Best Campgrounds near San Jose, CA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, San Jose, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. San Jose is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near San Jose and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near San Jose, California (143)

    1. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    173 Photos
    838 Saves
    Mount Hermon, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $7 - $35 / night

    2. New Brighton State Beach Campground

    42 Reviews
    138 Photos
    920 Saves
    Capitola, California

    New Brighton State Beach is one of the most popular beachfront campgrounds in California, offering over 100 developed campsites, including 11 RV hookup sites. With bluff top views of the the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, a visitor center museum, shade ramada for group picnics and special events, and campfire center with free summer programs, it’s no wonder New Brighton State Beach is such a favorite destination!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 - $185 / night

    3. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

    34 Reviews
    98 Photos
    510 Saves
    Boulder Creek, California

    CAMPGROUND CLOSED DUE TO FIRE:

    Public access to Big Basin has been severely impacted by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire and ongoing fire recovery work, but the park is now open for limited day-use access. Reservations for parking are not required, but are encouraged due to the limited amount of first-come, first-served parking available. Reserve a parking space. The parking fee is $6 per vehicle plus a $2 reservation fee or $10 per vehicle without a reservation. No reservations or fees are required for visitors arriving by foot, bike, or bus. Read the FAQs for more information on the reservation system and visiting Big Basin.

    Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park. In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin camping's biggest attractions—literally—are its ancient coast redwoods. Some of these giants are more than 50 feet around and as tall as the Statue of Liberty. At 1,000 to 1,800 years old, some may predate the Roman Empire. The park also offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, lush waterfalls, and a fascinating natural and cultural history.

    The park has more than 80 miles of trails. Some of these trails link Big Basin to Castle Rock State Park and the eastern reaches of the Santa Cruz range. The Skyline to the Sea Trail threads its way through the park along Waddell Creek to the beach and adjacent Theodore J. Hoover Natural Preserve, a freshwater marsh.

    The park has a number of waterfalls, a variety of habitats (from lush canyon bottoms to sparse chaparral-covered slopes), many animals (deer, raccoons, bobcats) and lots of bird life—including Steller’s jays, egrets, herons and California woodpeckers.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $35 / night

    4. Mount Madonna County Park

    29 Reviews
    102 Photos
    427 Saves
    Gilroy, California

    Visitors may choose from 116 drive-in and walk-in reservable campsites spread throughout four campgrounds. Each site comes equipped with a barbecue pit, food locker, and picnic table. Showers are also available (no coins needed) for campers (camping fee required for use of showers), as well as 29 partial hook-up RV sites. Yurts are also available for reservation. These domed-tent like structures come in three different sizes - 16', 20' and 24' offering bunk beds with mattresses, fold out futons and a wrap-around deck.

    Overnight camping is one of the most popular activities at Mt. Madonna. View here for more information about tent, yurt and RV camping. There is no longer first-come, first-serve camping sites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    5. Sanborn County Park

    19 Reviews
    37 Photos
    141 Saves
    Saratoga, California
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $33 / night

    6. Sunset State Beach

    27 Reviews
    70 Photos
    1000 Saves
    Watsonville, California

    RVs and Tents. Sunset State Beach camping provides dozens of dune-protected family sites (without hookups) that hold recreational vehicles up to 31 feet in length. Pets must not be left unattended in campsites. Parking for one vehicle is included in camping fees. Additional funds may be collected on site for up to TWO additional vehicles at a nightly rate (this does not apply to tow-in cars or trailers).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    7. Del Valle Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    57 Photos
    241 Saves
    Livermore, California

    Del Valle campgrounds will be closed until further notice, due to storm damage.

    Deep in a valley framed by oak-covered hills, with sailboats and sailboards skimming over its waters, Del Valle is like a lakeside resort only 10 miles south of Livermore.

    The centerpiece of the park is a lake five miles long with a variety of water-oriented recreation, from swimming to windsurfing and boating, surrounded by 4,395 acres of beautiful land for hiking, horseback riding, and nature study. Del Valle also is the eastern gateway to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, 28 miles of scenic back-country trail.

    Family Campground: The Del Valle Family Campground has 150 sites (two accessible), 21 of them with water and sewage, and electrical hook-ups (120 volt, 50 and 30 amp). The sites are served by centrally located toilets and shower facilities.

