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Camping near San Jose

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San Jose sits in the southern part of California's Bay Area. San Francisco and Oakland are about an hour to the northwest. A very mild climate results in high temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 all year round. As a bonus, rain is practically nonexistent from May to September. Post up at Coyote Valley RV Resort if you're coming to the area in a big rig or medium-size trailer. This RV park's about 20 minutes southeast of San Jose proper. Here you'll have access to 127 sites with full hookups and complimentary Wi-Fi. There's also an RV wash service, which is great if you've been on the road cross-country! If tent camping is more your thing, try Joseph D. Grant County Park. This green space is just a few minutes east of San Jose. It features nearly 11,000 acres of verdant grasslands in the Santa Clara Valley foothills. Hiking and horseback riding trails are both popular here. Rather explore California's famous Redwood forests? Try Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. This spot sits in the peaceful Santa Cruz Mountains. Hike through here, and you'll get up close and personal with trees that are over 1,800 years old and over 250 feet tall!
95% (6.9K) 2,380 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near San Jose

Lupin Lodge

1. Lupin Lodge

94%
(473)
12mi from San Jose · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Lupin Lodge is a family-friendly, clothing-optional destination resort located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Our yurts are fully furnished with a queen-sized bed, heater, fan, electricity, and Wi-Fi. Alternatively, guests may choose to car camp or rent a campsite during their stay. Shared bathroom facilities, showers, and the Community Kitchen are located nearby and available to guests 24/7. Our property highlights include scenic hiking trails, our pool and hot tub area, sauna, tennis court, lounge area, and our Clubhouse Restaurant that serves Saturday night dinner. At Lupin, guests enjoy a quiet, comfortable escape into nature while remaining conveniently accessible by car, just 10 minutes from downtown Los Gatos.
Electrical hookup
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Santa Cruz Mountains Staycation

2. Santa Cruz Mountains Staycation

100%
(77)
13mi from San Jose · 1 site
Located in the peaceful, forested Chemeketa Park neighborhood, our Airstream Caravel is situated in a perfect resting spot for road cyclists, mountain bikers, Santa Cruz surfers, and winery fans looking to recharge before their next adventure! The Airstream is conveniently located on our driveway property, so you'll have easy access to-and-from the quaint and cute downtown area of Los Gatos, nearby hiking trails, and scenic routes along Highway 17.
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Patchen Christmas Tree Farm

3. Patchen Christmas Tree Farm

91%
(113)
14mi from San Jose · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Patchen Farm is a 6 acre, choose and cut Christmas tree farm. Since the farm is only open during the holiday season, in the off season you'll find a working farm (work being done, cars coming and going, etc.). Patchen is located only 10 mins from downtown Los Gatos in one direction and the Santa Cruz beach in the other direction. Perched at the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Patchen offers the scenic beauty of lush redwood forests and views of the surrounding area. There are several wonderful wineries within 5 miles and great hiking and biking trails. The one and only store in the mountains is the Summit Store and just 3 miles down Summit Road. They have plenty of the essentials plus an excellent deli, wine collection and coffee bar. NO CHECK IN OR CHECK OUT NECESSARY NO RESTROOM ON SITE NO ATTENDANT ON SITE WATER and POWER are marked with signs (EACH SERVICE IS $20 PER NIGHT) NO TRASH SHOULD BE LEFT AT THE PROPERTY Payment envelopes at red barn door or Venmo 408-605-1522 Zelle 408-605-1522 Water can be found near the giant wreath just inside entrance and on either end of the red barn. Power is 15 amp and can be found near the giant wreath just inside the entrance, mid-way up the parking lot on the in the wood chips and at the tiny red shack.
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Potable water
Picnic table
Henry W. Coe State Park

4. Henry W. Coe State Park

89%
(37)
State park 17mi from San Jose · 29 sites
This lesser-known wilderness escape puts you far away from fellow humans.
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Castle Rock State Park

5. Castle Rock State Park

93%
(22)
State park 16mi from San Jose · 52 sites
Hikers and climbers love Castle Rock State Park.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

6. Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

98%
(24)
14mi from San Jose · 1 site
Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this serene retreat is surrounded by natural beauty and offers the perfect escape into nature. Conveniently located between Downtown Los Gatos and Downtown Santa Cruz which is just 25 minutes from each. You’ll have easy access to the best of both mountain charm and coastal energy. Outdoor enthusiasts will love being just minutes from the renowned mountain biking trails of Demonstration Forest, scenic hiking routes, and the beloved Summit Store for local provisions. NOTE that NO open fires are allowed by our county but guests are allowed to have a gas or propane stove for cooking. Water is 125' front tent. Toilet is 100' front tent. Outhouse has a honeypot, hand washing station, mirror, hand soap and hand towel. Picnic table. Power plug is 140' from tent to charge your phone, etc. Tent does not leak. Pls disregard LOCATION Earth Map. It's incorrect. See the Google Map in pictures that is correct. This time of year, please consider this COLD CAMPING at night. The tent has 4 extra blankets but you should be prepared to keep yourself warm and prepared for winter weather. If you enjoy the sound of rain on the tent roof for just a little longer this season, please come see our tent. In July, you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in Henry Cowell Redwoods, walking along West Cliff Drive, and visiting Natural Bridges State Beach. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is open year-round, offering a chance to experience it with fewer crowds and more deals. You can also visit local attractions like the Mystery Spot, the Santa Cruz Wharf, and the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Check Levi's Stadium for all events you might have intertest in such as concerts, sporting events, etc.
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Quail Ridge Farm

7. Quail Ridge Farm

100%
(12)
14mi from San Jose · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Camping & RV Parking on a Working Farm Near Santa Cruz Come camp on our peaceful working farm with easy access to incredible bike trails, beaches, and hikes in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We offer 3 spacious campsites where you can park your RV or camper van, or set up a tent. The sites are spread out with plenty of room for groups and families. For a more comfortable stay, you can also rent our solar-powered Airstream Base Camp. The property is a working farm with animals and a Christmas tree farm, and we’re currently planting olive trees and lavender fields. Guests are welcome to enjoy hikes directly on the property, including redwood forest trails and scenic views. Interested in hosting a gathering? Ask us about renting the entire property for private events like birthday parties or group lunches, with the option to camp overnight. Camp Details: 3 sites for RVs (various sizes) or tents No hookups Potable drinking water available for fill-ups No electricity at campsites Quiet, natural setting—perfect for unplugging A great spot for campers looking for nature, space, and a relaxed farm atmosphere close to Santa Cruz.
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Double Bear

8. Double Bear

100%
(11)
16mi from San Jose · 4 sites
Double Bear is a rugged three yurt glamping escape in the Santa Cruz Mountains, a secluded setting on a 1.5 mile mountain dirt road among towering redwoods with sweeping views, just 30 minutes from Silicon Valley. It is designed for those who appreciate quiet beauty, a touch of adventure, and the feeling of being truly off the map without being far from it. Our camp features three sleeping yurts, a spacious shared kitchen yurt, and a bathhouse, all thoughtfully placed to let the landscape take center stage. The yurts, up to 30 feet in diameter, offer a unique sense of space and comfort in a natural setting. Soak in the hot tub beneath the trees, enjoy dinner on the pavilion terrace, gather around the fire, or wander the woods at your own pace. Privacy Up the hill sits a separate art house that is occasionally rented, while the owner lives about 10 minutes down the road and is available if needed. You also have the option to book the entire camp, three yurts with 16 plus beds, along with the kitchen yurt and bathhouse, for your group. Hiking / Biking The land is steep, rugged, and spans 83 acres of private forest. You are free to explore and discover hidden corners of the property. You may come across some remarkable surprises along the way. Getting around takes effort, and that is part of the experience. Surrounding area • Two highly rated wineries within a 10 minute drive • Groceries, breakfast, lunch, and dinner options about 15 minutes away • Castle Rock State Park and Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve approximately 20 minutes away Getting here is part of the adventure Double Bear is about a 30 minute drive from Los Gatos. The final stretch is a 1.2 mile drive up a steep dirt road, crossing Bear Creek and winding through the mountains. The road is suitable for 2WD vehicles, just be comfortable driving on dirt roads. Wi Fi Once you arrive, you will have access to reliable, low latency satellite Wi Fi around camp. Cell service can be limited, so we recommend downloading maps in advance. Our approach Double Bear is not built as a for profit venture, but as a place to share the land and its experience. We are just getting started, and your feedback is truly appreciated as we continue shaping it.
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Sun/Moon Rise Camp W/ Valley View

