Best Glamping near Gilroy, CA

Mount Madonna County Park and Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park house some of the more distinctive glamping accommodations near Gilroy. At Mount Madonna, visitors stay in yurts nestled among redwood forests, while Coyote Lake offers glamping tents with views of the surrounding hills and lake. Both locations provide amenities far beyond basic camping, with comfortable bedding, electricity, and protected shelter from the elements. Many sites include picnic tables, designated fire rings, and convenient access to well-maintained shower facilities. Some accommodations feature private decks where guests can enjoy morning coffee while watching wildlife. The Thousand Trails Morgan Hill property adds additional glamping options with its selection of yurts and canvas tent structures. One guest shared, "Beautiful mature trees all over campground. The pool is huge and very very well kept. Nice spot to bring the family."

Wildlife viewing opportunities abound at these glamping destinations, with multiple reviewers mentioning encounters with local fauna. At Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, guests frequently spot wild pigs, deer, turkeys, and various bird species directly from their accommodations. The park features miles of hiking trails through oak woodlands and along lake shores. Mount Madonna provides access to redwood forest paths with zero cell coverage for a truly disconnected glamping experience. Most properties offer recreational amenities like swimming pools, basketball courts, and communal gathering spaces. According to a camper, "I was able to enjoy the view of lake and mountains inside the tent. Wild pigs appeared at night. It was our first camping trip and we had a great time!" Proximity to Gilroy's shopping outlets, local wineries, and the beaches of Santa Cruz (approximately 30 minutes away) makes these glamping sites convenient basecamps for exploring California's central coast region.

Best Glamping Sites Near Gilroy, California (25)

    1. Mount Madonna County Park

    32 Reviews
    Gilroy, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-2341

    "There's something for everyone here, RVers, tenters, and those who want to rent tent cabins. There are plenty of trails to hike, as well as equestrian trails. No bikes on trails though."

    "While it was nice to hear the other campers having a great time with their families and friends, the noise level from it was extraordinary. 

    The campground in the forest and beautiful."

    2. Sunset State Beach

    27 Reviews
    Watsonville, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 763-7063

    "Clean bathrooms with running water. Very very very safe. Lots of families but again, super safe and beautiful"

    "Close to the beach, hot showers, fire pits"

    3. Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

    11 Reviews
    San Martin, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-7800

    $34 / night

    "The lake is closed to any and all water-craft because the water level is too low. It is very clean and well maintained for the most part. Cell phone service for Xfinity/Verizon is spotty at best."

    "This gem of a county park is just 15 minutes from the Gilroy outlets but you'd have no idea. Campsites are along the beautiful Coyote lake."

    4. Thousand Trails Morgan Hill

    8 Reviews
    San Martin, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We got a nice spot close to the dump station near front. Their pool is huge and very very well kept. The spot was 30amp and back in however they have 50amp/pull through also."

    "New showers, nice drive thru spots, friendly people. Lots to do in the camp ground and around Morgan hill/ Gilroy area. This is my go to spot when working in the area."

    5. Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

    16 Reviews
    Freedom, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 722-0551

    "A short drive to Santa Cruz and Monterey. They have a heated pool, laundry facilities and on site store. There are however some large raccoons so use caution with your trash."

    "The family loved it- it was the perfect size for us and everything worked and the outdoor patio had heavy duty tables and chairs along with fire pit and even a Weber grill."

    6. Uvas Canyon County Park

    11 Reviews
    New Almaden, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 779-9232

    $34 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    7. Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Gilroy, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 848-8081

    "We’ll be making this our go to spot when traveling through the Gilroy area from now on.

    For starters, the staff is wonderful. So friendly."

    "It is just off Highway 101 but the noise is not distracting. Mostly the park is concrete with little patches of beautiful landscaping. Campers are pretty close, but quiet and privacy rule."

    8. Salinas-Monterey KOA

    7 Reviews
    Castroville, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 663-2886

    "They have nice facilities and a heated pool although a hot tub would be nice also. The sites are a little small but very mature trees and they keep it clean."

    "The location is very secluded as bd far from stores but fairly close to the sea. Have visited a few time and enjoy the stay. Not many issues. I’m looking forward to the Upgrades!"

    9. Casa de Fruta

    3 Reviews
    Hollister, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-9316

    "Always stop by and get fresh fruit, but have camped on site. Great place with lots to do during the day."

    "I saw lower sites that looked like tent sites, it is perfect if you want less highway noise. There are some“permanent resident” sites in the back of the park. Bathrooms are kept clean."

    10. Seacliff State Beach

    7 Reviews
    Aptos, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 685-6442

    "All camping spots are adjacent to the 'boardwalk' beach path and the beach. Yes, your rig is within 20' of the beach at all campsites."