    Group camps: There are several group campsites for groups of 11 people or more.

    Equestrian camps: The Little Chaparral horse camp area has 4 small paddocks. The reservation of one paddock includes space for 1-2 horses, 4 people maximum, and parking for one trailer and rig only. Equestrian groups should reserve the Caballo Loco equestrian group camp as Little Chaparral is not designed for group use. Please note that horses are not allowed in developed areas of the park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    8. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    18 Reviews
    18 Photos
    302 Saves
    Felton, California

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort is nestled in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Situated on the beautiful San Lorenzo River, and backed by Henry Cowell State Park, our clean and well maintained RV Park and campground offers guests a year-round, family-oriented, place to relax. Or a comfortable base camp for your outdoor adventure. We welcome families, groups, and RV clubs of most sizes. Experience the richness of Santa Cruz County where a hiking journey begins in an old-growth redwood forest, winds past graceful waterfalls, and ends on a pristine beach. Great outdoor fun awaits you with hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain bike riding. All RV sites come equipped with full hookups (electric, water, & sewer) and cable TV. There's also a spacious clubhouse on-site, clean bathrooms, hot showers, and much more.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    9. Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

    13 Reviews
    45 Photos
    225 Saves
    Morgan Hill, California

    Coe Ranch Campground

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $20 / night

    10. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    25 Reviews
    63 Photos
    633 Saves
    Castro Valley, California

    Anthony Chabot Family Campground, overlooking Lake Chabot, is a year-round getaway only 35 minutes from downtown Oakland and Oakland International Airport. The campground features 53 drive-to tent campsites, 10 walk-to tent campsites, and 12 RV/trailer campsites with full hookups (sewer, water, and 30 amp electrical). All sites have a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Restrooms include hot showers. Firewood and charcoal are available for purchase. The campground provides access to miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, along with fishing at nearby Lake Chabot.

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park features seven group camps ranging in capacity from 35 to 300 campers, reservations required (a minimum of 9 people to use the group campsites). All group camps include picnic tables, BBQ, fire ring, water, and chemical/vault toilets. Equestrian camping is available by reservation at Bort Meadow Group Camp. For reservations, call 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2. Group campsites cannot be reserved online.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
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Recent Reviews near San Jose, CA

784 Reviews of 143 San Jose Campgrounds



Guide to San Jose

Camping near San Jose, CA, offers a great mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds just a short drive away, it’s perfect for families, solo adventurers, or anyone looking to escape the city.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “There are beautiful hiking trails all over this campground,” making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Beach Activities: At New Brighton State Beach Campground, you can enjoy beachcombing and swimming. A camper shared, “Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Anthony Chabot Regional Park is perfect for spotting local wildlife. One reviewer noted, “Lots of animals around, both dogs and deer and squirrels.”

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. A reviewer said, “The sites are mostly very private and lush and green.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained restrooms and showers at New Brighton State Beach Campground. One visitor remarked, “Bathrooms are clean for camping standards.”
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings at Mount Madonna County Park. A reviewer mentioned, “The trail does go right behind the site but it wasn’t super busy.”

What you should know:

  • Poison Oak: Be cautious of poison oak at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. One camper warned, “There is so much poison oak - everywhere.”
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many campgrounds, like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground, operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor advised, “Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Laguna Seca Recreation Area, may not have drinking water available. A camper noted, “Water is non-potable, but that wasn’t a problem for us.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground. One reviewer said, “If you have little ones they’ll have fun on the playground.”
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food or check out local eateries near campgrounds like Francis Beach Campground. A camper suggested, “Riding your bike, or walking along the path toward town for a well-earned brunch should definitely reach the top of your to-do list.”
  • Check for Activities: Many campgrounds offer organized activities. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, “There are quite a few trails that are currently closed due to storm damage, but crews were actively working on them.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Campgrounds like New Brighton State Beach Campground are big rig friendly. One camper noted, “Site was $35 I believe, and has paid showers and restrooms.”
  • Dump Stations: Make sure to use dump stations available at campgrounds like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground. A visitor shared, “The dump station was in good working order.”
  • Space Considerations: Be aware that some sites can be cramped. A reviewer at Saddle Mountain Ranch mentioned, “The sites are very close to each other.”

Camping around San Jose, CA, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there’s something for you!

Frequently Asked Questions