06.2.11
From the issue Coastal Camps
Simply Butanoful
Cooking dinner on the grill, falling asleep under towering redwoods, waking up to miles of premier trails to explore: that’s state-of-the-art camping in Butano State Park. This gem of a campground on the San Mateo coast is set in a canyon canopied by second-growth redwoods that quietly creak their welcome when you arrive. The 18 walk-in sites are ideal for a car-camping experience that doesn’t resemble a tailgate. A 50- to 200-foot walk to your site is just enough to feel like you’re roughing it without the constant hum of RV generators. Butano is home to a variety of trails that make exploring easy and accessible. Talk to the friendly camp host for the full beta on where to go and what to do. The 5-mile Mill Ox loop hike is a classic, passing through redwoods, climbing to views of the Pacific, and—especially after rains—crossing paths with a slew of banana slugs and newts.
It costs $35 to camp at Butano State Park. Make reservations at reserveamerica.com or by calling 800-444-7275. Dogs are allowed at the campground but not on the trails.
