Best RV Parks & Resorts near Monte Sereno, CA

Several RV accommodations dot the Santa Clara Valley and surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains near Monte Sereno. Smithwoods RV Park in Felton provides full hookups with water, electric, and sewer connections, with sites situated along the San Lorenzo River. Thousand Trails Morgan Hill features both 30-amp and 50-amp sites with pull-through options for larger vehicles, operating year-round on paved parking pads. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort accommodates big rigs with spacious sites and offers amenities including a dump station, showers, and firewood sales. Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park maintains concrete pads with wide roadways that accommodate larger recreational vehicles. "Level, concrete pads with spacing that's tight. We had an end space with a nice patch of grass," noted one visitor about the regional RV park layout.

Road navigation to mountain campgrounds requires caution on narrow, winding routes with steep grades, particularly when approaching facilities in Felton or Scotts Valley. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with stronger reception in valley locations like Morgan Hill and weaker signals in forested campgrounds. Most RV parks in the area remain open year-round, though advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer and holiday weekends. Pet policies differ between facilities—some parks feature dedicated dog runs while others maintain strict leash requirements or breed restrictions. Dump stations are available at most full-service RV parks, though several reviews mention that some facilities charge additional fees for this service. Recent visitors highlight that leveling can be challenging at certain mountain locations, with one camper noting they "needed to raise one wheel about 5 inches and another 2 to get level" at a nearby park.

Best RV Sites Near Monte Sereno, California (89)

    1. Santa Cruz Ranch Campground

    4 Reviews
    Scotts Valley, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Not quiet though, lots of kids."

    2. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 335-8312

    "Family friendly and tight community with an awesome river down a few steps! 15 mins down to the boardwalk! Ocean during the day and camping a night. We loved our experience. Highly recommend!"

    "Cozy tight quarters but just enough room for a picnic bench, fire pit and hanging out area. This campground is covered entirely by redwoods with plenty of shade for a cool vacation."

    3. Cotillion Gardens RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 335-7669

    "Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once your at your site you can relax. Bathrooms are a little dated, no cell service but good WiFi if your close to the office."

    "Park is rustic, but has a lot of amenities and is very close to Santa Cruz. We visit family and friends in the area often, but this was the first time we camped in the area."

    4. San Francisco RV Resort

    15 Reviews
    Pacifica, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It doesn't look like all of the pull-through spots are still pull-through really even though the campground map indicates they are."

    "It has a ca beach town feel, but is just 20 minutes from San Francisco. Walgreens, Safeway, and a couple coffee shops, local bakery and restaurants all walking distance."

    5. Smithwoods RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    15 miles
    +1 (831) 335-4321

    "Full hook ups. We had a great view of the San Lorenzo River and Henry Cowell State Park. The staff is great and helpful."

    "The location is mostly flat and surrounded with Redwoods. Shady and sunny locations; larger and small RV spots. No tent camping. It backs into Henry Cowell State Park and you can walk into it."

    6. Thousand Trails Morgan Hill

    8 Reviews
    San Martin, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We got a nice spot close to the dump station near front. Their pool is huge and very very well kept. The spot was 30amp and back in however they have 50amp/pull through also."

    "Got propane filled, nice staff. No full hookups but dump station was convenient. Lots of nice activities going on."

    7. Joseph D. Grant County Park

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

    "The bathrooms were a short walk down hill. They were clean with flushing toilets. There camp ground was quiet and it was mostly couples or small family groups."

    "No one else was in the campground, so it was definitely quiet. Bathrooms and showers were available. Camp host was friendly. They also sell ice which was nice to grab for the cooler."

    8. Half Moon Bay RV Park

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

    "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."

    "There are many full time residents that take pride in their community and it shows. From booking until leaving, we had a positive experience."

    9. Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Gilroy, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 848-8081

    "Just an FYI, if they have open spots after the office closes they put out packets for up to 2 pull thru and 2 back in spots for late arrivals without a reservation.

    Pros

    • Great central location!"

    "Several shade trees. Lots of little kids. Wi-Fi was great. Could work and stream TV. Facilities (bathrooms and showers) were nice. Pool was wonderful. Staff were super friendly. Gave my dog a treat!"

