RV campgrounds near Santa Clara, California offer diverse camping experiences ranging from redwood forest settings to oceanfront locations. Most parks within a 50-mile radius of Santa Clara sit at elevations between 200-1,000 feet, with coastal options at sea level. Weather remains mild year-round with average temperatures between 50-70°F, though coastal locations often experience morning fog even during summer months.
What to do
Redwood forest exploration: At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, visitors can access nearby redwood forests and trails. "It's super close to a few bars and about a mile away from the Henry Cowell entrance," notes one camper, who appreciated the convenience to natural attractions. Another visitor mentions, "Santa Cruz is only a 10 minute ride down Hwy 9."
Beach access: At Pillar Point RV Park, campers can enjoy direct beach access with multiple water activities. "Great spot right off the highway and on the beach. Lots of activities and places to eat within walking distance. Surfing, walking/bike trails, kayaking," writes one reviewer. The park offers proximity to coastal recreation without requiring additional transportation.
Coastal trails: Take advantage of the extensive coastal trail system accessible from several campgrounds. A visitor at Half Moon Bay RV Park notes, "From the park you can head about a quarter of a mile and walk or ride the coastal path all the way to the marina or south to the Ritz Carlton. Great ocean views."
What campers like
Privacy and space variations: Some campgrounds offer more spacious sites than others. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, campers enjoy the natural setting: "Plenty of trees for shade, there's a pool, hiking trails, a little river. So beautiful and peaceful here." However, site dimensions vary significantly between parks.
Family recreation amenities: Many parks feature activities for children. A visitor to Thousand Trails Morgan Hill writes, "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)."
River access: Several campgrounds provide river access for cooling off during warmer months. At Smithwoods RV Park, "It backs into Henry Cowell State Park and you can walk into it. The river was visible from our spot over a small fence."
What you should know
Site sizes and privacy: Many RV parks have tight spacing between sites. A camper at San Francisco RV Resort observed, "These spaces were so cramped. Couldn't put our awning out. The neighbours slide was a foot from our door."
WiFi and connectivity challenges: Internet access varies dramatically by location. At Joseph D. Grant County Park, connection is limited, but some visitors appreciate the break from technology: "We came in November, just in time for a temperature drop and some nice gusts. The camp ground was quiet and it was mostly couples or small family groups."
Tent camping limitations: Many RV parks have minimal tent camping options. A visitor to Santa Cruz Ranch Campground notes, "This place is not the best for tent camping in my opinion. They had a small plot to the side of the rest of the rv slots with a little grass to pitch a tent. Not secluded at all from the hustle and bustle."
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: Several RV campgrounds near Santa Clara maintain heated pools for family enjoyment. A Smithwoods RV Park visitor reports, "Kids could ride bikes freely, heated pool (90 degrees), clean shower and restroom, plus laundry room."
Clubhouse facilities: Look for parks with indoor recreation options. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, one camper appreciated the "Clubhouse 9 am - 9 pm (Tv, couch, dinning tables, fridge, microwave, board games) deck with public BBQ area and plenty of seating that oversees the San Lorenzo River."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids can enjoy spotting local wildlife at several parks. A visitor to Joseph D. Grant County Park reported, "Saw a lot of bunnies and a bobcat on the way out," making for an exciting nature experience for children.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful navigation. At Trailer Villa RV Park, visitors appreciate the easy access: "The grounds are clean; parking pads are concrete and flat; and drive lanes AND parking spots are wide and spacious for maneuvering large RVs."
Hookup locations: RV hookup positioning varies between parks. A camper at Half Moon Bay RV Park noted, "The site was a pull through as well as our friends who were able to face the opposite way to have a common camp side with us. Of course the utility sides were in great position for that."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some rv campgrounds in Santa Clara County and surrounding areas. A Pillar Point RV Park visitor warns, "Only cons are the extremely busy road is right next to the park, it can be very loud and when the park is full the spaces can get pretty tight."
