Smithwoods RV Park Introduce
Are you a California resident seeking a refreshing escape into nature with the convenience of an RV park? Smithwoods RV Park in Felton, CA, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains and ancient redwood forests. While every business has its challenges, Smithwoods RV Park presents a compelling option for those looking to disconnect from the daily grind and create lasting memories amidst stunning natural beauty. This article is crafted to provide local California users with an in-depth look at what makes Smithwoods RV Park a notable destination for their next outdoor adventure.
Smithwoods RV Park is a long-standing establishment with a rich history, dating back to 1920 when it was founded as Big Trees Auto Camp. This family-owned resort has evolved from car and tent camping to a full-fledged RV park, consistently attracting visitors who cherish the unique experience of staying under the redwoods by the San Lorenzo River. With approximately 80 campsites, it offers a pretty spot with plenty of trees, creating a secluded and natural environment. The park is designed to be a place where families can build traditions, enjoying summers of crawdad fishing on the river, spring trips to Roaring Camp, and winter campfires. It’s particularly well-suited for families with children, offering various on-site activities to keep the younger ones entertained, providing that much-desired opportunity for everyone to "disconnect" from digital distractions and reconnect with each other and nature.
Smithwoods RV Park is strategically located at 4770 Hwy 9, Felton, CA 95018, USA, placing it in an ideal position for Californians looking to explore the natural wonders and attractions of Santa Cruz County. Felton itself is a charming mountain town, offering local shops, eateries, and a relaxed atmosphere. The park's location on Highway 9 provides direct and easy access, making it convenient for RVs to navigate. One of the most significant advantages of this address is its immediate proximity to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. This renowned park, just about a mile down the road, boasts incredible hiking trails through ancient redwood groves, including the famous Cathedral Redwoods.
Adjacent to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is Roaring Camp Railroads, a major local attraction that offers scenic steam train rides through the redwoods and even a train that can take you directly to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk during operating seasons. This direct connection to a major tourist destination without needing to move your RV is a huge convenience. Furthermore, the vibrant city of Santa Cruz, with its iconic Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf, diverse dining, shopping, and beautiful beaches, is just a short drive away. This means campers can enjoy the tranquility of the redwoods by day and easily access the lively coastal scene for an evening out. The park's setting provides a quiet escape from urban life while still ensuring that essential amenities like grocery stores, gas, and restaurants are nearby in Felton and Scotts Valley. For Californians traveling from various parts of the state, Smithwoods RV Park offers a well-connected yet deeply immersive natural experience.
Smithwoods RV Park provides a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for RV travelers. These services aim to balance modern conveniences with the natural, rustic charm of a redwood forest setting:
- Full Hookup RV Sites: Each site is equipped with 30/50 amp electric service, water, sewer connections, and cable TV, providing all the necessary utilities for a convenient RV experience.
- Picnic Tables and Firepits: Every site includes a picnic table and a firepit, perfect for outdoor dining, campfires, and S'mores under the stars.
- Restrooms and Hot Showers: Clean restroom facilities with hot showers are available for guests, though some may show their age.
- Designated Wi-Fi Lounge: While cell service and park-wide Wi-Fi may be limited due to the tree canopy, a designated Wi-Fi lounge is provided for connectivity needs.
- Coin Laundromat: On-site laundry facilities are available, with washing and drying machines for guest convenience.
- Heated Swimming Pool: A seasonal heated swimming pool offers a refreshing way to relax and cool off, especially popular with families.
- Recreational Facilities: The park features a playground, basketball court, and wiffle ball court, providing active entertainment options for children and adults. There is also a billiards room.
- Group Campsite Options: Accommodations are available for group bookings, making it suitable for family reunions or friends traveling together.
- Pet-Friendly Policy: Leashed dogs are permitted (with some breed restrictions and a small pet fee), ensuring that furry family members can join the adventure.
Smithwoods RV Park boasts several unique features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a prime RV destination in California, particularly for those seeking a nature-immersed experience:
- Immersive Redwood Forest Setting: The park's most prominent feature is its location directly among towering redwood trees. This provides a deeply shaded, tranquil, and picturesque environment, offering a true "disconnect" from the urban hustle.
- Generous Site Sizes: Guests appreciate the decent-sized sites, which provide ample space and a sense of privacy amidst the natural landscaping.
- Proximity to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Being just a mile from this famous state park means direct access to magnificent redwood groves, hiking trails, and the San Lorenzo River.
