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Camping near Mountain View guide
Where to go
Henry W. Coe State Park
Open year-round to campers, Henry W. Coe State Park is about an hour southeast of Mountain View. Northern California's largest state park at over 87,000 acres, Coe offers over 250 miles of trails and dirt roads for exploring on foot, mountain bike, or horseback. Backcountry canyons and picturesque ridges make up the landscape near drive-in campsites with picnic tables and nearby restrooms. Primitive sites for tent camping and off-the-grid backpacking bring campers to more deserted areas where they can spot desert cottontail rabbits, pallid bats, and black-tailed deer. Mandatory backpacking permits are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mount Diablo State Park
For some of the most spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay Area, head to the observation deck at the summit of Mount Diablo. About 60 miles north of Mountain View, Mount Diablo State Park is renowned for its fantastic cycling, hiking, and horseback riding. On a clear day, views from the 3,849-foot peak can stretch out 200 miles, revealing the Farallon Islands and Sierra Nevada Mountains. Family campsites, some with shade and others with views, offer flush toilets and potable water. Secluded backpacking campgrounds provide more of an off-the-grid experience.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
The oldest state park in California, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is just southwest of Mountain View. The towering redwood trees grow to heights of over 250 feet, and some are over 1,000-years old. Hiking trails pass by the 329-foot Mother of the Forest, the 17-foot wide Santa Clara Tree, and the calming Sempervirens Falls. Families with young children can look into Junior Rangers and Big Basin Nature Club programs to learn more about the ancient redwood forest.
When to go
Camping near Mountain View is busiest during the warm and dry summer months, when temperatures can soar into the 90s. Summer days can be a bit hazy, though, reducing the view from atop Mount Diablo. The best views are on days after a winter storm, particularly during sunrise or sunset. Winter camping can be quite peaceful, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds but also less wildlife activity to observe. For the best of both worlds, spring is a beautiful time to visit for mild weather, vibrant wildflowers, and opportunities to spot migratory birds.