Best Camping near New Almaden, CA

Searching for the best camping near New Almaden, CA? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of New Almaden. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near New Almaden, CA (135)

    Camper-submitted photo from New Brighton State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from New Brighton State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from New Brighton State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from New Brighton State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from New Brighton State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from New Brighton State Beach Campground

    1. New Brighton State Beach Campground

    42 Reviews
    138 Photos
    904 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Madonna County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Madonna County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Madonna County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Madonna County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Madonna County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Madonna County Park

    3. Mount Madonna County Park

    29 Reviews
    102 Photos
    392 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

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

    34 Reviews
    98 Photos
    502 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach

    5. Sunset State Beach

    27 Reviews
    70 Photos
    980 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanborn County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanborn County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanborn County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanborn County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanborn County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanborn County Park

    6. Sanborn County Park

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

    $33 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    7. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    18 Reviews
    18 Photos
    294 Saves
    Felton, California

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort is nestled in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Situated on the beautiful San Lorenzo River, and backed by Henry Cowell State Park, our clean and well maintained RV Park and campground offers guests a year-round, family-oriented, place to relax. Or a comfortable base camp for your outdoor adventure. We welcome families, groups, and RV clubs of most sizes. Experience the richness of Santa Cruz County where a hiking journey begins in an old-growth redwood forest, winds past graceful waterfalls, and ends on a pristine beach. Great outdoor fun awaits you with hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain bike riding. All RV sites come equipped with full hookups (electric, water, & sewer) and cable TV. There's also a spacious clubhouse on-site, clean bathrooms, hot showers, and much more.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

    8. Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

    15 Reviews
    69 Photos
    250 Saves
    Freedom, California

    Soak up the bright sun and take in the crisp ocean air along the California Coast when you stay with us at Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday. With our ideal location just minutes from Monterey Bay, you and your family will appreciate an oceanfront camping experience near Santa Cruz as you spend your days with your toes in the sand, relaxing on a beautiful beach. Book your stay with us at Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday today!

    **Why Stay at Our Family-Friendly Campground in Santa Cruz? **

    Santa Cruz is home to an assortment of wonderful attractions and places the whole family will love! Of course, the area is full of beautiful beaches for you to visit — a whopping 28 in total! After getting your tan on, take a short drive and visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and its endless array of fun things to do. You'll be able to ride rollercoasters, play mini-golf and eat your fill of fresh cotton candy. The area also has many opportunities to kick back and relax. Bring your clubs and head to the Pebble Beach golf course for a round of golf on some of the most pristine greens anywhere. Take a drive north and explore Napa Valley or head south to discover the more than 60 wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Whether you want a relaxing getaway or one filled with adventure and thrills, the Santa Cruz area is the perfect place to be.

    Ways to Stay With Us in Santa Cruz

    Regardless of how you want to spend your time at our Santa Cruz beach campground, we offer a variety of ways to enjoy the camping experience. For something traditional, we provide individual Tent Sites equipped with water and electric hookups to give you everything you need to enjoy your nights beneath the stars. Our Camping Cabins also offer a rustic lodging experience with the benefits of a roof and a warm bed as you rejuvenate from a day filled with adventure in the outdoors. If you're looking for extreme comfort while beach camping in Santa Cruz, we offer Deluxe Cabins equipped with a kitchen, full bathroom, shower and beds for the whole family. We also provide unique Airstream and glamping cabin opportunities to provide you with a luxurious West Coast camping experience you'll never forget. Looking for a place to park your Airstream or RV? We offer Pull-Thru and Back-In RV Sites with the choice for full hookups. With connections for up to 50 amps and options with a KOA Patio™, you can choose the features you need to enjoy your vacation. Our RV Sites are excellent locations to rest and recuperate as you take in the beautiful surroundings of Santa Cruz!

    Our Beach Camping Amenities and Activities

    Our family-friendly campground in Santa Cruz offers various amenities and recreational activities to help you make memories that will last a lifetime. Spend your days splashing in the pool or participating in weekly events, including several weekends of Halloween fun or seeing the campground transform into a Winter Wonderland with twinkling lights every December.

