Camping sites near Sunnyvale, California range from coastal to redwood settings, with an elevation change of 2,600 feet between seaside campgrounds and those in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The region's microclimates create distinct camping conditions, with summer temperatures often 15-20 degrees cooler in coastal areas than in Silicon Valley locations. Many campgrounds require advance planning due to their popularity among Bay Area residents seeking quick weekend getaways.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Castle Rock State Park offers a 2.5-mile hike to reach the campground with rewarding views. One camper noted, "There's a short 2.5mi to get to the campsite. 20 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings (when allowed). No other campers when I was there off season. Very green and lots of great vistas along the ridgeline on the hike in."
Water activities at Del Valle: The regional park provides opportunities for swimming, paddling, and fishing. A visitor mentioned, "The water is perfect temperature. Great hikes, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and beginner windsurfing. The only cons are that you have to drive to go swim and the campground isn't really walking distance to swimming."
Wildlife viewing: Many camping areas feature abundant wildlife. At Butano State Park, one camper observed, "Great weather, lots of shade at the campsite and on the hikes. Coast was a cool 60's-70's but warm in the sun(the coast/beaches are windy), night time was a lovely 55-59 degrees, easy to sleep, not too cold(first week in August)."
Stargazing opportunities: While forested areas limit star views, some campgrounds offer clearing access. "Hard to find stars as you are canopied in trees but if you walk a little out, the night sky is dark and stars a plenty," reported one Butano visitor.
What campers like
Peaceful redwood settings: San Mateo Memorial Park provides serene redwood camping close to Sunnyvale. A reviewer shared, "Super user-friendly campsites that are good for beginners. Lots of great hiking trails in redwoods for all levels."
Proximity to urban areas: Many campers appreciate the convenient locations. One visitor to Anthony Chabot Regional Park stated, "Very nice campground, great for a quick getaway," while another noted it's "Paradise an hour from the city."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and amenities receive praise. One camper at Dumbarton Quarry noted, "The bathrooms are modern and clean, if spartan. The showers are roomy with ok water pressure (for California) and warm water."
Access to diverse environments: The region offers both forest and coastal camping options. At Memorial Park, one camper mentioned, "The water out of the spigot is great fresh tasting drinking water. I've been to campgrounds where the water was not near as good as this place."
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Most campgrounds near Sunnyvale require booking well in advance. At Dumbarton Quarry Campground, a reviewer advised, "The gate closes at 10PM, but you can exit the park over the tiger teeth at any time if you need to."
Site spacing and privacy: Campgrounds vary in how close sites are positioned. A camper at Memorial Park observed, "I like camping miles away from people and not hearing them. It's just not possible in campgrounds. This campground can be tightly packed at times with a neighbors tent pitched just 20-30 feet away."
Fire restrictions: Rules about campfires change seasonally and vary by location. At Castle Rock, a reviewer noted, "20 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings (when allowed)," indicating the variable nature of fire permissions.
Wildlife precautions: Local wildlife requires specific preparations. One Butano Park visitor mentioned, "It is also a crumb free park and they take it very seriously," highlighting the importance of proper food storage.
Water availability concerns: Some campgrounds have intermittent water issues. At Castle Rock, a camper warned, "There was no water running at the site when I stayed there, but vault toilets were available."
Tips for camping with families
Choose beginner-friendly sites: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers accessible camping for families. A reviewer noted, "This is a great classic car camping site. Every site had a picnic table, fire pit and bear box. Sites had a variety of sizes and 'styles'. Some were very woodsy and some more open and sunny."
Look for activity options: Campgrounds with varied activities keep children engaged. A visitor to Memorial Park shared, "In summer months, there is a super cute camp shop, as well as activities for all the family."
Consider site layout: Some campgrounds offer better family setups than others. A Del Valle camper mentioned, "The facilities were clean and well maintained. We didn't interact with staff/rangers too much, but the few we did talk to were very friendly and helpful."
Check for playground access: Some areas include play spaces. At Dumbarton Quarry, a camper pointed out, "There's a great playground if you have small kids, and lots of gentle hiking trails."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many RV sites need adjustment. At Sanborn County Park, a camper observed, "RV sites are basically parking lot with 4' strips of grass in between, But it was March and mostly empty."
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. A reviewer at Dumbarton Quarry noted, "It's a nice place, close to sf. It is quite pricy though. No shade at all."
Hookup variations: Services differ widely between campgrounds. One RVer at Trailer Villa mentioned, "Clean, has some views from far border of the hills but the spots are tight and there is not much to do but hook-up."
Reservation timing: RVers often need to plan further ahead. A Dumbarton visitor advised, "We live nearby, and we come to this campground to check out our RV systems or sometimes just so we can enjoy our RV. It's easy to back in our trailer, the sites are not as close together as you sometimes find in commercial parks."
