Best Campgrounds near Los Altos, CA
The Santa Cruz Mountains and coastal areas surrounding Los Altos, California feature a diverse range of camping environments within a 30-mile radius. State parks dominate the landscape, with redwood-filled campgrounds like Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offering tent and RV sites beneath towering trees. Closer options include Sanborn County Park in Saratoga and Castle Rock Trail Camp, both providing walk-in tent camping experiences. Coastal options extend to Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground, where campers can enjoy oceanfront sites with electrical hookups. The region supports everything from primitive hike-in sites to full-service RV parks with hookups, with most state park campgrounds requiring reservations months in advance.
Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. As one camper noted, "We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance." Weather conditions vary significantly between coastal and mountain locations, with coastal areas experiencing cool, foggy conditions even in summer, while inland areas can reach high temperatures. Fire restrictions frequently impact camping experiences, especially during dry summer and fall months. Many campgrounds in the Santa Cruz Mountains feature narrow, winding access roads that may challenge larger RVs. Cell service remains spotty throughout much of the region, particularly in canyon areas and redwood forests.
Redwood forest camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with many highlighting the peaceful atmosphere. According to one camper at Butano State Park, "Every site is surrounded by giant redwood trees, and it is an absolutely gorgeous campground." Site spacing varies considerably across the region, with some campgrounds offering more privacy than others. Coastal campgrounds tend to have more exposed sites but provide easy beach access. Wildlife encounters are common, with raccoons, deer, and various bird species frequently spotted. Facilities range from primitive (vault toilets only) to fully developed campgrounds with hot showers, though even developed sites may have limited amenities. The proximity to urban areas makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations, with many serving as convenient escapes from Silicon Valley.
