Mount Madonna County Park and Sanborn County Park offer rustic glamping options within 30 minutes of Los Altos Hills, California. The area sits along the eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains at elevations ranging from 400 to 3,000 feet. Winter temperatures often drop 15-20 degrees lower than nearby valley locations, creating cooler camping conditions even during summer months.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: At Uvas Canyon County Park, trails lead to multiple small waterfalls along Uvas and Swanson creeks. "To hike to each fall it's about 6ish miles with just a few hundred feet of total elevation gain. The trails are large and well defined for an very entry level experience," notes one visitor. Remember that stream access is prohibited in certain areas.
Archery practice: Mount Madonna County Park features a dedicated archery trail with 28 targets set up along a forested path. "We were there 3 days in a row and did 20 of the 28. It's really pretty and a cool challenge," shares one camper. The course offers a unique alternative to hiking and allows beginners to try the sport.
Beach walks and horseback riding: Half Moon Bay beaches are accessible from several nearby glamping sites. A visitor to Francis Beach Campground notes, "You can walk for miles on the beach or on the bluff trails. Everyone is laidback which makes for a peaceful experience. Great sunsets!!" Some locations offer guided horseback rides along coastal trails.
What campers like
Free hot showers: Unlike many campgrounds that charge per minute, Mount Madonna County Park provides free showers. "Bathrooms have soap & TP and kept clean," mentions one camper. This amenity ranks highly with reviewers who appreciate clean facilities after dusty hikes.
Unique wildlife viewing: The redwood forests host interesting wildlife beyond typical deer and squirrels. "The slugs were hanging out in trees all around us and it was so much fun looking for them," reports a family at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Mount Madonna also features a small herd of white fallow deer near the ranger station, descendants from William Randolph Hearst's exotic animal collection.
Quick access from Silicon Valley: Sanborn County Park provides an escape without lengthy travel time. "Perfect for even just a 12 hour getaway," notes one reviewer. The proximity allows weekend camping without taking Friday off work, though expect more crowded conditions on summer weekends.
What you should know
Temperature fluctuations: Mountain locations experience significant temperature drops after sunset. One visitor to Mount Madonna warns, "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!"
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically between campgrounds. At Uvas Canyon County Park, "Verizon cell service worked at the campground" while other carriers may not. Some locations offer limited WiFi near bathroom facilities or entrance stations only.
Campsite selection matters: Site privacy and size vary considerably within each campground. At Sanborn County Park, "Some campgrounds have tables and others don't - some are too close to others but the higher up hill, you're closer to the trail heads." Research specific site numbers before booking, especially during busy seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA offers structured activities for children. "Great child friendly KOA Campsite. Friendly staff, a lot of activities for children with the upcoming Halloween events," notes a visitor. Many locations feature weekend ranger programs during summer months.
Bicycle-friendly options: Several parks have good internal road systems for kids learning to ride. At Mount Madonna, campers report: "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."
Walk-in sites with cart assistance: Families with young children appreciate the wagon carts provided at certain campgrounds. "The park provides carts to help with hauling gear, and storage boxes are provided at the site, near the picnic table," explains a camper at Sanborn County Park. This allows easier transport of camping supplies from parking areas to tent sites.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground offers electrical hookups but in limited numbers. "Limited electrical hookups. Tenting camping and RVs," advises one visitor. Reserve well in advance, especially for weekend trips during summer months.
Size restrictions: Most local campgrounds have length limitations for RVs. Narrow access roads with tight turns make navigating difficult for larger vehicles. A visitor to Sanborn County Park cautions, "RV sites are basically parking lot with 4' strips of grass in between."
Dump station access codes: Some parks require special codes to access dump stations. "Ranger was useless. You need codes for the gate after 7pm, the showers, and the RV dump and they don't volunteer that info, you have to ask," warns an RVer at Sanborn County Park. Request all necessary access information during check-in.