165 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Santa Clara, California span across county and state park systems, offering a mix of developed facilities within redwood forests and mountain terrain. Camping near Santa Clara ranges from walk-in tent sites among the redwoods to full hookup RV spaces, with most campgrounds within a 45-minute drive in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Sanborn County Park provides both tent walk-in sites and RV spaces, while Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers year-round camping with tent and RV accommodation. The region also includes campgrounds like Castle Rock Trail Camp and Anthony Chabot Regional Park, providing varied experiences from hike-in tent sites to full hookup RV facilities.
Many campsites require advance reservations, with tent sites at Sanborn County Park involving a short uphill hike from the parking area. The RV spaces at Sanborn are essentially parking spots with hookups, offering convenience but limited privacy. Cell service can be limited or non-existent in mountain campgrounds, with one visitor noting, "There is zero cellular service" at Sanborn County Park. Most campgrounds provide amenities like picnic tables, fire rings or grills (though some areas only permit charcoal), and food storage lockers. The terrain is predominantly forested with redwoods, providing natural shade but also creating challenges for larger RVs on narrow, winding mountain roads.
Camping in the redwoods ranks highly among visitor experiences, with many sites offering immediate access to hiking trails. Several visitors mentioned wildlife sightings as highlights, with one camper at Sanborn County Park reporting, "We saw a lot of deer and wild turkey." Walk-in tent sites generally provide more privacy and a more immersive natural setting than the RV areas, though they require additional effort to transport gear. During peak periods, especially summer weekends, campsites fill quickly, with most popular locations requiring reservations well in advance. Despite proximity to urban areas, many campgrounds provide surprisingly secluded experiences. Several campgrounds offer hot showers and flush toilets, though amenities vary significantly by location, with some offering only vault toilets and no shower facilities.
"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."
from $33 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The showers are roomy with ok water pressure (for California) and warm water. The laundry is super convenient. They even have summer ranger programs but we didn’t see many kids here."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $7 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $200 / night
Check Availability"It's a great place to use as a basecamp for exploring the myriad of hiking trails that exist in the redwoods and nearby coastal hikes. "
"Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 - $185 / night
Check Availability"as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"
"Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty."
from $25 - $200 / night
Check Availability"They are a bit narrow, so much of the camp side you will have a close look at your neighbors utilities. When the park is full, it is close. Go on weekdays, not as busy and more room is likely."
"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. Keep your eyes out for the highway signs."
GuideWe came in around 9pm. There's a board with names and site numbers on the office building. These are snug spots but we have enough room to put the slide out. It is a level gravel parking lot. There's not alot of places in San Fran to even day park. This is just fine. They do fill up fast. Called the next day to extend through Sat, they are booked solid.
TravelerThis is a fun place for you and the fam either to camp or for the day.
The tide comes in and out here as it’s a low level island and the approach to access sometimes will be under water from the tide. It is just like that, not poorly maintained, just one short section that can get 6inches deep and is not an issue for anybody.
I stayed in a tent camper fold-out. I hugged the hedge next to a teardrop. Everyone was nice and it was a relaxing stay. Can launch boat/kayak or do all the wind surfing type sports they talk about.
ScoutIt’s quite large compared to to other campsites. It was pleasant and have no complaints. Nothing special but hiking trails are fantastic.
GuideVery well run & clean. Mostly quiet. 20 minute walk to Capitola Village (north) or Seacliff (south). Some shady sites, some are exposed.
LegendLas Trampas is one of those wonderfully odd camping experiences that almost feels like you’ve discovered something you weren’t supposed to know about. Despite sitting on the doorstep of Danville and San Ramon, this 6,050-acre preserve quickly trades suburbia for steep ridges, oak woodland, grasslands and some terrific views across the East Bay. And camping here is decidedly primitive: the Corral Area is a single reservable group campsite for 17–50 people, rather than a conventional campground with individual sites. That means lots of privacy, lots of space and very little resembling a traditional developed campground.
