Best Campgrounds near Mount Hamilton, CA

Mount Hamilton is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Mount Hamilton is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Mount Hamilton and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Mount Hamilton, California (152)

    1. New Brighton State Beach Campground

    42 Reviews
    138 Photos
    920 Saves
    Capitola, California

    New Brighton State Beach is one of the most popular beachfront campgrounds in California, offering over 100 developed campsites, including 11 RV hookup sites. With bluff top views of the the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, a visitor center museum, shade ramada for group picnics and special events, and campfire center with free summer programs, it’s no wonder New Brighton State Beach is such a favorite destination!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 - $185 / night

    2. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    173 Photos
    838 Saves
    Mount Hermon, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $7 - $35 / night

    3. Mount Madonna County Park

    29 Reviews
    102 Photos
    427 Saves
    Gilroy, California

    Visitors may choose from 116 drive-in and walk-in reservable campsites spread throughout four campgrounds. Each site comes equipped with a barbecue pit, food locker, and picnic table. Showers are also available (no coins needed) for campers (camping fee required for use of showers), as well as 29 partial hook-up RV sites. Yurts are also available for reservation. These domed-tent like structures come in three different sizes - 16', 20' and 24' offering bunk beds with mattresses, fold out futons and a wrap-around deck.

    Overnight camping is one of the most popular activities at Mt. Madonna. View here for more information about tent, yurt and RV camping. There is no longer first-come, first-serve camping sites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    4. Del Valle Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    57 Photos
    241 Saves
    Livermore, California

    Del Valle campgrounds will be closed until further notice, due to storm damage.

    Deep in a valley framed by oak-covered hills, with sailboats and sailboards skimming over its waters, Del Valle is like a lakeside resort only 10 miles south of Livermore.

    The centerpiece of the park is a lake five miles long with a variety of water-oriented recreation, from swimming to windsurfing and boating, surrounded by 4,395 acres of beautiful land for hiking, horseback riding, and nature study. Del Valle also is the eastern gateway to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, 28 miles of scenic back-country trail.

    Family Campground: The Del Valle Family Campground has 150 sites (two accessible), 21 of them with water and sewage, and electrical hook-ups (120 volt, 50 and 30 amp). The sites are served by centrally located toilets and shower facilities.

    Group camps: There are several group campsites for groups of 11 people or more.

    Equestrian camps: The Little Chaparral horse camp area has 4 small paddocks. The reservation of one paddock includes space for 1-2 horses, 4 people maximum, and parking for one trailer and rig only. Equestrian groups should reserve the Caballo Loco equestrian group camp as Little Chaparral is not designed for group use. Please note that horses are not allowed in developed areas of the park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

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

    34 Reviews
    98 Photos
    510 Saves
    Boulder Creek, California

    CAMPGROUND CLOSED DUE TO FIRE:

    Public access to Big Basin has been severely impacted by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire and ongoing fire recovery work, but the park is now open for limited day-use access. Reservations for parking are not required, but are encouraged due to the limited amount of first-come, first-served parking available. Reserve a parking space. The parking fee is $6 per vehicle plus a $2 reservation fee or $10 per vehicle without a reservation. No reservations or fees are required for visitors arriving by foot, bike, or bus. Read the FAQs for more information on the reservation system and visiting Big Basin.

    Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park. In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin camping's biggest attractions—literally—are its ancient coast redwoods. Some of these giants are more than 50 feet around and as tall as the Statue of Liberty. At 1,000 to 1,800 years old, some may predate the Roman Empire. The park also offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, lush waterfalls, and a fascinating natural and cultural history.

    The park has more than 80 miles of trails. Some of these trails link Big Basin to Castle Rock State Park and the eastern reaches of the Santa Cruz range. The Skyline to the Sea Trail threads its way through the park along Waddell Creek to the beach and adjacent Theodore J. Hoover Natural Preserve, a freshwater marsh.

    The park has a number of waterfalls, a variety of habitats (from lush canyon bottoms to sparse chaparral-covered slopes), many animals (deer, raccoons, bobcats) and lots of bird life—including Steller’s jays, egrets, herons and California woodpeckers.

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

    $35 / night

    6. Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

    13 Reviews
    45 Photos
    225 Saves
    Morgan Hill, California

    Coe Ranch Campground

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $20 / night

    7. Sanborn County Park

    19 Reviews
    37 Photos
    141 Saves
    Saratoga, California
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $33 / night

    8. Sunset State Beach

    27 Reviews
    70 Photos
    1000 Saves
    Watsonville, California

    RVs and Tents. Sunset State Beach camping provides dozens of dune-protected family sites (without hookups) that hold recreational vehicles up to 31 feet in length. Pets must not be left unattended in campsites. Parking for one vehicle is included in camping fees. Additional funds may be collected on site for up to TWO additional vehicles at a nightly rate (this does not apply to tow-in cars or trailers).

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

    9. Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

    11 Reviews
    39 Photos
    151 Saves
    San Martin, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $34 / night

    10. Uvas Canyon County Park

    9 Reviews
    53 Photos
    317 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

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Recent Reviews near Mount Hamilton, CA

749 Reviews of 152 Mount Hamilton Campgrounds



Guide to Mount Hamilton

Camping near Mount Hamilton, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There are beautiful hiking trails all over this campground," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Beach Access: If you prefer the coast, check out New Brighton State Beach Campground. A reviewer said, "It was nice and quiet, mostly RVs or vanlifers," perfect for a relaxing beach day.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, you might spot wild turkeys and other wildlife. One camper shared, "We were able to take a closeup look at them," highlighting the area's rich biodiversity.

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the privacy at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The sites are mostly very private and lush and green," making it a serene spot for camping.
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One camper at San Mateo Memorial Park said, "This campground is taken care of. It's clean, has nice bathrooms and coin-operated showers."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like New Brighton State Beach Campground are great for families. A visitor mentioned, "Lots of families and lots of kids," which adds to the fun and lively environment.

What you should know:

  • Poison Oak: Be cautious of poison oak at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. One camper warned, "There is so much poison oak - everywhere," so keep an eye out while hiking.
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Del Valle Regional Park, have poor cell reception. A camper noted, "Pretty much ZERO cell service, which is a good thing," emphasizing the chance to disconnect.
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like New Brighton State Beach Campground can fill up quickly. A visitor advised, "This campground is super 'non-private' but it reminded me of... any other state beach/state park," suggesting that booking ahead is wise.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for sites that offer more space and privacy, like those at Mount Madonna County Park. A camper mentioned, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One family at San Mateo Memorial Park enjoyed "many short and easy trails," perfect for little ones.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at California Sunset State Beach said, "Camp hosts were kind," which can help if you need assistance or recommendations.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some roads can be narrow and winding. A visitor at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort warned, "Don't use hwy 9 south from Santa Cruz towing. The road is too winding and narrow."
  • Be Mindful of Space: RV spots can be tight. One camper noted, "They’ve really squeezed spots in to every nook and cranny of the property," so be prepared for close quarters.
  • Utilize Amenities: Many campgrounds offer useful amenities. A reviewer at Anthony Chabot Regional Park mentioned, "The dump station was in good working order," which is a plus for RVers.

Camping near Mount Hamilton, California, provides a mix of adventure, relaxation, and family fun. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions