Lake Camping in San Jose, California, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
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California
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San Jose

91% (388 reviews)

Popular camping styles for San Jose

Available this weekend

5 top lakeside campgrounds near San Jose

98%

(320)

The Ranch at Cross Road

10 sites · RVs, Tents84 acres · Livermore, CA

Welcome to the ranch at cross road! We are a family owned organic farm in the heart of Livermore wine country. We have 10 camp sites spread across the property for you to choose from. The property is minutes from Lake Del Valle and some of the best wineries and breweries California has to offer. Settle in and enjoy amazing sunsets every night with us! We accommodate tents,Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars. Our guests love us too! "I had a wonderful stay at Matt’s ranch! It was easy to find even as it was starting to get dark, and the campsites were well lit and easy to find. The ranch is beautiful. It was such a treat to stay here. I would definitely stay again."

85%

(42)

Top Of The Mountain Vineyard

6 sites · Lodging, RVs32 acres · CA

Welcome to Hill Top Vineyard, nestled in the mountains of Santa Cruz; this breathtaking 30+ acre retreat is the ideal getaway. We offer 3 RV/tent sites and 2 glamping domes. The glamping domes share a full bathroom equipped with a hot water shower and flushing toilet. There is no toilet available for the RV/tent sites so campers are required to bring their own. Featuring four acres of vineyard, two acres of seasonal pond, winding trails, and sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains. Just imagine waking up slowly with a cup of coffee from one of the local coffee shops while you watch the wildlife come to life. Evenings are best spent enjoying the stunning sunsets in front of the 2 acre pond. Located just 15 miles from the world-famous beaches of Santa Cruz that have some of the most sought-after surf breaks, and if beaches aren't your thing, Henry Cowell State park is less than ten miles away and has some of the gorgeous hikes in all of Santa Cruz County. Big Basin State Park is a few towns over and is one of the few places in the world where you can see coastal redwoods. The location also offers easy access to silicon valley and the greater bay area if you're interested in a day trip to the city. Amenities include RV/oversized vehicle parking, private trails, and more! Book your stay today at Hill Top Vineyard to experience the ultimate getaway, where you'll find peace in nature's embrace.

Redwood Ranch with Sweeping View

8 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Gilroy, CA

Our 6+ acre ranch Misthaven sits in the redwood forest at Gilroy, just 20min from Gilroy downtown and 45min from San Jose. This ranch has huge space, lots of ranch amenities and many ranch related activities. If you are planning a short trip that you do not have to drive several hours to the busy lake Tahoe, Misthaven would be an ideal destination for family retreat, team building, or even a birthday party. The ranch includes a 2,000 sq ft large barn with spacious indoor space, a 400 sq ft woodworking and crafts workshop, a 1,000 sq ft ranch center with microwave, oven and refrigerator, an amazing zipline, a shooting range for archery and BB gun under our staff guidance and supervision, a fenced petting zoo with goats, chicken, bunny and guinea pig, hammocks in the redwood forest and plenty of beautiful redwood trees. With the ranch booking, you will have the access to: - BBQ and fire pit usage (charcoal/propane with extra charge of $20) - Fire-Roasted Golden Marshmallow Challenge (bring your own marshmallow or purchase with us, we provide skewers) - Trampoline - Hammock - Tree climbing - Petting zoo ($5/cup snack food for pets and animals) - Edible garden - 2,000 sq ft large barn indoor space - 400 sq ft woodworking and crafts indoor space (woodworking activities need to be booked separately) - Water gun - 18ft inflatable Water slide - Outdoor movie projector/screen - Tables and folding chairs There are plenty of ranch activities that you can book with us WITH A FEE separately during your stay. All will be supervised and guided by our professional instructors: - archery - Knife Throwing - Learn survival techniques for lighting your campfire - Spear making - Water filtration in an outdoor environment - Shelter building - Tomahawks - Outdoor BB gun arcade - Camp Zipline and fun forest features. - Woodworking such as Candy dispenser making, Bird feeder making, etc - Pizza making and Ice cream making, butter churning - and many others 20min to the Mt. Madonna County park. 20min to the Gilroy Garden theme park. 50min to Santa Cruz beach and the beautiful Capitola beach. 1hr to Monterey/Carmel.

Mission Ranch "Mi Querida"