While my earlier review goes into considerably more detail, I thought I’d revisit this campground with a quick topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS - along with a fresh batch of photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Remarkable feeling of seclusion considering you’re only minutes from the suburban East Bay, with Oakland lying just beyond; (2) Having essentially one primitive group camping area makes this feel more like your own private campground than a conventional campsite; (3) Picnic tables, BBQs, food-storage box and a drinking-water spigot provide just enough infrastructure without spoiling the primitive experience; (4) Direct access to a huge trail network with Rocky Ridge reaching 2,024 feet and panoramic views toward Mt. Diablo and the surrounding valleys; and (5) Abundant wildlife, seasonal wildflowers, grazing cattle and those beautiful rolling East Bay hills make the setting the real amenity here.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) This is group camping only, with a 17-person minimum, so it simply doesn’t work for a couple or small family looking for an ordinary campsite; (2) No hookups, showers or flush toilets - here, primitive means primitive; (3) Water at the campsite should be considered unreliable, so bring your own rather than betting the weekend on the spigot; and (4) Many of the best trails are steep, exposed and short on shade, which can make hot-weather hiking considerably more strenuous than the beautiful scenery initially suggests.
Insider’s Tip: Bring more water than you think you’ll need and make time for a ridge hike. Las Trampas is one of those places where climbing a few hundred feet completely changes your perspective especially when the suburban Bay Area seemingly disappears beneath you, which is precisely what makes camping here so unexpectedly special.
Happy Camping!
TravelerGreat place to stop overnight. I spent one night. Great views (obviously). Plenty of parking away from the crowd, quiet and secure.
Clean restrooms and trash cans everywhere.
ScoutThis is not a dispersed campsite , the locals are yuppies that think they run shit, we are supposed to be able to camp here 2 weeks at a time , I’m being ran off after 12 hours . I’m indigenous to north , ga being ran off public land in California
GuideI came into Santa Cruz to visit family and needed a place to park my bus while there- this park was available and fit my needs perfectly. It’s a simple gravel parking lot set up - clean bathrooms / showers, full hookups. Not what I would call camping but a great place to stay with proximity to the things that matter.
ScoutMany said this particular location is large and nice. It’s just ok along with many other locations. I guess it comes down to what individual preferences are. I have no negative things to say, the experience here was good to visit.
Camping near Santa Clara, California centers around redwood forests in mountainous terrain typically ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 feet elevation. The region's Mediterranean climate creates moderate camping conditions with summer highs averaging in the 70s-80s°F in campgrounds, though nights can drop to the 40s-50s°F even in summer. Most campgrounds in the area don't have cell reception due to the dense forest and mountainous topography.
Hiking through redwoods: Castle Rock State Park offers a 2.5-mile hike to tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings. "Great campsite with picnic tables and fantastic view for sunset. Came FCFS and the ranger at the parking lot usually lets you know if it's full or available before you go up," reports a visitor to Castle Rock Trail Camp.
Mountain biking: Trails throughout the region accommodate cyclists of various skill levels. "Close to home! Love the hiking trails. Mountain biking for those who can climb," notes a camper at Del Valle Campground.
Paddle sports: Several campgrounds provide water access for kayaking and paddleboarding. "Great lake for paddling as the speed limit for boats is low. Good fishing too. 'Private' covers along the lake to hang out in," shares one visitor about Lake Chabot.
Beach access: Camping options extend to the coast, allowing day trips to beaches. "We stayed here for a night and thought that it was a clean campground. Our site was on the smaller side, but it accommodated us all. There were a few trails that started from the campground, which was nice," mentions a camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Proximity to urban areas: Many sites offer wilderness experiences without long drives. "This is a great natural area that is so conveniently located in the Bay Area. There is an extensive network of trails accessible from the campground," notes a camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park.
Wildlife encounters: The Santa Cruz Mountains host diverse animal species. "The eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.)," reports another Anthony Chabot visitor.
Variety of accommodation types: Options range from hike-in tent sites to cabins. "We stayed in a cabin in the huckleberry campground. The cabins were nice, and each cabin has 2 double beds, a table, and a wood stove. It can get cold at night in the redwoods so the wood stove was great at night," explains a visitor to Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms were clean and in a very decent condition. Each site has a table and a charcoal grill. Barely any cell reception, but wifi worked pretty well," shares a camper at Sanborn County Park.
Reservation requirements: Most sites fill quickly, particularly on weekends. "Great walk-in campground so close to home in the South Bay Area (albeit walk is slightly uphill). Some campgrounds have tables and others don't - some are too close to others but the higher up hill, you're closer to the trail heads," notes a Sanborn County Park visitor.
Fire restrictions: Check current regulations before planning campfires. "Each campsite has a fire pit with a grill cover which made it easy to cook dinner. The sites are a decent size with lots of trees to climb on, hide in, and play on," shares a camper about Big Basin.
Limited cell service: Most mountain campgrounds have spotty or no reception. "Great camping in the mountains of Santa Clara county. Very secluded. No cell service. Miles of Great hiking," mentions a Sanborn County Park visitor.
