RV campgrounds near San Martin, California offer full hookup options for travelers exploring the South Bay and central coast. Located in Santa Clara County about 24 miles southeast of San Jose, this region experiences mild winters and warm summers with average high temperatures around 85°F in July. Multiple campgrounds provide year-round accessibility, though winter rains can affect road conditions at facilities with unpaved access routes.
What to do
Explore nearby redwoods: Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort has trails connecting to natural areas. "Getting there takes some attention. Do not take highway 9 from Santa Cruz as the RV park will tell you. Our car navigation changed our route even after we were approaching 17 north," notes a camper.
Visit Henry Cowell State Park: The park is a short distance from several campgrounds in Felton. "It was a short nice hike to the state park and the train through the red woods. Fun experience on a real steam locomotive," reports a camper from Smithwoods RV Park.
Family pool activities: Several parks offer swimming options during warmer months. "The pool is huge and very very well kept," mentions a visitor at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill. Another camper at Cotillion Gardens RV Park said, "Kids liked the pool and clubhouse. Look forward to our next visit."
What campers like
Quiet escapes: Joseph D. Grant County Park offers peaceful surroundings away from urban noise. "No one else was in the campground, so it was definitely quiet. Bathrooms and showers were available. Camp host was friendly. They also sell ice which was nice to grab for the cooler," shares one visitor.
Recreation amenities: Thousand Trails Morgan Hill features diverse activities. "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," reports one family.
Location convenience: Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park provides easy access to shopping. "Right behind shopping center with Walmart, Target, Lowe's and much more," notes a camper. Another visitor commented, "Great central location! Shopping and pharmacy are walking distance."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many RV parks in the area have uneven sites requiring equipment. "The sites are not level," warns one camper at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill. Another visitor noted, "We got a nice spot close to the dump station near front."
Space limitations: Cotillion Gardens RV Park has some tight spacing. "The sites are close together. The place is old, but it has a great location," explains one camper. Another visitor was more critical: "Spots are way too small. My slide almost sat on the neighbors table."
WiFi and connectivity: Cell service can be limited in wooded areas. "No cell service but good WiFi if your close to the office," mentions a camper at Cotillion Gardens. At Smithwoods RV Park, a visitor noted, "We occasionally got 1 bar of cell service in our site if we stood in a certain spot. (AT&T)There was WiFi up at the office but it was inconsistent."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly hiking: Smithwoods RV Park has access to family-appropriate trails. "Kids could ride bikes freely, heated pool (90 degrees), clean shower and restroom, plus laundry room. Staff is very friendly and Sant Cruz beaches are 15min away," shares a family camper.
Safe biking areas: Multiple parks offer protected riding spaces. "The asphalt Campground was great for the kids biking," mentions a camper at Casa de Fruta. Another visitor at Smithwoods noted, "The place is mostly flat and surrounded with Redwoods. Shady and sunny locations."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: "Saw a lot of bunnies and a bobcat on the way out," reports a camper at Joseph D. Grant County Park. At Thousand Trails Morgan Hill, a family mentioned, "The kids loved the resident cats."
Tips from RVers
Advance planning for large rigs: Casa de Fruta RV Orchard Resort accommodates bigger vehicles. "Perfect place to stop! Lots to see & do with the Casa de Fruta fruit stand, Wine & Deli stand, Burrito & Taco stand," shares a camper. Another visitor noted, "Nice Older Park, Large, lots of things going on in the area between the Restaurant, Fruit Stand, Gas Station and the RV Park."
Hookup arrangements: At several rv parks near San Martin, California, utility connections may have unusual placements. "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot," notes a camper from Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Seasonal timing: Weather affects camping experience significantly. "In mid October the campground is still running kids activities daily and they're good!" reports a visitor at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill. Another camper noted, "We went there with our 5 children from Sunday-Thursday in October. The location is mostly flat and surrounded with Redwoods."
