Best Campgrounds near New Almaden, CA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near New Almaden, California (133)

    1. New Brighton State Beach Campground

    44 Reviews
    Capitola, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 464-6330

    $35 - $185 / night

    "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."

    2. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Mount Hermon, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 438-2396

    $7 - $35 / night

    "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."

    3. Mount Madonna County Park

    32 Reviews
    Gilroy, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-2341

    "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."

    "It has some privacy, we liked that it was in between two yurts away from others. The trail does go right behind the site but it wasn’t super busy."

    4. Uvas Canyon County Park

    11 Reviews
    New Almaden, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 779-9232

    $34 / night

    "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."

    5. Sanborn County Park

    19 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-9959

    $33 / night

    "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)."

    6. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    22 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 335-8312

    "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."

    "Do not take highway 9 from Santa Cruz as the RV park will tell you. Our car navigation changed our route even after we were approaching 17 north. Keep your eyes out for the highway signs."

    7. Sunset State Beach

    27 Reviews
    Watsonville, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 763-7063

    "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."

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

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 338-8860

    $35 / night

    "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."

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

    14 Reviews
    Morgan Hill, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 779-2728

    $20 / night

    "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."

    10. Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

    16 Reviews
    Freedom, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 722-0551

    "I would recommend booking away from the jump pillow or playground, unless easy playground access is important, because the spots are pretty noisy."

    "There is also relatively quick access to Santa Cruz to the north and Monterey to the south. My only criticism is that it is not that woodsy. But hey, this is a KOA!"

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Recent Reviews near New Almaden, CA

847 Reviews of 133 New Almaden Campgrounds


  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Our Second visit here

    This was our second visit, and by chance the same campsite. Prior, I had to change the dates and was rewarded a$35 change fee. I did it online, so it wasn't like I put anyone to any tedious task. With that, not sure I will be back just on principle. So now, moving on to the review. The sites are well marked. 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. Bring your sewer hose extension. Most other sites had them from what I could see. My Starlink was heavily obstructed by trees so worked at 40% speed.

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    San Francisco RV Resort

    Close to City

    We stayed here as we had baseball game tickets in SF during our RV trip. Close to city and in a safe area. Liked sleeping to the sounds of crashing waves and was able to use full hookups.

    Bathrooms were pretty dirty - not as pictured. Although I liked that the showers locked. Rec area was very run down. Laundry has mobile payment and was clean and accessible.

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Redwood Resort RV Park & Campground

    Friendly and quiet

    Was able to book the night before and get the last full hookup spot. The man who checked us in was super friendly and answered all of my partners questions and even helped us with some basic RV knowledge as we’re new.

    Redwoods are super pretty. Area outside of the RV park isn’t super walkable though. Bathrooms are fine for the price and very clean.

    Situated near the people who live in the park and they were super friendly and quiet.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park

    Clean, safe place to park, fairly busy.

    Well maintained, friendly host. Clean, feels safe. Bridge construction at the mouth of the harbor, use the path next to the bridge (don’t let Apple Maps send you though miles of residential streets, just walk around the construction). Lots of things to do and see, e-bike rental racks all over the city (get the BCycle app). Best tacos at Las Palmas at the foot of the pier! It’s a University town UC Santa Cruz) so enjoy all that culture.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    Cash on arrival $53 for RV

    This campground requires cash or cheque payment. It’s at the top of a hill so make sure you’re prepared before arrival. Also not suitable for RV’s over 20ft. No hook ups but decent bathrooms. Nice and quiet.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Moss Landing KOA Express

    Beautiful beachside

    Easy access, level paved spots. Restrooms spotless. Check-in friendly and cookies a plus! Walk to the beach, feel the breeze.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Lovely site, really close to San Francisco!

    On visiting San Francisco we were looking for a site that wasn’t a car park. This really met the mark! Beautiful place with great sites. Nice picnic tables & fire pits! Was very quiet

  • A
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Sunset State Beach Campground

    Nice campground

    It was my first time beach camping so i didnt know what to expect. Was a bit breezier than im use to with the mountains. Not a lot of trees around. It is nice not dealing with a lot of bugs since youre by the beach and all. The bathrooms and showers were well maintained.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Lovely RV site!

    Really lovely RV site. Nice toilets & showers. Lovely shady spots and really close to Santa Cruz


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

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 44 reviews.