Tick and poison oak awareness: Local trails require precautions. "Keep in mind that if you walk the single track trails with your dogs, you'll be spending some quality time with them later picking off ticks. Be aware of the poison oak as well," warns an Anthony Chabot camper.
Wagon accessibility: Some walk-in sites provide equipment transport help. "It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites. The park provides carts to help with hauling gear, and storage boxes are provided at the site, near the picnic table," explains a visitor to Sanborn County Park.
Educational programs: Rangers often host family activities. "Wonderful place to go hiking & trail running. The hills are pretty intense, but they're beautiful! The lake is also very picturesque. There is a swimming area, & there are picnic tables & nice-sized camp sites," shares a Del Valle visitor.
Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "The sites are close together, which matters because one of the other campers is right next to mine and doesn't understand basic camp etiquettes like not using generators all night or letting their dog wonder through other sites," notes an Anthony Chabot camper.
Short getaway option: Even one night provides valuable outdoor time. "My Church had a Daddy and Kids campout a few weeks ago here. We reserved one of the big group campsites and it was awesome. Plenty of room to set up multiple tents and lots of parking for vehicles," reports a visitor to San Mateo Memorial Park.
Site spacing: RV areas often place vehicles close together. "RV sites are basically parking lot with 4' strips of grass in between. But it was March and mostly empty. Tent sites are hike in up hill and nicely spaced in the woods," explains a visitor to Sanborn County Park.
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds offer partial or no hookups. "We loved camping here with our 25ft camping trailer. There was plenty of room for it on site 105, however if it was any higher it would be hitting tree limbs," shares a visitor to Henry Cowell Redwoods.
Narrow access roads: Larger rigs face challenges on mountain roads. "The road in is fairly winding with a bit of a drop down the cliff. If you're heading in at dusk or dawn, go slow. You will see deer stepping through the road," warns an Anthony Chabot visitor.
Dump station limitations: Plan accordingly for waste disposal. "Warning: the line for the dump station wound through nearly the entire park," reports a camper at New Brighton State Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free or cheap camping options near Santa Clara?
While free camping is limited near Santa Clara, there are affordable options within driving distance. Castle Rock Trail Camp near Saratoga Gap offers budget-friendly hike-in camping for those willing to backpack to their site. The campground is popular with hikers exploring the Bay Area Ridge Trail. For those seeking economical options with more amenities, Anthony Chabot Regional Park provides reasonably priced camping with basic facilities. County parks typically have lower fees than state beaches or private RV parks. Always check reservation requirements and seasonal pricing, as many campgrounds offer discounted rates during off-peak seasons.
Can I find tent camping spots in Santa Clara County parks?
Yes, Santa Clara County parks offer excellent tent camping opportunities. San Mateo Memorial Park provides spacious tent sites surrounded by majestic redwoods, serving as an ideal basecamp for exploring numerous hiking trails. The staff maintains spotless facilities, enhancing the camping experience. New Brighton State Beach Campground, though technically in Santa Cruz County, is a short drive away and offers beautiful tent sites on a bluff near the ocean with fire rings and tables at a comfortable distance from other campers. Many county parks feature dedicated tent-only areas separate from RV sections, providing a more peaceful experience for tent campers. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months.
What amenities are available at Santa Clara campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Santa Clara offer varying levels of amenities. Half Moon Bay RV Park provides pull-through sites with full hookups, helpful staff, and convenient facilities for RVers. For those seeking a more natural setting with amenities, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground offers clean, well-maintained bathrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings, though sites are relatively close together. Most Santa Clara area campgrounds provide restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings as standard amenities. Some parks offer additional features like storage boxes for food, shower facilities, potable water, and dump stations. Amenities vary significantly between primitive sites and developed campgrounds, so check specific locations before planning your trip.
Where are the best campgrounds in Santa Clara County?
Santa Clara County offers several excellent camping options. Mount Madonna County Park stands out with four distinct campgrounds nestled in redwood-covered hills between Gilroy and Watsonville, offering options for RVers, tent campers, and those seeking tent cabins. The park features numerous hiking trails and a rural feel despite being close to amenities. Sanborn County Park provides a more secluded mountain experience with miles of great hiking trails and a peaceful atmosphere. The walk-in campsites offer a unique camping experience away from your vehicle, with convenient carts provided to help transport gear from the parking area to your site.
Keep Exploring
