T
Tamatha B.
Traveler
TravelerSanta Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
This is a great camp ground. Plenty of activities. Showers are clean, laundry room takes tap pay.
Cabin Camping near Santa Clara, CA
2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Several campgrounds within driving distance of Santa Clara, California provide rustic cabins nestled among redwood forests. Big Basin Redwoods State Park offers tent cabins in the Huckleberry campground equipped with two double beds, tables, and wood-burning stoves for heat. "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," notes one visitor. Mount Madonna County Park, located in the hills between Gilroy and Watsonville, features tent cabins with clean facilities and free showers. Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday provides small cabin rentals with access to amenities like a swimming pool, playground, and game room. Most cabins include outdoor fire pits with grill covers for cooking meals.
Pet-friendly cabins can be found at several locations, though policies vary by campground. Big Basin Redwoods State Park allows dogs in cabin areas but restricts them to paved trails only. KOA cabin camping options typically welcome pets and even provide treats for dogs at some locations. Cabin sizes range from cozy units suitable for couples to larger family accommodations with multiple beds. Reservations are essential, particularly during summer months when facilities book quickly. Winter visitors should prepare for cooler temperatures, especially in forest cabins where wood stoves may be the only heat source. According to one camper who stayed at Big Basin: "It gets COLD on those winter nights so make sure you have enough wood, are good at keeping fires going throughout the night, and have lots of dry wood."
Most cabin rentals provide basic furnishings but require guests to bring their own bedding, pillows, and towels. Some locations offer add-on packages that include linens, cooking utensils, and firewood for an additional fee. Cabins at KOA campgrounds typically include more amenities than state or county park options. On-site camp stores stock essential supplies, though selection varies seasonally. Visitors staying at Mount Madonna should note that the nearest grocery stores are in Watsonville or Gilroy, approximately 15-20 minutes away by car. Cooking facilities generally consist of outdoor fire pits or grills, so campers should pack appropriate cookware and plan meals accordingly. Food storage lockers are provided at some locations to protect supplies from wildlife, as raccoons, skunks, and other animals are common visitors to these campgrounds.
Best Cabin Campgrounds near Santa Clara (19)
1. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED
"We got one of the tent cabins, which are just adorable and so cozy. The sites are nice and distanced from each other, bathrooms were in great shape and it was pet friendly."
"We stayed in a tent cabin at the Huckleberry campground which was nicer than we thought it would be. It had just the right amount of space for my wife and I, our two daughters and all our gear."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 / night
2. Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District
"It’s a cozy place with boat rentals! Plenty of shade and bathrooms available. Only reason got 4 star is the constant blue-green algae, making the water unavailable for swimming."
"Our campsite (#139) could have used some shade, but we had plenty of space and the views were awesome. Almost every site was occupied, but luckily everyone respected the quiet hours."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $200 / night
3. pieffer big sur campground
4. Mount Madonna County Park
"There's something for everyone here, RVers, tenters, and those who want to rent tent cabins. There are plenty of trails to hike, as well as equestrian trails. No bikes on trails though."
"Location & Safety: Conveniently located between San Jose and Monterey - easy access off Highway 152. Felt completely safe throughout the stay."
5. Cotillion Gardens RV Park
"Park is rustic, but has a lot of amenities and is very close to Santa Cruz. We visit family and friends in the area often, but this was the first time we camped in the area."
"Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once your at your site you can relax. Bathrooms are a little dated, no cell service but good WiFi if your close to the office."
Check Availabilityfrom $60 - $100 / night
6. Costanoa Coastal Lodge & Campground
"The sites in the Eucalyptus loop where we were had back-in sites, with a paved driveway, and are level. The sites have a picnic table, a fire ring, and wood-fenced platforms."
"Once we figured it out, the late check in paperwork was detailed on how to find our space."
Check Availabilityfrom $100 - $200 / night
7. Redwood Resort RV Park & Campground
"Was able to book the night before and get the last full hookup spot."
Check Availabilityfrom $55 - $75 / night
8. Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
"General: So many options, including full hookup back-in or pull-thru sites, sites with just w/e, pet sites, nine different types of cabins, and tent sites."
