Los Gatos, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Los Gatos is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Los Gatos, reviewed by campers like you.
$7 - $35 / night
"This is a nice campground in a great part of California with lots of hiking and beaches nearby. The bathrooms were clean and well kept."
"There were bigger sites that would've suited us better but it was a nice little tucked in site. The poison oak is prolific. Our site was literally surrounded by it."
$33 / night
"This is a nice camping away from the car experience. It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites."
"Great walk-in campground so close to home in the South Bay Area (albeit walk is slightly uphill)."
$35 / night
"Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site."
"So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco."
$35 - $185 / night
"Camped with electricity and water, situated on a bluff near the ocean. Easy walking distance to the water, nice roomy campsites with fire rings and tables. Not too close to other campers."
"New Brighton is a jewel on the California coast. Camping is on a bluff above beach and you must walk down stairs to get to the beach. Camping in the woods with the beach below is perfect."
"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."
"Sites surrounded by redwoods, friendly helpful staff, close to attractions."
$8 / night
"The parking lot for the trail head is just a bit further down Hwy 35. "
"There is a nearby shooting range and you can hear the gunshots during the daylight hours."
"We were happy to have the electric hook up since the redwood and oak tress surrounding all the sites are huge and block out the sun."
"It has some privacy, we liked that it was in between two yurts away from others. The trail does go right behind the site but it wasn’t super busy."
$34 / night
"Uvas Canyon County Park https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/pages/uvascanyon.aspx is located about 15 miles west of Gilroy, on the east side of the Santa Cruz Mountains."
"This is a great spot for people looking to get away and camp but not trying to drive for 3-4 hours to do so."
"Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once your at your site you can relax. Bathrooms are a little dated, no cell service but good WiFi if your close to the office."
"The place is old, but it has a great location. There are great hiking trails assessable from the campground."
$35 - $50 / night
"It's a great place to use as a basecamp for exploring the myriad of hiking trails that exist in the redwoods and nearby coastal hikes.
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"Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."
TravelerThis campground requires cash or cheque payment. It’s at the top of a hill so make sure you’re prepared before arrival. Also not suitable for RV’s over 20ft. No hook ups but decent bathrooms. Nice and quiet.
ScoutEasy access, level paved spots. Restrooms spotless. Check-in friendly and cookies a plus! Walk to the beach, feel the breeze.
GuideOn visiting San Francisco we were looking for a site that wasn’t a car park. This really met the mark! Beautiful place with great sites. Nice picnic tables & fire pits! Was very quiet
TravelerIt was my first time beach camping so i didnt know what to expect. Was a bit breezier than im use to with the mountains. Not a lot of trees around. It is nice not dealing with a lot of bugs since youre by the beach and all. The bathrooms and showers were well maintained.
GuideReally lovely RV site. Nice toilets & showers. Lovely shady spots and really close to Santa Cruz
TravelerWe’ve camped all along the coast and had high hopes for this spot, but it didn’t quite meet expectations. The sites feel very close together and are a bit awkwardly arranged, making it a tight fit—especially for anything larger than a small camper. We're in a 22’ van/motorhome crossover and were fortunate to find a level spot, though most sites we saw were not level. The beach trails could use some maintenance as they’re currently in rough shape. This campground might be a better option for tent campers, but for RVs, it’s not ideal.
GuideI just needed/wanted a short getaway without driving hours from home. Since I'm used to this place for mountain biking, I figured I'd try camping here for a couple nights.
I did a recon ride previously on my mountain bike, so knew which spots I'd prefer and booked site 35 for a Thursday and Friday night.
Arrived at about 5PM and found my spot. The ranger booth was closed, but I didn't feel the need to chat with them anyway. The place was largely unoccupied at this point. Maybe a dozen or so spots appeared taken.
The weather, though hot in the Bay Area at this point, was quite nice. The breeze and shade of the park made for a very comfortable setting. I believe it was 88 in Castro Valley, but felt about 78 at the campground. I don't have AC for the van, but didn't feel I needed any.
I got setup and then headed out for a short ride, followed by a warm shower, cold beer and dinner. It was quiet that evening and I slept well.
I worked through the morning Friday, though the Starlink suffered some interruptions due to the tree cover. Early afternoon more people started to show up, as I expected. I went for a long ride and when I returned the place was much more occupied and people were setting up tents, starting their bbq's, etc. Though a bit close to the neighbors, none of them were obnoxious.
My advice would be to know the spot you're selecting and know that in the summer months the grass isn't green :)
I'd score the individual aspects as follows (1-5):
Bathrooms: 4
Location: 5
Activities: 5
Privacy: 3
Cleanliness: 4
ScoutVery quiet and comfortable campground
TravelerSecond time at the campground. Love this campground still but im pretty sure there is a wasp next near 25. We were here about 2 weeks ago at a different site and didnt have any wasp issues. It probably didnt help that it looked like previous people left trash and food on the floor. We will be coming back soon to a different site. Campground is gorgeous. Bathrooms are super clean.
Camping near Los Gatos, CA, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Los Gatos, CA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a great time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free boondocking available near Los Gatos?
Free boondocking options are extremely limited near Los Gatos due to the area's proximity to the Bay Area and strict regulations. Laguna Seca Recreation Area offers dry camping, but it's not free, with rates ranging from $40-50 per night. For more affordable options, you might need to venture further from Los Gatos into less populated areas of the Santa Cruz Mountains or toward the Central Valley. Anthony Chabot Regional Park provides camping options but also charges fees. Public lands where free dispersed camping might be permitted are scarce in this region. Always check current regulations and obtain any required permits before attempting to boondock, as rules are strictly enforced in this high-traffic area.
Where are the best camping spots near Los Gatos, CA?
Los Gatos offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park is just a few miles from Saratoga Gap, offering a peaceful setting popular with hikers. For redwood enthusiasts, Sanborn County Park provides a walk-in camping experience with cart assistance for gear and storage boxes at each site. Other nearby options include Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park for redwood camping, San Mateo Memorial Park as a great basecamp for exploring hiking trails, and Mount Madonna County Park. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak seasons, as they can fill up quickly due to their proximity to the Bay Area.
What amenities do Los Gatos camping grounds offer?
Camping grounds near Los Gatos typically offer a range of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground provides clean, well-maintained bathrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables, though sites are relatively close together. Lupin Lodge Nudist Resort, a private option, offers accessible bathrooms, water, and a communal kitchen area. Most campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like potable water, toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some parks also offer storage boxes for food, hiking trails directly from camp, and cart assistance for gear transport at walk-in sites. Shower facilities vary by location, with state parks typically offering better bathroom facilities than more remote options.
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