Best Campgrounds near Cupertino, CA
The Santa Cruz Mountains surrounding Cupertino, California provide a range of camping experiences within an hour's drive of Silicon Valley. Several state parks and county facilities offer developed campgrounds with tent and RV sites, including Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Sanborn County Park, and Castle Rock State Park. Most campgrounds in the region feature redwood forest settings with varying levels of amenities. Some locations like Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA offer glamping options and cabins, while others like Castle Rock Trail Camp cater specifically to tent campers seeking a more primitive experience.
Reservations are essential at most developed campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Many state park campgrounds book up months in advance, especially those with ocean views or redwood settings. The region experiences mild temperatures year-round, though coastal fog can make evenings cool even in summer. Winter brings occasional heavy rainfall that may affect trail conditions and campground access. Cell service varies significantly throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains, with better coverage near towns and limited or no service in more remote areas. A visitor noted, "Castle Rock State Park is located a few miles from the Saratoga Gap. The campground is about a 2.5-mile hike in from the trail head at the parking area, so be prepared to carry everything on your back."
Campers consistently praise the redwood settings and proximity to hiking trails at campgrounds near Cupertino. The combination of forest camping with nearby beach access makes the region particularly appealing. Several visitors mentioned the contrast between the busy urban environment of Silicon Valley and the peaceful natural settings just a short drive away. Campgrounds with full hookups like Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort tend to be more crowded with limited privacy, while hike-in sites at places like Castle Rock offer more seclusion. Sanborn County Park provides a middle ground with walk-in sites that require minimal hiking but still offer some separation from vehicles. Reviews frequently mention the clean facilities at county parks, though some note that sites can be close together at the more developed campgrounds.
