Camping near Milpitas, California offers diverse terrain from bayfront sites at sea level to woodland settings in the Santa Cruz Mountains reaching elevations over 2,000 feet. The regional camping season extends year-round, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in inland locations while coastal sites remain cooler. Campsite reservations are essential during peak seasons from late spring through early fall.
What to do
Paddling activities: Lake Del Valle at Del Valle Campground provides controlled boating conditions for kayakers and paddlers. According to one camper, "Great lake for paddling as the speed limit for boats is low. Good fishing too. 'Private' covers along the lake to hang out in."
Hiking trail networks: Anthony Chabot Regional Park features extensive networks of trails with significant wildlife viewing opportunities. A visitor notes, "The eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.). It's a great natural area that is so conveniently located in the Bay Area."
Bird watching excursions: Dumbarton Quarry Campground sits adjacent to critical bird habitat areas. As one camper observed, "There are many many trails for hiking and biking, and wildlife is plentiful. Our RV is small and we used the showers and bathrooms quite a bit. They are cleaned daily and were always in great shape."
Railroad experiences: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers historic railroad excursions nearby. A visitor mentioned, "Hike into the redwoods or go a few miles down the road and take a ride on the Roaring Camp Big Trees Railroad."
What campers like
Digital disconnection: Del Valle Campground provides a technology break despite its proximity to urban areas. A recent visitor shared, "This is nice little campground that is only about 15 minutes from downtown Livermore. It's a great escape from the craziness of the Bay Area without having to drive too far. The lack of cell reception really helps the feeling of being away from the city life."
Cleanliness standards: Anthony Chabot Regional Park maintains well-kept facilities year-round. One camper noted, "Restrooms are fairly clean, there are showers, and recycling collection, which I appreciate."
Wildlife encounters: Regular wildlife sightings occur throughout the campgrounds in the region. According to a Del Valle camper, "There was quite a bit of wildlife roaming through the park mainly in the early morning. I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground."
Temperature variations: Sanborn County Park offers natural cooling effects. A visitor mentioned, "Even during the summer it gets enough of a sea breeze and has enough shade to stay cool."
What you should know
Gate closure timing: Joseph D Grant County Park enforces strict gate hours that affect late arrivals. According to a camper, "Gate closes 8:15pm. Nice bathrooms no tokens needed, hot water, clean sink for dishes. Lotsa shaded oak spaces. Good trails."
Connectivity limitations: Many campgrounds have minimal or no cell service despite their proximity to urban areas. At Del Valle Campground, the lack of connectivity is both a feature and challenge: "The lack of cell reception really helps the feeling of being away from the city life."
Seasonal insect presence: Some parks have significant insect activity during warmer months. At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, one camper reported, "The park has a bit of a yellow jacket problem that they don't really seem too concerned about addressing. Yellowjackets on trails, in campsites and near bathrooms."
Site spacing variations: Dumbarton Quarry Campground has compact site layouts compared to other regional options. A camper observed, "Sites are not huge, but arranged in such a way as to feel private. It is in the Coyote hills regional Park."
Tips for camping with families
Wagon assistance: Sanborn County Park provides equipment to help transport camping gear to walk-in sites. One visitor explained, "This is a nice camping away from the car experience. It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites. The park provides carts to help with hauling gear, and storage boxes are provided at the site, near the picnic table."
Swimming limitations: Several parks have water bodies but restrict swimming. At Del Valle Campground, a camper noted, "The campground isn't really walking distance to swimming. It's pretty hot in the summer and it has a rocky ground so it will be hard to get stakes on the ground."
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer structured learning activities. At Joseph D Grant County Park, "There is an interesting Ranch House and Museum that showcases the life of Joseph Grant and his offspring, with many eccentric and macabre details of their history in the area."
Kid-friendly transportation: Paved roads at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park accommodate children's wheeled activities. As one visitor mentioned, "If you have littles the roads are paved so a scooter or bike could be fun."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds in the region have limited clearance for taller vehicles. At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, one RVer warned, "We loved camping here with our 25ft camping trailer. There was plenty of room for it on site 105, however if it was any higher it would be hitting tree limbs."
Hookup availability: Dumbarton Quarry Campground offers comprehensive site services. A visitor reported, "Every pitch has a bench and fire pit, plus water, electricity and sewer hook ups. WiFi too, not super strong but it worked!"
Generator regulations: Anthony Chabot Regional Park prohibits generator use despite offering limited electric hookups. According to a camper, "No generators are allowed which isn't an issue since there are full hookups at all 12 RV sites."
Driving conditions: Access roads to campgrounds in higher elevations can be challenging. One visitor to Joseph D Grant County Park stated, "No cell service, ride up the mountain is nauseating."
