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Best Campgrounds near Palo Alto, CA

768 Reviews

The Santa Cruz mountains and coastal areas around Palo Alto provide various camping options within a one-hour drive. Established campgrounds include Sanborn County Park near Saratoga, Castle Rock Trail Camp offering tent sites, and Trailer Villa RV Park in Redwood City for full hookup facilities. Several state parks including Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground offer both tent and RV accommodations, while hike-in options like Black Mountain Backpacking Camp cater to those seeking more remote experiences.

Reservations are essential for most developed campgrounds in the region, with many sites booking months in advance during summer weekends and holidays. The terrain varies significantly from coastal settings at Half Moon Bay to redwood forests at Big Basin and Henry Cowell, affecting both accessibility and weather conditions throughout the year. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter brings more precipitation to the Santa Cruz mountains. Several campgrounds offer amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets, while facilities like showers and hookups vary by location. As one visitor to Castle Rock Trail Camp noted, "Although there is a communal water source at the campsite entrance, the water was deemed not safe to drink when I was there, so we brought all our water in with us as well as water filters."

Campers consistently mention the beauty of redwood settings and mountain views as highlights of the region. The hike-in Black Mountain Backpacking Camp receives praise for being "a little gem in the mountains" with a manageable 1.5-mile approach trail that makes it "great for beginner backpackers." Sites with water access like Half Moon Bay State Beach tend to be particularly popular. Campgrounds closer to urban areas like Trailer Villa RV Park provide convenient bases for exploring Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Many tent campers appreciate the relative seclusion of places like Castle Rock, which despite being only about 25 miles from San Jose as one camper noted, "you'll feel like you're a lot further away. And that's the whole point."

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Best Camping Sites Near Palo Alto, California (138)

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

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    15 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."

    2. Sanborn County Park

    19 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    11 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)."

    3. San Mateo Memorial Park

    16 Reviews
    Loma Mar, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-0238

    $35 - $50 / night

    "It's a great place to use as a basecamp for exploring the myriad of hiking trails that exist in the redwoods and nearby coastal hikes. "

    "Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."

    4. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    27 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 726-8819

    $35 - $165 / night

    "We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance."

    "Beautiful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat. Short drive to many other areas. small but good size sites for where it is."

    5. Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    18 Reviews
    Pescadero, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-2040

    $35 / night

    "It is a smaller park than many of the other redwoods parks in Northern California, so it was very nice and peaceful. Butano is a bit off the beaten path to get to, but so worth it."

    "Large, user-friendly campsites surrounded by redwood trees. Great ferny hiking trails for every level of camper/hiker. Very easy access to campsites and near Pescadero and Highway One."

    6. Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

    10 Reviews
    Newark, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $45 - $65 / night

    "We visit people in the Bay Area and this place is convenient to Palo Alto and the Peninsula. It is usually not crowded, but this trip has more rigs the bathrooms are modern and clean, if spartan."

    "What they do have are scores of hookup sites for $60 / night and three tent / drive-in no hookup water-only sites for $45 / night."

    7. Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    8 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-2952

    $8 / night

    "The parking lot for the trail head is just a bit further down Hwy 35. "

    "There is a nearby shooting range and you can hear the gunshots during the daylight hours."

    8. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Mount Hermon, CA
    25 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."

    9. Trailer Villa RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Redwood City, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 366-7880

    "Clean, has some views from far border of the hills but the spots are tight and there is not much to do but hook-up."

    "After-hours check-in was a breeze, as the checkin instructions were taped to the main door of the office at the park entrance."

    10. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    29 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $25 - $200 / night

    "as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"

    "Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty."

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Recent Camping Photos near Palo Alto, CA

263 Photos of 138 Palo Alto Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Palo Alto, CA

768 Reviews of 138 Palo Alto Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    Pantoll

    Very nice small campground on Mt Tam. All sites are a small walk up on a hill kind of steep. Ranger station at parking lot that sells firewood. Water faucets, bathrooms. No showers. Bear lockers.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • jay B.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Sunset State Beach Campground

    Not the Best Fit for RV Campers

    We’ve camped all along the coast and had high hopes for this spot, but it didn’t quite meet expectations. The sites feel very close together and are a bit awkwardly arranged, making it a tight fit—especially for anything larger than a small camper. We're in a 22’ van/motorhome crossover and were fortunate to find a level spot, though most sites we saw were not level. The beach trails could use some maintenance as they’re currently in rough shape. This campground might be a better option for tent campers, but for RVs, it’s not ideal.

Guide to Palo Alto

Camping near Palo Alto offers a great escape into nature, with beautiful campgrounds that cater to various preferences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly spot, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking," making it a perfect spot for novice hikers.
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at New Brighton State Beach Campground. A visitor shared, "Great views and easy access to the beach," highlighting the campground's prime location.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, you might spot wild turkeys and other wildlife. One camper noted, "We were able to take a closeup look at them," making it a fun experience for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings at Mount Madonna County Park. A reviewer said, "What a gem of a campground! We’ll definitely come back!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. One visitor remarked, "Showers and toilets looked clean," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like New Brighton State Beach are popular with families. A camper mentioned, "Lots of families and lots of kids," making it a lively spot for children.

What you should know:

  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. At Saddle Mountain Ranch, a visitor noted, "The sites are very close to each other," which might not suit everyone.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. For instance, California Veterans Memorial Park Campground has basic facilities, and one reviewer said, "A bit too expensive for what you get."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be mindful of wildlife, especially at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. One camper warned about aggressive yellow jackets, saying, "We reported the experience to the attendant."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like New Brighton State Beach, where families can enjoy the beach and playgrounds. A reviewer said, "The camp site is located on park grounds," making it convenient for kids.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or games to keep kids entertained. One camper at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, "There are quite a few trails that are currently closed due to storm damage," so check trail conditions before heading out.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A visitor at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground noted, "You’re going to have to stay up the rest of the night," so be prepared for late-night munchies.

Tips from RVers:

Camping around Palo Alto, California, offers a variety of experiences, from beach fun to forest hikes. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is beach camping available near Palo Alto?

Yes, beach camping is available within driving distance of Palo Alto. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground offers beautiful coastal camping with sites occasionally available for last-minute bookings. New Brighton State Beach Campground is another excellent option, featuring campsites with electricity and water situated on a bluff with easy walking access to the beach. Both locations provide fire rings and picnic tables. These coastal campgrounds are popular and often require reservations well in advance, especially during peak season. For RV travelers, Half Moon Bay RV Park provides another coastal option with helpful staff and convenient pull-through sites.

What amenities are available at Palo Alto campgrounds?

While Palo Alto itself has limited camping options, nearby campgrounds offer various amenities. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground provides clean, well-maintained bathrooms, though sites can be close together. Anthony Chabot Regional Park offers sites near restrooms and water access. For RV campers, Trailer Villa RV Park near Redwood City features water hookups and big-rig-friendly spaces. Most campgrounds in the region typically include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. Bathroom facilities range from basic to modern, with some locations offering showers. Many sites are reservable online, and several campgrounds provide storage boxes for food safety.

Where are the best camping spots near Palo Alto?

For convenient camping near Palo Alto, Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay is an excellent option with modern, clean facilities and proximity to the Peninsula. For a peaceful woodland experience, San Mateo Memorial Park offers spacious sites among redwoods and serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring numerous hiking trails. Other good options within driving distance include Sanborn County Park with its walk-in sites and storage boxes, and Castle Rock Trail Camp for those seeking a more rustic experience. The region offers a mix of beach, forest, and mountain camping experiences all within reasonable driving distance of Palo Alto.

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