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New Almaden is surrounded by a diverse range of camping options within the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains and nearby valleys. Uvas Canyon County Park provides 25 tent and RV campsites nestled in a wooded canyon setting with access to waterfall trails, while Mount Madonna County Park offers tent camping alongside yurt and cabin accommodations. The camping areas extend from Morgan Hill to Santa Cruz, with established campgrounds concentrated along Highway 9 and in the coastal mountains west of Silicon Valley.
Many campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during spring and summer weekends when cooler temperatures draw visitors from nearby urban areas. "The campsites are nicely maintained. Plenty of area to pitch a tent, all the sites have a BBQ, fire pit, and picnic table," noted one camper about Uvas Canyon, though they cautioned that "the sites are close together so maybe bring ear plugs in case you have loud neighbors." Road access varies significantly, with campgrounds like Uvas Canyon requiring navigation along narrow, winding roads approximately 15 miles west of Gilroy. Most established sites offer amenities including drinking water, toilets, and fire rings, though facilities range from primitive to developed depending on location and managing agency.
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty of the region's redwood groves and seasonal waterfall trails. A review for Uvas Canyon mentioned that "there are a number of trailheads that start in the campground, or close by, that lead you to a collection of waterfalls and streams." The proximity to both nature and urban conveniences makes this area particularly appealing, with several campers noting the contrast between feeling immersed in nature while being relatively close to Silicon Valley. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with some areas maintaining Verizon coverage while others offer complete disconnection. Most campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities with showers and running water, though sites at popular locations like Uvas Canyon tend to be close together, limiting privacy during peak seasons.
"Camped with electricity and water, situated on a bluff near the ocean. Easy walking distance to the water, nice roomy campsites with fire rings and tables. Not too close to other campers."
"New Brighton is a jewel on the California coast. Camping is on a bluff above beach and you must walk down stairs to get to the beach. Camping in the woods with the beach below is perfect."
from $35 - $185 / night
Check Availability"This is a nice campground in a great part of California with lots of hiking and beaches nearby. The bathrooms were clean and well kept."
"There were bigger sites that would've suited us better but it was a nice little tucked in site. The poison oak is prolific. Our site was literally surrounded by it."
from $7 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Great spot if you're looking for a quick escape from the Bay Area with that classic California redwood experience."
"We were happy to have the electric hook up since the redwood and oak tress surrounding all the sites are huge and block out the sun."
"Uvas Canyon County Park https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/pages/uvascanyon.aspx is located about 15 miles west of Gilroy, on the east side of the Santa Cruz Mountains."
"This is a great spot for people looking to get away and camp but not trying to drive for 3-4 hours to do so."
from $34 / night
Check Availability"This is a nice camping away from the car experience. It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites."
"Great walk-in campground so close to home in the South Bay Area (albeit walk is slightly uphill)."
from $33 / night
Check Availability"They are a bit narrow, so much of the camp side you will have a close look at your neighbors utilities. When the park is full, it is close. Go on weekdays, not as busy and more room is likely."
"Sites surrounded by redwoods, friendly helpful staff, close to attractions."
"Dogs can be allowed on beach if you go to the right of the main entrance. No dogs to the left. Camp sites vary but the best loop is South Loop. Some with ocean views but those are hard to reserve. "
"Strawberry fields surround the campground and are next to the Hike and Bike area. The walk is not too difficult down to the beach."
"Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site."
"So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"This is a primitive campground, no showers only vault toilets and restroom near visitor center ( 2 min walk from campground) both decently clean. Water for washing dishes is available."
"There is a small visitor center close to the entrance, with a few souvenirs and some snacks and drinks. Visitor Center only takes cash."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"I would recommend booking away from the jump pillow or playground, unless easy playground access is important, because the spots are pretty noisy."
"Although this is not our preferred type of camping, after five nights in California State parks with limited amenities, we stayed here for hot showers, laundry, and full hookups for van maintenance."
TravelerBeautiful part, you can see the ocean from your site. There’s a dog park close by if you want to go get down to the sandy beaches within walking distance great hookups water pressure is a little high. If you don’t have a meter I recommend getting one it was at 80 psi which an older rig was older seals. It could easily blow a seal.
