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Best Campgrounds near San Jose, CA

823 Reviews

San Jose camping areas include several good options for a weekend getaway. New Brighton State Beach Campground offers ocean views and direct beach access, though you'll need to book ahead since spots fill quickly. California Veterans Memorial Park Campground sits among trees and gives campers a quieter setting not far from Monterey. Francis Beach Campground in Half Moon Bay puts you right by the shoreline with great coastal views. These sites each have different amenities depending on what you're looking for in a camping trip. Most campgrounds can be reached via paved roads, but it's smart to check conditions if you're visiting during rainy periods. The wildlife is active throughout these areas, so store your food properly to keep animals away from your campsite. Rules differ between campgrounds - many require advance bookings and have specific rules about fires. Most places limit stays to about 14 days to keep sites available for everyone. Group camping may require special permits at certain locations. Summer brings warm weather that's great for beach camping, while spring and fall have milder temperatures and fewer people around. Winter camping works too, but bring extra layers for cold nights. Always check the latest rules before heading out, as restrictions can change seasonally. The San Jose region has camping options ranging from beachfront to forest settings for any type of outdoor trip.

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Best Camping Sites Near San Jose, California (143)

    1. Sanborn County Park

    19 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    14 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)."

    2. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Mount Hermon, CA
    22 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."

    3. New Brighton State Beach Campground

    44 Reviews
    Capitola, CA
    23 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."

    4. Mount Madonna County Park

    32 Reviews
    Gilroy, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-2341

    "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."

    "Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren’t prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!"

    5. Uvas Canyon County Park

    11 Reviews
    New Almaden, CA
    15 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."

    6. Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District

    23 Reviews
    Livermore, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $15 - $200 / night

    "After time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality"

    "Campsite amenities were great, easy access to water and bathrooms. Bathrooms were spotless the whole weekend, even though it was a holiday weekend and every site was booked."

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

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    24 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."

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

    14 Reviews
    Morgan Hill, CA
    17 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."

    9. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4 Reviews
    Mount Hamilton, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 274-6121

    $15 - $400 / night

    "Hamilton and a lake up the road a way, there’s also a mansion & rose garden on the property, shower & bathroom are clean, there are nights to gather and stargaze.The tent spaces are sizable &amp"

    "Good trails."

    10. French Camp Recreational Vehicle Park

    4 Reviews
    Milpitas, CA
    8 miles
    +1 (209) 234-3030
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Recent Camping Photos near San Jose, CA

270 Photos of 143 San Jose Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near San Jose, CA

823 Reviews of 143 San Jose Campgrounds

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

    Cash on arrival $53 for RV

    This campground requires cash or cheque payment. It’s at the top of a hill so make sure you’re prepared before arrival. Also not suitable for RV’s over 20ft. No hook ups but decent bathrooms. Nice and quiet.

  • 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.

  • T
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Nice location and activities, but a bit cramped

    I just needed/wanted a short getaway without driving hours from home. Since I'm used to this place for mountain biking, I figured I'd try camping here for a couple nights. 

    I did a recon ride previously on my mountain bike, so knew which spots I'd prefer and booked site 35 for a Thursday and Friday night. 

    Arrived at about 5PM and found my spot. The ranger booth was closed, but I didn't feel the need to chat with them anyway. The place was largely unoccupied at this point. Maybe a dozen or so spots appeared taken. 

    The weather, though hot in the Bay Area at this point, was quite nice. The breeze and shade of the park made for a very comfortable setting. I believe it was 88 in Castro Valley, but felt about 78 at the campground. I don't have AC for the van, but didn't feel I needed any. 

    I got setup and then headed out for a short ride, followed by a warm shower, cold beer and dinner. It was quiet that evening and I slept well. 

    I worked through the morning Friday, though the Starlink suffered some interruptions due to the tree cover. Early afternoon more people started to show up, as I expected. I went for a long ride and when I returned the place was much more occupied and people were setting up tents, starting their bbq's, etc. Though a bit close to the neighbors, none of them were obnoxious. 

    My advice would be to know the spot you're selecting and know that in the summer months the grass isn't green :) 

    I'd score the individual aspects as follows (1-5):

    Bathrooms: 4

    Location: 5

    Activities: 5

    Privacy: 3

    Cleanliness: 4

  • A
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Uvas Canyon County Park

    A ton of wasps near 25

    Second time at the campground. Love this campground still but im pretty sure there is a wasp next near 25. We were here about 2 weeks ago at a different site and didnt have any wasp issues. It probably didnt help that it looked like previous people left trash and food on the floor. We will be coming back soon to a different site. Campground is gorgeous. Bathrooms are super clean.

