Best Tent Camping near Milpitas, CA

Looking for the best Milpitas tent camping? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Milpitas. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Milpitas, California's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Milpitas, CA (33)

    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park

    1. Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park

    18 Reviews
    46 Photos
    67 Saves
    Pescadero, California

    Ben Ries Campground

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    2. Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    8 Reviews
    18 Photos
    257 Saves
    Saratoga, California

    Castle Rock State Park is a land of sculpted sandstone, lush forests, and sweeping vistas. From one of the highest ridges in the Santa Cruz Mountains, park visitors enjoy hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. Rock climbers explore the park's caverns and rocks, including the namesake Castle Rock. Plant-lovers come for California black oaks, knobcone pines, and high-elevation coast redwoods. The park’s 34 miles of rugged trails conveniently connect to an extensive trail system that links the Santa Clara and San Lorenzo valleys to nearby Big Basin Redwoods State Park and open space preserves on the Skyline to the Sea Trail.

    The Castle Rock Trail Camp is open year round on a first-come, first-serve basis. The campground is a 2.5 mile (4 kilometer) hike from the parking area and you will have to carry all of your equipment into the camp. Castle Rock Trail Camp has trash receptacles, bathrooms, and 20 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Wood is available for sale during the wet season. Fires are not allowed during fire season.

    Camping is permitted only in designated camps. Campers are required to be in their campsites from sunset to 6 a.m.

    To register and pay your fees, check in at the Entrance Station at the Castle Rock parking lot. If you arrive when the station is not staffed, you can use the self-registration envelopes. Make sure you bring exact change or a check to use in case you must use the self-registration. Place your receipt on the dashboard in a visible place as proof of payment. Rangers will verify payment. For more information about camping and fire closure dates, please call Castle Rock State Park at (408) 867-2952. For more information and reservations for Waterman Gap Trail Camp, please visit the Santa Cruz Mountain State Parks Backcountry Trail Camp Page.

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water

    $8 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park

    3. Uvas Canyon County Park

    9 Reviews
    53 Photos
    307 Saves
    New Almaden, California

    Welcom​e to Uvas Canyon County Park. This lushly wooded park of 1,147 acres, is nestled in upper Uvas Canyon on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz

    Mountains. This mountain park offers hiking, camping and picnicking opportunities throughout most of the year. Enjoy your visit today and return often to experience the many features of Uvas Canyon County Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $34 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4 Reviews
    26 Photos
    41 Saves
    Mount Hamilton, California

    Hikers and equestrians have access to an extensive 51 mile trail system. Mountain bikes are permitted on over 75% of the park's trails as designated. The diverse trail system at the park makes this a popular place to stage large-scale organized trail events such as equestrian endurance rides, mountain bike events and foot races. Dogs are also allowed on the trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds as long as they are on a 6 ft. leash.

    Shaded picnic areas are available on a first-come first-served basis. Campers can choose from almost forty (40) reservable family campsites. Hot showers are available with paid campsite use. Group picnic and youth camping areas are available by reservation. One large lake and several smaller ponds are accessible for warm water fishing. Fires are permitted in designated fire rings only. Do not gather wood. Extinguish fires when unattended. When posted "NO FIRES", only campstoves or gas grills are permitted. For further questions please call the park office: (408) 274-6121.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian

    $15 - $400 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park

    5. Little Basin Cabins and Campground — Big Basin Redwoods State Park

    5 Reviews
    19 Photos
    203 Saves
    Boulder Creek, California

    CAMPGROUNDS CLOSED TEMPORARILY

    This park unit is partially open. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    • No image available

      7. Coyote Hills Regional Park

      2 Reviews
      23 Saves
      Newark, California
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      • Drinking Water
      Camper-submitted photo from Seacliff State Beach
      Camper-submitted photo from Seacliff State Beach

      8. Seacliff State Beach

      7 Reviews
      2 Photos
      331 Saves
      Aptos, California
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Cabins
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
      • No image available

        10. Towle Campground

        1 Review
        29 Saves
        Los Altos Hills, California
        • Fires
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Trash
        • Picnic Table

        $40 / night

      Show More
      Showing results 1-10 of 33 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in Milpitas

      626 Reviews of 33 Milpitas Campgrounds


      • Ben W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Juniper Campground — Mount Diablo State Park
        Nov. 28, 2024

        Juniper Campground — Mount Diablo State Park

        Hot as hell in the summer

        Insanely hot in the summer, I would recommend not going in July like we did. It was 104° or something and I was just drenching my clothes in water to stay cool.

        The hike is pretty nice to the summit from there.

        Lots of free water and there's free showers too which is awesome, but don't use the stinky toilet at the top there's way better ones around the bottom area.

