The best private sites RV parks near San Jose, California

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!

Top-rated campgrounds near San Jose

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!

Top-rated campgrounds near San Jose

1. Bear Gulch Hide Out

99%

(70)

29mi from San Jose · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

This 60 acre property is located approximately 3 miles east of San Gregorio Beach in the San Gregorio area. There is no home here, only a travel trailer on the upper level. It is very peaceful, quiet and beautiful throughout the seasons. We are 5 minutes away from the San Gregorio General Store and cafe and 20 minutes from Alice's Restaurant. We have great cell coverage for Verizon. There are three campsites, each with easy 4WD access. Two of the sites offer total isolation with amazing views while the third site, while in a nice setting, is more useful for a quick overnight stay with no views of the ocean or canyon. Please note that five easy-going cows (no bulls) reside on this property.

2. BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

97%

(210)

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. Country Serenity With Resort Flare

98%

(26)

37mi from San Jose · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Come enjoy the spectacular sunrises and sunsets along with the friendly property goats and nearby neighborhood animals. Listen to the sounds of the morning birds chirping and the evening frogs after a good rain. If you’re a sports enthusiast you can partake in a refreshing swim, basketball, pickleball, cornhole or horseshoes. If you have kids, they have access to our kids playset with swings, slide and playhouse. But there’s more! If you enjoy an outside bbq or cooking in an outside spacious kitchen this is the place for you. Camp fires restricted to outside kitchen and pool deck area due to San Benito Co fire restrictions. Top off your evening with a night swim and/or relax in our in-pool spa. You have an outside bathroom to use as well.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

MAX

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

Every moment of this trip will be shared on our YouTube channel, AMERSIAN CAMPERS. If you enjoy peaceful camping, nature, and authentic outdoor experiences, follow us on YouTube and Instagram for the full adventure. Our recent campground visit was exactly what we needed. The site was tucked deep in a redwood forest—private, peaceful, and surrounded by nature. Each spot was thoughtfully prepared with a leveled pad for an RV or tent, a picnic table, and a fire pit. Upon arrival, the owner personally greeted us, guided us to our site, and even kindly offered firewood for the evening. The entire campground felt calm, quiet, and secluded—true off-the-grid relaxation. The owners and their family were some of the warmest, kindest people we’ve ever met. On our second day, they stopped by to say hello and even brought their horses. Our dog was absolutely thrilled to see them. This getaway was especially meaningful for us during the holidays—a perfect chance to reset and prepare for the new year.

Genevieve

December 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Gulch Hide Out

This was an incredibly peaceful, beautiful site. Had a good experience with Art's friend Stas showing us how to get to the site. There is a picnic table and a bench at the site that were handy. The views of the sunset on one side and the sun rise on the other were amazing. There was good bird-watching and coyote-listening, and we enjoyed watching some kind of cute mole thing excavating tunnels right next to us at the site. Our dog really enjoyed staying there too. The general store/cafe/bar 5 minutes down the road was had fun vibes and amazing pastries in the morning.

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!

J

Joshua

November 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bear Gulch Hide Out

We camped for two nights on this lovely property. We benefited from amazing weather, expansive, views of the ocean and hills, and some great hospitality from Art. We spent a lot of time on the beach, which is only a few minutes away and we visited Pescadero. We stopped into the San Gregorio store… They had live music. It was so crowded! The place to be.

k

kelsey

November 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Bear Gulch Hide Out

Beautiful views and very quiet campsite. Art was very responsive and gave detailed and helpful instructions on how to get to his spot. Stas gave me a tour of the property and was very friendly. Would definitely come back again!

B

Bob

November 2025

14 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Bear Gulch Hide Out

The meadow is awesome at sunset. Don't miss it. (disclaimer- I was there on a clear day!)

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

China

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Gulch Hide Out

Camping was a breeze in the meadow. It was easy to find and we got there just before sunset which was beautiful from our little spot on the hill.

Molly

November 2025

21 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Gulch Hide Out

My husband and I were testing out a camper van and driving down the coast and we enjoyed this spot! It’s peaceful and quiet with pretty views of the sea in the distance. Art was very friendly and communicative about accessing the spot, etc. It was very easy to find - even in the dark and in the fog - because of Art’s instructions. As others have noted the porta potty is a little ways away and down a hill so just be aware of that when you book. We would definitely stay here again!

A

Amy

November 2025

35 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Country Serenity With Resort Flare

We had the most incredible time here on this beautiful property! Lisa and Scott were the most gracious hosts. We showed up late and it was dark. They met us out to ensure we found the spot and were comfortably situated. They brought over a fire pit so we could roast hotdog and make s’mores. Right off the bat they were incredibly welcoming and hospitable. We woke up to a beautiful property. We had a great time running around with the kids, playing on the playground, feeding the goats, playing pickle ball and enjoying coffee provided by the host. We spent the day by the pool and enjoying all of the pool toys and warm hot tub! They provided towels and lifejackets for the kids and sunscreen. It was such a great experience. We can’t wait to come back again!

S

Subin

November 2025

16 ft car

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bear Gulch Hide Out

I strongly recommend Art's place. He was so kind and the stay at his ranch was wonderful experience.

m

melanie

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Bear Gulch Hide Out

The views are breathtaking. It is quiet and relaxing! Expect to bring your own toilet so you don't have to leave the ridge when you need to go and refill your water jug at the water station he has at the top (Not for drinking). Very convenient. There's a lot of shade but bring your own awning or EZ up for extra flexibility. He added a picnic table and there's a small bench. If you have a HOWL (portable propane campfire), approve it with him at the time but that's probably the only kind of fire that would be accepted. Definitely bring layers of clothing as it could get either windy and cold during different times of the day. But expect to be relaxed and ready for the week after you are done camping!!!!

W

Will

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear Gulch Hide Out

Loved camping on Art’s Land! Beautiful ridge top and peaceful setting. Would definitely revisit

J

Jonathan

October 2025

18 ft pop-up camper

With kids

1 night at Bear Gulch Hide Out

Art was a gracious host and this was a beautiful campsite!

TONS of space for my ridiculously large tent

K

Kasey

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bear Gulch Hide Out

Views can't be beat and the solitude was unparalleled. Art is a lovely and thoughtful host. 10/10!

Richard

October 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Bear Gulch Hide Out

Exactly what I wanted. Easy to access and quiet property with great views. The meadow is above the typical fog line so sunsets should be amazing and mornings should be bright and sunny. Art is super friendly and helpful.

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.

M

Marin

October 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Bear Gulch Hide Out

Art’s land is a very special place in San Mateo County and I would highly recommend a visit.

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.