"The small cabins are nice and I quite like them. This is a good place for hiking, but unfortunately there is not a lot more to do. You can go to Monterey and do things there though."
9. Thousand Trails Morgan Hill
"Great culture here - friendly, lots of things to do (pool, basketball, volleyball, horse shoes, playground, billiards, karaoke, tennis)."
"Dog park, nice showers, nice bathrooms, trails to walk your dog, nice people, quiet. I loved it here."
10. Seacliff State Beach
"All camping spots are adjacent to the 'boardwalk' beach path and the beach. Yes, your rig is within 20' of the beach at all campsites."
Drive Time
- 9 min from San Jose, CA
- 33 min from Santa Cruz, CA
- 41 min from San Francisco, CA
- 55 min from Salinas, CA
Recent Cabin Photos near Santa Clara, CA
8 Photos of 19 Santa Clara Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Cabin Reviews near Santa Clara, CA
199 Reviews of 19 Santa Clara Campgrounds
- TTamatha B.Traveler
Treasure Island MH and RV Park
Henry in the office is amazing. Bathrooms are clean. laundry room very large and has many washers and dryers. Subway close walk, MUNI is at the park entrance. A gas station and Grocery store are both across the street.
- DDoug O.Traveler
Marina Dunes RV Park
Our favorite place. We have stayed here 14 times. Always clean.
- TTwindaddy
GuideDel Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District
East Bay Parks - IYKYK
Like most/all east bay parks, this is well appointed for the masses. It’s also surrounded by rolling hills and close to suburbia. For many, these are positives. As an east bay resident they are for me as well. Del Valle is a bit more removed than many east bay parks. From my location in Fremont, it’s a one hour drive. A pleasant drive for the most part. I camp to get away for a bit and almost always to mountain bike. As such, I seek parks that have trails. Del Valle has a map of many trails. They also appear on many of the mapping services used by mountain bikers. Review those and digest them if this is also your intention - these are east bay parka style trails. In other words, mostly steep and loose fire roads, with many “social trails” sprinkled between. If you are compelled to stay legit/legal trails, bring an ebike. Now on to the camping. I picked a spot as far removed from any booked spot on the map. I triple checked this up until the day before I arrived. I want solitude! When I arrived Thursday afternoon, I was surprised to see the sites just 3 spaces away, on both sides, occupied. This is a fairly compact area. And while I’m sure they’re lovely folks, this isn’t what I expected on a Thursday. Saturday? Sure. Anyway… be aware that these reservation services aren’t completely reliable in that regard. The bathrooms and showers are amazing! Clean, smell good, cared for. Noteworthy is the hot showers in the camp grounds are free and your one push of the button provides water for two minutes I'd guess. Very nice! The space, 135 for me, is okay. A couple trees for shade, a nice table and fire pit. It’s now dark and the noise is minimal - mostly from the group campsite just down the hill. I’ll update this with more details in the coming days since it’s a 4 day visit.
Update 1: it’s my first morning here. Using starlink as there is no cell signal to be found. What I noticed last night was that this park is directly below the flight path to the local airports. Every couple minutes last night, a plane would fly overhead. According to flight aware, they’re at about 10,000 feet. If this will ruin your getaway, you’ve been warned.
Update 2: On Friday night, the majority of the spots were filled. Many large groups of people with varying degrees of consideration, but to their credit almost all (except the barking German Shepard) were quiet by 10PM. It was a bit more crowded come Saturday morning. Some friends came to visit for a mountain bike ride, and we set off at about noon. I had been complimentary of the facilities and bragged that I'd be taking a nice shower after our ride. Unfortunately, upon our return, there was no hot water and no lighting in the showers. And, sadly, someone decided to remove the tags and hangers from their TJ Maxx haul and leave them all over the floor of two of the showers.
Verdict: I'd only come back here in the springtime when it's likely to be green and have some water in the arroyo and only during the week. The density and composition of the people here was akin to being at Costco on a Saturday, and I only did that once.
