RV campgrounds near Cupertino, California span from the coastal fog belt to inland valleys with temperature variations of 15-20°F between locations. Many Cupertino area campsites sit beneath redwood canopies, creating consistently cooler microclimates even during summer heat. Access roads to mountain campsites often narrow to single lanes with tight turns requiring advanced driving skills.
What to do
Beach access options: Pillar Point RV Park provides direct beach access with walking and biking trails along the coast. "Walking distance to shops and restaurants, walking and bike trails, beach access, and friendly staff! Only cons are the extremely busy road is right next to the park," notes Raven P.
Redwood hiking trails: Trails connect directly from several campgrounds to larger trail networks. A visitor to Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort shared, "Getting there takes some attention. Do not take highway 9 from Santa Cruz as the RV park will tell you... Once there, it was a pleasant check in... Site was nice, partially under a redwood. River runs behind the park. We took a few hikes in the area that were very nice."
Steam train excursions: Campers at Felton area campgrounds can take historic railway rides through redwood forests. "It was a short nice hike to the state park and the train through the red woods. Fun experience on a real steam locomotive," writes David H. about Smithwoods RV Park. The Roaring Camp Railroad operates daily during summer months with reduced schedules in off-season.
What campers like
Redwood shade coverage: Sites under redwoods provide natural cooling during hot months. "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," notes GotelRV at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Family recreation facilities: Thousand Trails Morgan Hill offers extensive recreation facilities. "Great culture here - friendly, lots of things to do (pool, basketball, volleyball, horse shoes, playground, billiards, karaoke, tennis)," says Derek & Kristen A. The campground runs organized children's activities even during off-peak seasons.
Riverside locations: Several campgrounds border the San Lorenzo River with access points to the water. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, "There's a pool, hiking trails, a little river. So beautiful and peaceful here," according to Ariya B. Sites closest to water features typically book first and command premium rates.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Mountain campgrounds often have limited connectivity. At Smithwoods RV Park, a camper reported "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. Our son did his online school and he kept dropping off."
Tent vs. RV camping differences: Some RV parks accommodate tents but with significant limitations. A visitor to Santa Cruz Ranch Campground noted, "This place is not the best for tent camping in my opinion. They had a small plot to the side of the rest of the rv slots with a little grass to pitch a tent. Not secluded at all from the hustle and bustle."
Price variations: RV campgrounds Cupertino visitors might consider range widely in pricing, with coastal locations commanding premium rates. At Santa Cruz Ranch Campground, a camper simply stated, "122 US$ for one night" while other inland options can be significantly less expensive, particularly for extended stays.
Tips for camping with families
Pool temperature considerations: Some campgrounds heat pools for year-round use. Jessica D. shared about Smithwoods RV Park, "Kids could ride bikes freely, heated pool (90 degrees), clean shower and restroom, plus laundry room. Staff is very friendly and Sant Cruz beaches are 15min away."
Organized activities scheduling: Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort staff help families plan local activities. "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," reports Brittany F.
Walking distance amenities: Selecting campgrounds with on-site or adjacent amenities reduces driving. "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. about Half Moon Bay RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Mountain roads to RV parks require careful planning. "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," advises Patrick J.
Utility extension needs: Hookup locations sometimes require extensions. "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot," mentions a Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort visitor. First-time visitors should call ahead to confirm exact hookup placement at their assigned site.
After-hours check-in procedures: Trailer Villa RV Park provides simple late arrival processes. "After-hours check-in was a breeze, as the checkin instructions were taped to the main door of the office at the park entrance," writes Tony C. "The grounds are clean; parking pads are concrete and flat; and drive lanes AND parking spots are wide and spacious for maneuvering large RVs."
