Santa Clara County offers diverse pet friendly camping near New Almaden, California with multiple campgrounds nestled in redwood forests at elevations between 1,500 and 2,000 feet. These camping areas typically experience morning fog and cooler temperatures than the valley floor, with temperature differences reaching up to 40 degrees cooler than nearby Gilroy or San Jose. The coastal mountain range location creates distinct microclimates across different campgrounds.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 6-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park takes you past several small cascades. "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. Reservations are required," notes Mon M. Hikers especially enjoy the Creek Trail near the campground during fall months.
Archery practice: 28 targets available at Mount Madonna County Park through forested trails. "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," shares April N. The course requires your own equipment but provides a unique outdoor activity option.
Beach access: 15-minute walk from camping areas at New Brighton State Beach Campground. "Very quiet area and pretty well spaced out sites (for a coastal campground). Once the sun went down there were very few people outside. Good beach access (down a ramped pathway and then staircase)," reports Karen. The beach remains relatively uncrowded compared to more popular Santa Cruz beaches.
What campers like
Large private sites: Look for outer loop spots at campgrounds for more seclusion. "We stayed in Valley View 1, site 106. There was really no road noise at our site, though a few sites further around the loop did have noise. This particular site has a trail leading directly to the vast network of hiking trails," explains Lori T. from her Mount Madonna stay.
Wildlife viewing: Unique fallow deer can be spotted at Mount Madonna County Park. "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," notes April N. Campers regularly report seeing native deer throughout many area campgrounds as well.
Free shower facilities: Available at multiple county parks. "Bathroom was clean and we liked that they sold firewood on site. Only 4 stars because the sites are pretty close together and a few had fairly sparse greenery separating you from others so we felt a little on display," mentions Kelly about Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Most campgrounds in the area maintain their bathroom facilities regularly.
What you should know
Site reservations: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer weekend visits. "Hard to find a spot here these days but a great camping spot above the beach," writes Willow M. about New Brighton State Beach. County parks operate different reservation systems than state parks, so check specific requirements.
Temperature variability: Pack for 30-40° cooler weather than valley locations. "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!" warns April N. about Mount Madonna County Park. Evening temperatures drop significantly under tree cover.
Cell service limitations: Verizon most reliable but spotty in canyons. "Important to note that you can actually get a cell signal if you walk to the dump station!" mentions Lori T. about Mount Madonna. Most campgrounds have limited or no WiFi, though Sanborn County Park has WiFi in some areas that "worked pretty well (we could have a video conference)," according to Ignasi M.
Tips for camping with families
Cart assistance: Use provided wagons for hike-in sites with children. "The park provides carts to help with hauling gear, and storage boxes are provided at the site, near the picnic table," writes Amanda P. about Sanborn County Park. This makes family camping more manageable with young children or when bringing extra supplies.
Kid-friendly amenities: Jumping pillow and activities at Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday. "Huge bouncy pad, a climbing wall, ping pong tables, a swimming pool, pedal go karts, the list goes on and on," Daniel D. explains. Many families appreciate the scheduled activities, especially during holiday weekends.
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Paved paths make for safer riding areas. "If you have littles the roads are paved so a scooter or bike could be fun," notes Chesney S. about Henry Cowell Redwoods. Multiple campgrounds offer flat terrain suitable for young riders, though parents should supervise due to occasional vehicle traffic.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Bring blocks for uneven terrain in mountain campgrounds. "The walk-in sites may be different, but all of the pull in sites were extremely off-level (even with all our blocks we couldn't get close)," warns Karen about Henry W. Coe State Park. Many campsites in the area are built on hillsides, making leveling essential.
Extension cords: Pack 6+ foot sewer extensions for some hookup sites. "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot," mentions Patrick J. about Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort. Hookup placement varies considerably between sites at most RV campgrounds in the area.
Limited big rig access: 28+ foot length restrictions common on mountain roads. "The road leading to Uvas Canyon is narrow and winding, requiring careful driving especially with pets in tow," cautions local rangers. Many campgrounds recommend calling ahead if your RV exceeds 30 feet to ensure safe access.
Traveler