    10. Trailer Villa RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Redwood City, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 366-7880

    "After-hours check-in was a breeze, as the checkin instructions were taped to the main door of the office at the park entrance."

    "We got in super late because of traffic and the info was just right there on the office door.. the park is clean, in a nice area and close to San Jose and San Francisco. We really enjoyed our stay."

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RV Park Reviews near Monte Sereno, CA

712 Reviews of 89 Monte Sereno Campgrounds


  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 27, 2021

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Beautiful!

    This campground is beautiful and at 50% of normal capacity even better! The campground is set among a grove of eucalyptus trees that offer shade, which would be really nice during summer, and a calming aroma. 

    There are dry and full hook up sites. 

    $35 for dry

    $45 for hook ups

    $8 reservation fee

    $2 fee per day for each dog which is not stated when making reservations, you  are expected to pay when you arrive.

    We have 3 dogs and the ranger came by and mentioned the fee though he never made us pay it. Also they do not allow visitors at this time due to Covid, campers only. There was some type of maintenance going on which had trucks frequently driving up and down the road but overall quiet. Strict rule of no check in prior to 2pm, but there is a day use area nearby to park in and hike around if you arrive early. The road up to the campground is winding with a lot of cyclists. Cell service was spotty on the way up and weak at campground but usable with our WeBoost. The road in the campground is narrow with tight turns into the sites so if you have a big rig be aware.

    Other amenities:

    Recycling and garbage

    Bathrooms and showers

    Tons of hiking and biking trails

    Water and dump station available for dry campers

    Fire pit, firewood for sale at kiosk for $10/bundle

    Picnic tables

    30 amp only

    Paved parking pad, mostly level

    Overall would definitely come again!

  • r
    Jul. 3, 2021

    Betabel RV Resort

    Clean quiet safe

    This is a great RV resort for extended stay or overnight if traveling through. Lots of pull through sites for long RVs which are OK here. In the summer, there is a strong coastal influence so it stays cool here! Amenities include a pool, very clean bathrooms and showers and a small store.

  • s
    Jun. 20, 2021

    Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

    Nice RV Park, Reasonable Rates

    We happened upon this RV Park as a drop in when our other park was not available. What a pleasant surprise! We’ll be making this our go to spot when traveling through the Gilroy area from now on.

    For starters, the staff is wonderful. So friendly. Just an FYI, if they have open spots after the office closes they put out packets for up to 2 pull thru and 2 back in spots for late arrivals without a reservation.

    Pros

    • Great central location!
    • Roomy spaces, by RV park standards.
    • Water, sewer, electric, WiFi, and trash.
    • Propane on-site for purchase.
    • Laundry mat on site. Prices more reasonable than going to a laundry mat off site.
    • Showers and restrooms.
    • Truly dog welcoming, with multiple dog poop baggy bins and a dog run so your best friend can run leash free. They even gave my dog premium dog treats upon arrival. Wow!!
    • A really nice pool.
    • Wide back in spots, with wide roadways. Even a novice RVer can back it up with out concern.
    • This place can accommodate truly large rigs, there were quite a few of them during our visit.
    • There are likely long term rentals, but I couldn’t point them out because all the sites were neat and clean with flowers and landscaping. The park was super quiet.
    • Open, lush grassy area.

    Cons:

    • It’s an RV park, so there is a lot of smooth new concrete and the sites are close together. If you want natural turf and more space, you’ll need to give up the amenities and go to a State Park or Forest.
  • Nicole R.
    Oct. 25, 2018

    Thousand Trails Morgan Hill

    Sweet spot

    We got a nice spot close to the dump station near front. Their pool is huge and very very well kept. The spot was 30amp and back in however they have 50amp/pull through also. There is multiple lodges and a recreation center so plenty to do. Nice spot to bring the family. Close to local wine tastings and even had Safeway close enough for grocery delivery. Plus good nature hike trails in park.