        They have food lockers, not bear lockers, and ours was broken one time so have a solid backup plan, the raccoons are very intelligent and they come out at night so be prepared for that.

        BRING SHOWER SHOES AND SOAP UR GOING TO WANT IT

      • Michell C.
        Camper-submitted photo from Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
        Nov. 25, 2024

        Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

        Very nice beach camping spot

        The atmosphere here is wonderful. It’s quiet and right on the beach. Some RV spaces with hookups back right up to the sand/vegetation. Bathrooms and showers on site. We stayed in a spot without hookups and it was $35 per night. Gate staff was friendly and helpful. No dogs allowed in the beach in the park but a short walk away there is a public beach that is dog friendly, so that was nice for our doggo.

      • michael D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
        Nov. 19, 2024

        Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

        We liked this extremely clean and well maintained Park.

        We stayed here for 12 days while visiting relatives in the Bay area. This campground, while in the heart of Fremont, feels remote and safe in spite of being close to town. Sites are not huge, but arranged in such a way as to feel private. It is in the Coyote hills regional Park. 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 we're always in great shape. The laundry is run by an outside organization, and the change machine was always empty, but everything worked well.

      • UThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Valley RV Resort
        Oct. 16, 2024

        Coyote Valley RV Resort

        Buttoned up, formal atmosphere RV resort

        High priced. Nice people at desk. Damon who helped us park was very friendly. Almost entirely high-priced big rigs, some of whom seem settled here but it's clean, 'orderly,' very quiet. Rigid rules keep the order; nice that no political flags/signs allowed. 2 dog parks and lots of grassy areas to take for a walk. Showers in locker-room/bldg, bathrooms nice and clean. Green grass. Also has laundry with 2.50 wash and.25 dry for 8 min. Skunk wandered by site in the night. Cool train sounds from nearby tracks at night. Was probably the most convenient to San Jose, otherwise we likely would've been in mtns. and too far away from town for our needs at the time. Would not be a regular choice for us.

      • KThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Salinas-Monterey KOA
        Oct. 8, 2024

        Salinas-Monterey KOA

        Parking lot with a pool

        Pretty basic place. Level, noisy highway. Very friendly staff clean. I enjoy more of the outdoors so not really my cup of tea. Very narrow spaces.

      • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from New Brighton State Beach Campground
        Sep. 30, 2024

        New Brighton State Beach Campground

        Love it here

        There are a ton of reviews for this place already so I will try to keep it short and only add info that I didn't see mentioned in previous reviews.

        Showers are $0.25 per min ($0.50 min to start).  You don't get to adjust water temp, but it was pleasantly hot. Showers are non-gendered and individual.

        Dump station is no longer free; all California State Parks are charging $10 to dump now, even for campers.  You pay at the dump site with a credit card. There are 4 dump holes and a potable water fill as well.

        We love staying here as it's so convenient to Capitola. We were able to park our RV in Capitola and walk to the shops. We got last minute reservations (it's really hard to book a site here in the summer), but had to move sites in between days, and so we used that 2 hour block between noon checkout and 2pm checkin to drive the RV to Capitola. It seemed like it would have been too much of a hassle to try and get to move to the new spot before checkin, so this worked out fine.

        We love all the state parks along the beach in California, and I'm sure we'll be back at some point.

      • Elizabeth S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach Campground
        Sep. 30, 2024

        Sunset State Beach Campground

        Quiet nice views

        Campground is quiet except those who run their generators all day and play the radio loud. It is spread out. (But still close, you do see your neighbors.) The camp ground is between fields and the ocean. Site 25 has amazing views but also can be breezy. Or windy. Old but clean bathrooms with coin showers. Water close to sites.

      • CJ S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat
        Sep. 8, 2024

        Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat

        Not great for the price

        The pictures here are very deceiving. Driving in, the first 4 campsites are occupied by broken down trailers, an overturned couch and broken BBQ pits. We stayed in site #6 which was probably one of the best sites. Great shade and car was able to be parked nearby (you walk down non-maintained "stairs" with rotted tree branches as the steps).  

        Overall, I had high hopes based on the description here especially reading: "Our onsite staff will go around and enforce the rules." but this is clearly a non-maintained campground that was probably very nice 45 years ago. No hiking trails are maintained, the bathrooms are "rustic" which is fine--nice to have running water when you've got little ones to clean. But the floors were rotted and I was afraid we'd step through the floorboards. 

        If you are a true car camper who can lock your doors at night, this is probably the spot for you. Running water, showers and washing machine. If you are a tent camper with small kids like me, this is not where you want to stay. I'm disappointed I paid the price I did to stay here, I'd pay $25/night because this is essentially a parking space in a poorly maintained campground.