9. Sun/Moon Rise Camp W/ Valley View

94%
(339)
16mi from San Jose · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
We created this space for everyone to enjoy.
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Toilets
Water hookup
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

10. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

100%
(2)
State park 22mi from San Jose · 2 sites
Behold natural wonders aplenty in the Forest of Nisene Marks.
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Campfires
Picnic table
Portola Redwoods State Park

11. Portola Redwoods State Park

97%
(73)
State park 22mi from San Jose · 59 sites
Explore the otherworldly beauty of old-growth redwoods—a tranquil sanctuary and ideal getaway.
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Campfires
Del Valle Regional Park

12. Del Valle Regional Park

78%
(41)
Park 21mi from San Jose · 151 sites
Recreational lake life in the East Bay is closer than you think—and it’s dog-friendly.
Picnic table
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

13. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

98%
(51)
State park 22mi from San Jose · 107 sites
Big trees keep on growing in this famed Northern California treasure.
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Yurt In The Redwoods

14. Yurt In The Redwoods

100%
(16)
16mi from San Jose · 1 site
Escape to the quiet beauty of the redwoods. This cozy yurt sits along a private road deep in the forest, offering an immersive nature experience while remaining easily accessible. The yurt is rustic but features many comforts, including a full-size bed, bathroom, shower with hot water, kitchenette with a stove top and mini fridge, heaters, and cozy furnishings. Step outside and you’ll be surrounded by towering redwoods and abundant wildlife. It’s common to spot banana slugs, deer, newts, lizards, wild turkeys, foxes, and occasionally bobcats, mountain lions or giant salamanders. At night you will hear owls calling or frogs singing. The area is peaceful and secluded, with only a handful of neighbors passing along the road. Guests are welcome to wander the shared road or the loop trail around our small property. Take in the forest views, and enjoy the quiet rhythms of the woods. If you’re looking for a simple, nature-filled getaway—perfect for slowing down and listening to the forest at night—this redwood retreat is a special place to unplug. A quick note on pets: We love dogs and we hope you'll bring them along, but please do not leave your pups unattended at the yurt. We recommend contacting these local pet boarding facilities in advance if you plan to be out without your pups. Summit Veterinary Hospital: https://summitvethospital.com/boarding-faqs Bed & Biscuits: http://www.bedandbiscuits.com
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Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat

15. Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat

94%
(293)
16mi from San Jose · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Experience everything the Bay Area has to offer from this mountain top site. Roughly 50 minutes to any city in the Bay Area, this site is ideal for any person looking for an adventurous getaway retreat.   The Serenity and privacy make this an uncommon, yet ideal romantic place to stay. This site is sheltered by the manzanitas and pines of this chaparral community. Adventure seekers will find paradise here!  Mount Madonna Park with miles of trails is 20 minutes down the road. You can dump your septic there as well!  Horseback riding rentals are located near the park as well as an archery range.  Demonstration forest is 15 minutes down the road, with miles of mountain biking. Spend a day at one of the beaches in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Rio Del Mar, Davenport, Half Moon Bay, Monterey, or Carmel and return to your private oasis. Or Explore Silicon Valley from this centrally located parcel. Kim Son Meditation Center and Mount Madonna Center are approximately 15 minutes away. There are also wonderful wineries throughout the mountains here. The trip to the site will begin with a three mile drive on a private dirt road.  Being on the very top of a mountain brings more seasonality than the surrounding cities.   Please be prepared for any kind of extreme weather. Summer: Shade is highly recommended it can get into triple digits. *Spring/fall: Temperatures are generally mild but high winds are possible. *Winter: Typically cold and windy. *During rainy/muddy conditions 4x4/AWD is highly recommended.  It is possible for it to get windy, foggy, rainy, hot and sunny, and even sometimes snowy. Please note: the nearest grocer is 30 minutes from this site. Emergency supplies are available for delivery to your campsite. Cell phone reception is good on most carriers.  Pets are allowed.  Enjoy your time howling at the moon, star gazing, bird watching/wildlife viewing, or relaxing with your favorite libation. Don't forget your camera! Since this is our first year renting our land we have found that August is a high wasp season time in the mountains. We are doing everything humanly possible to hunt down each and every Wasp for your enjoyment. With this in mind we ask you use the provided bug repellent, keep the lid to the trash closed, and do not pour grease anywhere you do not want wasps.
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Picnic table
Santa Cruz Mountains with ocean 👁