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Glamping Reviews near Gilroy, CA

341 Reviews of 25 Gilroy Campgrounds


  • R
    Jul. 5, 2019

    Saddle Mountain Ranch

    Glamping Approved

    This place is nestled in the Carmel Valley and decently secluded. We booked a luxury gazebo situation which came with a queen bed (heated mattress) a fire pit and your own propane grill. There are areas for tents and RV’s as well and priced accordingly. The restrooms and showers are super clean and the staff is great. There is a heated pool and various hiking trails to keep you occupied. The only downfall is you’re a little close to other campers. You don’t get much space/privacy but it’s not too bad. I would come back for sure.

  • Natalie G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2020

    Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

    Idyllic campground close to loads of beauty

    We stayed here with our 2 dogs last November as a nice winter getaway from L.A. We got one of the tent cabins, which are just adorable and so cozy. The sites are nice and distanced from each other, bathrooms were in great shape and it was pet friendly. We got a package with the tent cabin that came with bedding, cooking utensils and firewood, so were pretty much set once we got there. The beds are comfy and the wood burning stove (photo attached) is the only source of heat. It is neat but BE WARNED...it gets COLD on those winter nights so make sure you a) have enough wood; b) are good at keeping fires going throughout the night; and c) have lots of dry wood. The wood that was left for us as part of our package was really wet and wouldn't burn so we had a very chilly night even with loads of sleeping bags and blankets. Other than that, we had a great experience and got to take the dogs for a great walk on the paved trails in the State Park. Can't wait to go back!

  • Care B.
    Dec. 20, 2022

    Saddle Mountain Ranch

    Camp or glamp

    This is a fun little hideaway with a heated pool, but it still feels like camping. Bathrooms with showers, a sauna by the pool, some food all and communal fire pits/couches to lounge on. friendly staff on site who are helpful but not intrusive. Highly recommend going here, our site on the hill was breathtaking views and extremely private. Highly recommend!

  • Laura Q.
    Nov. 22, 2019

    Saddle Mountain Ranch

    .

    I have come here since I was a kid with my Dad. This was the cheapest way to stay with a family in Monterey/Carmel. You will drive through a country residential area that does not look like there would be a campground then all of a sudden you take a turn and you’re in a nice wooded, shady place on a hill. The best of both worlds in the hills outside of Carmel but still close to town and beaches. They have glamping tents, cabins, and small tent camping spots. There is not room for more than two small and medium tents. Camp sites are not very private but they are clean. Kids love the pool and game areas and begged to stay longer and come back. Bathrooms are very nice and clean with hot water. I recommend if you want to take a family trip to Monterey or Carmel to check this place out. Only downside was I missed seeing and hearing the peacocks that I remember as a kid.

  • r
    Aug. 4, 2021

    Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    Wonderful campground nestled in Pinnacles National Park

    Great camping spot with a small creek running by the site. Water = mosquitoes and this was no exception. Plenty of shade at this site, level ground and space was plentiful for our 14 x 15 tent. We had a separate dome tent to keep out bugs. The site had two picnic benches, a fire pit and bear lockers for your food. The potable water was just steps away and the parking area easily accommodated two vehicles (vans). The bathrooms were a short stroll away, along with the big trash dumpsters. They have a pool near the visitor’s center/camp store which was very popular. Staff was really nice and the sites are well-kept. The pool and showers are a longer walk from our site so we ended up driving to those accommodations. Pay showers and the water was generous and shower stalls were relatively clean. Pinnacles trail heads are close by. Lots of trails, but when we were there an excessive heat warning was in place. Definitely a place to return to!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 7, 2021

    Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    Crowded But Not Awful

    The park is amazing and there are so many great hikes, wildlife viewing and picturesque landscapes!

    The campground loop we were in was full and the sites are fairly close to your neighbor but it wasn't bad. The main reason being absolutely NO generators allowed so it was peaceful. The sites were semi private as the brush and trees have grown around most sites offering a little privacy. Other campers were friendly and considerate. Note that the RV side with the hook up does not offer any privacy and is near the main road. RVs are not confined to that area though.

    The spots are flat and include fire pit, picnic table and food locker. Raccoons apparently are a big problem here so keep your food locked up. There is a small general store/visitor center with a variety of food items, stove fuel, firewood, general camping supplies and souvenirs. WiFi also available for $10 for 7days per device. We paid, but our T-Mobile hotspot with Weboost won out in the end because the WiFi did not reach our spot. There is better reception for the WiFI in other spots. No cell reception with AT&T or Verizon.

    The hiking is great! and during the week pleasantly absent of tons of other hikers. Masks are required even on trails when 6 ft distance cannot be maintained, and people were very respectful of that on the trails. There is a lot of wildlife to see though sadly we did not see any condors on this trip. The caves are currently closed due to Covid. 

    Other amenities:

    Tent cabins

    RV only loop with 30amp hook up only (no sewer or water hook up)

    Showers

    Bathrooms

    Garbage and Recycling

    RV dump station (flush water only)

    Fresh water filler up (near RV camping area)

    Group camping

    Pool (currently closed)

    Pets allowed but NOT allowed on any trails

    Overall a great experience for a lesser known National Park, would come here again!

