Camping spots near Gilroy, California range from canyon retreats to mountain forests within a 30-minute drive. The region experiences significant temperature variations, with higher elevation sites measuring up to 40°F cooler than valley areas. Cell service is often intermittent or unavailable in canyon locations, particularly at Uvas Canyon County Park where visitors should prepare for offline navigation.
What to do
Wildlife watching at Coyote Lake: At Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, abundant wildlife creates opportunities for nature observation. "We saw lots of wildlife - deer, wild pigs, turkeys, frogs just to name a few," one camper reported. The lakeside location offers varied habitats supporting diverse species.
Hike through redwood forests: Mount Madonna County Park contains multiple trails through dense redwood groves. "The park is on beautiful forested hilltop. Some areas are redwood, other parts mixed with other kinds of trees," notes a visitor. Morning hikers might witness the unique phenomenon of "redwood trees harvest the fog and make their own rain."
Kayak in protected waters: Near Moss Landing KOA Express, paddlers can explore calm waters with marine wildlife. "You can easily walk to the beach, take a trip to the henry cowel redwoods, go ride bikes in santa cruz," one reviewer mentioned. The location provides direct access to launch points for water activities.
Archery on forest trails: Mount Madonna features an uncommon outdoor activity with its dedicated archery course. "There is an archery trail with 28 targets on a trail through the woods," explains one visitor. The course integrates with the natural environment, creating a unique outdoor challenge.
What campers like
Privacy levels vary by campground: At Henry W. Coe State Park, campers appreciate the natural separation between sites. "The campsites are aesthetically pleasing, with oak and pine trees around the perimeter of the campground," one reviewer shared. In contrast, some campgrounds feature more closely situated sites.
Clean, maintained facilities: Uvas Canyon earns consistent praise for its upkeep. "Super clean and maintained. Especially the bathrooms and showers," writes one camper. "The sites are spaced out nicely and there is a water faucet and trash bins plus recycle every couple of sites."
Diverse camping options: Campgrounds offer varied accommodation types beyond traditional tent sites. "We stayed in one of the airstreams they have for rent there. The family loved it- it was the perfect size for us and everything worked," noted a visitor to Santa Cruz KOA. Other properties feature yurts and cabins.
Proximity to conveniences: While feeling remote, many sites provide quick access to services. "It feels very rural when you are in the campground, however civilization isn't far away," explained a Mount Madonna camper. This balance allows campers to enjoy nature without complete isolation.
What you should know
Temperature fluctuations: Higher elevation campgrounds experience significant temperature drops. "Prepare for it to be 40deg cooler than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes," warns a Mount Madonna visitor. Evening fog compounds the cooling effect.
Wildlife interactions: Sunset State Beach and other sites require proper food storage. "We suffered the consequences when we awoke to a family of raccoons raiding the box," reported one camper. Wild pigs are active at several campgrounds near Gilroy.
Limited connectivity: Communication services vary widely by location. "Cell service is limited at best," notes a camper. Some parks like Uvas Canyon offer WiFi at bathroom facilities, while others remain completely offline zones.
Water restrictions: At Coyote Lake, visitors should check current regulations. "The lake is closed to any and all water-craft because the water level is too low," a camper reported during drought conditions. Swimming restrictions apply at certain lakes and reservoirs.
Site topography challenges: Not all sites accommodate level camping. "If you have a roof top tent, we scoped out a few sites which are more flat," suggests an Uvas Canyon visitor, specifically recommending sites 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 12.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: New Brighton State Beach Campground offers beach access via a ramped pathway. "Good beach access (down a ramped pathway and then staircase)," notes a visitor. The gradual descent makes this suitable for varied mobility levels.
Biking opportunities: Several campgrounds feature terrain appropriate for young cyclists. "Great campground for the kids to bike at but there are a few big hills so make sure they know how to use their brakes," advises a Mount Madonna visitor.
Camp amenities for children: Campgrounds vary in kid-focused features. "TONS of activities on site- huge bouncy pad, a climbing wall, ping pong tables, a swimming pool, pedal go karts," explains a Santa Cruz KOA visitor. Facilities with organized programming offer structured entertainment options.
Educational wildlife viewing: The white fallow deer enclosure at Mount Madonna provides a unique learning opportunity. "Near the ranger station there are pens with white fallow deer. They are descendants of the exotic zoo at William Randolph Hearst's mansion down the coast," shares a camper.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Many campgrounds near Gilroy feature uneven terrain. "Sites are not level," notes a visitor to Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park. Bringing leveling blocks is essential for comfortable setup at most area campgrounds.
Site selection for larger rigs: For larger RVs, research specific site dimensions. "SUV tents are usually limited to one entrance/exit point on the tent. Usually the driver's side. Each campsite is different," explains one camper, highlighting the importance of site configuration.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by campground. "Water, sewer, electric, WiFi, and trash," lists a Gilroy Garlic USA visitor, while other campgrounds offer more limited services. Some sites provide separate RV-focused areas with full hookups.
Dump station timing: Plan for potential delays at popular locations. "The line for the dump station wound through nearly the entire park," warns a New Brighton visitor. Weekday departures typically encounter shorter waits.
