RV sites near Campbell, California sit between 200 and 500 feet elevation in the South Bay Area, experiencing Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Winter overnight temperatures rarely drop below freezing, while summer daytime temperatures average in the 80s. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with full hook-up capabilities, though reservations are essential during summer months.
What to do
Hiking the coastal trails: Near Half Moon Bay RV Park, you can access a quarter-mile walk to the coastal path extending all the way to the marina or south to the Ritz Carlton with spectacular ocean views. "From the park you can head about a quarter of a mile and walk or ride the coastal path all the way to the marina or south to the Ritz Carlton. Great ocean views," notes Patrick J.
Redwood forest exploration: At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, you'll find redwood trees and access to nearby hiking trails. "The campground is all natural! Trees and nature all around. Viewing areas that allow all to enjoy the stream, at the back of the resort, and paths to take a closer look," shares Brittany F.
Swimming and recreation: Many campgrounds offer pools and recreational facilities for guests. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, you'll find "a pool, hiking trails, a little river. So beautiful and peaceful here," according to Ariya B. The park also features basketball courts and a clubhouse with games.
What campers like
Privacy among the redwoods: At Smithwoods RV Park, campers appreciate the natural setting. "We were in site J, on the point. It was nice and big. Full hook ups. We had a great view of the San Lorenzo River and Henry Cowell State Park," writes David H., who also notes the park is dog-friendly but has limited cell service.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. At Thousand Trails Morgan Hill, campers appreciate the renovated amenities. "They upgraded everything in the park since the flood," notes Mike R., while another camper mentions the "huge and very very well kept" pool.
Proximity to attractions: The location near both beaches and urban amenities appeals to many campers. "Cozy tight quarters but just enough room for a picnic bench, fire pit and hanging out area. This campground is covered entirely by redwoods with plenty of shade for a cool vacation... Short distance drive to Santa Cruz wharf and boardwalk," notes GotelRV about Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
What you should know
Cell service and WiFi limitations: Many campgrounds in forested areas have spotty connectivity. At Smithwoods RV Park, one camper notes, "Be ready for no cell or WiFi. We occasionally got 1 bar of cell service in our site if we stood in a certain spot. (AT&T)There was WiFi up at the office but it was inconsistent."
Tight spacing at some locations: Many RV parks feature closely spaced sites. At San Francisco RV Resort, a camper observes, "If we would both open our front doors at the same time, there would be a bit of an awkward 'oops, sorry! You go first' situation." However, the park offers ocean views that compensate for the tight quarters.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, Patrick J. warns, "Getting there takes some attention. Do not take highway 9 from Santa Cruz as the RV park will tell you. Our car navigation changed our route even after we were approaching 17 north. Keep your eyes out for the highway signs. Once there, it was a pleasant check in. Roads to the sites are narrow, so again, keep your eyes pealed."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park offers space for children to ride bikes and a pool for swimming. "The park was perfect for the kids biking around through the short- and long-term areas," notes Jason M. The park also hosts seasonal events like Halloween parades for children.
Recreation facilities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation areas. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, campers find "a pool, hiking trails, a little river" that provide natural entertainment for children. Jessica R. notes, "There are lots of things for the kids to do and lots of friends to play with."
Accessibility to attractions: Campgrounds near family-friendly attractions offer added value. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort is located just 10 miles from Santa Cruz beaches and boardwalk. "The camp host went above and beyond! Happily told us things to do with our kids and how close places were. Santa Cruz is only 10 miles away," shares Brittany F.
Tips from RVers
Leveling and site preparation: Many campers note the importance of level sites. At Half Moon Bay RV Park, one RVer appreciates their pull-through site arrangement: "The site was a pull through as well as our friends who were able to face the opposite way to have a common camp side with us. Of course the utility sides were in great position for that."
Utility specifics: Check the amperage available at your selected campground. While some offer 50-amp service, others provide 30-amp hookups. Patrick J. notes at Half Moon Bay RV Park: "Full hook ups with 30 amp. (used my 50 amp adapter), no issues."
Width considerations: Wider roadways make backing in easier at some campgrounds. At Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park, one reviewer appreciates the "wide back in spots, with wide roadways. Even a novice RVer can back it up with out concern. This place can accommodate truly large rigs, there were quite a few of them during our visit."
