Glamping near Santa Clara, California offers overnight accommodation options at higher elevations above the coastal fog line. While Mount Madonna County Park sits on redwood-covered hills between Gilroy and Watsonville, Uvas Canyon County Park occupies a different canyon environment with small waterfalls and creek trails just 15 miles west of Gilroy. Temperatures in these canyon campgrounds can drop quickly after sunset, often 40 degrees colder than nearby valley floor cities.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: Uvas Canyon County Park features multiple trailheads leading to small waterfalls and streams. "The 25-site campground is relatively small, so camp sites are not big. That means this may not be for campers who like more privacy or quietness," notes one visitor about Uvas Canyon County Park. Another camper shares that "trails start steep and then mellow out once you're on the ridge line."
Beach exploration: Just a 30-minute drive from Santa Clara, Half Moon Bay State Beach provides coastal camping with accessible trails. "You can walk for miles on the beach or on the bluff trails. Everyone is laidback which makes for a peaceful experience," according to a camper at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground. The campground includes both RV sites with hookups that "back right up to the sand/vegetation" and walk-in tent sites with ocean views.
Archery trails: Mount Madonna County Park offers a unique 28-target archery course through wooded terrain. A visitor describes the experience: "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
Free hot showers: Unlike many state parks, Mount Madonna County Park provides complimentary shower facilities. "Bathrooms are constantly cleaned and showers are free and clean. Parking is free with paid camping," notes a camper at Mount Madonna County Park. Another visitor appreciated that "the campgrounds are really well maintained. Bathrooms have soap & TP and kept clean."
Dog-friendly hiking trails: While many California parks restrict dogs to campgrounds only, some local options allow four-legged companions on trails. "This is a county park that allows dogs on ALL the trails. It's hard to find that sometimes so we greatly appreciated how dog friendly it was," shares a Mount Madonna visitor. Just note that Big Basin Redwoods has the opposite policy: "No dogs on trails though. California state park rule."
Cart-assisted walk-in sites: Several parks near Santa Clara offer walk-in sites with equipment transport assistance. A visitor to Sanborn County Park explains: "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. The park provides carts to help with hauling gear, and storage boxes are provided at the site."
What you should know
Weather fluctuations: Coastal range parks experience significant temperature drops compared to the valley. "The park is on a beautiful forested hilltop. It is a LOT colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose," warns a Mount Madonna visitor who "had to drive into town & buy more clothes!"
Campsite privacy varies: Site selection impacts your experience at most parks near Santa Clara. At Sunset State Beach, "campsites are close together and not private. But really, you are here for the proximity to beach." Similarly, at Sanborn County Park, "each and every group was fighting for the 'wagons' to haul stuff up the hike-in campsites."
Limited cell coverage: Most parks have limited connectivity despite proximity to tech hubs. "No cell service" is common in reviews, with occasional exceptions like at Uvas Canyon where "Verizon cell service worked at the campground." Some campgrounds provide limited WiFi near facilities, but reception is generally spotty throughout the area.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: KOA locations offer extensive facilities designed specifically for children. "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," shares a camper at Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday. Their seasonal events are particularly popular: "We especially enjoy the Halloween and other theme weekends they have."
Quieter weekday visits: For a more peaceful experience with children, consider non-weekend stays. A visitor to Uvas Canyon recommends: "As a fan of quiet camping, I would recommend this campground for a weekday get away where you can enjoy more quiet surroundings and its nature sounds."
White fallow deer viewing: Mount Madonna County Park houses a unique wildlife viewing opportunity. "Near the ranger station there are pens with white fallow deer. They are descendants of the exotic zoo at William Randolph Hearst's mansion down the coast."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Choose appropriate campgrounds and sites for your RV size. At Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, "The pull through spaces are extremely tight to the point that our slide out was hitting vegetation and our neighbors awning was about two feet from our RV. But, if you expect that, it's a great place to stay."
Hookup availability: Confirm electrical and water connections before booking. "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great! There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park," reports a Mount Madonna visitor. At Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, "Full hook-ups are available" but site space remains limited.
Level site considerations: Some campgrounds have parking areas with significant slopes. At Uvas Canyon, "If you plan to sleep in your car, you may want to take leveling blocks as I found the car parking spot to be not leveled at all." RV sites at KOA locations typically provide more level parking than county parks in the hills.
