Online Reservations
Reservations for this campground are handled through ReserveCalifornia
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Trail ClosuresThe following trails are closed: Candelabra Trl, Gazos Trl, Jackson Flats Trl (from Mill Ox Trl to Butano Fire Rd), Little Butano Creek Trl, Canyon Trl, Indian Trl, Chimney Tree Trl, Ray Linder Memorial Trl, Upper Ben Ries Campground Loop (Sites 2-21), Goat Hill Trl (from Ben Ries Trl to Water Plant Rd), Water Plant Rd, Butano Trail Camp (See Butano SP Map of Trail Closures).
Looking for your next adventure?
California State Parks Backpacking Adventures offers naturalist-led backpacking trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains each summer. Online registration opens March 1 at 9am.
Artists, we have a special backpacking trip option for you: the Big Basin Artabout! Ten artists will be chosen to particpate in the first backpacking trip in Big Basin since the CZU Lightning Complex Fire on June 3-4, 2023. Artists will recieve a $2500 stipend and will create an artistic piece in the medium of their choice inspired by the trip to be displayed in the park! The deadline to apply is April 28, 2023. For more information, visit the Big Basin Artabout website.
To sign up for guided hikes and other park programs in Santa Cruz-area State Parks, visit www.santacruzstateparks.as.me to see the schedule and make reservations.
Crumb Clean Campaign
This park is Crumb Clean! Watch this short video to learn about the marbled murrelet, an endangered bird that nests in the park, and how you can protect it. Vea el video en español aquí.
Visiting Butano State Park
Butano State Park was created in 1957 to protect California's coast redwoods from logging. Today's visitors to will discover a quiet canyon filled with towering second- and third growth-redwood trees, babbling creeks, and more.
The park features 40 miles of hiking trails that wind through over 4,000 acres of canyons and uplands. Scattered throughout are patches of oak woodland, wet riparian, and sunny chaparral ecosystems. Among the diverse wildlife and plants in the park, hikers may spot woodpeckers, newts, and flowering calypso orchids in springtime.
Hidden amongst the redwoods the park provides 21 drive-in campsites, 18 walk-in campsites and a backcountry trail camp with 8 campsites. Restrooms with running water are provided in the main campground. Drinking water is available at the park in both the main campground and the day-use areas. There are no showers.
Guided nature walks and weekend campfire programs are offered during the summer.
If you have an hour, enjoy the redwoods, ferns, and sorrel along the gentle yet spectacular Little Butano Creek Trail. It extends 1.5 miles into the heart of the park’s redwoods
If you have half a day, stretch your legs and see the redwoods, wetlands, and ridgetop views from the 5-mile-long Jackson Flats Loop.
If you have a full day, leave civilization behind and venture out into the forgotten forests and scenic overlooks of the 9.5-mile-long Canyon Loop.
Basic Park Information
DOGS are permitted in the campground and in paved developed areas, providing they are controlled at all times by an adult holding a leash no more than six feet long. Dogs must be confined to a tent or vehicle at night. Except for service animals, dogs are not permitted on park trails.
BEN REIS CAMPINPGROUND is CLOSED as a result of fire-related damage to the park's water system.
BUTANO TRAIL CAMP is CLOSED due to fire damage.
DRONES are not allowed in the park. To protect wildlife and cultural resources, and for the safety and welfare of visitors and staff, the park is closed to the use of Model Aircraft, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and Gliders in flight.
WEDDING & SPECIAL EVENTS PERMITS please contact [email protected] or call (650) 726-8819.
FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITS please contact the park directly.
Campsites
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