  • Shawnna B.
    Jun. 13, 2019

    Mount Madonna County Park

    My favorite campground of the Monterey Bay

    Mount Madonna County Park has 4 campgrounds. I've been camping in this park since the late 70s. I've seen some changes over the years...ahem...decades. There's something for everyone here, RVers, tenters, and those who want to rent tent cabins. There are plenty of trails to hike, as well as equestrian trails. No bikes on trails though.

    There are several micro climates in this area and temps can vary, besides our weather varies from day to day.

    There are trails offering views of the Santa Clara Valley, and trails offering views of the Monterey Bay. The park is above the fog line (most of the year). We don't get rain in the summer here. The park is situated at the County lines of Santa Clara County and Santa Cruz County and is part of the Santa Clara County Parks system.

    No stores or markets in the park, but you can easily run into town, either Watsonville or Gilroy. It's slightly closer to Watsonville where you will find a gas station/market on 152 (Currently a Valero), or go into Gilroy on 152 for Safeway and more.

    There's a small cabin (ranger's station) with a history exhibit and the white reindeer up from the kiosk. My favorite campground in the park is the Tan Oak campground at the top and through the day use area. There are plenty of Geocaches on the trails.

    The bathrooms are generally clean. I say generally because I prefer the off season when I have the campground to myself and the bathrooms are super clean, but when the campground is full, like any public bathroom they can need more attention. (Or maybe people just need to clean up after themselves) I've never used the showers, nor the tent cabins. I like the sites because overall they are separated by trees so you don't feel as crowded as more open campgrounds.

    Despite signage warning of mountain lions, I have never encountered a single one in all the years of camping here. I've had raccoons and skunks (so lock up your food and belongings), turkeys and deer.

    Weekends, especially a holiday weekend such as Memorial Day weekend, can be full. (Not my favorite) I have also stayed for the 4th of July when it fell midweek and had the campground (Tan Oak) literally to myself.

    Leashed pets are allowed (2 per site) and 2 cars and 8 people per site.

  • s
    Jun. 20, 2021

    Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

    Nice RV Park, Reasonable Rates

    We happened upon this RV Park as a drop in when our other park was not available. What a pleasant surprise! We’ll be making this our go to spot when traveling through the Gilroy area from now on.

    For starters, the staff is wonderful. So friendly. Just an FYI, if they have open spots after the office closes they put out packets for up to 2 pull thru and 2 back in spots for late arrivals without a reservation.

    Pros

    • Great central location!
    • Roomy spaces, by RV park standards.
    • Water, sewer, electric, WiFi, and trash.
    • Propane on-site for purchase.
    • Laundry mat on site. Prices more reasonable than going to a laundry mat off site.
    • Showers and restrooms.
    • Truly dog welcoming, with multiple dog poop baggy bins and a dog run so your best friend can run leash free. They even gave my dog premium dog treats upon arrival. Wow!!
    • A really nice pool.
    • 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.
    • There are likely long term rentals, but I couldn’t point them out because all the sites were neat and clean with flowers and landscaping. The park was super quiet.
    • Open, lush grassy area.

    Cons:

    • It’s an RV park, so there is a lot of smooth new concrete and the sites are close together. If you want natural turf and more space, you’ll need to give up the amenities and go to a State Park or Forest.
  • A
    Sep. 22, 2016

    Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

    Summer Family Fun at Big Basin

    We visited the Big Basin Redwoods State Park late July this year with a large group of friends and their families and it was such an awesome experience. We stayed in a tent cabin at the Huckleberry campground which was nicer than we thought it would be. It had just the right amount of space for my wife and I, our two daughters and all our gear. The entire campground is loaded with trees so there was plenty of shade everywhere. There's also a few decent hiking trails close to the campground which is really cool and convenient. My daughters enjoyed every minute from the hiking, riding their bikes, campfires as well as all the other great things to do when camping. We also explored the Visitor Center to see some of the most magnificent dinosaur-like redwoods including what they call the 'Father of the Forest' and 'Mother of the Forest' trees. The guide was an encyclopedia of information on the massive trees which he shared with us along the tour. If you're at all interested, then you must go on the short tour. The only complaint I have is about the one night there were what seemed to be very loud college students, probably from UC Santa Cruz or another nearby college, who were in the cabin at the site next to ours and were partying way too hard. We had to tell them to keep it down since they had woken us up. I'm all for a little partying, but damn, they were loud and no one came around to tell them to keep it down besides us. Other than that, all in all, we had a great tent cabin campsite and did notice some even better in the campground, so we will definitely be going back again.


Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Gilroy, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Gilroy, CA is Mount Madonna County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Gilroy, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 25 glamping camping locations near Gilroy, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.