For years, one of California’s best-kept treasures for trailer enthusiasts was tucked away near Santa Cruz — Steven and Jenay Katkowsky’s Vintage Trailer Museum. What began as a private passion project grew into a beloved destination for car clubs and vintage camping fans. Although the Katkowskys have since sold their remarkable collection and relocated to Florida, their legacy in the vintage trailer community lives on.
The Katkowskys’ museum showcased an extensive and beautifully curated array of vintage trailers, automobiles, camping gear, and memorabilia dating from the 1920s through the 1960s. Visitors who made the trip were treated to a visual journey through the golden age of American camping. Nestled among the towering redwoods, the drive to the museum was as memorable as the destination itself.
Unlike many private collections, the Vintage Trailer Museum wasn’t about profit—it was about passion and preservation. Steven and Jenay welcomed visitors by appointment only, asking that groups or clubs who toured the museum make a donation to Habitat for Humanity in lieu of an entry fee. Their generosity reflected the spirit of community that continues to define the vintage trailer world today.
Though the trailers have found new homes and the museum no longer operates, those who had the chance to visit remember it as a rare glimpse into a bygone era—an inspiring reminder of how deeply America’s love for camping and exploration runs.