    Some of our other amenities include:

    • Wi-Fi 
    • Bike rentals
    • Hot tub
    • Volleyball
    • Firewood and propane
    • Outdoor movie theater
    • Jumping pillow
    • Fire rings
    • KampK9® dog park
    • Coconut Palm Tree Climb

    Reserve Your Site With Us Today

    Are you ready to make memories along the California Coast? Take your family on a camping vacation with us near Santa Cruz and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime! Check the availability of our sites online and book your stay at Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday today!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park

    9. Uvas Canyon County Park

    9 Reviews
    53 Photos
    300 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park
Showing results 1-10 of 135 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near New Almaden

Recent Reviews in New Almaden

801 Reviews of 135 New Almaden Campgrounds


  • Luke D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco RV Resort
    Nov. 5, 2024

    San Francisco RV Resort

    Great Spot!!!!

    I’m very confused by the boojie negative reviews, what do you expect?

    This is an absolutely great spot! Restrooms and showers are clean and the staff is great. Will be back often.

    Not a far drive to the city either. Price is higher than other places but this close to the city with all of the amenities a pretty good deal.

  • Günter S.
    Camper-submitted photo from French Camp Recreational Vehicle Park
    Oct. 25, 2024

    French Camp Recreational Vehicle Park

    Camp Site doesnt accsist!

    The coordinate given are Not valid. It is a residential area and not an RV nore an campsite! Reservation per phone with none refondable possibility. Be carefull! Dont book!

  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Valley RV Resort
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Coyote Valley RV Resort

    Buttoned up, formal atmosphere RV resort

    High priced. Nice people at desk. Damon who helped us park was very friendly. Almost entirely high-priced big rigs, some of whom seem settled here but it's clean, 'orderly,' very quiet. Rigid rules keep the order; nice that no political flags/signs allowed. 2 dog parks and lots of grassy areas to take for a walk. Showers in locker-room/bldg, bathrooms nice and clean. Green grass. Also has laundry with 2.50 wash and.25 dry for 8 min. Skunk wandered by site in the night. Cool train sounds from nearby tracks at night. Was probably the most convenient to San Jose, otherwise we likely would've been in mtns. and too far away from town for our needs at the time. Would not be a regular choice for us.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Salinas-Monterey KOA
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Salinas-Monterey KOA

    Parking lot with a pool

    Pretty basic place. Level, noisy highway. Very friendly staff clean. I enjoy more of the outdoors so not really my cup of tea. Very narrow spaces.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from New Brighton State Beach Campground
    Sep. 30, 2024

    New Brighton State Beach Campground

    Love it here

    There are a ton of reviews for this place already so I will try to keep it short and only add info that I didn't see mentioned in previous reviews.

    Showers are $0.25 per min ($0.50 min to start).  You don't get to adjust water temp, but it was pleasantly hot. Showers are non-gendered and individual.

    Dump station is no longer free; all California State Parks are charging $10 to dump now, even for campers.  You pay at the dump site with a credit card. There are 4 dump holes and a potable water fill as well.

    We love staying here as it's so convenient to Capitola. We were able to park our RV in Capitola and walk to the shops. We got last minute reservations (it's really hard to book a site here in the summer), but had to move sites in between days, and so we used that 2 hour block between noon checkout and 2pm checkin to drive the RV to Capitola. It seemed like it would have been too much of a hassle to try and get to move to the new spot before checkin, so this worked out fine.

    We love all the state parks along the beach in California, and I'm sure we'll be back at some point.

  • Elizabeth S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach Campground
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Sunset State Beach Campground

    Quiet nice views

    Campground is quiet except those who run their generators all day and play the radio loud. It is spread out. (But still close, you do see your neighbors.) The camp ground is between fields and the ocean. Site 25 has amazing views but also can be breezy. Or windy. Old but clean bathrooms with coin showers. Water close to sites.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

    Great for a stopover

    This place always comes through for us when we need a quiet place to stay when traveling in the area. It's $20/night, there seems to always be room, and it's always been nice and quiet when we stay here.

    Sites are hit or miss, so drive around until you find one that suits you. One of these days we'll nab one of the sites to the right of the fork when you enter the campground, but they always seem to be taken.

    Good cell reception, pit toilets, trash dumpster (no recycling).

  • CJ S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat

    Not great for the price

    The pictures here are very deceiving. Driving in, the first 4 campsites are occupied by broken down trailers, an overturned couch and broken BBQ pits. We stayed in site #6 which was probably one of the best sites. Great shade and car was able to be parked nearby (you walk down non-maintained "stairs" with rotted tree branches as the steps).  

    Overall, I had high hopes based on the description here especially reading: "Our onsite staff will go around and enforce the rules." but this is clearly a non-maintained campground that was probably very nice 45 years ago. No hiking trails are maintained, the bathrooms are "rustic" which is fine--nice to have running water when you've got little ones to clean. But the floors were rotted and I was afraid we'd step through the floorboards. 

