Best Campgrounds near San Jose, CA

San Jose camping areas include several good options for a weekend getaway. New Brighton State Beach Campground offers ocean views and direct beach access, though you'll need to book ahead since spots fill quickly. California Veterans Memorial Park Campground sits among trees and gives campers a quieter setting not far from Monterey. Francis Beach Campground in Half Moon Bay puts you right by the shoreline with great coastal views. These sites each have different amenities depending on what you're looking for in a camping trip. Most campgrounds can be reached via paved roads, but it's smart to check conditions if you're visiting during rainy periods. The wildlife is active throughout these areas, so store your food properly to keep animals away from your campsite. Rules differ between campgrounds - many require advance bookings and have specific rules about fires. Most places limit stays to about 14 days to keep sites available for everyone. Group camping may require special permits at certain locations. Summer brings warm weather that's great for beach camping, while spring and fall have milder temperatures and fewer people around. Winter camping works too, but bring extra layers for cold nights. Always check the latest rules before heading out, as restrictions can change seasonally. The San Jose region has camping options ranging from beachfront to forest settings for any type of outdoor trip.

Best Camping Sites Near San Jose, California (142)

    1. Sanborn County Park

    19 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-9959

    $33 / night

    "This is a nice camping away from the car experience. It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites."

    "Great walk-in campground so close to home in the South Bay Area (albeit walk is slightly uphill)."

    2. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Mount Hermon, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 438-2396

    $7 - $35 / night

    "This is a nice campground in a great part of California with lots of hiking and beaches nearby. The bathrooms were clean and well kept."

    "There were bigger sites that would've suited us better but it was a nice little tucked in site. The poison oak is prolific. Our site was literally surrounded by it."

    3. New Brighton State Beach Campground

    43 Reviews
    Capitola, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 464-6330

    $35 - $185 / night

    "Camped with electricity and water, situated on a bluff near the ocean. Easy walking distance to the water, nice roomy campsites with fire rings and tables. Not too close to other campers."

    "New Brighton is a jewel on the California coast. Camping is on a bluff above beach and you must walk down stairs to get to the beach. Camping in the woods with the beach below is perfect."

    4. Mount Madonna County Park

    31 Reviews
    Gilroy, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-2341

    "Great hiking trails. Flat looks for kids to bike on. Don't miss the deer pen and the historic house hikes. One of the best local campgrounds near San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy and Watsonville area."

    "Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren’t prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!"

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

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 338-8860

    $35 / night

    "Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site."

    "So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco."

    6. Uvas Canyon County Park

    9 Reviews
    New Almaden, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 779-9232

    $34 / night

    "Uvas Canyon County Park https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/pages/uvascanyon.aspx is located about 15 miles west of Gilroy, on the east side of the Santa Cruz Mountains."

    "This is a great spot for people looking to get away and camp but not trying to drive for 3-4 hours to do so."

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

    13 Reviews
    Morgan Hill, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 779-2728

    $20 / night

    "This is a primitive campground, no showers only vault toilets and restroom near visitor center ( 2 min walk from campground) both decently clean. Water for washing dishes is available."

    "There is a small visitor center close to the entrance, with a few souvenirs and some snacks and drinks. Visitor Center only takes cash."

    8. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4 Reviews
    Mount Hamilton, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 274-6121

    $15 - $400 / night

    "Hamilton and a lake up the road a way, there’s also a mansion & rose garden on the property, shower & bathroom are clean, there are nights to gather and stargaze.The tent spaces are sizable &amp"

    "Good trails."

    9. Grant County Park

    2 Reviews
    Mount Hamilton, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 274-6121

    "Clean, bathrooms near by. Very relaxing and away from San Jose."

    10. Del Valle Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Livermore, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    "After time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality"

    "Campsite amenities were great, easy access to water and bathrooms. Bathrooms were spotless the whole weekend, even though it was a holiday weekend and every site was booked."

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Showing results 1-10 of 142 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near San Jose, CA

783 Reviews of 142 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

Which is the most popular campground near San Jose, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Jose, CA is Sanborn County Park with a 3.9-star rating from 19 reviews.

What parks are near San Jose, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near San Jose, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.