Portola Redwoods State Park

The park is in a rugged, natural basin forested with coast redwoods, Douglas fir and live oak. Eighteen miles of trails crisscross the canyon and several streams, notably Slate Creek, Peters Creek and Pescadero Creek. Trails also connect to trails in adjacent parks. The Sequoia Self-guided Nature Trail and Old Tree Trail introduce visitors to the natural history of the area. The park has one of the tallest redwoods (over 300 feet high) in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Note: Fill your gas tank before driving to the park. Closest gas is 14 miles from the park, in Sky Londa. Closest store is 9 miles from the park in La Honda.

Directions

From San Jose and Santa Cruz take Hwy 9 to Hwy 35. Drive North on Hwy 35 and turn left on Alpine Road. Take Alpine Road to Portola State Park Road. Check in at the park office which is located 1 mile inside the park on the main road. The road dead ends at Portola. Use low gear on Alpine and Portola State Park roads as they are steep and winding.

From the peninsula, take Hwy 280 to Hwy 84. Take Hwy 84 west to Hwy 35. Drive south on Hwy 35 and turn right on Alpine Road. Take Alpine Road to Portola State Park Road. Check in at the park office which is located 1 mile inside the park on the main road. The road dead ends at Portola. Use low gear on Alpine and Portola State Park Roads as they are steep and winding.

Camping

The Portola campground has 52 campsites, 1 disabled campsite,4 group campsites,4 walk -in campsites,4hike and bike sites and 6 trail campsites. The maximum length for trailers is 21′and 24′ for RV’s.

Accessibility

Visitor’s Center
Camping
Picnic Areas

Climate/Clothing

Layered clothing recommended due to changing weather conditions.

Amenities

Restrooms
Picnic Areas
Visitor Center

Educational Activities

Historic sites

Family and children’s programs between Memorial and Labor Day weekend

More Camping Information

$35.00 night family camp site
$15.00 night backpack camp site

Family campsites:

There are 52 regular campsites, and four walk-in sites. Family campsites are on a first-come-first-served basis from April 1 to May 21, and September 2 through November 30. These sites may be reserved seven months in advance for May 22 through September 1. Reservations are needed for weekends and holidays during the reservation period as the campground fills by reservation. Limit 8 people per site. RVs: There are no hook-ups; maximum length is 21′ feet for trailers, 24 feet for motor homes.

Reservations for family campsites and group camps: 800-444-7275

Group Camps

Reservations are required for Group Camps and may be reserved from April 1 through November 30. There are four group camps at Portola:Ravine Group Camp: 25 people/6 car limit
Hillside Group Camp: 50 people/12 car limit
Ravine and Hillside are near each other
Point Group Camp: 50 people/12 car limit
Circle Group Camp: 50 people/12 car limit
Circle and Point are near each other

Backpacking Trail Camps

$15.00 per night, available April 1st through November 30th
Reservations required (831) 338-8861
Limit 6 people per site
No fires, stoves OK, carry water.
All campgrounds are closed December 1st through March 31st

Juveniles (those under 18 years of age) who will be camping without a parent or legal guardian, must bring written permission to camp which includes the name of their parent or guardian, their address, and phone number where they can be reached, the name of the juvenile, the name of the park, the dates they are allowed to camp and the signature of the parent. Permission forms are available and you can request one by calling the park.

For a map of the park please send $2.00 with a self-addressed legal-sized envelope with two stamps.

For more info, visit Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.

To learn about events in the parks and at the beaches, check out the Calendar Page.