Top Tent Camping near San Jose, CA

Looking for the best San Jose tent camping? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find San Jose campgrounds for you and your tent. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of San Jose's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near San Jose, CA (28)

    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park

    1. Uvas Canyon County Park

    9 Reviews
    53 Photos
    300 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $34 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground - Butano State Park - CLOSED FOR FIRES
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground - Butano State Park - CLOSED FOR FIRES
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground - Butano State Park - CLOSED FOR FIRES
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground - Butano State Park - CLOSED FOR FIRES
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground - Butano State Park - CLOSED FOR FIRES
    Camper-submitted photo from Ben Ries Campground - Butano State Park - CLOSED FOR FIRES

    2. Ben Ries Campground - Butano State Park - CLOSED FOR FIRES

    18 Reviews
    46 Photos
    61 Saves

    Ben Ries Campground

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock Trail Camp

    3. Castle Rock Trail Camp

    8 Reviews
    18 Photos
    256 Saves

    Castle Rock State Park is a land of sculpted sandstone, lush forests, and sweeping vistas. From one of the highest ridges in the Santa Cruz Mountains, park visitors enjoy hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. Rock climbers explore the park's caverns and rocks, including the namesake Castle Rock. Plant-lovers come for California black oaks, knobcone pines, and high-elevation coast redwoods. The park’s 34 miles of rugged trails conveniently connect to an extensive trail system that links the Santa Clara and San Lorenzo valleys to nearby Big Basin Redwoods State Park and open space preserves on the Skyline to the Sea Trail. The Castle Rock Trail Camp is open year round on a first-come, first-serve basis. The campground is a 2.5 mile (4 kilometer) hike from the parking area and you will have to carry all of your equipment into the camp. Castle Rock Trail Camp has trash receptacles, bathrooms, and 20 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Wood is available for sale during the wet season. Fires are not allowed during fire season. Camping is permitted only in designated camps. Campers are required to be in their campsites from sunset to 6 a.m. To register and pay your fees, check in at the Entrance Station at the Castle Rock parking lot. If you arrive when the station is not staffed, you can use the self-registration envelopes. Make sure you bring exact change or a check to use in case you must use the self-registration. Place your receipt on the dashboard in a visible place as proof of payment. Rangers will verify payment. For more information about camping and fire closure dates, please call Castle Rock State Park at (408) 867-2952. For more information and reservations for Waterman Gap Trail Camp, please visit the Santa Cruz Mountain State Parks Backcountry Trail Camp Page.

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $8 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4 Reviews
    26 Photos
    41 Saves

    Hikers and equestrians have access to an extensive 51 mile trail system. Mountain bikes are permitted on over 75% of the park's trails as designated. The diverse trail system at the park makes this a popular place to stage large-scale organized trail events such as equestrian endurance rides, mountain bike events and foot races. Dogs are also allowed on the trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds as long as they are on a 6 ft. leash. Shaded picnic areas are available on a first-come first-served basis. Campers can choose from almost forty (40) reservable family campsites. Hot showers are available with paid campsite use. Group picnic and youth camping areas are available by reservation. One large lake and several smaller ponds are accessible for warm water fishing. Fires are permitted in designated fire rings only. Do not gather wood. Extinguish fires when unattended. When posted "NO FIRES", only campstoves or gas grills are permitted. For further questions please call the park office: (408) 274-6121.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian

    $15 - $400 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Seacliff State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Seacliff State Beach

    5. Seacliff State Beach

    6 Reviews
    2 Photos
    330 Saves
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground - Big Basin Redwoods State Park CLOSED FOR FIRES
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground - Big Basin Redwoods State Park CLOSED FOR FIRES
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground - Big Basin Redwoods State Park CLOSED FOR FIRES
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground - Big Basin Redwoods State Park CLOSED FOR FIRES
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground - Big Basin Redwoods State Park CLOSED FOR FIRES
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Basin Cabins and Campground - Big Basin Redwoods State Park CLOSED FOR FIRES
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach

    8. Manresa State Beach

    7 Reviews
    24 Photos
    281 Saves

    Manresa State Beach Camping is tents only, no RVs, mid-May through September. Parking for over 60 walk-in tent sites at Manresa Uplands is in a separate lot near the campground. Pets must not be left unattended in campsites. One vehicle is included in camping fees.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
    • No image available

      10. Towle Campground

      1 Review
      28 Saves
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table

      $40 / night

    Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews In San Jose

    634 Reviews of 28 San Jose Campgrounds


    • UThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Valley RV Resort
      Oct. 16, 2024

      Coyote Valley RV Resort

      Buttoned up, formal atmosphere RV resort

      High priced. Nice people at desk. Damon who helped us park was very friendly. Almost entirely high-priced big rigs, some of whom seem settled here but it's clean, 'orderly,' very quiet. Rigid rules keep the order; nice that no political flags/signs allowed. 2 dog parks and lots of grassy areas to take for a walk. Showers in locker-room/bldg, bathrooms nice and clean. Green grass. Also has laundry with 2.50 wash and.25 dry for 8 min. Skunk wandered by site in the night. Cool train sounds from nearby tracks at night. Was probably the most convenient to San Jose, otherwise we likely would've been in mtns. and too far away from town for our needs at the time. Would not be a regular choice for us.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Salinas-Monterey KOA
      Oct. 8, 2024

      Salinas-Monterey KOA

      Parking lot with a pool

      Pretty basic place. Level, noisy highway. Very friendly staff clean. I enjoy more of the outdoors so not really my cup of tea. Very narrow spaces.

    • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from New Brighton State Beach
      Sep. 30, 2024

      New Brighton State Beach

      Love it here

      There are a ton of reviews for this place already so I will try to keep it short and only add info that I didn't see mentioned in previous reviews.

      Showers are $0.25 per min ($0.50 min to start).  You don't get to adjust water temp, but it was pleasantly hot. Showers are non-gendered and individual.

      Dump station is no longer free; all California State Parks are charging $10 to dump now, even for campers.  You pay at the dump site with a credit card. There are 4 dump holes and a potable water fill as well.

      We love staying here as it's so convenient to Capitola. We were able to park our RV in Capitola and walk to the shops. We got last minute reservations (it's really hard to book a site here in the summer), but had to move sites in between days, and so we used that 2 hour block between noon checkout and 2pm checkin to drive the RV to Capitola. It seemed like it would have been too much of a hassle to try and get to move to the new spot before checkin, so this worked out fine.

      We love all the state parks along the beach in California, and I'm sure we'll be back at some point.

    • Elizabeth S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach Campground
      Sep. 30, 2024

      Sunset State Beach Campground

      Quiet nice views

      Campground is quiet except those who run their generators all day and play the radio loud. It is spread out. (But still close, you do see your neighbors.) The camp ground is between fields and the ocean. Site 25 has amazing views but also can be breezy. Or windy. Old but clean bathrooms with coin showers. Water close to sites.

    • CJ S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat
      Sep. 8, 2024

      Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat

      Not great for the price

      The pictures here are very deceiving. Driving in, the first 4 campsites are occupied by broken down trailers, an overturned couch and broken BBQ pits. We stayed in site #6 which was probably one of the best sites. Great shade and car was able to be parked nearby (you walk down non-maintained "stairs" with rotted tree branches as the steps).  

      Overall, I had high hopes based on the description here especially reading: "Our onsite staff will go around and enforce the rules." but this is clearly a non-maintained campground that was probably very nice 45 years ago. No hiking trails are maintained, the bathrooms are "rustic" which is fine--nice to have running water when you've got little ones to clean. But the floors were rotted and I was afraid we'd step through the floorboards. 

      If you are a true car camper who can lock your doors at night, this is probably the spot for you. Running water, showers and washing machine. If you are a tent camper with small kids like me, this is not where you want to stay. I'm disappointed I paid the price I did to stay here, I'd pay $25/night because this is essentially a parking space in a poorly maintained campground.

    • Sean Z.
      Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
      Sep. 2, 2024

      Anthony Chabot Regional Park

      Great time inconvenienced by yellow jackets

      We love to camp here for barbecuing, mountain biking and hiking. We always do it during 7/4 holidays except for this year when the park canceled our reservation due to high heat. So we booked for the Labor Day weekend. Temperature was perfect and biking and hiking were enjoyable as usual. This year we had two new types of visitors to the the site. A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground. We were able to take a closeup look at them and they were beautiful birds with big eyes spotting tiny bits of crumbs. They come and go from one site to the next quietly and gently. Very cute and we took pictures with their presence. Then came the aggressive yellow jackets. We never had yellow jackets in our previous 7/4 outings here. Oh boy, they fought for the meat relentlessly. At the end of the outing, both my finger and my wife’s were stung. We reported the experience to the attendant at the gate when leaving. She said the park is looking for a solution. In the meantime, she suggested contacting them early on so they might be able to provide another site. Hopefully, next year, we won’t encounter so many nasties.

    • Jason M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park
      Aug. 25, 2024

      Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

      Great Layover

      We had a quick three-day trip here to visit family. The pool is small, yet well-kept and we had it to ourselves every time we went each day. The park was perfect for the kids biking around through the short- and long-term areas.

    • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from New Brighton State Beach
      Jul. 23, 2024

      New Brighton State Beach

      Good spot with availability

      Despite the website showing every site booked, we drove in about 4 pm to a decent number of sites. Entry ranger was available pretty late. Site was $35 I believe, and has paid showers and restrooms. Site had a fire pit, paved parking for a larger vehicle, table and decent amount of shade. Lots of families and lots of kids. Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more.

