Best Tent Camping near Los Altos, CA

The Santa Cruz Mountains and coastal foothills surrounding Los Altos, California offer several tent-only campgrounds and walk-in sites within a 30-mile radius. Castle Rock Trail Camp in Castle Rock State Park provides primitive tent camping with a 2.5-mile hike to reach the campsites. Black Mountain Backpacking Camp in Monte Bello Open Space Reserve offers backcountry tent camping with a 1.5-mile hike to the sites. Towle Campground in Palo Alto Foothills Park is available exclusively to Palo Alto residents from May through October. Uvas Canyon County Park, located about 25 miles south of Los Altos, features 25 tent campsites with amenities suitable for tent campers.

Most tent campgrounds in the region require advance planning for water access. Castle Rock Trail Camp has vault toilets but water sources may be unreliable, with campers reporting the communal water tank was not potable during their visits. Tent pads at walk-in sites are typically flat, sandy areas surrounded by wood beams, measuring approximately 10' x 10'. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, with complete bans often in place from June through October. Food storage lockers are provided at most sites to protect supplies from wildlife, particularly raccoons which are prevalent throughout the area. Campers should bring their own water or water filtration systems, especially at primitive sites where water sources may be seasonal.

Tent-only sites in the region offer distinct advantages over developed campgrounds. According to reviews, Black Mountain Backpacking Camp provides excellent solitude, with one camper noting: "Not many people actually showed up to use their sites, so we had the place mostly to ourselves." The pit toilets and bear boxes "take a lot of the stress out for beginner backpackers." At Castle Rock Trail Camp, visitors appreciate the spacing between sites that "allows for privacy," though some mention noise from a nearby shooting range during daylight hours. Weekday camping typically offers more seclusion than weekends, with Sunday through Thursday nights being notably quieter. The moderate climate makes three-season tent camping comfortable, with coastal areas experiencing fog and cooler temperatures even during summer months.

Best Tent Sites Near Los Altos, California (36)

    1. Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    18 Reviews
    Pescadero, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-2040

    $35 / night

    "It is a smaller park than many of the other redwoods parks in Northern California, so it was very nice and peaceful. Butano is a bit off the beaten path to get to, but so worth it."

    "The campsite has car camping and walk-in sites. I had sites 5 and 6. The map for the campground is deceiving as they looked close together and connected but they were separate."

    2. Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    8 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-2952

    $8 / night

    "I liked the trees, picnic tables, and fire rings at the sites. The sites were spaced nicely to allow for privacy. Frog Flat seemed a bit more secluded than the main camp."

    "This is sweet hike in trail camp.  We have used it for two purposes. "

    3. Towle Campground

    1 Review
    Los Altos Hills, CA
    5 miles
    Website

    $40 / night

    4. Black Mountain Backpacking Camp

    1 Review
    Los Altos Hills, CA
    5 miles
    Website

    $2 / night

    "The hike in is only 1.5 miles, but there's plenty of trail options to tack on more mileage on either the hike in or out."

    5. Coyote Hills Regional Park

    2 Reviews
    Newark, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $75 / night

    "We walked through and enjoyed the nature areas so much. We continue to go back and spend time at Cayote Hills because it is so beautiful. We can't wait until thwe next time."

    6. Sunol

    3 Reviews
    Sunol, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    "Great backpacking getway.  Many day hikers here but you can backpack as well.  I camped on a beautiful ridge."

    "I have never camped here but hiked many trails."

    7. Half Moon Bay RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 726-7275

    "From booking until leaving, we had a positive experience. Our site was a little tight, that would be the only thing I wish was better."

    "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. Of course the utility sides were in great position for that."

    8. Uvas Canyon County Park

    10 Reviews
    New Almaden, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 779-9232

    $34 / night

    "There's 25 campsites; each with a food locker, fire ring, a picnic table, and parking space for 2 sedan sized vehicles or 1 RV. 8 people max per site."

    "We camp in a roof top tent and wish we had been more selective on our site, as parking space and the incline at each site are different."

    9. Portola Redwoods State Park Campground

    1 Review
    Loma Mar, CA
    10 miles

    $35 - $335 / night

    10. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4 Reviews
    Mount Hamilton, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 274-6121

    $15 - $400 / night

    "Lotsa shaded oak spaces. Good trails."

    "Hamilton and a lake up the road a way, there’s also a mansion & rose garden on the property, shower & bathroom are clean, there are nights to gather and stargaze.The tent spaces are sizable &amp"

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Showing results 1-10 of 36 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Los Altos, CA

583 Reviews of 36 Los Altos Campgrounds



Guide to Los Altos

Los Altos, California, offers a variety of tent camping options that allow you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Bay Area.

Tips for tent camping near Los Altos

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Clean facilities: Campers at Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp enjoy well-maintained bathrooms and hot showers, making for a comfortable stay.
  • Fire pits and picnic tables: Sites at Garin Regional Park come equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, perfect for evening gatherings and meals.
  • Secluded spots: Black Mountain Backpacking Camp offers a small campground experience with plenty of space between sites, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature.

Tent campers should check out local attractions

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Los Altos, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Los Altos, CA is Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY with a 4.8-star rating from 18 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Los Altos, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Los Altos, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.