Hiking enthusiasts will find over 40 miles of trails radiating from Joseph D Grant County Park's Horse Camp, with routes leading to Mount Hamilton views and Grant Lake. The campground accommodates both tent campers and RVs up to 30 feet, offering water hookups alongside basic amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
Sites vary in shade coverage, with oak trees providing cover at some locations while others remain more exposed. The facilities stay well-maintained, featuring hot water showers that don't require tokens and clean dishwashing sinks. Jason R. notes "lotsa shaded oak spaces" among the available options. Wild pigs occasionally roam through the area during certain seasons, adding an element of wildlife viewing to the camping experience.
The mountain location brings both benefits and challenges for visitors. Cell service drops out completely once you reach the campground, and the winding road up can prove difficult for some drivers. Firewood sells for $13 per bundle on-site, though ice isn't available for purchase. The property includes historical attractions like the Grant family mansion and rose garden, plus access to Grant County Park less than a mile away.
Reserve ahead during peak seasons, as the larger sites tend to fill quickly.
Description
Hikers and equestrians have access to an extensive 51 mile trail system. Mountain bikes are permitted on over 75% of the park's trails as designated. The diverse trail system at the park makes this a popular place to stage large-scale organized trail events such as equestrian endurance rides, mountain bike events and foot races. Dogs are also allowed on the trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds as long as they are on a 6 ft. leash.
Shaded picnic areas are available on a first-come first-served basis. Campers can choose from almost forty (40) reservable family campsites. Hot showers are available with paid campsite use. Group picnic and youth camping areas are available by reservation. One large lake and several smaller ponds are accessible for warm water fishing. Fires are permitted in designated fire rings only. Do not gather wood. Extinguish fires when unattended. When posted "NO FIRES", only campstoves or gas grills are permitted. For further questions please call the park office: (408) 274-6121.
Fee Info
Camping fees: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/AboutUs/Pages/CampingFees.aspx
From tent sites to group camping
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsJoseph D Grant County Park is located in California near Mount Hamilton
Coordinates
37.33489611 N
121.71767328 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 17 min from San Jose, CA
- 51 min from Santa Cruz, CA
- 1 hr 4 min from Salinas, CA
- 1 hr 35 min from Modesto, CA















