The best dog-friendly campgrounds near San Jose, California

Looking for a camping adventure near San Jose, California with your furry friend? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1600 options specifically catering to pets in the area, you'll find the perfect campsite for you and your four-legged companion. Whether you're looking for a rustic experience or a more luxurious one, there's something for everyone. And with top campsites like Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), and The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews) to choose from, you can trust that you're in for an unforgettable camping experience. With popular amenities like campfires, toilets, and showers, and activities such as hiking, off-roading, and fishing, you'll have everything you need for an amazing outdoor getaway. So pack your bags, grab your furry friend, and get ready for a memorable camping trip near San Jose!

95% (3.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds near San Jose

Looking for a camping adventure near San Jose, California with your furry friend? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1600 options specifically catering to pets in the area, you'll find the perfect campsite for you and your four-legged companion. Whether you're looking for a rustic experience or a more luxurious one, there's something for everyone. And with top campsites like Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), and The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews) to choose from, you can trust that you're in for an unforgettable camping experience. With popular amenities like campfires, toilets, and showers, and activities such as hiking, off-roading, and fishing, you'll have everything you need for an amazing outdoor getaway. So pack your bags, grab your furry friend, and get ready for a memorable camping trip near San Jose!

95% (3.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds near San Jose

1. Redwood Paradise Camping

91%

(283)

23mi from San Jose · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging

PLEASE READ: Hello all! If you're looking for some glamping with creature comforts, while just being 10 minutes away from restaurants. This is the place for you. We are a 5 acre property and home surrounded by tall redwood and oak trees. Very green and lots of shade. These are the amenities/facilities you will have free access to: Pool, Pool chairs and umbrellas, Deck area with sunset view, Trampolines, and hammocks. There is not cooking allowed by or at any of the common areas, due to flies and critters. Cooking and eating is only allowed by your sites and not in any common areas: Hammocks, Trampolines, Pool Area, tables, sink, and deck please follow this rule because we want to prevent our shared areas to be fly and bug infested. We are still working on ridding the flies and cleaning. (please try to bring prepackaged food or something easy. If anything you can drive 10 minutes to nearby food and grocery). In the past we let people cook and eat around the pool but now our whole property is fly infested and I find scattered leftovers on the ground. Thanks for understanding. THERE IS A 1-2 MINUTE HIKE TO THE CAMPSITES 1-5! Poolside campsites are closer to the parking and are bigger. CHECK OUT OUR NEW LODGING: This property is my home that I live in with my 2 kids. It is a rustic and homey vibe, definitely not a hotel. We want you to come knowing what to expect. Our property offers a pool, and trampolines for the kids. We have a deck patio area that overlooks an amazing view of the redwood forest. Most of our guests are those that come from foreign countries and they all LOVE the property. I love leaving a great impression of our area. CAMPGROUND GUIDELINES Pack out your trash. Rinse feet before using the pool. No pool toys or floaties. Always supervise kids. Don’t sit on chair edges or pool cover box. Use stumps or your own table for cooking (not ours). Keep the area clean—no food scraps on the ground. No dogs in the pool area; leashes and cleanup required. No eating in rooms or cabin. Check out on the deck. No smoking (vapes only, away from common areas). Propane grills only—no open flames or campfires. Thanks for helping us keep this place awesome!

2. BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

97%

(209)

25mi from San Jose · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Purchased from the original owner in 1998. Doug has been clearing and improving the ranch for over 20 years. After surviving the CZU Fire in the summer of 2020, the clearing is continuing and the green growth is thriving all over the ranch. Come revive and energize your soul as you experience the the magic of this private redwood forest. Feel the soothing sound and atmosphere of the pristine creek and its' endless flow as it meanders through the ranch. The seclusion and calmness of this place is addicting! PITCH YOUR TENT UNDER THE MAJESTIC REDWOODS ON THE OLDTIMERS SKID LANDING AND ENJOY THE PRIVACY, SERENITY AND THE SOUNDS OF NATURE ALL AROUND YOU. EASY WALKING ON OUR PRIVATE LOGGING ROADS. SEE THE RESULTS OF THE CZU FIRE AS YOUR HIKE DOWN TO THE PRISTINE AND BEAUTIFUL YEAR ROUND CREEK THAT RUNS THOUGH THE RANCH.

