Joseph D Grant County Park offers extensive equestrian camping opportunities 15 miles east of San Jose. The equestrian camping area provides dedicated spaces for horse owners with sites that accommodate trailers. Located near Mt. Hamilton at 2,500 feet elevation, the park spans over 10,000 acres of oak woodland. Temperatures vary seasonally, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter temperatures dropping to near freezing at night.
What to do
Trail riding: Multiple trail routes connect directly from the campground through oak-studded hills. At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, campers note "There are trails running throughout the park and around the lake that are a mix of wider open trails and narrower, through the woods, but groomed trails with plenty of up and down to make for a good hike." The extensive network offers options for riders of all experience levels.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings are optimal for spotting native animals. "Lots of birds and wildlife–beware says the sign...all the signs, but I mostly only saw turkeys and a few water birds," reports one visitor to Anthony Chabot. At Del Valle Campground, campers observe "incredible wildlife views" throughout the property.
Historic sites: Visit the historic ranch house and museum on weekends from 10am-4pm. Learn about early California ranching and the property's past. The museum displays period furniture and agricultural tools from the 1800s. "There is an interesting Ranch House and Museum that showcases the life of Joseph Grant and his offspring, with many eccentric and macabre details of their history in the area," notes one camper.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Hot showers and well-maintained restrooms receive consistent praise. At Joseph D Grant County Park, a visitor notes "The bathrooms were a short walk down hill. They were clean with flushing toilets." Another adds, "Camp host was friendly. They also sell ice which was nice to grab for the cooler."
Privacy between sites: The campground layout provides adequate space between camping areas. "We had a great site and there was no one on either side of us," mentions a camper at Joseph D Grant County Park. This differs from more crowded campgrounds in the region.
Seasonal wildflower displays: Spring brings colorful wildflower blooms to the hillsides. At Henry W Coe State Park, which shares similar terrain with Grant County Park, a visitor notes "beautiful wildflower displays in March and April, and also numerous opportunities for enjoying the beauty of the plants and wildlife seen along the hiking trails."
What you should know
Gate closure times: The front gate closes strictly at 8:15pm. Late arrivals cannot enter the campground after this time. "Beautiful park with hiking, great views of Mt. Hamilton and a lake up the road a way," one camper notes, but adds you must be aware of the gate closure policy.
Wildlife precautions: Store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife, particularly wild pigs. At Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, a nearby park with similar wildlife issues, a camper advises "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."
Limited cell service: Most providers have poor or no reception in the campground. A visitor notes "No internet" at one of the nearby parks. Prepare for limited connectivity during your stay.
Water availability: While potable water is available, during drought conditions some spigots may be turned off. Bring additional water containers if camping during dry periods.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for varied temperatures: Pack layers for all family members. Daytime temperatures can reach the 90s in summer while evenings can drop significantly. A camper at Sunol Regional Wilderness notes the area can be "hot now" in summer months.
Kid-friendly exploration: The meadows near the campground provide safe spaces for children to explore. Short, flat trails suitable for young hikers start directly from the camping area. "Plenty of room for kids to run around," notes a visitor to a nearby park.
Wildlife education opportunities: Bring binoculars for bird watching and wildlife spotting. Morning hours offer the best chance to observe deer, turkeys, and numerous bird species. "The woodpeckers were busy storing acorns," notes a camper who visited in November.
Allow extra travel time: The winding mountain roads to reach the campground can take longer than GPS estimates suggest. A visitor advises, "The road in is fairly winding with a bit of a drop down the cliff. If you're heading in at dusk or dawn, go slow. You will see deer stepping through the road."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Only a few sites accommodate larger RVs, and none offer full hookups. Water is available at central locations throughout the campground. Prepare to dry camp and manage resources accordingly.
Site selection for leveling: Choose sites carefully as terrain is uneven. At some nearby parks like Henry W Coe State Park, campers note "if you do not have an adequately thick sleeping pad, the ground may be uncomfortably hard to sleep on." Similar conditions exist at Grant County Park, so bring leveling blocks and stabilizers.
Generator restrictions: Observe noise limitations and generator hours, which are typically 8am-10am and 5pm-7pm. The quiet atmosphere is valued by all campers. "The campground was quiet and it was mostly couples or small family groups," notes a visitor.
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