Top Tent Camping near San Martin, CA

Are you planning a tent camping trip to San Martin? We've got you covered. The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near San Martin. From remote to easy-to-reach, these San Martin campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near San Martin, CA (20)

    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 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

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

    3. Seacliff State Beach

    6 Reviews
    2 Photos
    330 Saves
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    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

    4. 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

    5. 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

    6. 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 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 Sunset State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset State Beach Campground

    8. Sunset State Beach Campground

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    5 Saves

    South Camp (sites 1-37)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $35 - $335 / night

    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 Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In San Martin

669 Reviews of 20 San Martin 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.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    The Pinnacles are Other-Worldly - this is your launchpad

    I didn’t enjoy this campground for years — I’d always drive home, to my cooler coastal home. It is WICKED hot in the summer. But one time, I joined my daughter, who did have a summer reservation, and I changed my mind! They have a pool! The kids are thrilled! There are beautiful tucked away campsites in the shade, by a creek. Really enjoyed cooking in the evenings outside and settling in. By day, of course, the trails are wild, like a moonscape. In spring, it’s a wildflower fantasia. 

    I was selfishly a little sad when Pinnacles became a national monument, instead of a regional secret. But I’m so glad they got the money, they deserve it! Note: I discovered it because my kids were in rock climbing classes in town, and “this” was the field trip. So exciting to see their first climbing and bouldering outside.

  • 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.

  • Michael O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Saddle Mountain Ranch
    Aug. 2, 2024

    Saddle Mountain Ranch

    In between camping and glamping, but somehow neither

    So, if you’re looking to be in nature and have a proper camping experience, this ain’t it. If you want a resort style vacation, this isn’t it either… yet somehow it’s a little of both. I wouldn’t recommend tent camping because you’re literally right next to your neighbor camping and isn’t really in the “woods”. Suggest you get a delux tent which includes a bed, fire pit and bbq. That’s why I’ve rated it high because it’s what I needed for one night. Plus the pull and games (corn hill, ping pong) are nice additions. Just know what you’re in for.

  • 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.

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mercey Hot Springs
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Mercey Hot Springs

    Amazing Place

    I Van Camped at Mercey Hot Springs for 5 days. When I arrived the nights were hot so I decided to take an AC Cabin #10 where I could park right next to the cabin and slept comfortably. I moved to a RV camp site #5 when the temps at night were a more comfortable mid 60s. I love that the hot tubs are available all night long. It allows for long soaks while star gazing. The therapeutic water is magical some of the best I have found. As soon as you enter the pool or hot tubs you feel the smooth water on your skin. The hot tubs are all oversized privet bath tubs that you fill with mineral water of your desired temperature. This is a completely off the grid resorts that has good energy and tranquil atmosphere. It is very clean with clean bath rooms and showers. When I was there in June 2024 they did not have the restaurant open yet but one looks like it is in the near future. They do have snacks, cold drinks, coffee, ice cream and Ice in the front office for purchase. I took the short hike up the hill to see the solar array, while up there I discovered a most amazing triple Labyrinth circle walk that was very mindful experience. I have never seen such a neat labyrinth as this. Truly an amazing stay, I will be back.



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 tent campsite near San Martin, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near San Martin, 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 Martin, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near San Martin, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.