RV sites near Los Altos Hills, California sit between the coastal mountains and Silicon Valley at elevations ranging from 600 to 900 feet. The region features Mediterranean climate conditions with dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. Cell service quality varies dramatically between campgrounds, with stronger signals in valley locations compared to sites nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
What to do
Hiking redwood trails: Joseph D. Grant County Park offers immediate access to hiking paths where campers can spot diverse wildlife. "We came in November, just in time for a temperature drop and some nice gusts... The hiking is quite beautiful and the woodpeckers were busy storing acorns," notes one visitor at this San Jose park.
Beach activities: The coastal campgrounds provide direct ocean access. At San Francisco RV Resort, visitors enjoy "a nice trail to walk along the water and cliff, nice restoration project going." From Pillar Point RV Park, campers have "walking distance to shops and restaurants, walking and bike trails, beach access," making it convenient for coastal exploration.
Historic train rides: Several campgrounds are near the Roaring Camp Railroad. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, campers mention "It was a short nice hike to the state park and the train through the red woods. Fun experience on a real steam locomotive." The vintage railroad provides an educational activity suitable for all ages.
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Many RV parks serve as convenient base camps for regional exploration. One camper at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill noted its location advantages: "We made 2 day trips to Monterey and Carmel by the Sea and spent time in Morgan Hill and Gilroy." The strategic location allows visitors to balance urban amenities with natural settings.
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds maintain heated pools as a welcome amenity. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, visitors appreciate that "the pool is huge and well loved" with "lots of recreation." Santa Cruz Ranch Campground received positive comments for its "new tiled bath rooms," though campers noted it's "not quiet though, lots of kids."
Oceanfront settings: Half Moon Bay RV Park offers exceptional coastal access. "From the park you can head about a quarter of a mile and walk or ride the coastal path all the way to the marina or south to the Ritz Carlton. Great ocean views," reports one camper, highlighting the premium coastal location.
What you should know
Site spacing: Many RV campgrounds around Los Altos Hills feature tight spacing between sites. At San Francisco RV Resort, one visitor observed "the 'campsites' are close together… it's more like a parking lot than a campground, but everyone is friendly and the overall vibe is good." Similar conditions exist at other parks in the region.
Pricing expectations: Camping rates in the area trend higher than national averages. Santa Cruz Ranch Campground received a review stating "Clean and tidy but very expensive!!! 122 US$ for one night." Plan your budget accordingly as coastal proximity typically commands premium rates.
Varied connectivity: Cell service and WiFi availability differ dramatically between properties. At Smithwoods RV Park, "We occasionally got 1 bar of cell service in our site if we stood in a certain spot. (AT&T) There was WiFi up at the office but it was inconsistent." Working remotely from these campgrounds may require additional planning.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational amenities: Cotillion Gardens RV Park offers numerous organized activities for children. "Lots of hiking and exploring right from the campsite. Kids liked the pool and clubhouse," reports one family. The multiple recreation facilities help keep younger campers engaged.
Budget-friendly alternatives: Santa Clara County parks provide more economical options compared to private campgrounds. Joseph D. Grant County Park offers "clean, quiet" camping with basic amenities that families appreciate. The park host sells ice on-site, which is convenient for cooler maintenance.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several parks offer opportunities to spot native animals. As one visitor to Joseph D. Grant County Park noted, they "saw a lot of bunnies and a bobcat on the way out." At San Francisco RV Resort, visitors report "when it's clear you can see the farralon islands 30 miles offshore" and some have "saw a couple whales too."
Tips from RVers
Maneuvering considerations: Trailer Villa RV Park provides easier access for larger vehicles. One RVer appreciated that "parking pads are concrete and flat; and drive lanes AND parking spots are wide and spacious for maneuvering large RVs." This can reduce setup stress when navigating with larger rigs.
Advanced planning: During peak seasons, reservations should be secured well in advance. Half Moon Bay RV Park remains popular year-round, with visitors noting many sites have "picnic tables and grills," but availability is limited. The coastal locations fill especially quickly during summer months.
Utility hookups: Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort provides comprehensive connections that RVers appreciate. A camper mentioned "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot." Carrying extension accessories is advisable when visiting campgrounds in the region.
