Tent campsites near Los Altos Hills are located primarily in the western Santa Cruz Mountains at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,800 feet. The region experiences cool coastal fog in summer mornings and mild winter temperatures between 40-60°F. Most campgrounds have limited cell coverage with Verizon offering the strongest signal at higher elevation sites.
What to do
Hiking creek trails: At Uvas Canyon County Park, the 6-mile waterfall loop offers multiple falls with minimal elevation gain. "The trails are narrow and steep at some places but mostly shaded. Small waterfalls are the highlights of the trail, but kids will enjoy playing in the water on hot days," notes Mon M.
Rock climbing access: Castle Rock Trail Camp serves as an excellent base for climbers. "This is sweet hike in trail camp. We have used it for two purposes. First when were were climbing in Castle Rock State Park and this was our hub," shares MarinMaverick.
Ridge hiking: For experienced hikers, the Skyline to the Sea trail runs through several campgrounds. "There is another route in but used this one due to the creek access at the beginning appears more scenic," notes MarinMaverick about Sunol, which connects to ridge trails with panoramic views.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Uvas Canyon receives praise for maintenance. "Extremely beautiful & peaceful surroundings. Lots of trees. Rock walls heavy with moss. Facilities well constructed and maintained," reports Tom and Marianne H. Another camper adds, "Restrooms and showers were clean, and some even have baby changing stations."
Privacy levels: Site spacing varies significantly across campgrounds. At Ben Ries Campground, "The sites are spaced apart nicely. If I were to come back and want two large sites to connect, I would choose either 6 and 8 or 10 and 13," advises Kathleen C.
Seasonal availability: Winter camping offers more solitude. "Camped here in off season in November and it was us and maybe 2 other campers. Feels super remote and primitive," shares Amber D. about Ben Ries Campground.
What you should know
Water availability: Water sources can be unreliable at several campgrounds. "Although there is a communal water source at the campsite entrance, the water was deemed not safe to drink when I was there, and that had been the case for a while," warns Nathaniel S. about Castle Rock Trail Camp. "Bring all our water in with us as well as water filters."
Access challenges: Most tent sites require carrying gear. "The campground is about a 2.5mi hike in from the trail head at the parking area. Although there was a fire road at the campgrounds that looked like it maybe could be used to drive in and drop off gear, I didn't see anybody doing it," explains Nathaniel S.
Food storage requirements: Wildlife encounters are common. At Black Mountain Backpacking Camp, "The pit toilet and bear boxes on site take a lot of the stress out for beginner backpackers," explains Lily H.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for vehicles: At Uvas Canyon, roof top tent users should choose specific sites. "If you have a roof top tent, we scoped out a few sites which are more flat, and also have the picnic table near the parking spot. They are: 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 12," recommends Kyle H.
Bug preparation: Insect activity varies by season. "A little buggy in the afternoon and found some mosquitoes so take bug spray," notes Mon M. about Uvas Canyon, while Joshua H. reports "We went in April and there weren't many bugs."
Noise considerations: Campground size affects noise levels. "The sites are close together so maybe bring ear plugs in case you have loud neighbors," suggests Derek B. At Ben Ries, "Fellow campers were there to camp, not to party, so that's always a plus," notes Kathleen C.
Tips from RVers
Alternative options: Half Moon Bay RV Park provides coastal access for larger vehicles. "The site was a pull through as well as our friends who were able to face the opposite way to have a common camp side with us. Full hook ups with 30 amp. (used my 50 amp adapter), no issues," shares Patrick J.
Tent camping at RV sites: Some RV parks accommodate tent campers. "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," notes Patrick J. about Half Moon Bay RV Park's tent camping options.
Weather preparation: Coastal fog affects tent comfort. "Great weather, lots of shade at the campsite and on the hikes. Coast was a cool 60's- 70's but warm in the sun (the coast/beaches are windy), night time was a lovely 55-59 degrees," explains Kathleen C.
