Sempervirens Campground
Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, CA
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, CA

Sempervirens Campground
Big Basin Redwoods State Park


Sempervirens Campground

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." (11/2024) 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.

Shop Amazon: Camping Essentials


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


Trail in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, CA

One of the many Enchanting Big Basin Trails


General Camping Information

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.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.



Sempervirens Campground, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, CA

Sempervirens Campground

Big Basin Attractions

Hiking among the Redwoods

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:

  • Berry Creek Falls is a 10.5 miles round-trip to the four cascades on Berry Creek, passing many of the largest redwoods.
  • Redwood Trail is a ½-mile loop, self-guided nature trail, passing some of the tallest trees in the park, including Mother of the Forest.
  • Sequoia Trail is a 4-mile loop connecting with Skyline to the Sea Trail, passing Sempervirens Falls, Founders Monument, and Slippery Rock.
  • Maddocks Cabin Site is 4-mile trail beginning on Skyline to the Sea Trail and returning on connecting trails, passing Maddocks Cabin Site, Opal Creek, and old-growth redwoods.

Activities and Programs

  • Join a guided Nature Walk through scenic areas of the park.
  • Attend interesting campfire talks.
  • Junior Rangers is available for children ages 7-12.
  • The Big Basin Nature Club is offered for kids ages 3-6 and their families.

Key Sempervirens Campground Regulations

  1. Wood collecting is not allowed, including twigs and leaves.
  2. Generators may only be operated from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  3. Secure food in lockers or vehicles away from raccoons. There are no bears.

    Check Big Basin Redwoods State Park for any park and campground updates.