Guide to San Jose

Camping near San Jose, CA, offers a great mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds just a short drive away, it’s perfect for families, solo adventurers, or anyone looking to escape the city.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “There are beautiful hiking trails all over this campground,” making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Beach Activities: At New Brighton State Beach Campground, you can enjoy beachcombing and swimming. A camper shared, “Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Anthony Chabot Regional Park is perfect for spotting local wildlife. One reviewer noted, “Lots of animals around, both dogs and deer and squirrels.”

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. A reviewer said, “The sites are mostly very private and lush and green.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained restrooms and showers at New Brighton State Beach Campground. One visitor remarked, “Bathrooms are clean for camping standards.”
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings at Mount Madonna County Park. A reviewer mentioned, “The trail does go right behind the site but it wasn’t super busy.”

What you should know:

  • Poison Oak: Be cautious of poison oak at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. One camper warned, “There is so much poison oak - everywhere.”
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many campgrounds, like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground, operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor advised, “Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Laguna Seca Recreation Area, may not have drinking water available. A camper noted, “Water is non-potable, but that wasn’t a problem for us.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground. One reviewer said, “If you have little ones they’ll have fun on the playground.”
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food or check out local eateries near campgrounds like Francis Beach Campground. A camper suggested, “Riding your bike, or walking along the path toward town for a well-earned brunch should definitely reach the top of your to-do list.”
  • Check for Activities: Many campgrounds offer organized activities. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, “There are quite a few trails that are currently closed due to storm damage, but crews were actively working on them.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Campgrounds like New Brighton State Beach Campground are big rig friendly. One camper noted, “Site was $35 I believe, and has paid showers and restrooms.”
  • Dump Stations: Make sure to use dump stations available at campgrounds like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground. A visitor shared, “The dump station was in good working order.”
  • Space Considerations: Be aware that some sites can be cramped. A reviewer at Saddle Mountain Ranch mentioned, “The sites are very close to each other.”

Camping around San Jose, CA, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there’s something for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping locations near San Jose, California?

For nature lovers seeking an escape from San Jose, Mount Madonna County Park offers a beautiful forested hilltop experience with both RV sites (water and electric) and dry campsites. The park features great hiking trails, flat loops for kids to bike, and unique attractions like the deer pen and historic house hikes. Another excellent option is Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park, located near Saratoga Gap along Highway 35. This park is popular among Bay Area outdoor enthusiasts and offers a true wilderness experience within easy reach of the city. Both parks provide a refreshing escape from urban life with well-maintained facilities and diverse recreational opportunities.

What campgrounds near San Jose offer lakeside camping?

Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park offers lakeside camping within easy reach of San Jose. The park features numerous sites in a pretty area with well-maintained facilities. The lake provides opportunities for fishing and water recreation, though be aware that the campground can get crowded and noisy during peak seasons. Another option is Del Valle Campground near Livermore, which offers drive-in and walk-in sites around a five-mile-long lake. Del Valle provides reservable sites with toilets and is big-rig friendly, making it suitable for various camping styles while enjoying lake access.

Are there any beach camping options close to San Jose, CA?

Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground offers the closest beach camping experience to San Jose. Located approximately 45 miles west of the city, this popular coastal destination features campsites with easy beach access. For those willing to drive a bit further, Betabel RV Park provides a convenient base for coastal exploration. While not directly on the beach, it offers great access to US 101 and is centrally located between San Jose and coastal destinations like Santa Cruz and Monterey. The park features both shaded and open sites, making it a practical option for RVers looking to explore multiple coastal areas during their stay.

What are the most affordable camping options around San Jose?

Uvas Canyon County Park offers an economical camping option about 40 minutes from San Jose. With a $6 parking fee and reasonably priced campsites, it provides nicely maintained areas with BBQs, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site. For those seeking value, Grant County Park is another affordable option with clean facilities and nearby bathrooms. This park offers a relaxing atmosphere away from San Jose's hustle without breaking the bank. Both parks provide budget-friendly alternatives to the more expensive RV resorts in the area while still offering essential amenities for a comfortable camping experience.

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