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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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!"
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