      • Sean Z.
        Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
        Sep. 2, 2024

        Anthony Chabot Regional Park

        Great time inconvenienced by yellow jackets

        We love to camp here for barbecuing, mountain biking and hiking. We always do it during 7/4 holidays except for this year when the park canceled our reservation due to high heat. So we booked for the Labor Day weekend. Temperature was perfect and biking and hiking were enjoyable as usual. This year we had two new types of visitors to the the site. A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground. We were able to take a closeup look at them and they were beautiful birds with big eyes spotting tiny bits of crumbs. They come and go from one site to the next quietly and gently. Very cute and we took pictures with their presence. Then came the aggressive yellow jackets. We never had yellow jackets in our previous 7/4 outings here. Oh boy, they fought for the meat relentlessly. At the end of the outing, both my finger and my wife’s were stung. We reported the experience to the attendant at the gate when leaving. She said the park is looking for a solution. In the meantime, she suggested contacting them early on so they might be able to provide another site. Hopefully, next year, we won’t encounter so many nasties.

      • Jason M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park
        Aug. 25, 2024

        Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

        Great Layover

        We had a quick three-day trip here to visit family. The pool is small, yet well-kept and we had it to ourselves every time we went each day. The park was perfect for the kids biking around through the short- and long-term areas.

      • GThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Brannan Island State Recreation Area
        Aug. 3, 2024

        Brannan Island State Recreation Area

        Great times

        Brennan Island State Park is an absolute gem nestled in the heart of the California Delta. From the moment you arrive, you're greeted by friendly staff who make you feel right at home. The park's natural beauty is simply breathtaking, with expansive views of the Delta's sparkling waters and lush landscapes.

        The park offers a variety of activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're into boating, fishing, hiking, or simply relaxing by the water, there's something here for everyone. The well-maintained trails provide the perfect opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna, and the picnic areas are ideal for a leisurely lunch with family and friends.

        One of the highlights of Brennan Island State Park is its sense of community. The other visitors are always warm and welcoming, creating a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere. It's a great place to meet new people who share a love for the great outdoors.

        Overall, Brennan Island State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and friendly vibes of the California Delta. It's a perfect spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway, offering a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

      • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
        Jul. 26, 2024

        Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

        Gorgeous - and so much poison oak

        This is a gorgeous campground! It's big and it's busy, but the sites are mostly very private and lush and green. Each site has a different configuration, but this place books up fast, so you have to look at photos online and the dimensions of the site and hope it works out.

        We were a little worried when we arrived in our 26ft class c, we worried that we wouldn't make it through the narrow roads and overhanging trees, but we were ok. Not sure that this place would be good for giant rigs though. Getting into our spot was a bit tricky, and when coming out a ranger truck was blocking our road (he was cleaning the bathrooms, I believe), which made leaving very tricky as well.

        There are beautiful hiking trails all over this campground, but there is so much poison oak - everywhere. All over the camp sites, trails to the bathroom, hiking trails, etc, it was everywhere.

        Showers and toilets looked clean, showers are coin operated, $0.50 for 2 min.

        If you arrive before checkin they will have you wait at the day use area several miles away - heads up.

      • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from New Brighton State Beach Campground
        Jul. 23, 2024

        New Brighton State Beach Campground

        Good spot with availability

        Despite the website showing every site booked, we drove in about 4 pm to a decent number of sites. Entry ranger was available pretty late. Site was $35 I believe, and has paid showers and restrooms. Site had a fire pit, paved parking for a larger vehicle, table and decent amount of shade. Lots of families and lots of kids. Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more.

      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat
        Jul. 9, 2024

        Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat

        This was an excellent getaway

        Booked this as a last minute escape from the heat where I live and it didn’t disappoint. Towering Coastal Redwoods provide for tons of shade and really nice campsites. Definitely a dry time of year but there were still some beautiful wildflowers to be seen. There’s a lovely easy trail that takes you to a stream along a mostly shaded path. I imagine that during the spring you’ll get a greater runoff but it was still really nice. Saturday was pretty bust with campers but Sunday was almost all vacant so it felt like I had the whole place to myself and the wildlife showed up. The hosts were communicative and descriptions and directions were great. Zero cell service with Verizon but it was nice to just unplug. I would definitely recommend this one. Happy camping!

      • Laura D.
        Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach Campground
        Jul. 6, 2024

        Manresa State Beach Campground

        Right on beach!

        First time visiting, We stayed at site 63 for two nights June 30 and July 1st. Sites are very private and seperated by bushes and trees. The loading zone was a short walk to our site. It was an easy 5-7 minute walk down to the beach. Beach was clean and not crowded. Beautiful sunset views. Only complaints are that the bathrooms were filthy. One of the showers wasn’t working and robbed us of $2. They need to put a quarter change machine for coins for the showers. We had to drive to KOA to get change to shower. We will definitely come back !

      • LThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pinto Lake City Park
        Jun. 30, 2024

        Pinto Lake City Park

        Small City Park... Good Option for short and/or Longer Stays

        Small city park with RV Parking on grass between lake and baseball fields.  Sites almost level; however, might need to use a few blocks.  Park was busy with locals using pavilions for birthday and other parties when we visited on a Saturday in June.  Adjacent baseball field was busy on Sunday morning with little league game and parking lot was full.  Cars were being parked in unused RV spots.  Many people were fishing from the shoreline.  Many Candian geese (with poop) were in the dock area and alone the shoreline.  Some ducks made themselves at home in the shade under our RV.  Temperature was considerably cooler versus the very hot temps only a few miles further inland.  Nice that each site has electric / water / sewer hook-ups.  Two rest rooms (one by lake and one by baseball field) were a little dirty due to heavy use.  Unfortunate there are no showers and that you can only walk around perhaps 10% of the lake shoreline.  Quiet at night as they lock the park gate... they give you an access card ($25 deposit req'd) if you need to leave and return after gate is locked at night.  Called and requested my $25 credit after refund was not automatically received a few days later.  Credit was immediately made.  A good option especially if parks along the coast are booked and you want reasonably cool temperatures.  Would stay again.

      • Michelle W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
        Jun. 17, 2024

        Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

        So many animals and birds

        I had a big spot and no neighbors my entire half of the campground on a Monday night in June. I was under 2 big oaks that were buzzing with bird activity.
        The bathrooms were clean and I had water on my site. I had some AT&T service.

      • Sonya S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach
        May. 31, 2024

        Sunset State Beach

        Clean and quite

        This is a beautiful place, camp site behind woods, this, waving sound won’t bother at night.

        Very clean and friendly staffs

      • Lori T.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Mount Madonna County Park
        May. 28, 2024

        Mount Madonna County Park

        Great Campground

        Loved everything about this campground! Registration online was really easy as was the check-in process. We stayed in Valley View 1, site 106. There was really no road noise at our site, though a few sites further around the loop did have noise. This particular site has a trail leading directly to the vast network of hiking trails. Huge bonus for us and we were pleasantly surprised that not one person used our site as a cut through. On the subject of hiking, this is a county park that allows dogs on ALL the trails. It’s hard to find that sometimes so we greatly appreciated how dog friendly it was. We didn’t actually encounter anyone else as we hiked, so I can’t attest to whether folks follow the rule that dogs must be on a 6 ft lead on the trails, but they certainly did in the campground. There are quite a few trails that are currently closed due to storm damage, but crews were actively working on them.

        While the sites are a little close to each other, those on the outside of the loop had a great deal of privacy. Inner loop sites have none, but would be great if you were camping with friends. We didn’t use the restrooms or showers, but peeked in them anyway. Like everything else in this campground, they were clean and well maintained.

        The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great! There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park that we used as we departed.

        Our friends stayed in one of the yurts and it was great, albeit a little cold for them at night. I believe there are 2 dog friendly yurts. 106RV

        What a gem of a campground! We’ll definitely come back!

        Important to note that you can actually get a cell signal if you walk to the dump station!



      Guide to Milpitas

      Tent camping near Milpitas, California offers a fantastic escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful retreat.

      Tips for tent camping near Milpitas

      • Uvas Canyon County Park provides well-maintained campsites with plenty of shade, making it a comfortable spot for families and groups.
      • Castle Rock Trail Camp is a hike-in campground that offers a secluded experience, perfect for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle.
      • Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp features spacious tent sites and clean facilities, ideal for a relaxing camping experience.

      Local attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

      • Coyote Hills Regional Park is a great spot for walking and enjoying the scenic views, although it may have more foot traffic than other campgrounds.
      • Garin Regional Park offers a rich history and various trails, making it a fun destination for those interested in exploring the area.
      • Black Mountain Backpacking Camp is perfect for beginner backpackers, with easy access to trails and stunning sunset views.

      Tent campers appreciate these amenities

      • Portola Redwoods State Park Campground features picnic tables and fire rings, providing a comfortable setting for cooking and gathering around the fire.
      • Towle Campground offers drinking water and toilets, ensuring a convenient camping experience for all visitors.
      • SkyWanda Sanctuary includes electric hookups and showers, making it a great choice for those who want a bit more comfort while enjoying the outdoors.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Milpitas, CA?

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

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Milpitas, CA?

        TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Milpitas, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.