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Best Campgrounds near Gilroy, CA

829 Reviews

Camping near Gilroy, California encompasses a mix of county parks, RV resorts, and state beach campgrounds within a short drive of this agricultural community. Mount Madonna County Park sits in redwood-covered hills between Gilroy and Watsonville, offering tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and yurts. Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, just 15 minutes from the Gilroy outlets, provides lakeside camping with opportunities for kayaking (boats must be inspected first) and wildlife viewing. Pinnacles National Park campground, accessible from the Gilroy/Hollister side, serves as a gateway to unique rock formations and hiking trails where visitors might spot California condors.

Most campgrounds in the Gilroy area are open year-round, though weather conditions vary significantly by season and elevation. Mount Madonna experiences temperature drops up to 40 degrees cooler than Gilroy, with fog creating damp, chilly conditions, especially at night. Summer brings heat to lower elevations, particularly at Pinnacles National Park, where winter and early spring are ideal for hiking. Cell service is limited or non-existent in canyon areas like Uvas Canyon County Park, where visitors should stock up on supplies before arrival. Reservations are recommended for most campgrounds, with popular sites booking quickly, especially on holiday weekends.

The camping options around Gilroy range from natural settings to more developed facilities. RV-focused properties like Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park and Thousand Trails Morgan Hill offer full hookups, WiFi, and amenities such as pools and dog parks, while remaining close to shopping and services. County parks provide a more rustic experience with hiking trails, picnic areas, and basic facilities. According to reviews, Mount Madonna features unique attractions including white fallow deer enclosures and an archery trail with 28 targets. One visitor noted, "It feels very rural when you are in the campground, however civilization isn't far away." Families appreciate the proximity to both natural areas and day trip opportunities to Monterey, Santa Cruz beaches, and other Central California attractions.

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Best Camping Sites Near Gilroy, California (128)

    1. Mount Madonna County Park

    31 Reviews
    Gilroy, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-2341

    "This campground is tucked away between Watsonville, CA and Gilroy, CA in a small stand of second growth redwwoods. They have one loop of rv sites and three other loops of gorgeous tent sites."

    "Great hiking trails. Flat looks for kids to bike on. Don't miss the deer pen and the historic house hikes. One of the best local campgrounds near San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy and Watsonville area."

    2. New Brighton State Beach Campground

    44 Reviews
    Capitola, CA
    19 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."

    3. Sunset State Beach

    27 Reviews
    Watsonville, CA
    16 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."

    4. Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

    11 Reviews
    San Martin, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-7800

    $34 / night

    "This gem of a county park is just 15 minutes from the Gilroy outlets but you'd have no idea. Campsites are along the beautiful Coyote lake."

    "The lake is closed to any and all water-craft because the water level is too low. It is very clean and well maintained for the most part. Cell phone service for Xfinity/Verizon is spotty at best."

    5. Thousand Trails Morgan Hill

    8 Reviews
    San Martin, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "New showers, nice drive thru spots, friendly people. Lots to do in the camp ground and around Morgan hill/ Gilroy area. This is my go to spot when working in the area."

    "Lots to do in the area - we made 2 day trips to Monterey and Carmel by the Sea and spent time in Morgan Hill and Gilroy."

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

    13 Reviews
    Morgan Hill, CA
    12 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."

    7. Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

    16 Reviews
    Freedom, CA
    16 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!"

    8. Uvas Canyon County Park

    9 Reviews
    New Almaden, CA
    13 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."

    9. Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Gilroy, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 848-8081

    "Tiny dog park, gravel, but grassy areas around too. Right behind shopping center with Walmart, Target, Lowe's and much more."

    "It is just off Highway 101 but the noise is not distracting. Mostly the park is concrete with little patches of beautiful landscaping. Campers are pretty close, but quiet and privacy rule."

    10. Uvas Pines RV Park

    5 Reviews
    San Martin, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 779-3417

    $60 / night

    "It was super quiet, though there was a somewhat noisy road next to us. We were on the first site next to the road, so I suspect it would be a non issue for most of the sites."

    "Definitely in a canyon around the corner from Thousand Trails.  You can see the stars at night and it is a very quiet campground.  We were surprised at all the high-end rigs there, some full-timers. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 128 campgrounds

Recent Camping Photos near Gilroy, CA

291 Photos of 128 Gilroy Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gilroy, CA

829 Reviews of 128 Gilroy Campgrounds

Guide to Gilroy

Camping near Gilroy, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Mount Madonna County Park said, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy the privacy of the sites at New Brighton State Beach Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Spot 64 was humongous and extremely private."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families love the amenities at Big Sur Campground & Cabins. One camper said, "The playground was well maintained and modern."

What you should know:

  • Heat in Summer: If you're planning to camp at Pinnacles Campground, be prepared for extreme heat. One reviewer warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
  • Limited Reservations: Many campgrounds, like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor advised, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."
  • Wildlife Caution: At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, be aware of yellow jackets. One camper shared, "We reported the experience to the attendant... the park is looking for a solution."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Big Sur Campground & Cabins. A camper noted, "If you have little ones they’ll have fun on the playground."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. One family at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "There is so much poison oak - everywhere."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand is a must. A visitor at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground shared, "We were able to take a closeup look at them... they were beautiful birds with big eyes spotting tiny bits of crumbs."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A reviewer at Mount Madonna County Park said, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Dump Station Availability: Know where the nearest dump station is located. One camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park mentioned, "The dump station was in good working order."
  • Be Mindful of Shade: Many campgrounds have large trees that provide shade but can also block sunlight for solar panels. A visitor at Big Sur Campground & Cabins noted, "The campground doesn’t see a lot of sunlight, due to the large trees shading most of the area."

Camping around Gilroy offers a variety of experiences, from family-friendly spots to serene getaways. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gilroy, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gilroy, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 128 campgrounds and RV parks near Gilroy, CA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Gilroy, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gilroy, CA is Mount Madonna County Park with a 4.6-star rating from 31 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gilroy, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Gilroy, CA.

What parks are near Gilroy, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Gilroy, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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