Camping near New Almaden offers diverse options within the southern Santa Clara Valley at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet. The region experiences mild Mediterranean climate with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 40°F. Cell service varies significantly between mountain locations and valley-based rv parks near New Almaden, with stronger signals typically available at lower elevations.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Joseph D. Grant County Park provides immediate trail access with varying difficulty levels. "We came in November, just in time for a temperature drop and some nice gusts. The hiking is quite beautiful and the woodpeckers were busy storing acorns," notes one visitor about the park's natural attractions.
Steam train excursions: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to Roaring Camp Railroad. "It was a short nice hike to the state park and the train through the red woods. Fun experience on a real steam locomotive," explains a camper from Smithwoods RV Park.
Beach exploration: Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park offers proximity to coastal activities. "Only about 8 minutes from Santa Cruz beach/boardwalk. Off a quiet street. Reasonable price for the location," reports one camper, making it convenient for day trips to the ocean.
What campers like
Heated swimming pools: Many RV parks maintain heated swimming facilities year-round. "The pool is small, yet well-kept and we had it to ourselves every time we went each day," mentions a visitor at Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park, highlighting the uncrowded amenity.
Wooded settings: Camping under redwood canopies provides natural shade. "Came here last minute on a surf trip to Santa cruz... Otherwise the place was nice and looked great for rvs," reports a visitor about Santa Cruz Ranch Campground, noting the contrast between tent and RV experiences.
Riverside locations: Several campgrounds provide water access. "There is a little trail that goes down to the River where you can find a neat little beach. It's a goofy little descent/climb to get there and out but worth it," describes one camper about Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
What you should know
Internet connectivity challenges: WiFi quality varies between campgrounds. "If they have open spots after the office closes they put out packets for up to 2 pull thru and 2 back in spots for late arrivals without a reservation," explains a camper at Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park, which offers strong WiFi compared to mountain locations.
Reservation requirements: Booking policies differ between parks. "We came here with our 5 children from Sunday-Thursday in October. The location is mostly flat and surrounded with Redwoods. Shady and sunny locations; larger and small RV spots," notes a visitor at Smithwoods RV Park about their off-season experience.
Tight camping spaces: Many RV parks feature close quarters. "We stayed hear a couple years ago. I am many writing this review because it comes up in the dispersed camping filter which it is NOT! It is assigned camping sites that are basically on top of each other," cautions a camper at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation activities: Kid-friendly amenities vary between parks. "The park was perfect for the kids biking around through the short- and long-term areas," shares a visitor at Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park about the paved roads suitable for children's bicycles.
Bathroom facilities: Campground restrooms vary in quality and accessibility. "The bathrooms were a short walk down hill. They were clean with flushing toilets," notes a visitor at Joseph D. Grant County Park, which maintains basic but functional facilities.
Kid-friendly campsites: Some locations offer specific family advantages. "Very nice campground, new tiled bath rooms. Not quiet though, lots of kids," mentions a visitor at Santa Cruz Ranch Campground, noting both the bathroom quality and the family-friendly atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Back-in and pull-through availability varies. "Almost level adjoining asphalt parking slots face boats in harbor. Water/electric/sewer connection at back of parking slot. Picnic tablet in parking slot," describes a visitor at Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park, detailing the site layout.
Navigation challenges: Access roads present challenges for larger RVs. "Getting there takes some attention. 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," warns an RVer about Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, emphasizing the importance of careful route planning.
Hookup considerations: Utility placement varies between sites. "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot," notes a camper at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, providing specific equipment recommendations for the park.
