Best Campgrounds near San Martin, CA

Several good camping spots can be found near San Martin, California, which sits close to Highway 101. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground has nice redwood groves with both tent and RV camping areas. You can also camp at Pinnacles Campground inside Pinnacles National Park, where you'll be near interesting rock formations and see different kinds of wildlife. California Veterans Memorial Park Campground is another good choice with big sites and clean facilities. These campgrounds have different basics like bathrooms, tables for picnics, and trails. The weather around San Martin stays pretty mild all year, though most people prefer camping in spring and fall when it's not too hot or cold. Summer gets hot, so bring extra water and something for the sun. Winter cools down but makes for good hiking weather on the trails. Being close to the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay makes these camping areas even better. These spots work well whether you just want to relax outside or check out the area. Just make sure to look up any closures before you go. With all these different places to camp, San Martin works for both quiet camping and more active trips.

Best Camping Sites Near San Martin, California (129)

    1. Mount Madonna County Park

    31 Reviews
    Gilroy, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-2341

    "We were happy to have the electric hook up since the redwood and oak tress surrounding all the sites are huge and block out the sun."

    "It has some privacy, we liked that it was in between two yurts away from others. The trail does go right behind the site but it wasn’t super busy."

    2. New Brighton State Beach Campground

    44 Reviews
    Capitola, CA
    20 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."

    3. Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

    11 Reviews
    San Martin, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-7800

    $34 / night

    "The lake is closed to any and all water-craft because the water level is too low. It is very clean and well maintained for the most part. Cell phone service for Xfinity/Verizon is spotty at best."

    "Campsites are along the beautiful Coyote lake. The lakeside sites are mostly shaded as are the sites along the road. Sites 43, 44 and 45 would be the most secluded."

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

    13 Reviews
    Morgan Hill, CA
    7 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."

    5. Thousand Trails Morgan Hill

    8 Reviews
    San Martin, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We got a nice spot close to the dump station near front. Their pool is huge and very very well kept. The spot was 30amp and back in however they have 50amp/pull through also."

    "The nature around it is amazing, and the convenience of being so close to all the things around you about 20 min to town and county parks."

    6. Sunset State Beach

    27 Reviews
    Watsonville, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 763-7063

    "Dogs can be allowed on beach if you go to the right of the main entrance. No dogs to the left.  Camp sites vary but the best loop is South Loop. Some with ocean views but those are hard to reserve. "

    "Strawberry fields surround the campground and are next to the Hike and Bike area. The walk is not too difficult down to the beach."

    7. Uvas Canyon County Park

    9 Reviews
    New Almaden, CA
    11 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."

    8. Uvas Pines RV Park

    5 Reviews
    San Martin, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 779-3417

    $60 / night

    "Definitely in a canyon around the corner from Thousand Trails.  You can see the stars at night and it is a very quiet campground.  We were surprised at all the high-end rigs there, some full-timers. "

    "It was super quiet, though there was a somewhat noisy road next to us. We were on the first site next to the road, so I suspect it would be a non issue for most of the sites."

    9. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Mount Hermon, CA
    25 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."

    10. Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

    16 Reviews
    Freedom, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 722-0551

    "I would recommend booking away from the jump pillow or playground, unless easy playground access is important, because the spots are pretty noisy."

    "There is also relatively quick access to Santa Cruz to the north and Monterey to the south.

    My only criticism is that it is not that woodsy. But hey, this is a KOA!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 129 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near San Martin, CA

819 Reviews of 129 San Martin Campgrounds



Guide to San Martin

Camping near San Martin, California, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. From stunning landscapes to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Pinnacles Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The trails are wild, like a moonscape," making it a great spot for adventure seekers.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground, you can see a variety of wildlife. A camper noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded."
  • Star Gazing: The dark skies at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground make it perfect for star gazing. One reviewer said, "Great views. Very dark at night which is great for star gazing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park remarked, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A reviewer at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are mostly very private and lush and green."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like New Brighton State Beach Campground are great for families. One camper shared, "Lots of families and lots of kids. Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more."

What you should know:

  • Heat in Summer: If you plan to visit Pinnacles Campground in the summer, be prepared for high temperatures. A camper warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground, have limited amenities. A visitor noted, "Simple campground with a decent shower and bathroom."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at California Sunset State Beach mentioned, "Arrived at like 3 pm and they still had 10 open sites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground, where families can enjoy activities together. One reviewer said, "The winter sun and sunsets are extraordinary."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Big Sur Campground & Cabins shared, "You can go down and walk by the river float the river with the complimentary tubes."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground mentioned, "Showers, restrooms, tables and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Mount Madonna County Park noted, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Be Prepared for Slopes: Some campgrounds have sloped sites. A camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park mentioned, "A lot of the sites are on a slant."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with nearby dump stations. A visitor at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground noted, "The dump station was in good working order."

Camping near San Martin, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near San Martin, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Martin, CA is Mount Madonna County Park with a 4.6-star rating from 31 reviews.

What parks are near San Martin, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near San Martin, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.