camping, making it suitable for hikers seeking a backcountry experience. It does not support RVs, group camping, or luxury accommodations.
Historical SignificanceYou're camping in California history when you stay at Lane Trail, situated within Big Basin Redwoods State Park—the crown jewel that launched California's entire state park system in 1902. These ancient sentinels have stood watch for over a millennium, their massive trunks recording centuries of storms, droughts, and human visitors. The landscape still bears witness to the dramatic 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire, offering campers a front-row seat to nature's remarkable resilience as the forest writes its next chapter of recovery and renewal.
Weather and SeasonsNestled within the protective embrace of ancient redwoods, Lane Trail maintains the forest's signature cool, misty ambiance year-round. Morning fog often drifts through the canopy, creating an ethereal atmosphere that defines the coastal redwood experience. Summer occasionally breaks this pattern with warmer temperatures that transform the typically damp forest floor into a drier landscape. Seasoned campers note that these warmer evenings can awaken the forest's insect population, so come prepared for nature's smaller residents during heat waves.
ElevationElevation details are not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient coast redwoods create nature's own cathedral, their massive trunks rising like pillars into a canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns. The campground offers partial shade throughout the day, while a natural water source awaits approximately 3 miles along the trail—perfect for filtering and replenishing your supply. Here, you'll witness firsthand the forest's phoenix-like recovery from wildfire, where blackened bark gives way to vibrant new growth, and diverse ecosystems from lush fern groves to sun-loving chaparral create a living mosaic of California's coastal mountains.
Geological RegionPerched within the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains, Lane Trail Campground occupies a unique ecological crossroads where ocean fog meets mountain terrain. This remarkable setting showcases both majestic old-growth coast redwoods that survived the recent fires and recovering second-growth forest painting a picture of regeneration. The varied topography creates distinct microclimates—from the cool, damp canyon bottoms where ferns and sorrel carpet the forest floor to the warmer, drier ridges where hardy chaparral species thrive. It's a living laboratory of California's coastal mountain ecology, where each turn of the trail reveals another facet of this complex and beautiful ecosystem.
Campsite details
AccessibilityLane Trail Campground lacks designated accessibility features. Its primitive nature may pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.
Sites SizeTent pads are approximately 10 feet in length and width, offering space for small to medium-sized tents.
Sites PrivacyThe campground provides partial shade but does not offer privacy-enhancing features like tree coverage or secluded site layouts.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite selection does not appear to be site-specific as all campsites are hike-in primitive and offer the same amenities (food lockers, tent pads, shared pit toilets).
Best CampsitesSpecific sites are not ranked. All six sites offer similar amenities and features.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
02:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
1night
Guests Allowed Per Site
6guests per campsite
Groups
Group camping is not supported at Lane Trail Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutLane Trail Campground comprises six hike-in primitive sites with food lockers and shared pit toilets.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open seasonally for reservations and subject to ongoing fire recovery efforts.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks at thatsmypark.org.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground does not appear to offer walk-up or first-come-first-served sites. All reservations must be booked in advance for $15 per night.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not provided in the available information.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lane Trail Campground offers a range of activities centered around its wilderness setting. Campers can access various hiking opportunities, explore wildlife habitats, and enjoy the solitude of the surroundings. "Hiking - Please check current trail conditions while planning your hike," suggests the official source, though no activities like biking, fishing, or swimming are directly supported by this specific campground.
Hiking
Hiking trails such as the Redwood Loop Trail and Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail are accessible nearby. These trails vary from easy loops to strenuous backcountry routes. "Be aware that you may come across blocked trails that we do not know about," warns the park's official source about changing trail conditions.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as deer, raccoons, and birds—including endangered species like the marbled murrelet—can be observed in the park. "Common creatures include deer, raccoons, bobcats, and birds, including dark-eyed juncos, acorn woodpeckers," states the authoritative text.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs and guided tours are available nearby but not specific to Lane Trail Campground. "View a list of park events and guided hikes," states the official source.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned for Lane Trail Campground specifically.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not applicable to this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires, BBQs, and grills are not allowed at Lane Trail Campground due to park regulations.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential dangers include rattlesnakes, ticks, poison oak, and lack of water sources within the campground. Mosquitoes and other bugs can be abundant during warm conditions.
Active alertsOngoing fire recovery efforts restrict access to certain areas of the park. Visitors should confirm trail conditions before arrival.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 0.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Emergency services are located in Boulder Creek, approximately 9 miles away from the park entrance. This includes nearby hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season details not provided.
Trash and recyclingCampers are expected to pack out their trash as no dedicated trash or recycling facilities are provided. "Dispose of all food and trash properly and don't leave any behind where animals can get to it," emphasizes the park's Crumb Clean initiative.
Proximity to water featuresNearest water source is a natural spring located approximately 3 miles away.
Common complaintsVisitors commonly note the lack of water and tables. Bugs and mosquitoes are reported to be a significant issue during warm months.
HostNo information about campground hosts is available.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Hwy 9 in the town of Boulder Creek, turn north onto Hwy 236. Continue approximately 9 miles down Hwy 236 to the park entrance kiosk. Be aware that all roads leading into Big Basin Redwoods State Park are curvy. Ride-sharing and car-sharing apps are not recommended due to poor cell service at the park entrance.
Roads are curvy and challenging to navigate. No oversized vehicles or trailers are permitted for day-use parking. Ride-sharing and car-sharing apps (e.g., Uber, Zip Car) are discouraged due to unreliable service in the area.Nearby places
Santa Cruz (25 miles, ~40 minutes), San Francisco (~65 miles, ~1.5 hours)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are available in Boulder Creek, 9 miles away from the park entrance. Fuel stations also exist in Boulder Creek.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Lane Trail Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User experiences emphasize Lane Trail Campground's primitive nature. Reviews highlight the lack of basic amenities like potable water and picnic tables, the prevalence of bugs, and the overall wilderness atmosphere.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the secluded, primitive atmosphere and proximity to hiking trails, providing a true backcountry experience.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Key complaints include the absence of potable water, picnic tables, and issues with bugs: "The warm night challenged my four-season Black Diamond I-tent," remarked one user about bug issues.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing adequate water and bug repellents and preparing for minimal facilities. "Dispose of all food and trash properly," is also emphasized by official sources.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not specify seasonal differences, but users encountered bugs in warmer months, suggesting this may be a summertime concern.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Be aware that this camp has neither water (-1) nor tables (-1)." 2. "The warm night challenged my four-season Black Diamond I-tent...and I finally opened the tent netting to cool down at the cost...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsites are numbered and described as primitive: "Hike In Primitive Campsite #Lane #6" offers a tent pad of 10 feet by 10 feet and lacks amenities such as grills, fire pits, and picnic tables.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is limited, as the campground lacks features like flat terrain or accessible restroom facilities.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at Lane Trail Campground, consistent with park-wide restrictions.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025