    If you are a true car camper who can lock your doors at night, this is probably the spot for you. Running water, showers and washing machine. If you are a tent camper with small kids like me, this is not where you want to stay. I'm disappointed I paid the price I did to stay here, I'd pay $25/night because this is essentially a parking space in a poorly maintained campground.

  • Sean Z.
    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Great time inconvenienced by yellow jackets

    We love to camp here for barbecuing, mountain biking and hiking. We always do it during 7/4 holidays except for this year when the park canceled our reservation due to high heat. So we booked for the Labor Day weekend. Temperature was perfect and biking and hiking were enjoyable as usual. This year we had two new types of visitors to the the site. A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground. We were able to take a closeup look at them and they were beautiful birds with big eyes spotting tiny bits of crumbs. They come and go from one site to the next quietly and gently. Very cute and we took pictures with their presence. Then came the aggressive yellow jackets. We never had yellow jackets in our previous 7/4 outings here. Oh boy, they fought for the meat relentlessly. At the end of the outing, both my finger and my wife’s were stung. We reported the experience to the attendant at the gate when leaving. She said the park is looking for a solution. In the meantime, she suggested contacting them early on so they might be able to provide another site. Hopefully, next year, we won’t encounter so many nasties.

  • Jason M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

    Great Layover

    We had a quick three-day trip here to visit family. The pool is small, yet well-kept and we had it to ourselves every time we went each day. The park was perfect for the kids biking around through the short- and long-term areas.

  • Elisha E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Seacliff Center Trailer & RV Park
    Aug. 9, 2024

    Seacliff Center Trailer & RV Park

    Amazing people, amazing location

    After weeks on the road, we were so grateful to find a last minute spot a short, beautiful, and whimsical walk away from the beach!!! The campground itself is simple but full of good vibes with FREE showers and ice cream two minute stroll away!

  • h
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanborn County Park
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Sanborn County Park

    Great hideaway for Saratoga

    Nothing fancy but very nice park for tent camping, RVs. Electric and water included in price. The park gates are locked at sundown but they give you the combination (the combo changed routinely). Free open WiFi is provided but recommend a security app just to be safe. The Mountain Winery is 2 miles from the park, fantastic views and they host concerts all the time.

  • Michael O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Saddle Mountain Ranch
    Aug. 2, 2024

    Saddle Mountain Ranch

    In between camping and glamping, but somehow neither

    So, if you’re looking to be in nature and have a proper camping experience, this ain’t it. If you want a resort style vacation, this isn’t it either… yet somehow it’s a little of both. I wouldn’t recommend tent camping because you’re literally right next to your neighbor camping and isn’t really in the “woods”. Suggest you get a delux tent which includes a bed, fire pit and bbq. That’s why I’ve rated it high because it’s what I needed for one night. Plus the pull and games (corn hill, ping pong) are nice additions. Just know what you’re in for.



Guide to New Almaden

Camping near New Almaden, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat in the woods or a family-friendly spot, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area. Campers at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground rave about the beautiful hiking trails, with one reviewer noting, "There are beautiful hiking trails all over this campground."
  • Beach Access: If you want to hit the beach, New Brighton State Beach Campground is a great choice. One visitor mentioned, "Great views and easy access to the beach."
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campers enjoy spotting local wildlife. A reviewer at Sanborn County Park shared, "We saw a lot of deer and wild turkey."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park. One happy camper said, "The spots are spread out, the air feels pure to the lungs, and it’s very woodsy."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park noted, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. A reviewer at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort mentioned, "Cozy tight quarters but just enough room for a picnic bench, fire pit and hanging out area."

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."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Del Valle Regional Park mentioned, "Pretty much ZERO cell service, which is a good thing, helps you to disconnect."
  • Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A reviewer at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort said, "They’ve really squeezed spots in to every nook and cranny of the property."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots that cater to kids. A camper at New Brighton State Beach Campground noted, "Lots of families and lots of kids."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park shared, "There are plenty of trails for folks/kids to play around."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A reviewer at Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA mentioned, "The restaurant at the lodge was phenomenal."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at New Brighton State Beach Campground said, "Spot 64 was humongous and extremely private."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Turns: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A reviewer at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort advised, "The road is too winding and narrow."
  • Use Online Reservations: Many campgrounds allow online booking, which can save time. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park noted, "Registration online was really easy as was the check-in process."

Camping near New Almaden, California, has something for everyone. From beautiful trails to family-friendly spots, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this scenic area.

Frequently Asked Questions