Mount Madonna County Park sits above the fog line in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with significant temperature variations from surrounding areas. The park maintains multiple campground sections that offer varying degrees of privacy and amenities. The campground experiences several microclimates, with temperatures often 40 degrees cooler than in nearby Gilroy or San Jose valleys.
What to do
Hike extensive trail networks: Uvas Canyon County Park features multiple waterfall trails that showcase the natural beauty of the area. A visitor mentioned, "Short hikes along the Uvas Creek and Swanson creek are right next to the campground. Trails are narrow and steep at some places but mostly shaded."
Try archery: Mount Madonna County Park offers a distinctive 28-target archery trail through the woods. A camper shared, "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."
Visit white fallow deer: At Mount Madonna, you can observe the remaining white fallow deer from William Randolph Hearst's exotic collection. One visitor noted, "Near the ranger station there are pens with white fallow deer. They are descendants of the exotic zoo at William Randolph Hearst's mansion down the coast."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Uvas Canyon County Park maintains well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. A reviewer stated, "Super clean and maintained. Especially the bathrooms and showers. The sites are spaced out nicely and there is a water faucet and trash bins plus recycle every couple of sites."
Family-friendly activities: Thousand Trails Morgan Hill offers numerous recreation options for families. A camper shared, "Great culture here - friendly, lots of things to do (pool, basketball, volleyball, horse shoes, playground, billiards, karaoke, tennis). We lost power twice here which was unfortunate but lasted 90 minutes once and 4-5 hours the other time."
Natural solitude: For those seeking a more secluded glamping experience close to San Jose, California, less developed options exist. At Candlestick Point SRA, a visitor noted, "Dispersed camping outside the campground perimeters. Very quiet and this is the place if solitude is your thing. Bring lots of water. Walk in or 4wd accessible. Never have seen another human here."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park experiences significant weather variations throughout the year. A visitor commented, "We were here in November while my house was fumigated. Nice open campsites with hook ups. Dump station was available although I did not see it listed on web site."
Wildlife encounters: Many parks near San Jose have active wildlife. At Coyote Lake, a camper observed, "Wild pigs appeared at night. It was our first camping trip and we had a great time! No internet and no electricity. Restroom was clean."
Reservation requirements: Sanborn County Park requires planning ahead. One visitor noted, "Getting there: Getting to the park is fairly easy compared to other parks in the Santa Cruz Mountains like Big Basin. There is an entry fee of $6 per vehicle if you park in the lot. The lot was full and cars were waiting when we left."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly biking areas: Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park offers various terrain options. A camper shared, "Great views. Very quiet. Lots of wildlife to see. Good bass fishing."
Consider glamping options close to San Jose: For families new to camping, the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA offers comfortable alternatives. A visitor mentioned, "Paved roads for bikes, huge playground, nice store, warm pool. It's perfect for families. I wouldn't recommend this for campers who like solitude, of course, or someone looking for a romantic trip."
Pack for temperature swings: Weather can change dramatically at higher elevations. At Mount Madonna, one camper advised, "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!"
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Sanborn County Park has limited RV access. One RVer noted, "RV sites are basically parking lot with 4' strips of grass in between, But it was March and mostly empty. Tent sites are hike in up hill and nicely spaced in the woods. Wagons on site to get your stuff up there."
Arrive early for best locations: Parks fill quickly during peak seasons. A camper at Sunset State Beach advised, "Awesome beach camping. We camped in the winter and had no reservations, but got a good spot anyway. Winter can be a very nice weekend!"
Bring leveling equipment: Many glamping sites close to San Jose have uneven terrain. A visitor mentioned, "If you plan to sleep in your car, you may want to take leveling blocks as I found the car parking spot to be not leveled at all."
