Tent campsites near Mount Hamilton, California offer camping options in the Diablo Range where elevations reach 4,265 feet at the summit. This eastern section of Santa Clara County experiences warmer, drier conditions than the coastal mountains, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Fall and spring provide milder temperatures ideal for overnight stays at campgrounds throughout the region.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: Joseph D. Grant County Park provides excellent dark sky viewing conditions away from city lights. "There are nights to gather and stargaze," notes Lisa D., who also mentions the "great views of Mt. Hamilton" from the park's camping area.
Hiking diverse terrain: Castle Rock State Park's trail system rewards hikers with panoramic views. "There's a couple of spots where you'll need to do some scrambling up the rock faces, but nothing to worry about," explains Nathaniel S., who recommends taking "the most scenic [trail] that follows a west facing ridge."
Wildlife observation: Black Mountain Backpacking Camp offers a secluded setting for viewing local wildlife. "We saw a lot of bunnies and a bobcat on the way out," reports Melissa S. after staying at nearby Joseph D. Grant County Park, highlighting the diverse fauna present throughout the mountain region.
Historical exploration: Visit the Grant Ranch House museum at Joseph D. Grant County Park to learn about local history. "There is an interesting Ranch House and Museum that showcases the life of Joseph Grant and his offspring, with many eccentric and macabre details of their history in the area," explains Renee W.
Waterfall viewing: Uvas Canyon County Park features several small waterfalls accessible via hiking trails. "Small waterfalls are the highlights of the trail, but kids will enjoy playing in the water on hot days," according to Mon M., who visited the park's tent sites.
What campers like
Proximity to Bay Area: Castle Rock Trail Camp provides a wilderness experience without driving far from urban centers. "This is a great getaway for being so close to the megalopolis that is the San Francisco Bay Area. As the crow flies, you're probably only about 25 miles from San Jose. But you'll feel like you're a lot further away," writes Nathaniel S.
Clean facilities: Tent campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities at Uvas Canyon County Park. "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.
Weather considerations: Coastal campgrounds offer cooler temperatures during summer heat. "Great weather, lots of shade at the campsite and on the hikes. Coast was a cool 60's-70's but warm in the sun, night time was a lovely 55-59 degrees, easy to sleep, not too cold," explains Kathleen C. about Ben Ries Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Uvas Canyon County Park provides opportunities to see local animals. "Lots of birds. Good to be disconnected, but if needed, Verizon cell service worked at the campground," mentions Mon M., who also notes the area can be "a little buggy in the afternoon."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most tent camping areas require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Black Mountain Backpacking Camp, "Reserve permits ahead of time and make sure to follow the rules posted online," advises Lily H.
Fire restrictions: Check current fire regulations before your trip as conditions change seasonally. "Fires are increasingly banned in the dry months (i.e most of the year) in California now," notes Nathaniel S. about Castle Rock Trail Camp.
Water availability: Some campgrounds have unreliable water sources, particularly during dry months. "Although there is a communal water source at the campsite entrance, the water was deemed not safe to drink when I was there," warns Nathaniel S. about Castle Rock Trail Camp.
Campsite proximity: Some tent areas lack privacy during busy periods. "The campsites are nicely maintained. Plenty of area to pitch a tent, all the sites have a BBQ, fire pit, and picnic table. The sites are close together so maybe bring ear plugs in case you have loud neighbors," suggests Derek B. about Uvas Canyon.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Joseph D. Grant County Park offers accessible camping for those with less experience. "We camped here for one night to test our pandemic project...a van conversion. We had never been here before but will definitely come back," shares Sophie S., noting the campground was "quiet and it was mostly couples or small family groups."
Wildlife education: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local animals. "Lots of beautiful wildlife," mentions Ashley E. about Joseph D. Grant County Park, making it ideal for nature education.
Accessible trail systems: Choose campgrounds with varied hiking options for different ability levels. "The trails are large and well defined for a very entry level experience," explains Derek B. about Uvas Canyon County Park trails, noting they involve "just a few hundred feet of total elevation gain."
Bug protection: Remember to pack insect repellent for comfort during summer months. "A little buggy in the afternoon and found some mosquitoes so take bug spray," advises Mon M. about Uvas Canyon County Park.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent campsites near Mount Hamilton have minimal or no RV hookups. "We had a great site and there was no one on either side of us. The bathrooms were a short walk down hill. They were clean with flushing toilets," notes Sophie S. about Joseph D. Grant County Park, making it workable for small conversion vans and campers.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow, winding access roads. "The road is windy, narrow, and not for the car sick," warns Derek B. about the drive to Uvas Canyon County Park, which may present challenges for larger RVs and trailers.
Parking limitations: Check campsite specifications before bringing RVs. "Not every site is able to car camp due to rocks blocking off the parking area but every campsite is pretty nice," advises Athena J. about Uvas Canyon County Park.
