Best Campgrounds near Milpitas, CA

Campgrounds near Milpitas, California include several established facilities with diverse accommodation options. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can access parks like Sunol Regional Wilderness, Del Valle Campground, and Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay. Most locations support tent camping, while several accommodate RVs with hookups. Notably, some properties like Del Valle and French Camp Recreational Vehicle Park offer cabin options. The campground distribution ranges from bay-side locations at Dumbarton Quarry to more elevated, wooded settings at sites like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Sanborn County Park.

Camping reservations are generally required at most established campgrounds in the region. Several campgrounds maintain facilities year-round, though seasonal variations affect comfort and capacity. Many sites have bathroom facilities, with varying levels of amenities from basic vault toilets to full shower facilities. Water availability differs significantly between locations, with some parks offering full hookups while others maintain more primitive conditions. Cell service can be limited at more remote locations like Joseph D. Grant County Park, where one camper noted, "No cell service, ride up the mountain is nauseating. They do not sell ice but firewood is available for $13 a bundle."

The campground experience varies considerably across the region. Sites closer to the bay like Dumbarton Quarry provide urban convenience with modern facilities. According to visitor feedback, "This campground opened in August 2021, so the facilities are still brand-spanking new. The best parts about this campground are close to town, excellent cellular reception on all carriers, warm/hot and clean showers, and stunning walks in the coyote hills." Inland parks typically offer more natural settings with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. Joseph D. Grant County Park features "great park with hiking, great views of Mt. Hamilton and a lake," while tent sites generally provide fire pits where seasonal restrictions permit. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours and have specific gate closure times, with Joseph D. Grant County Park closing gates at 8:15 PM.

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Best Camping Sites Near Milpitas, California (169)

    1. Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District

    23 Reviews
    Livermore, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $15 - $200 / night

    "After time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality"

    "Campsite amenities were great, easy access to water and bathrooms. Bathrooms were spotless the whole weekend, even though it was a holiday weekend and every site was booked."

    2. Sanborn County Park

    19 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-9959

    $33 / night

    "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."

    "Great walk-in campground so close to home in the South Bay Area (albeit walk is slightly uphill)."

    3. Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

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

    $45 - $65 / night

    "What they do have are scores of hookup sites for $60 / night and three tent / drive-in no hookup water-only sites for $45 / night."

    "Since it's a new campground, the trees are young and don't supply much shade, but since it's close to the SF Bay, the bay breeze helps."

    4. Sunol

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

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

    5. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    29 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $25 - $200 / night

    "as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"

    "Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty."

    6. French Camp Recreational Vehicle Park

    4 Reviews
    Milpitas, CA
    3 miles
    +1 (209) 234-3030

    7. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 338-8860

    $35 / night

    "Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site."

    "So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco."

    8. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Mount Hermon, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 438-2396

    $7 - $35 / night

    "This is a nice campground in a great part of California with lots of hiking and beaches nearby. The bathrooms were clean and well kept."

    "There were bigger sites that would've suited us better but it was a nice little tucked in site. The poison oak is prolific. Our site was literally surrounded by it."

    9. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

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

    $15 - $400 / night

    "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"

    "Good trails."

    10. Grant County Park

    2 Reviews
    Mount Hamilton, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 274-6121

    "Clean, bathrooms near by. Very relaxing and away from San Jose."

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Recent Reviews near Milpitas, CA

808 Reviews of 169 Milpitas Campgrounds


  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Lovely site, really close to San Francisco!

    On visiting San Francisco we were looking for a site that wasn’t a car park. This really met the mark! Beautiful place with great sites. Nice picnic tables & fire pits! Was very quiet

  • A
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Sunset State Beach Campground

    Nice campground

    It was my first time beach camping so i didnt know what to expect. Was a bit breezier than im use to with the mountains. Not a lot of trees around. It is nice not dealing with a lot of bugs since youre by the beach and all. The bathrooms and showers were well maintained.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Lovely RV site!

    Really lovely RV site. Nice toilets & showers. Lovely shady spots and really close to Santa Cruz

  • jay B.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Sunset State Beach Campground

    Not the Best Fit for RV Campers

    We’ve camped all along the coast and had high hopes for this spot, but it didn’t quite meet expectations. The sites feel very close together and are a bit awkwardly arranged, making it a tight fit—especially for anything larger than a small camper. We're in a 22’ van/motorhome crossover and were fortunate to find a level spot, though most sites we saw were not level. The beach trails could use some maintenance as they’re currently in rough shape. This campground might be a better option for tent campers, but for RVs, it’s not ideal.

  • T
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Nice location and activities, but a bit cramped

    I just needed/wanted a short getaway without driving hours from home. Since I'm used to this place for mountain biking, I figured I'd try camping here for a couple nights. 

    I did a recon ride previously on my mountain bike, so knew which spots I'd prefer and booked site 35 for a Thursday and Friday night. 

    Arrived at about 5PM and found my spot. The ranger booth was closed, but I didn't feel the need to chat with them anyway. The place was largely unoccupied at this point. Maybe a dozen or so spots appeared taken. 

    The weather, though hot in the Bay Area at this point, was quite nice. The breeze and shade of the park made for a very comfortable setting. I believe it was 88 in Castro Valley, but felt about 78 at the campground. I don't have AC for the van, but didn't feel I needed any. 

    I got setup and then headed out for a short ride, followed by a warm shower, cold beer and dinner. It was quiet that evening and I slept well. 

    I worked through the morning Friday, though the Starlink suffered some interruptions due to the tree cover. Early afternoon more people started to show up, as I expected. I went for a long ride and when I returned the place was much more occupied and people were setting up tents, starting their bbq's, etc. Though a bit close to the neighbors, none of them were obnoxious. 

    My advice would be to know the spot you're selecting and know that in the summer months the grass isn't green :) 

    I'd score the individual aspects as follows (1-5):

    Bathrooms: 4

    Location: 5

    Activities: 5

    Privacy: 3

    Cleanliness: 4

  • A
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Uvas Canyon County Park

    A ton of wasps near 25

    Second time at the campground. Love this campground still but im pretty sure there is a wasp next near 25. We were here about 2 weeks ago at a different site and didnt have any wasp issues. It probably didnt help that it looked like previous people left trash and food on the floor. We will be coming back soon to a different site. Campground is gorgeous. Bathrooms are super clean.

  • Brittany F.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Redwoods galore

    The camp host went above and beyond! Happily told us things to do with our kids and how close places were. Santa Cruz is only 10 miles away. The campground is all natural! Trees and nature all around. Viewing areas that allow all to enjoy the stream, at the back of the resort, and paths to take a closer look. A safe and quiet location. I felt safe, with my young kids, that everyone was driving slowly and respecting the rules.

  • James C.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Thousand Trails Turtle Beach

    Still a 4-star park worth the trip

    This may not be the park it once was, but it's still far better than most in the area. Showers and clubhouse activities are still limited, but the nearby delta offers its own attraction. Day use, tents, and every class of RV are easily accommodated. No shopping or supplies nearby, but anything you may want or need is within 5 miles. It is very relaxing and one of the first sites I try to book if I'm in the area. Hands down better than the county parks.


Guide to Milpitas

Camping near Milpitas, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are options that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore beautiful trails like the Pioneer Tree Trail at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "Hiking through the forest felt like you were walking through a scene from Fern Gully."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground enjoyed spotting "wild turkeys coming to pick up the dropped food on the ground."
  • Beach Activities: At New Brighton State Beach Campground, you can enjoy beachcombing, swimming, and sunbathing. One camper mentioned, "Great views and easy access to the beach."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning surroundings. One review for Mount Madonna County Park said, "What a gem of a campground! We’ll definitely come back!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground remarked, "Showers, restrooms, tables, and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Francis Beach Campground are great for families. One reviewer noted, "Very very very safe. Lots of families but again, super safe and beautiful."

What you should know:

  • First-Come, First-Served: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground advised, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."
  • Limited Privacy: Some sites can be close together. A visitor at New Brighton State Beach Campground mentioned, "This campground is super 'non-private' but it reminded me of any other state beach/state park."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. Campers at Anthony Chabot Regional Park reported, "We had two new types of visitors... a couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground that cater to families. One parent shared, "For families who want a quick trip... nowhere is more convenient."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground suggested, "There are beautiful hiking trails all over this campground."
  • Check Amenities: Make sure the campground has the necessary facilities. A visitor at California Sunset State Beach noted, "Clean bathrooms with running water."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites may be smaller than expected. A camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground mentioned, "Not much space to pitch a larger size tent."
  • Bring Locks for Food Storage: Wildlife can be a problem, so secure your food. A visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground advised, "Make sure you bring a padlock as there is no locking mechanism on the door."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A camper at Mount Madonna County Park appreciated the "very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance."

Camping near Milpitas, CA, offers a mix of beautiful scenery, family-friendly activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any lakeside camping options near Milpitas?

While Milpitas doesn't have immediate lakeside camping, several options exist within driving distance. Anthony Chabot Regional Park offers camping near Lake Chabot with family-friendly sites close to restrooms and water sources. The campground provides good access to the lake, though be aware of poison oak and star thistle just off trails. Another option is Grant County Park, which features camping with access to nearby water features. These parks are particularly popular during summer months, so reservations are highly recommended. Most lakeside options near Milpitas will be reservoir-based rather than natural lakes, with varying water levels depending on season and drought conditions.

Where are the best camping spots near Milpitas, CA?

Milpitas offers excellent access to nearby camping destinations within a 1-2 hour drive. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground provides a beautiful redwood setting with well-maintained facilities and proximity to hiking trails. For those seeking coastal options, Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground offers oceanfront sites with occasional last-minute availability. Both locations provide fire rings and picnic tables. Other excellent options include Joseph D Grant County Park for a closer option east of San Jose and San Mateo Memorial Park for a redwood experience. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations well in advance, especially during summer months.

Are there campgrounds with shower facilities near Milpitas?

Yes, several campgrounds near Milpitas offer shower facilities. New Brighton State Beach Campground provides sites with electricity and water, situated on a bluff near the ocean with good shower facilities. The campground features roomy sites with fire rings and tables. Sunset State Beach also offers shower facilities for campers, with beautiful beach access. While shower availability is common at developed campgrounds in the region, facilities vary in cleanliness and hot water reliability. Some may require quarters or tokens, so bring change just in case. During peak summer season, morning and evening shower lines can form at popular campgrounds.

What tent camping sites are available near Milpitas?

Several excellent tent camping options exist near Milpitas. Sanborn County Park offers a unique car-free experience with a short walk up a paved path from parking to campsites. They provide carts to help transport gear, and each site includes storage boxes near picnic tables. For backpackers, Castle Rock Trail Camp near Saratoga Gap provides a more remote experience with beautiful hiking trails. Many sites in the region feature clean facilities, fire rings, and tables, though they can be close together at some parks. Most tent campgrounds fill quickly during peak season (May-September), so booking well in advance is recommended, particularly for weekend stays.