While there are a number of beach adjacent camping options along the Santa Cruz Peninsula, Manresa Uplands State Beach Campground is unique in that each site requires hiking in, putting all of the camp sites amidst the blufftop ecology and keeping all roads and vehicle traffic a short distance away.
Accessing the tent-only campground requires campers to stop at a short term parking lot in order to unload gear, and then drive to a further parking area to leave the car throughout the duration of the visit. From the short term lot, a network of dirt paths allow campers to venture into the trees to select their site.
Wagons or wheelbarrows are helpful if carrying a lot of food and gear to your site. Some sites are a good distance from the parking area and since the hike in campground is a bit unconventional in the area, Manresa Uplands Campground tends to have a good number of available sites most of the time, which often allows for a good bit of distance between neighbors.
The campground has a small amphitheater for weekend ranger-led camp programs. A cement walkway leads from the campground to the sandy beach area down below, which is also generally free from the busier crowds that some nearby beaches get.
Flush toilets and coin op showers are located in a couple buildings throughout the campground, along with water spigots for drinking water.
Each camp site has a picnic bench, fire pit and locker for storing food.
Campers should beware that poison oak is present along some of the camp sites and trails.
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