Big Basin Redwoods State Park

About 30 miles north of the beautiful Seacliff State Park in California is Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Big Basin is a popular camping spot for visitors from the Bay Area – located about 90 minutes from San Jose, Big Basin is a great getaway in the heat of summer and a perfect spot for family and group camping.

Big Basin is California’s oldest state park. It was established in 1902 and it’s home of the largest continuous stand of coast redwoods south of San Francisco.

Have you ever seen the Redwoods up close? They are magnificent. For a good look at the Redwoods in Big Basin, take the short Redwood Loop Trail near the Ranger station. You can get an up-close-and-personal look at several very old redwoods.

Big Basin Redwoods

Day use admission to the park is $10.00 per vehicle with discounted rates for seniors and vehicles with a California State Disability sticker. Activities at the park include hiking, exploring and docent-led interpretive hikes, where visitors have plenty of opportunities to learn about the Redwoods and their history.

Big Basin is well known for family campgrounds, as well as group camp sites. The family sites cost about $35.00 a night, with $10.00 for each extra vehicle. The group sites can accommodate up to 40 or 50 people, depending on the group site, and the cost is $335.00 for 50 guests and $270.00 for 40 guests. Reservations for all sites can be made online through Reserve America. Tent cabins are also available, managed by a separate concession, and reservations can be made by calling 1-800-874-TENT (8368).

The weather at Big Basin can vary greatly over the year, with rain highly likely much of the year. During the summer, especially in June, mornings can be cool and foggy, clearing in the afternoons, making Big Basin a great escape when the weather heats up in the Bay Area. October is our favorite month to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

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