Last month, we went on a camping trip to Uvas Canyon County Park in California, United States of America. Camping in California is a very popular family activity. It was an exciting adventure, and for me, it was my first time camping. California is one of the most beautiful states of USA and enjoys some of the best bounties of nature. We had heard so much about the splendor of Uvas Canyon, and so we couldn’t wait to see it for ourselves.

Why Camping?

California is one of the few states in the US with absolutely fabulously weather all year around. The museums, the beaches, the theme parks, the party zone or the old world charm – you find it all here. We have time-travelled to the retro city – of Solvang splashed around at the Great Wolf Lodge in Los Angeles and immersed in history and Hispanic culture in San Diego.

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But we wanted to explore more of California’s scenic landscape and also do a camping trip US-style. Uvas Canyon was one of the not-too-far-off spots from Cupertino, our home in the USA and we went online to understand how to go about it.

Booking Our Camping Spot

Before we set off, we made sure to book our camping spot well in advance. The process was quite simple. We visited the official Uvas Canyon County Park website, selected the dates we wanted to camp, and chose our campsite. After filling in some basic details and making a payment, our booking was confirmed. It is always a good idea to book ahead, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you get a spot.

Arrival and Setting Up Camp

We reached Uvas Canyon County Park in the afternoon. Located at the end of Croy Road in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it took us about 2 hours to reach. The drive was pleasant, with scenic views of rolling hills and lush greenery. Upon arrival, we checked in at the park office, where they gave us a map and some guidelines to follow during our stay.

When we reached our spot, which was luckily adjacent to the restrooms and the showers, we were completely impressed in seeing the neat arrangements for camping. In fact, many campers had already set up their tents, folding chairs, gaming nets, and so on.

Also Read: How to setup tent

Setting up the tent was a challenge since it was our first time. We all got together and figured it out, and soon enough, our campsite was ready. We erected two spacious tents that fit all of us comfortably. There was a fire pit at our campsite, which was perfect for our evening plans.

Evening Fun and Food

Once our tent was set up, we decided to start the fire. It seemed as if the management had thought of almost everything to encourage camping.

Our fire pit was clean and each camping spot had a concrete shelf with doors to store logs or any leftover food items. We had bought wood and a fire starter from a store in the campsite, so it didn’t take long to get the fire going. The crackling sound of the firewood and the warmth it provided created a cosy atmosphere. We roasted marshmallows, which was a lot of fun. The marshmallows turned golden brown and tasted delicious when sandwiched in crackers. This, we learnt, is a s’more.

For dinner, we had a variety of food. We enjoyed pasta, fried sausages, and barbequed vegetables, corn, and potatoes. Cooking over the live fire added a unique flavour to everything. The smell of the food mixed with the fresh outdoor air made it even more delicious.

Once we were done with food, and that went on till late, we made sure that all leftovers were stored in the car or on the shelf. This was necessary to avoid attracting wild animals.

Scenic Beauty and Activities

Uvas Canyon County Park is known for its natural beauty. The park is filled with tall trees, clear streams, and beautiful waterfalls. We took some time to explore the trails nearby. The sound of the water flowing and birds chirping made it a serene experience. The park has several trails, and even though we couldn’t cover them all, the ones we did explore were breathtaking.

Back at our campsite, we sat at our picnic table till late in the night. The clear sky with the stars looked like a sequined piece of silk. We talked, laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company under the starry sky. It was peaceful and relaxing. Other campers around us were having fun too. Some were playing ball games and we joined them in a game of volleyball. Others had their speakers and were playing music. The atmosphere was lively but still respectful of the natural surroundings.

A Night in the Tent

Sleeping in the tent was a new experience for me. It was fun but, to confess, a tad uncomfortable. The ground was harder than my bed at home, and the sounds of nature were louder than I expected. However, it was all part of the adventure. It was cold by then but we had sleeping bags that kept us warm, and eventually, we drifted off to sleep.

Morning and Departure

The next morning, we woke up to the sounds of birds singing. We had a simple breakfast of milk and cereal. After eating, we started to break camp. Packing up the tent was tougher than setting it up. Nothing seemed to fit in its holder. But after some folding and unfolding, pushing, and shoving, everything was back in the car.

And we were still not done. We had to clear the litter, wipe the tables, and generally tidy up the spot for the next camper here. That act of kindness felt good.

Reflecting on the Experience

Uvas Canyon’s peaceful environment and scenic beauty provide a tranquil escape from daily life. No wonder, it is a favourite for nature lovers and folks looking for a relaxing day out in nature.

As we drove back home, we reflected on our camping trip. It was a relaxing experience that gave us a break from our other demanding activities. We shared laughs, challenges, and new experiences. Uvas Canyon County Park is a beautiful place that we would love to visit again. The scenic beauty, the fun activities, and the peaceful environment made it a perfect getaway from our busy lives.

This trip taught us a lot about camping and the joys of spending time in nature. We look forward to more camping adventures in the future. If you haven’t tried camping yet, we highly recommend it. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and create lasting memories with your loved ones.