Glamping options close to Sunol, California are situated in the eastern Alameda County region, where oak woodlands meet chaparral landscapes at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,200 feet. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F from June through September, while winter months bring cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall. Most campgrounds near Sunol remain accessible year-round, though seasonal fire restrictions often limit campfires during peak summer months.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Uvas Canyon County Park offers excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife. One camper noted, "We stayed here for three nights and it was beautiful! You can walk down to the beach, take a trip to the henry cowel redwoods, go ride bikes in santa cruz. We have so much fun." Trails throughout the park provide chances to spot deer and various bird species.
Water recreation: Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park features a lake where visitors can enjoy fishing and boating. A reviewer mentioned, "Great sites. Good views. Very quiet. Lots of wildlife to see. Good bass fishing." The park requires boat inspection before launching to prevent invasive species.
Hiking through diverse environments: The region offers trails through redwood groves, coastal bluffs, and oak woodlands. At Sanborn County Park, visitors enjoy "miles of Great hiking" as one camper shared, while another noted that even in March, "RV sites are basically parking lot with 4' strips of grass in between, But it was March and mostly empty."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Mount Madonna County Park receives consistent praise for its maintenance. One camper stated, "Absolutely soo clean and a great place to camp without having to travel so far. Bathrooms are constantly cleaned and showers are free and clean." Another visitor appreciated that "People seem to be very aware and pick up after themselves."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Multiple campgrounds in the area cater to families with children. At Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday, a visitor shared, "Paved roads for bikes, huge playground, nice store, warm pool. It's perfect for families." The campground offers organized activities and amenities specifically designed for children.
Natural surroundings: The region's diverse ecosystems create varied camping experiences. One camper at Brannan Island State Recreation Area appreciated that "Strawberry fields surround the campground and are next to the Hike and Bike area." Another visitor at Sunset State Beach mentioned the "nice lots on a cliff above the beach protected from the wind by some doug firs and eucalyptus."
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Wild pigs are common at some campgrounds. At Coyote Lake, a camper advised, "Bathrooms are extremely clean and well kept. The lake is nice (and you may spot geese or ducks), and there's plenty of room for kids to run around. There are food lockers since wild pigs come out at night. Be sure to lock all food up!"
Campsite proximity varies: Many campgrounds feature sites close together. A visitor at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground noted, "The campsites are close to each other, your not going to get a 'secluded' camping experience here." Research individual sites before booking if privacy is important.
Limited connectivity: Most campgrounds have limited cell service. A camper at Mount Madonna mentioned, "Important to note that you can actually get a cell signal if you walk to the dump station!" Pack offline entertainment options and emergency communication devices for safety.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access activities: Families enjoy the ocean access at several coastal campgrounds. At Half Moon Bay, "This campground has a beach that dogs are allowed to walk on and beautiful places to hike. There is horse back riding available and coin operated hot showers."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. One parent shared about Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, "This is a great camp ground for families as well as seniors! We attended a presentation on the wild birds in the area that an employee provided, and then he took us on a hike through Costanoa and over to the ocean."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger programs and nature talks. A visitor at Big Basin Redwoods State Park noted, "The park has multiple picnic areas, and plenty of space for folks/kids to play around. There are also some trails for short and longer hikes."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size and layout across campgrounds. A traveler at Mount Madonna advised, "Site 211 was listed as 30' trailer but that was definitely not the case as it was a weird triangle parking area. We made it work and enjoyed the park."
Hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Sanborn County Park, an RVer shared, "The RV area has ~20 sites. They all have water and 30 amps hookups. RVs are pretty close to each other, but not too invasive. Restrooms and showers are clean and in a very decent condition."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. A reviewer noted about Mount Madonna, "Twisty drive to a beautiful campground. Well maintained campground. Some smaller and uneven spots but worth it. Next to great hikes. Bathrooms are great."
