Camping spots near Hollister, California range from high-elevation sites with panoramic views to lakeside options with wildlife viewing opportunities. At Fremont Peak State Park, campers can stay at 3,000 feet elevation with visibility extending to the Sierra Nevada mountains on clear days. Winter temperatures at higher elevation campgrounds can drop 20-30°F compared to the valley floor, requiring additional cold-weather gear even in summer months.
What to do
Stargazing at observatories: Fremont Peak State Park hosts an observatory where visitors can participate in guided astronomy programs. "The huge draw is the observatory on the premises. Pick your visit to coincide with one of the stargazing or sun programs offered by the observatory volunteers. We were able to look through their massive telescope and see Jupiter," notes one visitor to Oak Point Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: San Benito camping areas offer chances to observe diverse wildlife in natural settings. A camper at Thousand Trails San Benito reported, "We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!! My favorite part of our California trip was staying here!"
Bird watching excursions: Moss Landing KOA Express serves as a base for exploring nearby bird sanctuaries. "There is a great bird sanctuary where you can ride your bike or hike around. Seals barking out your door," according to a recent visitor, making it ideal for birdwatchers wanting day trips from Hollister.
Archery courses: Several campgrounds offer specialized recreational activities beyond hiking. At Mount Madonna County Park, "There is an archery trail with 28 targets on a trail through the woods. We were there 3 days in a row and did 20 of the 28. It's really pretty and a cool challenge," reports a camper.
What campers like
Sunrise and fog views: Campgrounds in higher elevations provide unique morning experiences. A visitor to Valley View Campground shared, "We observed the carpet of valley fog below us in the mornings and evenings, while mid-day you can see out to Moss Landing."
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "Bathrooms are great," notes a visitor to Mount Madonna County Park, while another adds, "Bathrooms have soap & TP and kept clean. Tan Oak campground seems to have bigger sites than the others."
Unique natural phenomena: Some sites offer rare natural displays. A camper at Mount Madonna County Park observed, "This is the only place I've seen the redwood trees harvest the fog and make their own rain, which is pretty cool. In the morning it's raining under the redwood trees but not under the madrone or tan oak trees, which is wild."
Off-peak solitude: Several campgrounds become significantly less crowded on weekdays. "We camped at Sycamore and as soon as the sun began to set had the entire place to ourselves," reported a visitor to Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area.
What you should know
Temperature variations: Elevation changes dramatically affect camping conditions near Hollister. "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!"
Wildlife awareness: Several campgrounds report active wildlife that requires proper food storage. At Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, "There are food lockers since wild pigs come out at night. Be sure to lock all food up! They will roam through the camp ground all through the night if anyone has left any food out."
Campsite selection impacts: Site layouts vary significantly within the same campground. "While the sites are a little close to each other, those on the outside of the loop had a great deal of privacy. Inner loop sites have none, but would be great if you were camping with friends."
Limited connectivity: Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region. "There is zero cell signal in the park but we did manage to get service with our hotspot while in the campground," reports a visitor to Pinnacles Campground, while others note specific locations within campgrounds where signals can be found.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly biking opportunities: Several campgrounds offer safe cycling environments. "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 visitor to Mount Madonna County Park.
Exotic wildlife encounters: Unique animal viewing opportunities exist at specific locations. A camper noted, "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."
Swimming options during hot months: For summer visits, consider campgrounds with water access. Casa de Fruta RV Orchard Resort visitor mentioned, "The asphalt Campground was great for the kids biking," while Pinnacles Campground provides seasonal relief: "If you camp here in the summer it'll be really hot, but the good news is there is a swimming pool at the campground."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer programs specifically designed for children. "It seemed like there were lots of activities for the kids," reports a visitor to San Benito RV and Camping Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site positioning considerations: RV site orientation affects convenience. "Each campsite is different. The one I reserved had only one pic that basically showed me nothing. I only could back in to set up my tent on the grass. Both the picnic table and firepit were facing the passenger side way far from the parking spot."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds with RV sites include dump facilities. A visitor to Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park noted, "Dump station was available although I did not see it listed on web site," providing valuable information for planning longer stays.
Elevation challenges: Mountain campgrounds present unique RV considerations. A Valley View Campground visitor warned, "Beware coming here with anything other than a tent! Some people came to site #3 with a camper van and ended up leaving because they were at such a sharp angle."
Hook-up variations: Available services differ widely between campgrounds. Mount Madonna County Park offers both "water and electric hookups which was great! There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park that we used as we departed."
