You not have to go to the MUIR or Sequoia if you wanna see some big redwoods - go to Henry Cowell... read more
You not have to go to the MUIR or Sequoia if you wanna see some big redwoods - go to Henry Cowell... read more
This state park is absolutely beautiful. We did the Redwoods Grove Loop Trail which is only 0.9... read more
This review is about CAMPING at Henry Cowell only.
My family of 4 including 2 school aged kids camped here for 3 nights in July. Many of the sites here are generously spacious! The impressive site size was perfect for camping in times of Covid - I felt well spaced from neighbors. We had site 96 which though looks like it may be small on the site map, is actually decently large.
Most of the sites were well shaded with tall study trees worthy of hammocks. We saw very few mosquitos and yellow jackets.
The exception to the shady/ spaciousness were sites along the ridge in the 2-50 loop. However those ridge sites had beautiful vistas.
The sites are so full of trees that one cannot view the loop roads, in case for example, you want to keep an eye on your kids biking around the loops.
Dogs are allowed to camp here as long as they remain on leash. There are very few trials that are dog friendly, but the loops are plenty lovely for walks with dogs.
The bathrooms were reassuringly clean. Many trash and recycling collection areas.
Watch out for poison oak.
Firewood is delivered to campsites for $10 a bundle.
Easy 20 minute drive to Santa Cruz beaches, and less than 10 minutes to a supermarket in Felton. Highly recommend the Roaring Camp Railway ride for young and old alike.

Awesome park to hike in, bring your swim suit if you plan on jumping in the water. We followed the old railroad tracks to a watering hole and it was an easy hike. Getting to the river was a bit more challenging for some of us but easy if you have the right shoes.

Always have a good time here. Love the powder trail. Well maintained. Lovely view - can see the ocean.

While driving down the coast, we stayed in Santa Cruz one night. Our waitress at dinner suggested we visit this park to see the giant redwoods. It was only a few miles from town and we wanted to visit a redwood forest anyway. We took a walking trail along the river for about 20 minutes, but turned around in the interest of time. The redwood trees are majestic and the tallest in the world. Douglas Firs abound in the forest, and they are the 2nd largest. There was another interior trail that we didn’t have time to walk. We hoped to see the huge banana slugs, but they must have been hiding that day. The gift shop had some nice offerings and prices seemed reasonable. We were very glad we visited the park.

Staying at Half Moon Bay, we decided to see some redwoods inland. Loved HC for the birdsong, elevation changes that give views into different strata of the forest and helpful staff.

I want to come back and simply be able to smell this place again. Amazing atmosphere, it does feel magical for some reason.
