RV camping near Gilroy, California offers convenient access to both coastal environments and inland recreation areas. The region sits at the southern edge of Santa Clara Valley with elevations ranging from 200 to 500 feet in the camping areas. Winter temperatures often drop to the 40s at night while summer days can reach the 90s, though many camping spots benefit from natural shade.
What to do
Explore local hiking trails: Morgan Hill RV Resort provides access to nature hikes within the park grounds. "Nice spot to bring the family. Close to local wine tastings and even had Safeway close enough for grocery delivery. Plus good nature hike trails in park," notes Nicole R. from Thousand Trails Morgan Hill.
Visit nearby beaches: From several Gilroy area campgrounds, beaches are accessible for day trips. "We made 2 day trips to Monterey and Carmel by the Sea and spent time in Morgan Hill and Gilroy," reports Derek & Kristen A. about their stay at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill.
Golf near your campsite: Some campgrounds are situated near golf courses for convenient access. "Sits next to a beautiful golf course, recently revamped parking spots, now cement vs. dirt," mentions harry S. about Monterey Pines RV Park, which is a military/veterans-only facility approximately 45 minutes from Gilroy.
What campers like
Abundant wildlife viewing: San Benito RV Resort offers frequent wildlife sightings. "Deer wandered through camp at all times of the day. You can see wild boar passing along the hillsides. We also saw a couple of foxes one evening on the perimeter," shares Butch C. about Thousand Trails San Benito.
Recreation facilities: Many campgrounds feature pools and activity centers. "The pool is huge and very very well kept. There is multiple lodges and a recreation center so plenty to do," writes Nicole R. about her stay at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill.
Less crowded beaches: Some coastal camping options provide access to secluded shorelines. "About a 5 min trek through sand and dunes and you'll find yourself at a beach not many people frequent. On Friday we were the only ones for as far as I could see. No exaggeration," reports James about Marina Dunes RV Park.
What you should know
Spotty cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location. "No AT&T service for me, but free WiFi was available so it was fine," notes Jessica R. about Cotillion Gardens RV Park.
Site leveling challenges: Many RV parks in the region require leveling equipment. "Sites are not level," points out Linda S. about Morgan Hill RV Resort. At Monterey Pines, one visitor mentioned: "Their answer to uneven sites is to give you pieces of wood to try and level. Good luck, I saw some raised up 2-3 feet."
Weekend reservations: Book early for weekend stays, especially during summer months. "We visited this campground with some friends... We found a lot of shady sites to choose from," reports Butch C. about San Benito, though availability decreases during peak times.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. "In mid October the campground is still running kids activities daily and they're good! Great culture here - friendly, lots of things to do (pool, basketball, volleyball, horse shoes, playground, billiards, karaoke, tennis)," shares Derek & Kristen A. about their experience at Morgan Hill.
Consider redwood camping locations: Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort offers camping under tall trees. "We went in mid March on a Thursday and the place was at capacity. Like most RV campgrounds, the spaces are very close together. The facility was clean and everyone was friendly," says Cindy N. about this popular family destination.
Pack for variable temperatures: Coastal influence creates temperature swings. "We stayed here several times. It sits in the redwoods next to the San Lorenzo river in Felton Ca. Beautiful setting and great place for the kids to run around and have fun," notes Pat F. about Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entrance roads. "Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once your at your site you can relax," mentions Ben T. about Cotillion Gardens RV Park.
Check hookup locations: Hookup placement varies by campground. "The location of the electrical/water is awkward," notes Kandi R. about Casa de Fruta RV Orchard Resort. At Santa Cruz Redwoods, one visitor mentioned: "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot."
Seasonal appeal: Different times of year offer varied experiences at the same campgrounds. "Although this is a dryer region the campground tends to be on the browner side, but I look forward to every trip," remarks Jeret B. about San Benito, suggesting the landscape changes seasonally but remains enjoyable.
