Is Roaring Camp Railroads worth visiting?

Roaring Camp Railroads offers unique journeys back in time with historic steam trains through redwood groves and to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Visitors can experience scenic adventures and various family-friendly events throughout the year.

What are the best things to see and do at Roaring Camp Railroads?

Visitors can take the Redwood Forest Steam Train through ancient redwood groves or the Santa Cruz Beach Train to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Roaring Camp also hosts various events including seasonal celebrations, live music, and educational activities like gold panning and blacksmith demonstrations.

What are the opening hours at Roaring Camp Railroads?

The Redwood Forest Steam Train departs daily, and the Santa Cruz Beach Train runs every Saturday and Sunday. Please check the official site for date-specific hours.

How do you get to Roaring Camp Railroads?

Roaring Camp Railroads is located at 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018.

Is Roaring Camp Railroads suitable for young children, and what ages is it best for?

Roaring Camp Railroads is suitable for all ages, offering a family-friendly experience with its train excursions and various events.

Roaring Camp Railroads

Write a Review Felton, California All ages Verified•Historic Site

Last reviewed June 2026 by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards

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About Roaring Camp Railroads

Ride 1890s narrow-gauge steam trains through towering redwoods to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

Among the oldest authentically preserved steam railroads still running, this Santa Cruz Mountains operation rolls straight into the redwoods.

What you'll see and do - Ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train over trestles and through towering redwood groves, pulled by narrow-gauge locomotives dating from 1890. - Take the Santa Cruz Beach Train through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and the San Lorenzo River Gorge to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. - Join seasonal events with gold panning, blacksmith demonstrations, crafts, live music, and food festivals.

Attraction Details

Facilities

Toilets
Gift Shop
Baby Changing
Food Options
Parking
Pushchair Friendly
Wheelchair Friendly

Events at Roaring Camp Railroads

Lumberjack Days
May 23-24
Celebrate the heritage of West Coast logging with skilled competitors in classic lumberjack events and lively tributes to logging history.
Watsonville Community Band Memorial Day Concert
May 25
Enjoy family-friendly activities and special performances by the Watsonville Community Band in the Town of Roaring Camp.
Redwood Mountain Faire
May 30 - 31
The annual Redwood Mountain Faire features a wide range of music styles on three stages, fine arts & crafts, and kids activities.
Free Heritage Events
June 8 - August 7
Enjoy free heritage activities like blacksmithing, printing press demonstrations, candle making, crafts, and gold panning with a valid train ticket.
Santa Cruz Starlight Evening Dinner Party
June 13, July 11, August 22, September 12
Ride the Beach Train from Santa Cruz, enjoy a hearty BBQ dinner with live music and dancing at Roaring Camp, and return under the stars.
Father’s Day BBQ
June 21
Treat Dad to a train ride, lunch, live music, and activities like gold panning, bounce houses, and mini tractors.
Sequoias At Night
Returning Summer of 2026
Immerse yourself in a new art and light installation in the ancient redwoods, featuring lighted lanterns and uplit trees, along with food trucks and local beverages.
Moonlight Dinner Party
June 27, July 25, September 6 & 26
Enjoy an evening of fun with a hearty BBQ dinner and a leisurely steam train ride aboard vintage railway cars, complete with campfire, live music, and line dancing.
4th of July
July 4
Celebrate the 4th of July with a train ride, family-friendly activities, live music, and a chuckwagon BBQ.
SCM Brewgrass Festival
August 1st
Enjoy live Bluegrass music, craft brews from local breweries, delicious food from trucks, and free kids activities under the redwoods.
Roaring Camp BBQ Cook-Off
August 8-9
Nationally recognized Pit-Masters compete for cash prizes, with BBQ vendors serving full plates, live music, breweries, and lawn games.
Blacksmith Hammer-In
August 14-15
Watch blacksmith demonstrators showcase their talent pushing the boundaries of hot metal, and enjoy gold panning, kids crafts, and live music.

Plan Your Visit

Family-tested advice for a smoother day at Roaring Camp Railroads.

Best time to visit

Arrive within the first hour of opening for the shortest queues and best photo light.

Who it's for

All ages

Getting there

Onsite or nearby parking available at 5401 Graham Hill Rd.

Pro tip

Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.

Directions

Roaring Camp Railroads

5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018

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This attraction has been claimed and verified.

Last updated 6/23/2026