Tent camping near Morgan Hill, California offers woodland and ridge-top options in the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Mediterranean climate creates warm summer days ranging from 75-90°F and cooler winter temperatures between 40-65°F, with evening temperatures dropping 15-20 degrees after sunset. The transitional terrain between foothills and mountains ranges from open grasslands to dense oak and redwood stands.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Uvas Canyon County Park offers several creek-side trails with small cascades. "The hike is about 6ish miles with just a few hundred feet of total elevation gain. The trails are large and well defined for a very entry level experience," notes Derek B. The Waterfall Loop provides access to multiple falls along Swanson Creek.
Ridgeline views: Black Mountain Backpacking Camp provides access to panoramic vistas. The hike in is short but rewarding. "The hike in is only 1.5 miles, but there's plenty of trail options to tack on more mileage on either the hike in or out," reports Lily H. Sunset views from the ridge are particularly notable.
Wildlife watching: The foothills contain diverse habitats supporting deer, rabbits, bobcats and numerous bird species. A camper at Joseph D. Grant County Park mentioned, "Lots of beautiful wildlife" during their stay. Early morning and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities along trails.
What campers like
Varied privacy options: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. At Butano State Park, "The campsite has car camping and walk-in sites... the sites are spaced apart nicely," according to Kathleen C. She adds, "If it's just two people, site 3 is pretty private as well as 14."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms matter to campers. "Super clean and maintained. Especially the bathrooms and showers. The sites are spaced out nicely and there is a water faucet and trash bins plus recycle every couple of sites," reports Athena J. about Uvas Canyon County Park.
Disconnecting from technology: Many camping areas have limited cell coverage. At Butano State Park, a camper noted, "There is no cell service." This creates opportunities for true disconnection from daily life while remaining close to urban centers.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance bookings, with some sites filling months ahead during peak season. For Joseph D. Grant County Park, campers should note gate closure times: "Gate closes 8:15pm," warns Jason R.
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans are common during dry periods. At Black Mountain Backpacking Camp, no fires are permitted year-round. "Make sure to follow the rules posted online," advises Lily H. Always check current restrictions before your trip.
Temperature fluctuations: The region experiences significant day-to-night temperature drops. "It is tucked back in a canyon so once the sun goes down it can get cold quickly," reports Darin D. about camping at Castle Rock. Pack appropriate layers even for summer camping.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Castle Rock Trail Camp offers an accessible introduction to backpacking for families. "Great hike in trail camp... primitive. There is a shelter with tables in the event there is rain. Then there are scattered sites, some with tables for you to find a tent site," describes a camper named MarinMaverick.
Insect preparation: Some areas have seasonal bug issues. At Uvas Canyon, one camper warned of "a ton of wasps near 25" and noted seeing more insects in certain sites. Bring appropriate repellent for mosquitoes which can be present near water sources.
Water safety: While creeks flow through many campgrounds, they aren't always accessible. Joshua H. notes at Uvas Canyon: "The campground map shows a creek, but there is a pretty steep drop between the campsites and the creek so it's not something you can play in easily."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds near Morgan Hill have minimal RV amenities. At Manresa State Beach Campground, RVers should note: "It's a lot of work to haul your stuff from the drop off area to your site. It's a bit of a walk to the beach from the campground," reports Kelly S.
Leveling challenges: Many sites in the foothill areas aren't level. One camper at Joseph D. Grant noted: "If you plan to sleep in your car, you may want to take leveling blocks as I found the car parking spot to be not leveled at all." Sites 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 12 at Uvas Canyon were reported as flatter options by a rooftop tent camper.
Road access considerations: Access roads to many campgrounds are narrow and winding. Reaching Uvas Canyon, one camper described: "The road is windy, narrow, and not for the car sick." Larger RVs may have difficulty navigating these routes, especially to more remote sites.
