Best Campgrounds near San Jose, CA
The San Jose area features a mix of county and state park campgrounds within a short drive from the city. Sanborn County Park, Joseph D. Grant County Park, and Mount Madonna County Park provide established camping options with varying amenities. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some offering additional options like cabins, yurts, and glamping. Campgrounds are generally concentrated in the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and the Diablo Range to the east, providing nature-based recreation within 30-60 minutes of Silicon Valley.
Reservations are required at most developed campgrounds, and availability can be limited during summer weekends and holidays. Many campgrounds have gate closure times in the evening that restrict entry. A camper wrote, "Gate closes 8:15pm. Nice bathrooms no tokens needed, hot water, clean sink for dishes. Lotsa shaded oak spaces. Good trails." Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many of these parks due to the mountainous terrain. County parks like Joseph D. Grant and Sanborn offer showers and restrooms, while more primitive facilities exist at parks like Henry W. Coe State Park. During fire season (typically summer through fall), fire restrictions may be in place at many locations.
Developed campgrounds in the region typically provide picnic tables, fire rings (where permitted), drinking water, and restrooms. RV sites vary significantly in size and hookup availability, with several campgrounds unable to accommodate large rigs. A review noted, "The RV camp spots are just parking spaces on asphalt. The lower spots can flood due to uneven pavement." Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with campers commonly reporting deer, turkey, and other wildlife sightings. Hiking trails connect directly to many campgrounds, making them convenient basecamps for day hiking. While proximity to the Bay Area makes these campgrounds convenient for weekend trips, the same accessibility can lead to crowding, particularly at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and other redwood-featuring destinations that receive consistently high ratings.