    • Chris N.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Veteran's Memorial Park Campground
      Jul. 21, 2024

      Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

      Affordable Monterey/Carmel Access

      I have family in Monterey, but can't see paying the higher prices for a hotel or home rental when I visit. This location gives you complete access to the beautiful surrounding area at a price that doesn't hurt. Showers, restrooms, tables and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure. I dry camp a lot, and having the amenities is worth the fees they're asking. Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early, if you can, due to a first come first serve policy for sites. The early bird gets the worm. No reservations can be made.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat
      Jul. 9, 2024

      Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat

      This was an excellent getaway

      Booked this as a last minute escape from the heat where I live and it didn’t disappoint. Towering Coastal Redwoods provide for tons of shade and really nice campsites. Definitely a dry time of year but there were still some beautiful wildflowers to be seen. There’s a lovely easy trail that takes you to a stream along a mostly shaded path. I imagine that during the spring you’ll get a greater runoff but it was still really nice. Saturday was pretty bust with campers but Sunday was almost all vacant so it felt like I had the whole place to myself and the wildlife showed up. The hosts were communicative and descriptions and directions were great. Zero cell service with Verizon but it was nice to just unplug. I would definitely recommend this one. Happy camping!

    • Laura D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Manresa State Beach
      Jul. 6, 2024

      Manresa State Beach

      Right on beach!

      First time visiting, We stayed at site 63 for two nights June 30 and July 1st. Sites are very private and seperated by bushes and trees. The loading zone was a short walk to our site. It was an easy 5-7 minute walk down to the beach. Beach was clean and not crowded. Beautiful sunset views. Only complaints are that the bathrooms were filthy. One of the showers wasn’t working and robbed us of $2. They need to put a quarter change machine for coins for the showers. We had to drive to KOA to get change to shower. We will definitely come back !

    • LThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pinto Lake City Park
      Jun. 30, 2024

      Pinto Lake City Park

      Small City Park... Good Option for short and/or Longer Stays

      Small city park with RV Parking on grass between lake and baseball fields.  Sites almost level; however, might need to use a few blocks.  Park was busy with locals using pavilions for birthday and other parties when we visited on a Saturday in June.  Adjacent baseball field was busy on Sunday morning with little league game and parking lot was full.  Cars were being parked in unused RV spots.  Many people were fishing from the shoreline.  Many Candian geese (with poop) were in the dock area and alone the shoreline.  Some ducks made themselves at home in the shade under our RV.  Temperature was considerably cooler versus the very hot temps only a few miles further inland.  Nice that each site has electric / water / sewer hook-ups.  Two rest rooms (one by lake and one by baseball field) were a little dirty due to heavy use.  Unfortunate there are no showers and that you can only walk around perhaps 10% of the lake shoreline.  Quiet at night as they lock the park gate... they give you an access card ($25 deposit req'd) if you need to leave and return after gate is locked at night.  Called and requested my $25 credit after refund was not automatically received a few days later.  Credit was immediately made.  A good option especially if parks along the coast are booked and you want reasonably cool temperatures.  Would stay again.

    • Michelle W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
      Jun. 17, 2024

      Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

      So many animals and birds

      I had a big spot and no neighbors my entire half of the campground on a Monday night in June. I was under 2 big oaks that were buzzing with bird activity.
      The bathrooms were clean and I had water on my site. I had some AT&T service.

    • Jose J.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Monterey Pines RV Park - Military
      Jun. 14, 2024

      Monterey Pines RV Park - Military

      Beautiful RV Park and golf course

      Campground is for active duty, retired military and DoD Civilians. Pretty quiet with the exception of the Monterey Regional Airport next to it and even then it wasn’t very noticeable. The golf course next to it is beautiful so bring your sticks or rent them from the clubhouse. One of the more affordable courses to play in the area. Our site was level left to right but we did have to jack the front of the trailer up higher than usual. Clean restrooms and bath house. FREE LAUNDRY FACILITIES TOO. Definitely want to go back but for a longer stay.

    • Tippy B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Veteran's Memorial Park Campground
      Jun. 12, 2024

      Veteran's Memorial Park Campground

      Perfect access to Big Sur & Pebble Beach

      We were driving thru and needed a place to van camp. Found this location from the dyrt app. The camp site is located on park grounds. If you have little ones they’ll have fun on the playground. Parking was easy to pick for us. There’s also hot showers which is only open from 7AM to 9PM. Someone will turn the water access off outside of those time frames. They will also allow showers with no camping option which is $4. Overall for the stay being only $47, having the options of a hot shower, rest rooms and ability to have a fire pit and the convenience of the Big Sur, makes this site worth it.

    • Sonya S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach
      May. 31, 2024

      Sunset State Beach

      Clean and quite

      This is a beautiful place, camp site behind woods, this, waving sound won’t bother at night.

      Very clean and friendly staffs



    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:

    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

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near San Jose, CA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near San Jose, CA is Uvas Canyon County Park with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near San Jose, CA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near San Jose, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.