Felton — Those looking forward to napping under the grand redwoods and twinkling stars at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park will have to be patient for a bit longer.
This week, State Parks revealed that they have postponed the scheduled Aug. 1 reopening of the seasonal campground at the park until April 1, 2026. This delay comes as a result of unexpected challenges faced during their current refurbishment project.
As stated in an announcement from the organization, persistent supply chain issues have been hindering attempts to carry out crucial infrastructure improvements, such as those for better accessibilities.
We remain committed to working closely with our contractors to finalize these crucial improvements,” stated Santa Cruz District Superintendent Scott Sipes in the announcement. “We sincerely thank everyone who visits for their patience during this process as we enhance the park amenities. It means a lot to us to offer top-notch camping experiences where people can create lasting memories amidst our stunning parks. However, we regret having to inform you about ongoing disruptions to camping at Henry Cowell this year. Our sincere wish is for visitors to come back next season and experience the revamped, more accessible facilities designed to welcome everybody.
The campground usually runs from April 1 to October 31 each season; however, this year’s postponement is significant enough to necessitate a halt until it resumes operations again in 2026. This incident represents the second instance where the campground’s reopening has been delayed because of supply chain problems. Originally scheduled to conclude with an inauguration date of April 1 of this year, the project—which was strategically timed for the off-season—was later shifted to August once organizers realized that workforces would lack essential supplies required to adhere to the timeline.
Reservations impact
Due to the postponement, State Parks has declared that all reservations between August 1 and November 1 have been cancelled. Guests impacted by this decision have been informed and will be issued complete refunds.
Updates will be shared online at
parks.ca.gov/HenryCowell
If the campground reopens sooner than anticipated, visitors will receive notification through their emails, allowing them to make new bookings, as stated in the announcement.
People looking for help with cancellations or refunds may reach out to the ReserveCalifornia Customer Contact Center by calling 1-800-444-7275. Other camping alternatives are also provided here.
reservecalifornia.com
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Campground upgrades
The improvements currently taking place aim to boost the campground’s accessibility and safety. These enhancements align with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and are designed to elevate the overall visitor experience.
The restrooms and shower facilities will feature ADA-compliant features such as appropriate fixture installations, proper spacing and doorway dimensions, safety handrails and support structures, adjusted heights and clearances for sinks, insulated plumbing lines, compliant toilet systems, new signage, handle designs, non-reflective illumination, and anti-slip flooring.
The central fire pit area will get ADA-compliant paths, wheelchair-accessible seats, and a new water fountain.
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