Joseph D Grant County Park offers additional horse-friendly options approximately 50 miles southeast of San Gregorio. The park spans 10,882 acres of rolling hills with varied terrain for equestrian adventures. Trail elevations range from 1,400 to 2,800 feet, providing riders with diverse landscapes through oak woodland and grassland habitats.
What to do
Hiking and trail riding: Access multiple trail systems throughout the Anthony Chabot Regional Park area. "There is an extensive network of trails accessible from the campground. It's popular, especially on the weekends," notes Amanda P.
Fishing opportunities: Visit nearby lakes for various catch options. "The best part is the fishing at the nearby lake. Bass, Trout and Catfish primarily," says J.d. E. about the waters near campgrounds.
Stargazing sessions: Join organized night sky events at Grant County Park. "There are nights to gather and stargaze," mentions Lisa D., who appreciates the dark skies away from urban light pollution.
Historical exploration: Tour the ranch house and museum near the equestrian campsites. "There is an interesting Ranch House and Museum that showcases the life of Joseph Grant and his offspring, with many eccentric and macabre details of their history in the area," reports Renee W.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Observe local fauna in their natural habitats around campgrounds. "We love Anthony Chabot! The eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.)," says Amanda P.
Swimming areas: Cool off during hot weather at Del Valle Campground. "The lake is also very picturesque. There is a swimming area," notes emmy, who enjoyed the recreational water features.
Free shower facilities: Take advantage of complimentary amenities. "The showers were great. Hot and FREE!" exclaims Ryan W., highlighting unexpected conveniences when camping.
Proximity to urban areas: Appreciate quick access to nearby towns when supplies run low. "Close to the Bay Area and probably one of the better options. Looks like they recently increased the price for campsites, which makes it easier to find/reserve a site," explains Gustav H.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Prepare for connectivity challenges. "Nice clean decent cell service. Lots of birds singing. The views of the lake are very nice," reports Adam B., indicating variable signal strength.
Gate closure times: Note specific park entrance restrictions at Henry W. Coe State Park. "Gate closes 8:15pm," warns Jason R., emphasizing the importance of arriving before closure.
Uneven terrain: Select sites carefully for level camping surfaces. "My only compliant is that at the site we stayed at (CR005) the ground is quite compacted, so if you do not have an adequately thick sleeping pad, the ground may be uncomfortably hard to sleep on," advises Sara W.
Seasonal considerations: Plan for changing conditions throughout the year. "We were surprised when we made it to this campground that it was built on the side of a hill," notes Karen, highlighting topographical challenges for vehicle positioning.
Tips for camping with families
Bring extra supplies: Pack additional padding for sleeping comfort. "Normally I have no trouble sleeping on the bare ground at campsites with a thin sleeping pad, so this was surprising. Bringing an extra pad may be a good idea if you are prone to sleep problems when the ground is too hard," recommends Sara W.
Check for amenities: Confirm facility availability before arrival. "Clean, bathrooms near by. Very relaxing and away from San Jose," Christina R. says about Tilden Regional Park.
Look for educational opportunities: Take advantage of learning experiences. "Tilden offers a lake in the middle to swim in and fish. The campsites have lots of fire pits. The weather is always great too!" explains Nicholas M.
Consider wildlife precautions: Watch for local fauna interactions. "Some seasons there are wild pigs running around everywhere," warns Lisa D., suggesting families should maintain awareness of their surroundings.
Tips from RVers
Site selection importance: Research specific sites before booking. "The sites are fairly close to each other, which matters because one of the other campers is right next to mine (46) and doesn't understand basic camp etiquettes," notes Ryan W., highlighting the value of strategic site selection at Wildcat Campground.
Hookup availability: Verify utility connections match your needs. "There is an $2 per day dog fee that caught us off guard. I'm sure it must mention it on the website as it's mentioned in the brochures they hand you when you check in," mentions Lori T., emphasizing the importance of reading all reservation details.
Access road considerations: Plan for challenging arrival routes. "The road in is fairly winding with a bit of a drop down the cliff. If you're heading in at dusk or dawn, go slow. You will see deer stepping through the road," advises Ryan W.
Leveling requirements: Bring necessary equipment for uneven sites. "The better sites are #5-12 with #11 and #12 being the best. Not all sites were open during our visit likely due to the pandemic," recommends Lori T., providing specific site information for RV travelers.
Legend