  • Erin S.
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Santa Cruz Harbor

    Parking lot for RVs in North Harbor

    You are probably thinking "Parking lot? Why did you give it 4 stars?" Because of the location! We stayed here for three nights in our 34 foot travel trailer. We barely fit into the back in site, and had to park our truck in visitor parking a short walk away. Other, smaller trailers had enough room for their vehicle to fit in alongside. The facility has full-hookups and they functioned fine. The harbor itself has trails but no other facilities for campers. No wifi but Verizon had good signal. The weather is perfect and we loved walking to the beach, to get coffee in Seabright, and driving into downtown and the boardwalk.  It's fairly quiet at night, but you do have to watch your stuff. The first night we stayed here we got woken up at 5:30 in the morning by a rattling noise. Open the door and someone is walking away from our trailer. A look at our bike rack revealed that our ties had been cut. I guess the would-be thief didn't notice that the bikes were locked to the rack. Either way, you have to be careful, because this is Santa Cruz and there are a lot of weird folks about. So yes, there are some downsides. But we love Santa Cruz and it was great to be in such a central location.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    Nice Respite Along the Beach

    We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance. While meeting up with some friends in Half Moon Bay we happened along the campsite and simply enquired if they had an open site for the night. They did, and we ended up staying for 2 nights due to a cancellation.  It never hurts to ask!  

    The campsite is a nice quiet stretch of grass, live oak trees, and beach shrubs about 30 vertical feet above the Pacific beach shoreline.  While you get away from the blowing sand, you get to hear the pounding ocean at night. I can’t imagine a more gentle lullaby, frankly. The sites themselves are a little close quarters, but all provide just about enough space for a long camper and a tow/towed vehicle as well.  For a small camper like us, there’s even enough room to have a friend visit. 

    The sites offer electrical and water hookups, additionally there is a dump station just as you exit the camping area. Showers and flush toilets are available, but also used by all the beach goers in the area, so you know what they look like....never clean.

    The town of Half Moon Bay offers pretty much everything you need in terms of restaurants or grocery stores. Riding your bike, or walking along the path toward town for a well-earned brunch should definitely reach the top of your to-do list while you’re there.  We had brunch at Mavericks Creparie and dinner at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.  Both are absolutely fantastic!

    Beachcombing, sunbathing, swimming, horseback riding, and skim boarding during the warmer months also are great ways to fill up the day. The beach path goes for miles in either direction so you can get some exercise off of the main roads.

  • BRIAN O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2022

    Pillar Point RV Park

    Pricey, but worth it

    Great spot right off the highway and on the beach. Lots of activities and places to eat within walking distance. Surfing, walking/bike trails, kayaking….Pet friendly

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2023

    Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    Nice City Campground Close to Downtown Monterey

    Nice parklike campground run by the City of Monterey. It’s adjacent to a day use area with a big playground and some little hiking trails. You can walk to downtown Monterey’s restaurants and shops from here, about 1-2 miles away. The campground is on a hill though, so you’re going downhill the whole way down and uphill the whole way up. 

    Cost is $44/night, plus a $6 surcharge for RVs. Sites are dry camping but there’s a dump station with potable water, free for campers, $12 for non-campers. Showers are free for campers as well! A rarity in California. Showers were clean and had good pressure, but the water was only warm, not hot.  

    The website and the signs in the campground say there’s a 21ft vehicle limit. But according to other reviews it seems to be hit or miss if you get called out on it by the rangers. We are in a 26ft class C and decided to go for it and had no issues. I can see why there’s a length limit though, as the roads in the campground are narrow and full of overhanging trees. The drive through town to get to the campground was a little gnarly as well. UPDATE: Ranger spoke with us about the size of our motorhome and didn’t kick us out, but asked us not to come back. Fair enough. He was very nice about it. 

    Cell service was really weak in the campground, and the cell booster did not help (this was for both Verizon and ATT). Lots of trees in the campground so our solar panel didn’t get much sun. Also most sites are iffy on flatness, but #30 was ok with levels.

  • Sarah M.
    Feb. 7, 2021

    Kit Fox RV Park

    Nice camp between stops

    I stayed here for one night in a 22’ RV at one of the back-in sites for the shorter term stays on a drive from Death Valley back towards the San Francisco Bay area. I believe the office is currently closed due to Covid, but they have a box of maps and envelopes plus a drop box for payment right outside the office.

    It looks like most of the spots here are for pretty long term stays. There was plenty for space for short term, overnight campers. Spot comes with WiFi code, but there’s plenty of cell service too. You’re close to the I5 and can hear the soft lull of some traffic, but it’s still fairly quiet.


Guide to Monte Sereno

Monte Sereno camping offers access to both redwood forests and coastal areas within driving distance. The region sits where the Santa Cruz Mountains meet Silicon Valley, with elevations ranging from 300-800 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F while winter lows rarely drop below 40°F, allowing for year-round camping opportunities.

What to do

Redwood hiking trails: Henry Cowell State Park borders several RV parks near Monte Sereno. "There are great hiking trails assessable from the campground. There is a nearby store, and you are close enough to Santa Cruz to spend a day on the boardwalk," notes a visitor at Cotillion Gardens RV Park.

River access: San Lorenzo River provides cooling recreation during summer months. "There is a little trail that goes down to the River where you can find a neat little beach. It's a goofy little descent/climb to get there and out but worth it," writes a camper at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.

Vintage train rides: The Roaring Camp Railroad offers steam train excursions through redwood groves. "It was a short nice hike to the state park and the train through the red woods. Fun experience on a real steam locomotive," mentions a visitor to Smithwoods RV Park.

What campers like

Mountain climate: The elevation provides natural cooling compared to inland valleys. "Scotts Valley is lovely in summer, no high heat like the valley," reports a guest at Santa Cruz Ranch Campground.

Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife including deer and birds. "Saw a lot of bunnies and a bobcat on the way out," notes a visitor to Joseph D. Grant County Park.

Coastal access: The Pacific Ocean is within 15-20 minutes of most Monte Sereno camping options. "Really close to Santa Cruz with lovely shady spots and really close to Santa Cruz," states a review from Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.

What you should know

Limited tent camping: Many facilities primarily accommodate RVs with minimal tent options. "Came here last minute on a surf trip to Santa Cruz so its partially our fault, but this place is not the best for tent camping in my opinion. They had a small plot to the side of the rest of the rv slots with a little grass to pitch a tent," advises a camper at Santa Cruz Ranch Campground.

Price variations: Rates fluctuate significantly between parks and by season. "122 US$ for one night," reports one reviewer about Santa Cruz Ranch, while Thousand Trails Morgan Hill offers more competitive rates with membership discounts.

Navigation challenges: Roads leading to redwood campgrounds require careful driving. "Getting there takes some attention. Do not take highway 9 from Santa Cruz as the RV park will tell you. Our car navigation changed our route even after we were approaching 17 north. Keep your eyes out for the highway signs," advises a Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Pool access: Several Monte Sereno area RV parks feature swimming pools for children. "The kids loved the resident cats. The pool was huge and well loved. Lots of recreation," notes a visitor to Thousand Trails Morgan Hill.

Kid-friendly activities: Parks often organize regular events for younger campers. "In mid October the campground is still running kids activities daily and they're good! Great culture here - friendly, lots of things to do (pool, basketball, volleyball, horse shoes, playground, billiards, karaoke, tennis)," shares a family staying at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill.

Bike-friendly parks: Paved roads provide safe cycling areas within most campgrounds. "The park was perfect for the kids biking around through the short- and long-term areas," reports a visitor to Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park.

Tips from RVers

Leveling requirements: Many Monte Sereno area campsites require leveling blocks. "Several sites have their own lawns but I'm sure you'll pay an arm and a leg for one of those," notes a camper at San Francisco RV Resort, highlighting terrain variations common throughout regional RV parks.

Utility connections: Connection placements vary between parks. "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot," reports an RVer at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.

Space considerations: Site dimensions differ significantly between rv parks near Monte Sereno, California. "Clean, has some views from far border of the hills but the spots are tight and there is not much to do but hook-up," observes a visitor to Trailer Villa RV Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular RV campsite near Monte Sereno, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Monte Sereno, CA is Santa Cruz Ranch Campground with a 3.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find RV camping near Monte Sereno, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 89 RV camping locations near Monte Sereno, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.