Go Glamping with the Kids in Santa Cruz
Good For
- Family Time
- Play
Why Go
Maybe it’s the bugs. Or perhaps the thought of using the woods as your bathroom scares you off. Add in kids, and the whole camping experience starts to feel like work. But if you still love the idea of being outside in nature, then glamping may be for you.
Glamping is “glamorous” camping with accommodations more luxurious than traditional camping. It’s popular, and there are a lot of options in California. A good starting point for families is the network of campsites run by KOA (Kampgrounds of America), and the Santa Cruz site is particularly convenient for visitors from the Bay Area and Sacramento.
For those who don’t want to sleep on the ground in a tent, accommodations range from basic cabins to deluxe cabins to classic Airstream trailers. And yes, they have clean bathrooms.
The best part of camping here, however, is the activities. There are pools, playgrounds, and unique play structures like coconut tree climbing. It’s an excellent environment for kids to run around freely, especially city kids.
For parents, the KOA also offers a full schedule of supervised activities to give you a break and some downtime. Overall it’s a fun and relaxing way to ease into camping.
Suggested Itinerary
Make reservations first. Take the faster route via I-280 to the campground. Check-in is 2 pm or 4 pm, depending on your accommodations. Get there early enough to enjoy a campfire in the evening. Spend the next day enjoying everything the campground has to offer. On Sunday, take the scenic coastal route along Highway 1 on the way home and stop by beaches or charming towns like Davenport, Pescadero, or Half Moon Bay.
Things to Do
- Set the kids free to play.
- Relax while the kids are in a supervised activity.
- Sit by the campfire, tell stories, and make s’mores.
When to Go
Visit during the summer and early fall when the weather is warm and dry.
Cost
A basic cabin with no bathroom starts around $200 for a weekend night stay in the summer and go up from there. And of course, you can pitch your own tent instead if you want to save money.