Best Campgrounds near Santa Clara, CA

Several camping spots surround Santa Clara, California, making it good for weekend getaways. Taylor State Park Campground ranks among the local favorites with its clean facilities. Campers appreciate the well-kept bathrooms and easy access to water at this site. About 24 miles from Santa Clara, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground puts you right among giant redwood trees. The campground comes with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings for cooking. Most roads to these camping areas stay in good shape year-round. During rainy months, though, some access roads can get slick and muddy. The local wildlife is active around the campsites, so hanging food or using bear boxes prevents unwanted visitors. Many campers spot deer and watch various birds while staying in the area. If you want more quiet, Sanborn County Park sits just 11 miles from Santa Clara with hiking trails branching out from the camping areas. The park works well for people who want fewer neighbors and more time in the woods. While bathrooms and showers are available, don't count on good phone reception at most sites. Weather-wise, camping works best during spring and fall months when temperatures stay moderate. Summers can get hot in this part of California, and winter nights often drop to chilly temperatures. A packing list should include bug spray and sunscreen regardless of when you visit.

Best Camping Sites Near Santa Clara, California (154)

    1. Sanborn County Park

    19 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-9959

    $33 / night

    "Great camping in the mountains of Santa Clara county. Very secluded. No cell service. Miles of Great hiking"

    "This is a nice camping away from the car experience. It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites."

    2. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 338-8860

    $35 / night

    "Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site."

    "So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco."

    3. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Mount Hermon, CA
    24 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."

    4. Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

    9 Reviews
    Newark, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $45 - $60 / night

    "What they do have are scores of hookup sites for $60 / night and three tent / drive-in no hookup water-only sites for $45 / night."

    "Since it's a new campground, the trees are young and don't supply much shade, but since it's close to the SF Bay, the bay breeze helps."

    5. Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    8 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-2952

    $8 / night

    "The parking lot for the trail head is just a bit further down Hwy 35. "

    "There is a nearby shooting range and you can hear the gunshots during the daylight hours."

    6. San Mateo Memorial Park

    15 Reviews
    Loma Mar, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-0238

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."

    "Bathrooms are easily accessible but showers are a bit of a walk maybe 5 mins from your site."

    7. New Brighton State Beach Campground

    43 Reviews
    Capitola, CA
    27 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."

    8. French Camp Recreational Vehicle Park

    3 Reviews
    Milpitas, CA
    5 miles
    +1 (209) 234-3030

    9. Del Valle Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Livermore, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    "After time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality"

    "Campsite amenities were great, easy access to water and bathrooms. Bathrooms were spotless the whole weekend, even though it was a holiday weekend and every site was booked."

    10. Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    18 Reviews
    Pescadero, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-2040

    $35 / night

    "It is a smaller park than many of the other redwoods parks in Northern California, so it was very nice and peaceful. Butano is a bit off the beaten path to get to, but so worth it."

    "Large, user-friendly campsites surrounded by redwood trees. Great ferny hiking trails for every level of camper/hiker. Very easy access to campsites and near Pescadero and Highway One."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 154 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Santa Clara, CA

758 Reviews of 154 Santa Clara Campgrounds



Guide to Santa Clara

Camping near Santa Clara, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground stated, "Showers and toilets looked clean," which is always a plus.
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Many enjoy the tranquility of campgrounds like Mount Madonna County Park. One happy camper said, "Loved everything about this campground! It was quiet and peaceful."
  • Family-Friendly: Campgrounds like New Brighton State Beach Campground are great for families. A reviewer shared, "Lots of families and lots of kids," making it a lively spot for children.

What you should know:

  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground advised, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."
  • Limited Privacy: Some sites can feel cramped. A camper at Saddle Mountain Ranch mentioned, "The sites are very close to each other," so be prepared for some neighborly interactions.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be cautious of wildlife. One camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park reported, "We had two new types of visitors... aggressive yellow jackets," highlighting the need for vigilance.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Check Amenities: Make sure to check the amenities before booking. A family at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground noted, "The amenities are decent," which is important for families with kids.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities. One camper at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, "The pull and games (corn hill, ping pong) are nice additions," making it fun for everyone.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at New Brighton State Beach Campground suggested, "Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more," so pack some treats for the beach.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Francis Beach Campground said, "The sites are a little close quarters," so check dimensions before booking.
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park noted, "The dump station was in good working order," which is essential for RV travelers.
  • Bring Extra Water: Since some campgrounds lack water hookups, it's wise to bring extra. A visitor at Saddle Mountain Ranch mentioned, "The bathrooms are clean but small," so plan accordingly.

Camping in Santa Clara County offers a variety of experiences, from beach fun to peaceful forest retreats. Just remember to check the campground details and reviews to ensure a great trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Santa Clara, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Santa Clara, CA is Sanborn County Park with a 3.9-star rating from 19 reviews.

What parks are near Santa Clara, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Santa Clara, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.