ScoutThis is by far the nastiest campground I have ever encountered, which is entirely unacceptable given the premium price tag of over $200 per night. Upon arrival, our campsite was unkempt, unraked, and covered with scattered litter and cigarette butts. However, the worst part of our stay was the restroom facilities. While initially clean, by evening the bathroom ran out of paper towels (there are no hand dryers) and the toilet was heavily fouled with feces, with used toilet paper scraps strewn across the floor. In an attempt to help, I used the provided toilet bowl brush—which shockingly already had feces on it—to try to clean up and personally picked the litter off the floor. By the next morning, the bathroom had deteriorated right back into the same revolting state. The toilet bowl was smeared with feces again, paper trash littered the floor, and no paper towels were replenished. It remained entirely neglected and filthy until we checked out. I initially reached out to management directly via their email review prompt to give them a chance to address this privately before posting online. Because of the hazardous, unsanitary conditions, I requested a partial refund. I received a phone call from a polite woman on their staff, but she completely bypassed the health and safety issues and only offered a coupon for a future stay. I will absolutely not be returning to Saddle Mountain. Save your money and find a cleaner place to stay in Carmel."
GuideThis was a very urban park with the majority of obviously long term campers. Lots of geese and lots of bird droppings all over the park. Expensive for the value
LegendGeneral: So many options, including full hookup back-in or pull-thru sites, sites with just w/e, pet sites, nine different types of cabins, and tent sites. Some sites are paved and some are gravel.
Bath/Shower: The one closest to our site had a women's and men's restroom, and the showers are individual units but shared for both genders. I expected a more upscale shower (it was ok but a little tight, skimpy on hooks and no bench).
Activities/Amenities: So many amenities including a pool and hot tub, playground, jump pad, climbing “palms”, rec center with bike rentals and concessions, and a train (I’ve probably missed a few). Laundry is available on site (operated via an app and your phone).
Although this is not our preferred type of camping, after five nights in California State parks with limited amenities, we stayed here for hot showers, laundry, and full hookups for van maintenance. This was a typical KOA in many ways, but one thing that was different was that we had to wear wristbands, and there was a gate to enter and leave. While it should have made us feel safe, I wondered why there were extra security features.
GuideFirst time I've camped at a racetrack but it worked. Was car camping and had my choice of sites overlooking the valley by the entrance to the Fort Ord trail. Check in was friendly but their payment app on a mobile was a bit buggy. Small issue with the tent sites was flatness but I got there. Benches / fire pits/ decent shower facilities. It was late so I didn't get a chance to check out the store (if it had one). Glorious sunrise with the marine layer below in the valley.
ScoutA very nice and well kept spot to park and enjoy Santa Cruz. You are close enough to walk to the beach and several restaurants. The sites are very close together. We were pleased on how clean and neat the area is kept. The temperatures were amazing for July.
LegendGeneral: 52 RV/tent sites, four walk-in oceanfront tent sites, and a hiker/biker camp. 28 sites have electric hookups. No sewer (there is a dump station) and shared water spigots.
Site Quality: Sites are paved with room for an additional vehicle and are level. Some sites have decent spacing between them, but others have no privacy/separation (the internal sites with electric have less privacy). IMO, sites 48 and 16 are the best sites.
Bath/shower: Two bathhouses each with all-in-one toilet/sink combos. They could use a little TLC. Showers are standard CA state park requiring tokens to use. Did not use them.
Activities/Amenities: There are three trails for easy ocean access. Beach is long and ok for walking, but in the springtime, the beach is littered with “blue sailfish”. Dogs are not allowed. Walking north is better than south. The 7.5-mile Half Moon Bay Coastal multi-use trail is easily accessible from the campground. Little Free Library. There is a host on site who sells firewood for $15 from 4:30-9:30 pm daily.
There are not many camping options in this area, and the campground was fully booked during the week in mid-May. We had to make reservations several months in advance and could only get two nights, and we had to move sites. Four stars due to the lack of privacy between many of the sites.
GuideI loved my stay here! I had a lot of tasks and couldn't have asked for a better place to accomplish them. I particularly appreciated the close coastal access, the birds and the clean, comfortable surroundings. Staff was welcoming and friendly throughout my stay. Highly recommend this gem!