3. Gro 4 Gold Plant Studio

95%

(50)

30mi from San Jose · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Come visit a magical agricultural space enriched by our most precious natural resources: land, animals, love and beauty. Situated in the most desirable mild Mediterranean climate of Pescadero, where the Pacific Ocean breezes moderate temperatures, and nestled in a valley of the Santa Cruz Mountains, we're under an hour from Silicon Valley, San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Level pasture land, creek access, majestic trees. RV parking, tent or hammock camping, and lots of room for spreading out. Bike into Downtown Pescadero, walk to Harley Farms and visit the goats, hike Butano Canyon, and you are only 3.334 miles from Pescadero State Beach.

4. The Cottage Barn

16mi from San Jose · 1 site · Lodging

Enjoy the lovely setting of this romantic Los Gatos Mountain retreat in nature. Set above the clouds with expansive views, privacy, cozy fireplace, & quiet setting. Can accommodate 4 people with a queen bed in the loft & full-size sleeper sofa. Extra bedding is included when booked for 4 guests, no extra fee for up to 4 guests. The loft is standing height & very cozy. Located in a rural mountain setting away from it all. Beautiful vineyard & mountain views, spectacular sunsets & stargazing at night. Full kitchen, bathroom with soaking tub & shower, washer & dryer, living room with sleeper sofa, and loft bedroom with queen bed. Perched amongst a vineyard with fabulous views and stargazing. The cottage is a private space situated on our property in the Los Gatos Mountains. Please be aware that we are located in a rural Mountain setting and are away from most stores and other resources. The journey is not for the faint of heart, although the reward upon arrival is breathtaking. Arrival prior to Sunset is *highly* recommended for ease of access. We are a fully operational vineyard. As tempting as sampling the grapes may be, please resist picking the grapes. This takes away from our crop and can impact the plant. We utilize minimally invasive practices for optimal fruit quality, which in turn means every grape matters. Please do not pick the grapes, thank you! We are located in a rural mountain setting. Please allow additional time to access the property. During heavy storms and heat waves, we do experience power outages. We will be sure to work with you in unique situations such as this, so you are comfortable. We have several candles as well as a few flashlights on hand in case of a power outage. We are happy to build a fire for you if you don't know how, and can give you some basic tips to keep it going. Please note we are a fully operational farm in a rural setting. This can lead to forest critters visiting the space. Please be aware and conscious of your food scraps, and please do not leave doors open to help avoid pests.

5. Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

100%

(8)

14mi from San Jose · 1 site · Lodging

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—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. Power plug is 140' from tent to charge your phone, etc. This time of year, please consider this COLD CAMPING. Our tent has 4 extra blankets but you should be prepared to keep yourself warm and prepared for winter weather. The river near the tent is rushing so if you enjoy the sound of rain on the tent roof or a rushing river, please come see our tent. In January, 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. Shadowbrook Restaurant, Located in charming Capitola, 4-miles south of Santa Cruz, the world-famous Shadowbrook opened in October of 1947 with the theme of Romance in Dining. Shadowbrook today is not only the most romantic place to dine in northern California but was designated as one of the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in all of America by the 5 million voters of Open Table.

Public campgrounds near San Jose

Awesome camp ground - amazing views and spectacular oak trees. Lots of families, so not very quiet, but that's car camping for you.

89%

(36)

Coe Ranch Campground

17mi from San Jose · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Henry W. Coe State Park

100%

(2)

West Ridge Trail Camp

17mi from San Jose · 2 sites · in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

97%

(72)

Portola Redwoods Campground

22mi from San Jose · 57 sites · Tents, RVs · in Portola Redwoods State Park

98%

(27)

Sky Meadow Group Camps

23mi from San Jose · 2 sites · in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Right after the storm passed through. The pelicans were going nuts!

99%

(70)

New Brighton Campground

23mi from San Jose · 109 sites · Tents, RVs · in New Brighton State Beach

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

A

Aimee

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Gro 4 Gold Plant Studio

Great property. Great host family. Lovely experience.

J

Jasmine

December 2025

16 ft car

With kids

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

Wow! What a treat. The Creek Site is private, quiet, and so peaceful. We travel with a little one, and we felt safe and comfortable the whole time. The short hike from the site to the creek was the perfect challenge for the kiddo's little legs. We were immersed in nature and lulled to sleep by the sound of the creek below, but the property was also just a short drive to nearby amenities and attractions. (We couldn't miss the steam train in Felton.) Doug was very communicative and friendly. We will definitely come back.

H

Heather

November 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

Great secluded spot in the redwoods! You’ll have the nice cleared wooded area to yourselves. We stayed at campsite 1 up top. Campsite 2 is about a mile down the dirt road closer to the creek. It’s a nice hike down and gets pretty steep at the end. There are no toilets, but well water. We had no problem driving our 2 wheel drive camper van there. Just the camping we like. Beautiful woodsy area and just us! Nice hosts, we’ll be back!

