Camping opportunities near San Jose span from sea level at coastal campgrounds to over 3,000 feet elevation in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Temperatures can vary dramatically between locations, with mountain campgrounds often 20-40 degrees cooler than the valley floor. Most pet friendly camping near San Jose requires leashes no longer than 6 feet, with specific designated areas where pets can exercise.
What to do
Explore hidden hiking trails: At Sanborn County Park, hiking options range from short walks to challenging terrain. "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," notes one visitor to Mount Madonna County Park. The park features multiple trailheads accessible directly from campsites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing. "There was quite a bit of wildlife roaming through the park mainly in the early morning. I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground," reports a camper at Del Valle Campground. Bring binoculars for spotting birds that frequent the area.
Water recreation: Several campgrounds provide lake access. "The lake is also very picturesque. There is a swimming area, & there are picnic tables & nice-sized camp sites," notes a visitor to Del Valle. The lake features designated swimming areas with seasonal lifeguards and boat rentals during summer months.
What campers like
Free shower facilities: Unlike many campgrounds that charge for showers, some locations offer complimentary facilities. "Bathrooms are great. Bathrooms are constantly cleaned and showers are free and clean," writes a camper at Joseph D Grant County Park. Most campgrounds maintain well-stocked bathrooms with regular cleaning schedules.
Spacious, private sites: Site selection can significantly impact your experience. "Our site (418) was huge and private. There is a large vacant campsite across the road that's reserved for docents but it was empty when we were there so we had the cul-de-sac all to ourselves," shares a visitor to Mount Madonna County Park. Sites on outer loops typically offer more privacy than inner sites.
Dog-friendly trails: Finding campgrounds with pet-friendly trail systems can be challenging. "This is a county park that allows dogs on ALL the trails. It's hard to find that sometimes so we greatly appreciated how dog friendly it was," reports a camper at Mount Madonna, making it an excellent choice for pet friendly camping around San Jose.
What you should know
Temperature variations: Mountain campgrounds can be surprisingly cold compared to nearby cities. "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!" warns a visitor to Mount Madonna County Park.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near San Jose require advance booking. "Great spot to camp, close to grocery stores and gas stations. Books out fast and hard to get into," notes a camper at New Brighton State Beach Campground. Reservations for summer weekends should be made 3-6 months in advance.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. "No cell service, ride up the mountain is nauseating," reports a visitor to Joseph D Grant County Park. Some campgrounds offer WiFi near bathrooms or visitor centers, but reception is generally unreliable.
Tips for camping with families
Bring bikes for kids: Several campgrounds feature paved roads ideal for children's bikes. "Great campground for the kids to bike at but there are a few big hills so make sure they know how to use their brakes," advises a visitor to Mount Madonna County Park. Helmets are required for children under 18 in California.
Choose sites near bathrooms: For families with young children, convenience matters. "We were in site 325 was right next to the bathroom, which was convenient but made things noisy around bed time and in the morning. Wouldn't recommend this site if you like to sleep in while camping," shares a camper at Sanborn County Park.
Check for educational programs: Many parks offer ranger-led activities. "There is a small visitor center close to the entrance, with a few souvenirs and some snacks and drinks," notes a visitor to Henry W. Coe State Park. Weekend programs typically include nature walks and junior ranger activities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV sites can be unexpectedly uneven. "The walk-in sites may be different, but all of the pull in sites were extremely off-level (even with all our blocks we couldn't get close)," reports an RVer at Henry W. Coe State Park. Bring extra leveling blocks, particularly for mountain campgrounds.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds provide dumping facilities. "Warning: the line for the dump station wound through nearly the entire park," notes a visitor to New Brighton State Beach Campground. Plan to arrive early on Sundays to avoid long waits at dump stations.
Limited site sizes: Many campgrounds near San Jose have restricted RV lengths. "Our site was decently unlevel. Getting to the park is fairly easy compared to other parks in the Santa Cruz Mountains like Big Basin," shares a camper who visited a local park with their trailer. Most campgrounds list maximum RV lengths for each site on reservation platforms.