16. Santa Cruz Mountains with ocean 👁

95%
(21)
16mi from San Jose · 1 site · Tent, RV
This is a great place to get away and come camp here in the Santa Cruz Mountains, a perfect location for tent camping or come park your trailer or Motorhome/Bus. We have great hiking in the near area and 5 miles away there is great mountain biking trails. A world renoun mountain bike spot with intermediate to experienced trails for riders of all levels. 5 miles down the road as well is buzzard lagoon and is a great Dirt biking/4-wheeling location. It is a fun spot for all off road inthusiast! Your camping site is on a flat plateu and is an ideal spot to park your trailer, motorhome or tent camp. With Complete privacy with views of the pacific ocean and South county's Monterey bay with a 180 degree view as well as San jose and Morgan Hill. For the wine inthusiast, Loma Prieta winery is 5.5 miles away along with Windy Oaks Winery that is 3.7 miles away that is located on the "Wine trail" that has alots of winerys to offer in a beautiful location. A Day of fun for the family at Gilroy Gardens that is 15.5 miles away. The beach is 30-40 minutes away with great surfing and body boarding up and down the coastline. When in route once you get off the paved road from north or south stay on the dirt road for 15-20 more minutes. The location is very private it is on its own parcel with a gate. If you leave the property please be mindful of staying off of other private properties. We will see you soon!
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Camp Rewilding

17. Camp Rewilding

95%
(47)
16mi from San Jose · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Escape to a peaceful private campsite in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Mt. Madonna County Park. Surrounded by trees and nature, our sites offer a quiet and secluded place to relax, watch the stars, and enjoy evenings around the fire pit. Guests love the privacy, wildlife sightings, and beautiful mountain setting. Whether you’re exploring nearby hiking trails, visiting Gilroy Gardens, or taking a scenic drive to Santa Cruz, this is the perfect base for an outdoor getaway. Amenities include picnic tables, fire pits, and a clean pit toilet to make your rustic camping experience comfortable. Please note: the final few miles to camp are on a rustic mountain road with uneven terrain. The drive is part of the adventure!
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Picnic table
May's Luxury Farmstays

18. May's Luxury Farmstays

96%
(130)
17mi from San Jose · 5 sites
Relax and recharge at our retreat in Los Gatos. Whether you’re here to reconnect with nature, hike the trails, camp under the stars, or explore the Bay Area, Harlan’s Retreat, has everything for a worry-free stay! With nature trails on-site and the Saratoga Gap down the road, you won’t have to go far, For fun drive into the city. Come home and admire the amazing views from your secluded glamp-site with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and Silicon Valley 2,800 feet below. This very private site offers breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay and the south bay. The views at night are transcendent. The Apple building and Moffet field are clearly visible. you look down from above the clouds to the valley floor 2,800 feet below.
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Hot Tub
Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

