Notice: Big Basin has been closed due to damage caused by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fires. The park is now open for day use, but reservations are required. "Camping reservations are not available as all campgrounds are currently closed." (04/25/2023) Check Big Basin Redwoods State Park for updated information.
Sempervirens Campground is at the confluence of Sempervirens and Blooms creeks, ¾-mile from Big Basin Redwoods State Park headquarters. The beauty and grandeur of the park's redwood forests have been attracting visitors for more than a century. With so many places to explore and things to do, Big Basin is a premier camping place for families.
Sempervirens Campground offers comfortable campsites, usually well-spaced and with good privacy. Excellent amenities include hot showers. The campground is closed November through late March. During the shoulder season (late March - mid-May and after Labor Day through October), the campground is only open for Friday and Saturday nights.
| Sempervirens Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Sempervirens Campground Location: | 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz via Highways 9 and 236 |
| Elevation: | 990 feet |
| Camping season: | Open daily from late May through early September
Open weekends late March through mid-May and September through October |
| Number of Sites: | 31 (#157 - #188) |
| Max. People per Site: | 8 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2 if they fit (trailer is a vehicle) |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Terrain: | mountains, forest |
| Reservations at Sempervirens Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations Available: | Reservations are available for camping dates from late April through October. |
| Booking Window: | from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of your arrival date. |
| Maximum Vehicle Length: | 24 - 27 feet |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | #163, 187 |
| Favorite Campsites: | #158, 159, 160, 165, 168, 170, 176, 177, 178, 182 |
| Fees: | $35 plus an $8 reservation fee |
| Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: | Big Basin Redwoods SP - Sempervirens Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM |
| Check-in, check-out: | 2:00 PM, Noon |
| Park Headquarters: | (831) 338-8860 |
| Sempervirens Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, food locker, fire ring |
| Campground: | restrooms with flush toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | Yes, 25 cents for 2 minutes |
| Dump Station: | Located at Huckleberry Campground entrance |
| Campground Map: | Big Basin Campgrounds Map |
| Attractions near Sempervirens Campground: | Hike the Shadowbrook Trail, Visit park waterfalls. Stroll through redwood groves. Spend time in the visitor center and nature museum. |
| Common Wildlife: | Raccoons, deer, woodpeckers, quail |
One of the many Enchanting Big Basin Trails
Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Sempervirens Campground
Various trails lead out from the center of the park to interesting areas of the park. Some of the most popular trails are listed here:
Check Big Basin Redwoods State Park for any park and campground updates.