Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

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.

Fee Info

Camping fees: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/AboutUs/Pages/CampingFees.aspx

From tent sites to group camping

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Map & DirectionsJoseph D Grant County Park is located in California near Mount Hamilton

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

37.33489611 N
121.71767328 W

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Connectivity

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    Good Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park 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

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Joseph D Grant County Park

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3.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the large, shaded oak sites and clean facilities with free hot showers. Many mentioned good hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, though no cell service and limited activities were noted.

Reviewed Sep. 20, 2024

Gate closes 8:15pm

Nice bathrooms no tokens needed, hot water, clean sink for dishes. Lotsa shaded oak spaces. Good trails.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp by Jason R., September 20, 2024
  • Review photo of Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp by Jason R., September 20, 2024
  • Review photo of Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp by Jason R., September 20, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Dec. 27, 2019

Beautiful Park

Great park with hiking, great views of Mt. Hamilton and a lake up the road a way, there’s also a mansion & rose garden on the property, shower & bathroom are clean, there are nights to gather and stargaze.The tent spaces are sizable & you can have a fire. Some seasons there are wild pigs running around everywhere.

  • Review photo of Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp by Lisa D., December 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp by Lisa D., December 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp by Lisa D., December 27, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Basic Campsites near Mount Hamilton

Campsites are fairly spare, with some having shade. There is an interesting Ranch House and Museum that showcases the life of Joseph Grant and his offspring, with many eccentric and macabre details of their history in the area.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp by Renee W., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp by Renee W., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp by Renee W., August 31, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 22, 2018

Meh

The sites were large and clean. Showers are free only one shower per restroom though so be prepared to wait. No cell service, ride up the mountain is nauseating. They do not sell ice but firewood is available for $13 a bundle. Not much to do in the park. Lots of beautiful wildlife.

  • Review photo of Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp by Ashley E., July 22, 2018
  • Review photo of Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp by Ashley E., July 22, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make camping reservations at Joseph D. Grant County Park?

Reservations for Joseph D. Grant County Park - Horse Camp should be made through the Santa Clara County Parks reservation system. Since specific reservation details aren't indicated, it's recommended to visit the official Santa Clara County Parks website or call the park office directly to book your stay. Advance reservations are advisable, especially during peak seasons. When making reservations, be prepared to specify your preferred dates and campsite type. Contact the park office for information about reservation windows, cancellation policies, and any special requirements for horse camping.

What do visitors say about camping at Joseph D. Grant County Park?

Joseph D. Grant County Park offers spacious, clean campsites with some featuring good shade from oak trees. The facilities include clean bathrooms with hot showers that don't require tokens. There's a dish washing sink available, and firewood can be purchased for around $13 per bundle. The park is known for its beautiful wildlife sightings and stargazing opportunities. While the park is peaceful, there's limited cell service, and the mountain drive to reach it can be winding. The campground environment is generally quiet and well-maintained, making it suitable for those seeking a natural retreat near San Jose.

What is the campground layout at Joseph D. Grant County Park?

The Horse Camp at Joseph D. Grant County Park features spacious camping sites, many shaded by oak trees. Each site has room for tents and allows campfires in designated fire rings. The campground includes clean bathroom facilities with hot showers (one shower per restroom) and a sink area for washing dishes. The sites are fairly basic but well-maintained. For specific site locations and campground layout details, check with the park office for an official map, as the arrangement of sites and proximity to amenities can be important when selecting your ideal camping location.

What activities are available at Joseph D. Grant County Park?

Joseph D. Grant County Park offers numerous recreational activities for visitors. Hiking trails wind throughout the park, providing beautiful views of Mt. Hamilton. There's a lake located a short distance away for water activities. The park features a historic Ranch House and Museum showcasing Joseph Grant's history and the area's heritage, along with a rose garden. Stargazing is popular, with organized night events available during certain times. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with various native species inhabiting the park. The park's natural setting makes it ideal for photography, bird watching, and peaceful nature walks among the oak trees.