- Direct Access to Roaring Camp Railroads: The ability to easily walk to Roaring Camp for steam train rides through the redwoods, or even take a train directly to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (seasonal), is an unparalleled convenience.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: With a playground, basketball court, wiffle ball court, and a heated swimming pool, the park is explicitly designed to cater to families, providing ample opportunities for children to engage in outdoor activities.
- Opportunity for Digital Detox: Due to limited cell service and Wi-Fi outside the designated lounge, the park is an excellent spot to encourage kids (and adults) to unplug and enjoy the natural surroundings, fostering genuine connection and outdoor play.
- Long-Standing Family History: As a family-owned resort since 1920, Smithwoods has a rich heritage and a tradition of hosting generations of campers, contributing to a unique sense of place and authenticity.
- Full Hookup Convenience: Despite its rustic setting, the park offers full hookups at every RV site, ensuring modern comfort with power, water, and sewer connections, plus cable TV.
For those ready to embark on a memorable redwood RV adventure at Smithwoods RV Park, here is the essential contact information:
Address: 4770 Hwy 9, Felton, CA 95018, USA
Phone: (831) 335-4321
Mobile Phone: +1 831-335-4321
Smithwoods RV Park is uniquely suitable for locals in California who are looking for a genuine escape into nature without having to travel too far from home. For Californians, the Santa Cruz Mountains and its redwood forests are an iconic and accessible natural playground, and Smithwoods places you right in the heart of it. It offers an ideal opportunity to unplug and reconnect with family and friends, away from the constant distractions of urban life and digital devices, which is increasingly valued in today's world. While past experiences with customer service might be a consideration for some, the inherent appeal of the location—its stunning natural beauty, proximity to world-class attractions like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Roaring Camp, and its family-friendly amenities—often outweighs these concerns for many. The convenience of full hookups combined with the rustic charm of camping under giant trees provides a balanced experience for both seasoned RVers and those new to the lifestyle. For California residents seeking a memorable outdoor getaway that encourages quality time and appreciation for their state's natural wonders, Smithwoods RV Park offers a compelling and picturesque destination.
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Smithwoods RV Park Reviews
I had gone here for the past 4 summers and had a great time although the staff was always a little unfriendly, we continued to go because we enjoyed the camp ground. This past year the lady in the office booked us too far in advance and there was no policy written anywhere that you couldn’t book over a year in advance but she still booked us. About two weeks later we got a call saying our reservation was canceled because it was too far in advance and that they had given our reservations to someone else. When we called the owner to talk about the situation and how the lady let us book and never mentioned a policy he was EXTREMELY rude and said that if we didn’t like what they did we could book somewhere else. He was one of the most unprofessional and unfriendly business owners I’ve ever experienced. I would NOT RECOMMEND COMING OR BOOKING HERE due to the extremely rude and unprofessional staff.
Mar 30, 2025 · Madison WolffPretty spot loads of trees , decent sized sites. Unfortunately the bathrooms and showers are showing there age. Wi fi is very limited and extremely poor cell service, your starling won't work either due to the tree canopy.Its great spot to get the kids to disconnect!!!!And you also....
Mar 04, 2025 · grant IThis is a well-maintained, forest-rich, RV location, located close to Henry Cowell State Park, Two different train rides, (1 to the coast & 1 to the mountains). A beautiful covered bridge and it's only a few miles to Santa Cruz!30 & 50 amp available! (Alas, no internet to speak of.) We brought our Verizon box and had the circle of death more than getting to watch TV . But they do have a small room for WiFi.
Feb 26, 2025 · Dava SerbantesGourgous! Pet friendly. So cute and beautiful. It rained I was happy.Very nice people. We called before we headed up they waited for us. And then left for the day. They have power and water sewer hook ups.Winter visit.Only down is you can not get T-Mobile data and the free internet did not reach us so we had to pay for internet which was 8$ for 6 hours.
Dec 31, 2024 · Roze CMA; CPTThe location of the park is good. The redwoods are all around and provide great shade. Campsites are very close to each other.The campground is dated and the owners should put some money back into the place. There is limited (if any) cell phone service and if you want wifi you will need to huddle up in there “wifiroom” to get it.We were there for Labor Day weekend. One of their communal bathrooms was out of service and they did not have any ice available to buy. We had to walk over to the campground next door to get a bag (Cotillion Gardens RV Park).I read reviews of how the staff is and would tend to agree with their assessment. They were not very welcoming, but they were not rude. Almost seemed liked they didn’t want to be there.I think next time we’re in Felton, we will stay at Cotillion Gardens RV Park.
Sep 03, 2024 · Christopher Keller
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