GuideVery nice for a one night stop. Very windy road to get to the park. Sites are well kept and have a solid amount of room. Super clean bathrooms and good free showers. Lots of wildlife to see and hear (coyotes). Didn’t get 5 starts cause it was quite busy with loud neighbors!
Campgrounds near New Almaden, California offer diverse camping experiences in the eastern Santa Cruz Mountain foothills, with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,000 feet creating varied microclimates. Temperatures can fluctuate 15-20 degrees between sun and shade, with coastal fog often rolling in during summer evenings. These conditions create unique challenges and opportunities for campers seeking a campsite near New Almaden.
Waterfall hiking: 6-mile routes at Uvas Canyon County Park provide access to seasonal cascades. "There are hiking trails that start in the campground, or close by, that lead you to a collection of waterfalls and streams, and I highly recommend doing at least the waterfall loop, if not taking a whole day and exploring all the trails," notes one visitor who experienced the park's natural features.
Redwood exploration: Self-guided trails through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park showcase old-growth trees. "There are very hot showers for and a buck of quarters gets you 5 minutes. The park has a bit of a yellow jacket problem that they don't really seem too concerned about addressing. Yellowjackets on trails, in campsites and near bathrooms," warns a camper, highlighting an important consideration during summer visits.
Archery practice: 28-target trail at Mount Madonna County Park offers a unique outdoor activity. "There is an archery trail with 28 targets on a trail through the woods. We were there 3 days in a row and did 20 of the 28. It's really pretty and a cool challenge," shares one visitor who discovered this less-known park feature.
Free showers: Clean facilities appreciated by visitors to several parks. "Bathrooms are great," notes a Mount Madonna visitor, while another camper mentions, "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," about their Uvas Canyon experience.
Diverse camping options: Various accommodation styles at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort meet different needs. "We tent camped here but most people had a trailer. Translation: the bathroom was empty. Quiet with quick access to the beach via a steep paved path," shares one camper who appreciated the uncrowded facilities despite the campground's popularity.
Wildlife viewing: Deer and bird watching opportunities throughout the region. At Mount Madonna, one unique feature stands out: "Near the ranger station there are pens with white fallow deer. They are descendants of the exotic zoo at William Randolph Hearst's mansion down the coast."
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. For Sunset State Beach, a visitor notes: "If you can get a reservation here (which is VERY difficult) you will have the best time. We had a spot that was facing the strawberry fields instead of the water and it was still great."
Site privacy considerations: Campground layouts vary significantly across the region. "The sites are a little close together so maybe bring ear plugs in case you have loud neighbors," advises one Uvas Canyon visitor, while a Sunset State Beach camper adds: "Campsites are close together and not private. But really, you are here for the proximity to beach."
Weather fluctuations: Mountain campgrounds experience significant temperature drops. At Big Basin, a camper observed: "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!"
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds offer specialized recreation areas. "Plenty of area to pitch a tent, all the sites have a BBQ, fire pit, and picnic table," notes an Uvas Canyon visitor, while a Sanborn County Park camper recommends: "This is a nice camping away from the car experience. It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites. The park provides carts to help with hauling gear."
Site selection strategy: Reserve early for optimal family locations. "If you have littles the roads are paved so a scooter or bike could be fun," suggests an Uvas Canyon visitor, pointing out infrastructure benefits for families with young children.
Insect preparation: Summer brings increased bug activity throughout the region. "We went in April and there weren't many bugs," shares an Uvas Canyon camper, suggesting early spring visits might be more comfortable for families sensitive to insects.
Leveling challenges: Terrain considerations affect many campgrounds. "Not sure if it can handle longer recreational vehicles and the road leading to the campground itself is quite narrow. 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," advises an Uvas Canyon visitor.
Electrical hookups: Limited availability across most public parks. A visitor to Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA reports: "Sites range from tent sites, RV sites, to full size cabins. They even rent out Airstream trailers," offering options for RVers seeking full hookups.
Road access limitations: Narrow mountain roads restrict larger vehicles. "From main road it takes about 35 min drive up the hill through narrow road which is paved but I don't think it is appropriate for RVs," warns a visitor to Henry W. Coe State Park, highlighting the importance of researching routes before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near New Almaden, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Almaden, CA is New Brighton State Beach Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 45 reviews.
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