Morgan Hill camping areas sit between 200 and 2,600 feet elevation, offering diverse microclimates across nearby parks. The region features oak woodlands and redwood forests with hiking trails that range from easy creek-side paths to challenging mountain routes. Winter temperatures typically drop to the 40s at night, while summer days can reach the 90s.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: The trails at Uvas Canyon County Park feature several small waterfalls along Swanson Creek. "Many waterfalls along the trail. The sites are a bit close to each other. You will want to bring insect repellent in the summer," notes xi C.
Wildlife viewing: The area around Coyote Lake offers chances to see wild animals in their natural habitat. "We saw lots of wildlife - deer, wild pigs, turkeys, frogs just to name a few," says Kate L. from Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park.
Redwood forest exploration: Walk among towering trees at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. "Hike into the redwoods or go a few miles down the road and take a ride on the Roaring Camp Big Trees Railroad," suggests Nona A.
Mountain biking: Many parks have bike-friendly trails with varying difficulty levels. "Great campground for the kids to bike at but there are a few big hills so make sure they know how to use their brakes," advises Weston W. from Mount Madonna County Park.
What campers like
Private sites: Some campgrounds offer more secluded spots than others. "Valley View 3 area. They offer large sites and privacy," recommends Darin D. at Henry W. Coe State Park, which features tent-only campsites with parking about 20-100 feet away.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "Bathrooms are extremely clean and well kept. Especially the bathrooms and showers. The sites are spaced out nicely," reports Athena J. at Uvas Canyon County Park.
Night sky viewing: The mountains around Morgan Hill provide good stargazing opportunities away from city lights. "You can see the stars at night and it is a very quiet campground," notes Cindy and Russell C. about Uvas Pines RV Park.
Lake activities: Some campgrounds offer access to water recreation. "Good bass fishing," mentions Josh M. about Coyote Lake, though swimming access varies by location and season.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Morgan Hill require advance booking, especially during summer. "We stayed here in our TT in March 2018 for spring break. It's a nice relatively quiet campground on a bluff, above a fairly calm ocean beach," says Keith B. about New Brighton State Beach Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local wildlife visiting campsites. "Be sure to lock all food up! They will roam through the camp ground all through the night if anyone has left any food out," warns Quyen W. about wild pigs at Coyote Lake.
Site variations: Campsite sizes and privacy levels differ significantly, even within the same campground. "Sites on the outside of the loop had a great deal of privacy. Inner loop sites have none," explains Lori T. from Mount Madonna County Park.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the area. "Cell phone service for Xfinity/Verizon is spotty at best. There is weak wifi," reports Toni R. at Coyote Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer special features for children. "TONS of activities on site- huge bouncy pad, a climbing wall, ping pong tables, a swimming pool, pedal go karts, the list goes on and on," shares Daniel D. about Santa Cruz KOA.
Beginner-friendly trails: Look for shorter, less challenging hiking options. "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," explains Mon M. at Uvas Canyon.
Noise considerations: Family campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. "Very family friendly so expect it to be crowded on weekends and a level of noise and foot traffic by your site as well," advises Mon M. about Uvas Canyon.
Swimming options: Not all parks permit swimming, so check before promising kids water play. "No swimming allowed," notes Kate L. about Coyote Lake, though some other parks do have swimming areas.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the hills have uneven sites. "I needed to raise one wheel about 5 inches and another 2 to get level," reports David C. at Uvas Pines RV Park.
Size restrictions: Check length limits before booking. "The road is windy, narrow, and not for the car sick. The sites can fit both tents and RVs depending on what you bring," explains Derek B. about Uvas Canyon.
Hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "Full hook-ups and relatively large, gravel sites with some shade," describes David C. about Uvas Pines RV Park.
Dump station access: Some parks have dump stations even when sites lack sewer hookups. "There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park that we used as we departed," shares Lori T. about Mount Madonna County Park.
