Camping near Mountain View
Camp near Mountain View for redwood wonders and sweeping 200-mile vistas.
- Mountain View
Popular camping styles for Mountain View
Available this weekend
Top camping destinations
Under $50
12 top campgrounds near Mountain View
The Enchanted Forest Retreat
The Ranch at Cross Road
Skyview
Bella Foret-formerly Skywanda
Up Shit Creek
Garden by the sea
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
Wavecrest Coastal Wildlife Habitat
Brook Camp
Lobitos Creek
Hidden Spring Ranch
WindTree
Star Hosts in Mountain View
Dog-friendly getaways
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Mountain View guide
Overview
Just beyond the bustling high-tech hubs of Silicon Valley are the oldest and largest state parks in northern California. Just outside of Mountain View is Henry W. Coe State Park. It spans over 87,000 acres of rugged wilderness and features plenty of space for backcountry camping among the untamed beauty of rolling hills, seasonal creeks, and challenging hikes. Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods State Park inspires awe with ancient redwood trees over 250 feet high. Rising to even greater heights, Mount Diablo offers sweeping views beyond the Golden Gate Bridge. Individual campsites at Mount Diablo State Park offer flush toilets and nearby showers, while campgrounds for groups with horses are excellent for equestrian adventuring.
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.
