Stealth camping Capitola/Santa Cruz

Mumoautumn

We're in Capitola, all the parks and campgrounds are full. We tried New Brighton, Sunset, Santa Cruz Harbor & Seacliff.

Anyone have any stealth camping spots nearby??

Thanks!
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photogdave · Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 12:32 pm Post subject:

I was in the same boat 2 weeks ago. Didn't want to go stealth at the time so ended up at Santa Vida ( I think this is the name) RV park which is on the road to the mystery spot.
It was cheaper than the state parks and the washrooms were much nicer. I usually don't go for RV Parks but this place was pretty nice and has an interesting history.
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seabright_sc · Samba Member Joined: October 29, 2004 Posts: 279

Jeez, pretty tough to stealth camp in Santa Cruz, Capitola. Unless you want to hang with the homeless crew at one of there spots.... ha! I'd say if it's just sleeping in your van.... rollin in late and leaving early- go for somewhere in the hills of Corralitos, about 15-20 minute drive from santa cruz. Maybe somewhere off eureka canyon or buzzards lagoon?! Good luck. It should be quiet and mellow tucked off a country road out there. But the RV park option sounds like the most convenient.

levi · Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 6:20 pm Post subject:

I've stealth parked all over the U.S. and the santa cruz area is the #1 spot for being rousted by the local police.
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dixoncj · Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 7:20 pm Post subject:

Maybe jonslider will let you park in his driveway for a few beers - Jon you still living in SC?

Mumoautumn · Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 8:13 pm Post subject:

Thanks everyone. New Brighton had a cancellation. We got a nice spot right on the bluffs.
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83' Westy "Van Helsing"
90' Vanagon GL "Little Van"
69' RHD Morris Mini Cooper "Fire Ant"

presslab · Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 9:41 pm Post subject:

I've camped just off Hwy 1 in Davenport, it's a pretty obvious spot - hard to miss it, for one night. I saw the Sheriff drive by and he kept going and I was not bothered at all that night. When I woke up there were two other campers there as well.
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highsierra · Samba Member Joined: March 25, 2011 Posts: 269

RCB · Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 7:50 am Post subject:

Jon_slider · Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 8:16 am Post subject:

mumoautumn, glad it worked out..

here is my reply to your May thread:
Davenport
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5367486#5367486

Mumoautumn · Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 11:06 am Post subject:

Thanks Jon.

I never saw you're response to my May thread about New Brighton & your spot in Davenport. I know that spot, but had no idea that we could camp there with no hassles.

We would have to put the pop top up with our daughter, so I'm wondering if that would be like raising a red flag and get us kicked out.

It looks like a nice spot when we go past. So maybe if our luck runs out with New Brighton and just showing up and getting a spot one of these times, we'll have to keep Davenport in mind.

New Brighton was great last night. We had the perfect spot to listen to the crashing of the ocean, there were owls "hooing"'above our site last night, and I woke up in the middle of the night to hooves outside the van. I looked out, and there were about 10 deer.
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Jon_slider · Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 12:04 pm Post subject:

Sounds like you had a beautiful time!

It is my belief, though I have no hard proof, that Davenport tolerates well mannered travelers because it is good for business..

I would not hesitate to pop my top there, and I love patronizing the local businesses for the food, beverages, pastries and restroom facilities they provide.

I think Vans add to the local color, and make the other tourists happier as well. I cant think of any reason not to stay at Davenport if you need a free overnight or weekend waypoint.

I even saw one Van stay there for a week, it carried a motorcycle. Even though he left the van there for days at a time, he never got asked to leave. I thought it was a bit excessive, and generally I move every morning when I free camp, even if I go back for bedtime.. part of my personal stealthing style..
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Altoona · Samba Member Joined: November 14, 2011 Posts: 505

Jon_slider · Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2014 9:09 pm Post subject:

NO! Davenport ocean side dirt parking lot now has a sign that prohibits overnighting.

I do not know what enforcement policy is, but I took syncrogreg there on Monday, Oct 20, 2014, and it is now Posted. I ended up putting Greg up in my Driveway after driving out there and telling him what a great spot it is. Then I saw the sign.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

However, there IS a roadside spot between Santa Cruz and Davenport that appears to be kosher, based on the RVs I see parked there. If you get in touch with me by PM and give a phone number, I will coordinate to take you there so you can see it.
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sanchius · Samba Member Joined: May 03, 2007 Posts: 1451 Location: IN

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Jon_slider · Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2014 9:55 am Post subject:


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