RV Rental Freedom, CA

Pick up your motorhome rental in Freedom and head to the Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1975 to protect the threatened Santa Cruz long-toed salamander. Today its coastal scrub, prairie, and riparian woodland ecosystems also provide a habitat for threatened populations of California red-legged frogs and California tiger salamanders. Follow one of the walking trails that lead through fields of lupine and endangered robust spineflower to spot not only salamanders and frogs but also red-tailed hawks and acorn woodpeckers.

A short drive south from Freedom takes you to the Moss Landing State Wildlife Area, which protects 728 acres along the shores of Elkhorn Slough on Monterey Bay. It’s part of one of the largest salt marshes on the California coast and a hotspot for bird watching and viewing sea otters. Keep your eyes peeled for threatened western snowy plovers that nest and feed in the former salt ponds, with wintering waterfowl flocking to the flooded wetlands in the fall and winter.

If you want to stretch your legs, grab a camper rental in Freedom to access the more than 40 miles of trails that wind through The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, which encompasses a tract of secondary forest that was logged during the late-19th century. Mill sites and trestles still dot the park, with the terrain ranging from steep coastal mountains to areas of semi-wilderness. It’s a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with dogs permitted on a leash in some areas of the park.

Book an RV rental in Freedom and head to the Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA in nearby Ellicott, with a range of pull-through RV sites complete with patios. It’s nice for kids, with a swimming pool, jumping pillow, and a large playground, as well as a basketball court, mini golf, and rental banana bikes.

Another popular option is the Pinto Lake RV Park in Watsonville. At this lakeside campground, there are picnic areas, a baseball diamond, and a volleyball court, as well as plenty of opportunities for boating and fishing on the waters of Pinto Lake.

If you want to stay near the beach, pick up your RV trailer rental in Freedom and drive to the Seacliff Center RV Park in the laid-back coastal city of Aptos. Their RV sites accommodate vehicles up to 34 feet in length, with full hookups offering 30 amp services and 50 amps when used with an adapter. Keep in mind that it’s a popular RV destination for returning visitors and books out fast throughout the year.

Freedom is home to a small grocer where you can stock up on supplies or there are large supermarkets in Watsonville which lies adjacent. You’ll also find plenty of gas stations and eateries if you want to dine out or it’s just a 20-minute drive from Santa Cruz if you need a more extensive range of services. Alternatively, make the 30-minute drive north from Freedom to Gilroy and its Walmart where you may be able to set up for a night or two with the manager’s permission.

Park your RV rental near Freedom and explore the streets of Downtown Watsonville on foot, admiring the Victorian buildings and late-19th-century shopfronts that line the main street. Check what’s currently showing at the Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery or discover the people and events that have shaped the region at the Pajaro Valley Historical Museum. The Pajaro Valley Historical Association has its headquarters at Godfrey M. Bockius House - an Italianate-Victorian-style residence that’s been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If your visit coincides with a Friday, be sure to stop at the Watsonville Farmers Market in City Plaza.

Another destination not to miss is the Wetlands of Watsonville Nature Center, which details the wildlife found in the nearby ecosystems of the Pajaro River, the Watsonville Sloughs, and Pinto Lake. There’s a children’s discovery corner to keep young visitors entertained and exhibits on making compost and saving water, as well as exhibits featuring real birds and animals found in the region. The center also conducts guided nature and birding walks on Sundays, with binoculars provided.

Freedom is within a short drive of beautiful beaches, including the Sunset State Beach and Manresa State Beach, both of which are ideal for sunset walks or cooling off during the hot summer months. Numerous golf courses also dot the region while apple orchards and strawberry fields are found in Freedom’s surrounds, with some offering pick-your-own activities.

Whether you’re visiting Santa Cruz County to visit its wetlands or historic coastal towns, book an RV in Freedom and start exploring.