David W.GuideBeach RV Pleasure Point
Convenient spot in Santa Cruz
I 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.
Tim P.TravelerThousand Trails Morgan Hill
Great Campground
I liked this Thousand Trails resort because it’s more like camping. The staff is amazing. The facilities are great amazing big pool. The only problem I had is they didn’t have any sewage hook up, but I have a tote so it wasn’t that big of a deal.
- TTom H.Guide
Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
Great place for kids, lots to do.
Koa’s in this area are typically expensive and this is no exception. But, for families it may be worth it. Playground, jumping, bouncing area, dog yard. Lots to do. It has good shower facilities, bathrooms are clean. For retirees and older folks, it may not be worth it. Not much room between sites and lots of kids for the nervous folks. My site (35) was electric and water only with a dry creek behind us. My only beef (and it was not only with the campground, but with irresponsible dog owners) was the piles of poop I had to pick up before I could safely walk around. Come on people! If you own a dog, please take care of them and pick up after them. Otherwise, the location was convenient, the place was clean (exception noted) and I will likely return.
Rosa M.
ScoutCarnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Stayed 2 nigths, it was perfect
We stayed 2 nigths, 10$ per night. The staff was very kind. The place has showers and bathrooms clean enough for being it the middle of towns. Each space has a fire ring and a table. There's a little bit of noise in the morning and afternoon because of the cars that avoid the highway and pass nearby. It's first come first served. Overall, it's a very safe and good place to camp
Lee D.
LegendSanta Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
Many options for families
General: So many options, including full hookup back-in or pull-thru sites, sites with just w/e, pet sites, nine different types of cabins, and tent sites. Some sites are paved and some are gravel.
Bath/Shower: The one closest to our site had a women's and men's restroom, and the showers are individual units but shared for both genders. I expected a more upscale shower (it was ok but a little tight, skimpy on hooks and no bench).
Activities/Amenities: So many amenities including a pool and hot tub, playground, jump pad, climbing “palms”, rec center with bike rentals and concessions, and a train (I’ve probably missed a few). Laundry is available on site (operated via an app and your phone).
Although this is not our preferred type of camping, after five nights in California State parks with limited amenities, we stayed here for hot showers, laundry, and full hookups for van maintenance. This was a typical KOA in many ways, but one thing that was different was that we had to wear wristbands, and there was a gate to enter and leave. While it should have made us feel safe, I wondered why there were extra security features.
Guide to Santa Clara
Cabin rentals near Santa Clara, California cluster around the forested mountains between Silicon Valley and the coast. Most cabin options sit within a 35-60 minute drive from Santa Clara proper, offering overnight stays at elevations between 800-2,300 feet. Winter cabin temperatures often drop below 40°F at night, while summer evenings cool to the mid-50s even when daytime temperatures reach 80°F in these higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Mount Madonna County Park features several trails leading to seasonal waterfalls. "The sites were very spacious and this has probably been one of my favorite campgrounds! This campground has great bathroom facilities and has a creek that runs through it that the kids loved playing in all day," notes one visitor who appreciated the water features beyond just hiking.
Wildlife viewing: Big Basin Redwoods State Park offers opportunities to observe banana slugs, deer, and various bird species. A visitor reports, "Great setting, awesome trails to trek, can get busy during the weekend. Redwoods galore and look out for the slugs please don't step on them. If you need a place to chill this is the spot."
Swimming options: When staying at cabins near Santa Clara County parks, consider day trips to nearby swimming holes. One Del Valle camper explains, "Del Valle is one of the most beautiful lakes in the east bay. The water is perfect temperature. Great hikes, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and beginner windsurfing."
Mountain biking: The hills surrounding many cabin rentals offer challenging terrain for cyclists. "Close to home! Love the hiking trails. Mountain biking for those who can climb," shares a Del Valle visitor who enjoyed the topography.