N

Noah

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

The tent and bed were very spacious. The view of the stars at night and the mountains in the mornings was beautiful. In November it was very cold at night as expected but it was much easier to stay comfortable and warm here than in a regular tent.

S

Sarah

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

This is our second time to this beautiful property and we will return again. Doug and Denise are both very warm and welcoming. They are the perfect combination of offering help if needed but also giving us our space. The property is just beautiful with a river you can walk to and so many varieties of mushrooms. Don’t forget to look out for the banana slugs!

C

Cheryl

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

The site is beautiful, private and secluded. We loved the creekside location with the small little trail. Great place for dogs and very serene.

S

Sophia

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

cute stay. it was clean and easy to get to for the weekend visiting santa cruz.

T

Tiansong

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Thanks Ruth and her family for offering us a great camping experience!

Sophia

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Ruth and Marshall were both great hosts! They were responsive to messages prior to arrival and were friendly and accommodating during our visit. When booking, I wondered if the pool would be visible from our campsite, but I was glad to find that it was very nice and private (a bit removed from the common areas and surrounded by trees). We loved the zipline and hammocks.

M

Mackenzie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

We stayed at the Creek Site and it was perfect for my partner, pup and me. Doug and Denise were both super welcoming and took us down to the site as it is away from their home. It’s a short hike down to the creek, and worth it! It’s so magical down there. As far as location, it’s in the mountains and close to both the ocean and Santa Cruz. Great spot and would go again! As expected, totally off the grid – no cell service.

J

Jeff

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

Easy in, easy out. Bedroom was made nicely. Property manager was very kind.

Anna

September 2025

25 ft campervan

Group trip

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

This site was a surprise-it was very isolated, peaceful and nature-filled. It has no amenities- so be sure you have a toilet, water and lots of lights! Luckily we came prepared and it was very serene. The creek sounds were lovely, although it was a bit of a steep hike to get to it. We loved that the site was all our own, there were very few bugs and it was the retreat we needed.

Lisa

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

Very clean site with a beautiful view. Instructions were clear making it easy to find. One of the best hipcamp sites I've stayed at so far.

A

Adeline

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

What a lovely camp site! We were in the Redwood Paradise Campsite #1 (not by the pool) and it was amazing. Secluded and right in the lush redwoods. Definitely a bit of a hike from the car camping so wouldn’t recommend for anyone unable to trek their gear to their site, but it was worth it for the lovely spot. Ruth & Marshall were so welcoming and kind, serving delicious coffee every morning and Marshall played beautiful piano which was a nice touch. The pool is not heated but we didn’t mind it was a nice cold plunge at the end of a hot sweaty day. Shower and flushing toilet was nice to have; don’t expect anything extravagant but it was just fine for the weekend - much nicer than state park bathrooms/showers. Overall would 100% recommend and return!

S

Shefali

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Redwood Paradise Camping

Beautiful site! Drive down is relaxing and the peace and quiet is something you can’t beat! There is an enjoyable common area with very nicely placed hammocks that allow you to observe the redwoods and enjoy what they offer! Would recommend this spot!

A

Ann Marie

September 2025

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

A beautiful, quiet space! It felt safe and was very private. Doug was super helpful when I arrived. The road in is rough but doable for 2-wheel drive.

Bethany

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Santa Cruz Mountain Camping

This is a great getaway for anyone looking for a peaceful private retreat! The land has some beautiful views and the glamping setup is clean and simple! Shelly is also a very welcoming host, she came down to the campsite to check on me and we ended up chatting for a long time. This little hideaway in the mountains is a place I’d love to come back to! Bonus - I saw deer on my drive out two mornings in a row!

A

Adam

September 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Redwood Paradise Camping

Ruth and Marshall are amazing hosts! Very accommodating. They have created quite the camping experience that was perfect for my family. Great balance of being out in nature but having facilities and community activities nearby. The pool was pristine and such a relief for when it became hot in the afternoon. Daughter enjoyed the trampolines as well. We all took a nap on the hammocks. The live classical piano music with coffee on the deck was an unexpected but welcomed treat. We read and were prepared for the hike to campsite 5 with all of our belongings. It was made easier with a wagon we brought but they also provide a wheelbarrow. “Hiking in” is often a requirement to get into nature that we welcomed but there are closer campsites if you’re not up for that. The bugs are also a part of camping but we came prepared with spray etc. The stars at night were amazing and all the sounds of wildlife. One deer joined us briefly. Any store you need is just half an hour away for example when the camp stove I bought was defective and I needed to quick replace it. Overall we had the best time and hope to come back again!