Camping near Los Gatos, California offers outdoor experiences in the Santa Cruz Mountains where elevations range from 400 to 3,000 feet. The region's microclimate creates significant temperature variations, with summer days reaching 90°F while mountain camping areas remain 10-20°F cooler. Winter camping requires preparation for nighttime temperatures that can drop into the 30s, particularly in higher elevation campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking through redwood forests: Sanborn County Park features approximately 15 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels. According to a visitor, "Trails start steep and then mellow out once you're on the ridge line. If you hike 2 days and stay 1 night you can easily hike the park out." The park's terrain offers both challenging and accessible hiking options.
Archery in the woods: Mount Madonna County Park maintains a dedicated archery trail with 28 targets through forested terrain. As one camper noted, "There is an archery trail with 28 targets on a trail through the woods. We were there 3 days in a row and did 20 of the 28. It's really pretty and a cool challenge." This unique activity provides a different outdoor experience from standard hiking.
Creek exploration: Uvas Canyon County Park features multiple creek access points ideal for nature observation. "Short hikes along the Uvas Creek and Swanson creek are right next to the campground. 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," explains one reviewer.
Beach access: Sunset State Beach provides extensive coastal recreation opportunities within 30 minutes of Los Gatos. A visitor shared, "Nice campsite within driving distance of the Bay area on a 1 night stop on the way down to Big Sur. Beach is long and expansive with very few people on an average day."
What campers like
Weather variation: The Santa Cruz Mountains create distinct camping microclimates. At Mount Madonna, campers experience interesting weather phenomena: "This is the only place I've seen the redwood trees harvest the fog and make their own rain, which is pretty cool. In the morning it's raining under the redwood trees but not under the madrone or tan oak trees, which is wild."
Uncrowded weekday camping: Sanborn County Park offers a different experience midweek. One camper reported, "Great walk-in campground so close to home in the South Bay Area (albeit walk is slightly uphill). Very quiet place midweek." Another added, "Perfect for even just a 12 hour getaway."
Clean facilities: Uvas Canyon County Park maintains excellent bathroom facilities. According to visitors: "Very clean and maintained. Especially the bathrooms and showers" and "Well maintained/clean facilities. Restrooms and showers were clean, and some even have baby changing stations."
Privacy options: Most campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy between sites. At Uvas Canyon, "As a fan of quiet camping, I would recommend this campground for a weekday getaway where you can enjoy more quiet surroundings and its nature sounds."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have spotty connectivity. At Uvas Canyon County Park, "Good to be disconnected, but if needed, Verizon cell service worked at the campground." Mount Madonna campers note, "You can actually get a cell signal if you walk to the dump station!"
Temperature preparation: Mountain temperatures fluctuate significantly. At Mount Madonna, campers advise: "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!"
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly for weekend stays. For Seacliff State Beach, a camper noted "Reservations are difficult to obtain, but well worth the effort. Full hookups in one area and dry camping in overflow area."
Site selection matters: Campsite quality varies significantly within each campground. At Mount Madonna, "Sites 416 and 417 are also big with hidden spots back off the road for pitching your tent," while at Uvas Canyon, "You may want to take leveling blocks as I found the car parking spot to be not leveled at all."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Santa Cruz North/Costanoa KOA provides extensive family activities. As one visitor shared, "Great if you know what to expect... Very clean, well maintained, and about a 20 minute walk to the ocean. The bike rentals were a hit with the kids."
Noise considerations: Family-oriented campgrounds can be lively. At Uvas Canyon County Park, one camper observed: "Very family friendly so expect it to be crowded on weekends and a level of noise and foot traffic by your site as well."
Wildlife encounters: Teach children about local wildlife safety. At Mount Madonna, "There are some critters here, I saw a few skunks and one wandered right into our campsite at night, so keep an eye out for them."
Bug preparation: Some campgrounds have seasonal insect activity. For Uvas Canyon, a visitor advised, "A little buggy in the afternoon and found some mosquitoes so take bug spray."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Check campground site specifications carefully. At Mount Madonna, one RVer noted: "Site 211 was listed as 30' trailer but that was definitely not the case as it was a weird triangle parking area. We made it work and enjoyed the park."
Road conditions: Access roads to mountain campgrounds can be challenging. According to an RVer at Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA: "Paved roads for bikes, huge playground, nice store, warm pool. It's perfect for families. I wouldn't recommend this for campers who like solitude."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited at most campgrounds. At Seacliff State Beach, "Full hookups in one area and dry camping in overflow area. All camping spots are adjacent to the 'boardwalk' beach path and the beach."
Dump station access: Mount Madonna County Park provides convenient waste disposal. As noted by a visitor, "There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park that we used as we departed."
