Cabins near New Almaden, California offer a unique way to experience the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where elevations range from 200 to 3,000 feet. Located in the southeast portion of Santa Clara County, the region experiences mild temperatures year-round with summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F. Winter nights can drop into the low 40s at higher elevations, making cabin amenities particularly valuable during cooler months.
What to do
Archery trails: At Mount Madonna County Park, visitors can access unique outdoor activities beyond standard hiking. "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," notes one visitor who discovered this distinctive feature.
Wildlife viewing: The parks around New Almaden provide opportunities to spot native wildlife. At Del Valle Campground, campers regularly encounter local fauna. "I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground," reports one visitor, adding that wildlife tends to be most active in the early morning hours.
Redwood exploration: The region's unique redwood ecosystems create specific microclimates worth experiencing. "This is the only place I've seen the redwood trees harvest the fog and make their own rain, which is pretty cool. In the morning it's raining under the redwood trees but not under the madrone or tan oak trees, which is wild," explains a camper describing the natural phenomena at Mount Madonna.
What campers like
Free showers: Multiple cabin locations offer complimentary shower facilities, unlike many state parks that require quarters. At Mount Madonna, one reviewer appreciated that "bathrooms have soap & TP and kept clean," adding that there's no need to bring rolls of quarters for the shower facilities.
Digital detox: The limited connectivity at many cabin locations allows for genuine disconnection. At Redwood Resort, the setting provides natural isolation. While cell service may be limited, one visitor notes, "The lack of cell reception really helps the feeling of being away from the city life."
Clean facilities: Cabin visitors consistently mention the well-maintained facilities at Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday. "Very close to the beach, quiet, excellent friendly staff always happy to help," mentions one recent visitor, who also appreciated the daily text updates about available activities.
What you should know
Weather variations: Temperature differences between valley locations and mountain cabin sites can be dramatic. "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose," warns a visitor to Mount Madonna who had to "drive into town & buy more clothes" due to being unprepared.
Site differences: Cabin and campsite layouts vary significantly within the same property. At Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the tent cabins offer specific amenities. "The cabins were nice, and each cabin has 2 double beds, a table, and a wood stove. It can get cold at night in the redwoods so the wood stove was great at night," explains one visitor.
Reservation difficulty: Securing cabin reservations requires advance planning, especially for waterfront properties. "Reservations are difficult to obtain, but well worth the effort," notes a visitor to Seacliff State Beach, explaining that "your rig is within 20' of the beach at all campsites."
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Thousand Trails Morgan Hill maintains consistent programming for children regardless of season. "In mid October the campground is still running kids activities daily and they're good! Great culture here - friendly, lots of things to do," reports a family who visited during what would typically be considered off-season.
Biking preparedness: Bring bikes for children but prepare them for terrain challenges. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, a visitor noted the cabin area offers "plenty of hiking and exploring right from the campsite" with opportunities for kids to enjoy the pool and clubhouse areas.
Multiple recreation options: Families appreciate properties with diverse activities. "Great for familyfamily time and outdoors. I recommend taking camping essentials even if you camp on a cabin," advises one visitor about the Santa Cruz KOA, mentioning the "quiet and peaceful" atmosphere despite the numerous activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When booking at Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, experienced RVers suggest paying more for premium sites. "I do recommend paying a bit more for the more spacious sites. Next time I'm going for the ones with the patio, those people looked quite happy," notes a visitor who found the standard sites particularly tight.
Site unevenness: Some RV sites near New Almaden require leveling equipment. "Sites are not level," warns a visitor to Thousand Trails Morgan Hill, suggesting that RVers bring adequate leveling blocks or hydraulic systems to compensate for the terrain.
Dump station access: For cabins with partial hookups, knowing dump station locations is essential. One visitor to Mount Madonna appreciated the "very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park" that they used upon departure, making the partial hookup sites more manageable for longer stays.