19. Camp Cruz Glamping Retreat

100%
(18)
17mi from San Jose · 3 sites
Please note we only book one group at a time so whether you are a couple or a large group, you get the whole place privately to yourself. Prices fluctuate based on group size. Our home is nearby on the land in case you need anything. Located an hour drive from the bay area, Camp Cruz is a year-round glamping retreat in the redwoods ideal for people who want a private outdoor getaway in the forest without giving up basic living comforts. It's a perfect destination to unwind, recharge, and create special memories in nature. We are also only 30 minutes from Monterey/Santa Cruz for guests who want to enjoy the beaches and coastal cities. We offer guests 2 private bedrooms: the Raven’s Nest (an aircrete dome) and the Owl’s Nest (a yurt). Larger groups are welcome, and should bring camping gear such as tents and sleeping bags for extra people. We have plenty of great camping spots! There is a fully equipped kitchen with stove, fridge, barbecue grill, electric coffee maker, tables and chairs, and more. The kitchen also has a ping pong table. There is a large geodome furnished as a game room with couches, a lounge area, pool table, foosball table, a bluetooth speaker, games, and music equipment. There are clean composting toilets, hot showers, a wood-burning fire pit, heaters for the cold, a hammock bungalow, a meditation pagoda, a deck overlooking a creek, and disc golf baskets. Guests are responsible for bringing their own firewood or may purchase firewood from us under "EXTRAS". With a fair balance of sunlight and shade, we have a garden and lots of open space to spread out and relax. Free wifi is available. We run a nonprofit outdoor education camp for underprivileged youth, so your stay supports our work to get youth outdoors. Winter lodging.... It can get seasonably cold in the Santa Cruz Mountains during the winter. If visiting in the winter, rest assured we have everything covered to enjoy your stay. We have propane heaters for warmth and comfort. If the power goes out, we have a standby generator that will power up camp provided we are home to turn it on. We have woodstoves in the Owl's Nest and Eagle's Nest. We provide fire starters for the woodstoves; guests are responsible for bringing firewood to keep the woodstoves going or purcchasing it from us under "EXTRAS".
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Leafy Lanes Tree House (“Fort”)

20. Leafy Lanes Tree House (“Fort”)

100%
(15)
17mi from San Jose · 1 site
Cozy Retreat Among the Trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains Escape to nature for a stay in our rustic and comfy ‘tree house’ nestled in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Features: •Unique, elevated cabin offering stunning views and the serenity of the redwood trees •Spacious deck for enjoying morning coffee or sunset views •Small kitchen, cozy living space, with comfortable twin (trifold) beds in the loft for a peaceful stay •WiFi for adventure planning (or work from the woods) Cyclist's Dream Location: •Situated extremely close to world-renowned redwood cycling trails, there are routes for all levels of rider from gentle forest roads to challenging mountain climbs Adventure Awaits: •The beauty of the Redwoods will surround you, and provide the perfect backdrop for your outdoor recreation actives whether it’s hiking, nature walks, cycling, bird-watching, etc. •Relaxing, recharging, and reconnecting with nature is almost effortless with lovely parks located nearby •The pleasures of stargazing (without all the light-pollution that’s so common in cities) can be a memorable experience, so don’t forget to turn your eyes to the skies after dark… and listening to the peaceful sounds of the forest can be really special. About: The area of Eureka Canyon Road and Highland Way is charming and quiet. A location surrounded by forest and quite close to some of the best cycling on the West Coast. The property itself is nestled adjacent to pristine Corralitos Creek with its serene sounds of flowing water and steelhead trout. The trees that tower all around have a quiet presence, and you’ll often be aware of the gentle murmur of the breeze through their leaves and branches. This is an ideal place to rest after a day of exploring, sightseeing, or simply experiencing everything the Santa Cruz Mountains and nearby town offer. The Tree House or "Wood Tent": This little home in the trees is unique and can be considered an alternative to camping. Features that combine both “tiny cabin" and "camping", there are plenty of the amenities that will make it feel like a comfy getaway spot. A ladder leads to loft which houses twin mattress.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Frequently Asked Questions

If tent camping is more your thing near San Jose, you can try Joseph D. Grant County Park. This green space is just a few minutes east of San Jose and features nearly 11,000 acres of verdant grasslands in the Santa Clara Valley foothills. Hiking and horseback riding trails are both popular here. You can also explore different options for camping near San Jose on Hipcamp.

Near San Jose, you can explore California's famous redwood forests at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. This spot sits in the peaceful Santa Cruz Mountains, where you can hike and get up close and personal with trees that are over 1,800 years old and over 250 feet tall. You can also explore different options for camping near San Jose on Hipcamp.

San Jose sits in the southern part of California's Bay Area and has a very mild climate with high temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 all year round. As a bonus, rain is practically nonexistent from May to September.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field