Archery practice: Mount Madonna County Park features a unique 28-target archery range through wooded trails. A visitor notes, "There is an archery trail with 28 targets on a trail through the woods. We were there 3 days in a row and did 20 of the 28. It's really pretty and a cool challenge."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Mount Madonna County Park, the layout provides more seclusion than many other campgrounds. "Those on the outside of the loop had a great deal of privacy. Inner loop sites have none, but would be great if you were camping with friends," describes one visitor who appreciated the thoughtful site arrangement.
Free showers: Unlike some state parks that require quarters, Mount Madonna offers complimentary shower facilities. According to a visitor, "Bathrooms are great... The facilities were very clean and it was pretty dog friendly." Another adds, "Bathrooms have soap & TP and kept clean."
Proximity to towns: Cabins at Cotillion Gardens RV Park offer a balance of forest seclusion with convenient access to supplies. "The sites are close together. The place is old, but it has a great location. There are great hiking trails assessable from the campground. There is a nearby store, and you are close enough to Santa Cruz to spend a day on the boardwalk."
Kid-friendly environments: Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday excels at providing family activities. "TONS of activities on site- huge bouncy pad, a climbing wall, ping pong tables, a swimming pool, pedal go karts, the list goes on and on. There are also Plenty of options on how to stay- RV sites, cabins, tent sites, you can even book one of the campgrounds Airstreams!"
Wildlife encounters: Many cabin sites allow for memorable animal sightings. One Big Basin camper shared, "The slugs were hanging out in trees all around us and it was so much fun looking for them."
What you should know
Varying bathroom quality: Facilities differ dramatically between cabin locations. At Morgan Hill, one camper reported, "The bathrooms need to be cleaned more often. Sites are not level." Meanwhile, at Mount Madonna, guests found that "Bathrooms are great... The facilities were very clean."
Potential for extreme temperatures: Cabins in redwood forests experience significant temperature variations. A Big Basin visitor warned, "LOTS of bites. I highly recommend camping in the spring or fall if you are prone to welt-y bug bites."
Limited cell service: Many forested cabin areas have poor connectivity. For Costanoa KOA, a camper noted, "Wifi like always is iffy and ATT is limited. 1 bar at site 30."
Site size differences: When booking cabins or surrounding campsites, dimensions vary significantly. One Cotillion Gardens visitor mentioned, "Sites are a little tight but worth being nestled in the redwoods."
Wildlife precautions needed: Proper food storage is essential at cabin sites. A Cotillion Gardens guest shared, "There was a raccoon family got into [food] in the early morning waking them and us up."
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly paths: Mount Madonna County Park offers good cycling routes for children. "Great campground for the kids to bike at but there are a few big hills so make sure they know how to use their brakes."
Creek exploration opportunities: Several cabin locations feature streams that provide natural play areas. "The campground has a creek that runs through it that the kids loved playing in all day," shares a Big Basin visitor.
Seasonal activities: Many cabin locations offer special programming throughout the year. At Santa Cruz KOA, "We especially enjoy the Halloween and other theme weekends they have. They have made tons of improvements over the last 10 years we have been going."
Structured recreation options: Some cabin properties include organized activities beyond hiking. "In mid October the campground is still running kids activities daily and they're good! Great culture here - friendly, lots of things to do (pool, basketball, volleyball, horse shoes, playground, billiards, karaoke, tennis)," notes a Morgan Hill visitor.
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: For cabin campers who also bring an RV, know where facilities are located. "No full hookups but dump station was convenient," reports a Morgan Hill visitor.
Site levelness: RV pads at cabin campgrounds vary in quality. A Morgan Hill camper noted, "Sites are not level," while another mentioned, "We got a nice spot close to the dump station near front."
Hookup availability: Electric connections differ between locations with cabins. "The spot was 30amp and back in however they have 50amp/pull through also," shares one Morgan Hill visitor.
Space constraints: Some cabin areas have tight parking for larger vehicles. A Cotillion Gardens visitor warned, "Spots are way too small. My slide almost sat on the neighbors table."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin
campsite near Santa Clara, CA?
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Santa Clara, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Santa Clara, CA is Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED with a 4.7-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find
cabin camping near
Santa Clara, CA?
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Santa Clara, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 cabin camping locations near Santa Clara, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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