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · CA

Annular Eclipse Saturday, October 14, 2023 Nearby SF Bay Area viewing 9:20am PDT (16:20 UDT) The New Moon—on October 14—will coincide with the Great American Annular Eclipse, providing a fantastic opportunity to observe the “Ring of Fire” – an incredible thin ring of sunlight that is visible around the moon during this phenomenon. The Nearby Second Best viewing opportunity is a quick and easy 60 minute drive from the SF Bay Area. At Mi Querida we will be viewing a 80% Annular Eclipse on Saturday morning 9:20am, while live streaming the full path of the eclipse from Mexico through Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and Oregon. Your booking includes a pair of safe solar viewing “eclipse glasses” for your safety. NEWS FLASH: Charge your EV on-site while watching the eclipse! Come to your "Nearby Getaway" at Mi Querida - an easy drive from the SF Bay Area - for great Annular Eclipse views. Book today. Space is limited. Contact Host for Special Daytime Eclipse Viewing rate. Learn more about this land: This is a large flat site with rolling hills, lovely rural views, rolling oak studded pastureland, open views, lovely sunsets and beautiful mornings. Very quiet, private, peaceful and serene. Afternoon breezes while red tailed hawks ride the thermals, and woodpeckers work on their treasure hoarde. Wildlife abounds. Easy access from Highway 101, yet private and secluded. Historic San Juan Bautista Mission and town nearby. Monterey/Carmel 30 minutes. Santa Cruz/Beaches 30 minutes. Hollister, Salinas, or Gilroy 20 minutes. Site will accommodate RV, Sprintervan, or trailer 50/30/20 amp service. Tents welcome too! Water. Ranch "outhouse" with flushable RV style toilet, running hot & cold water, shower and electricity. Bunkhouse accommodations available. Contact Host for details. Tent and Car Top Tent sites also available. Contact Host for details. Beautiful peaceful historic San Juan Bautista. Quaint historic mission town nearby with restaurants. Hiking trails nearby Horseback riding woods & beach. Equine Facilities available. 20 min to beach or redwoods. Beautiful rural area. Weddings, anniversaries, celebrations of life; event camp; event site. Family groups and events always welcome! Call for more information. NOTE: This property is located in a very private country area. It is approximately 10 minutes from the small historic town of San Juan Bautista. We meet our first time guests at the Park & Ride as a welcome courtesy so you can easily follow us in and around the potholes on our rural roads! Let us know if we can assist you with any special interests or attractions in the Monterey Bay and Central Coast Area. As your hosts, our goal is that you will rest easy, enjoy the relaxation, peace and harmony for your "getaway."

100%

(1)

10000 Ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Gilroy, CA

Quiet 5-acre grassland awaits you, complete with a pond, a garden, a paved platform with chairs and a table, and a fire pit. The property is secure with a gated lock. The pond attracts frequent visits from wild geese, ducks, and cranes, while a flock of peacocks and turkeys are also regular visitors. Keep an eye out for eagles and turkey vultures soaring overhead, and marvel at the graceful deer effortlessly leaping over the property fence. Local attractions abound, including wineries, Gilroy Gardens, and the Gilroy Premium Outlet. Located on the famous Gilroy Wine Trail boasting over 30 family-owned wineries, 10000 Ranch offers easy access to Stefania Wine (stefaniawine.com), just a short walk away, and Kirigin Cellars (kirigincellars.com) a short distance away. Enjoy live outdoor music and a friendly atmosphere at Cottage Creek Vineyards (cottagecreekvineyard.com). Gilroy Gardens (gilroygardens.org) is less than 7 miles away, promising an unforgettable day for the whole family followed by a relaxing camping night—a memory to cherish. Only 5 miles away, Gilroy Premium Outlet beckons with its vast selection of famous goods at deeply discounted prices. With so much to explore, why not extend your shopping spree into the next morning?

Dog-friendly getaways

99%

(111)

Mission Ranch "Mi Querida"

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · CA

Annular Eclipse Saturday, October 14, 2023 Nearby SF Bay Area viewing 9:20am PDT (16:20 UDT) The New Moon—on October 14—will coincide with the Great American Annular Eclipse, providing a fantastic opportunity to observe the “Ring of Fire” – an incredible thin ring of sunlight that is visible around the moon during this phenomenon. The Nearby Second Best viewing opportunity is a quick and easy 60 minute drive from the SF Bay Area. At Mi Querida we will be viewing a 80% Annular Eclipse on Saturday morning 9:20am, while live streaming the full path of the eclipse from Mexico through Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and Oregon. Your booking includes a pair of safe solar viewing “eclipse glasses” for your safety. NEWS FLASH: Charge your EV on-site while watching the eclipse! Come to your "Nearby Getaway" at Mi Querida - an easy drive from the SF Bay Area - for great Annular Eclipse views. Book today. Space is limited. Contact Host for Special Daytime Eclipse Viewing rate. Learn more about this land: This is a large flat site with rolling hills, lovely rural views, rolling oak studded pastureland, open views, lovely sunsets and beautiful mornings. Very quiet, private, peaceful and serene. Afternoon breezes while red tailed hawks ride the thermals, and woodpeckers work on their treasure hoarde. Wildlife abounds. Easy access from Highway 101, yet private and secluded. Historic San Juan Bautista Mission and town nearby. Monterey/Carmel 30 minutes. Santa Cruz/Beaches 30 minutes. Hollister, Salinas, or Gilroy 20 minutes. Site will accommodate RV, Sprintervan, or trailer 50/30/20 amp service. Tents welcome too! Water. Ranch "outhouse" with flushable RV style toilet, running hot & cold water, shower and electricity. Bunkhouse accommodations available. Contact Host for details. Tent and Car Top Tent sites also available. Contact Host for details. Beautiful peaceful historic San Juan Bautista. Quaint historic mission town nearby with restaurants. Hiking trails nearby Horseback riding woods & beach. Equine Facilities available. 20 min to beach or redwoods. Beautiful rural area. Weddings, anniversaries, celebrations of life; event camp; event site. Family groups and events always welcome! Call for more information. NOTE: This property is located in a very private country area. It is approximately 10 minutes from the small historic town of San Juan Bautista. We meet our first time guests at the Park & Ride as a welcome courtesy so you can easily follow us in and around the potholes on our rural roads! Let us know if we can assist you with any special interests or attractions in the Monterey Bay and Central Coast Area. As your hosts, our goal is that you will rest easy, enjoy the relaxation, peace and harmony for your "getaway."

10000 Ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Gilroy, CA

Quiet 5-acre grassland awaits you, complete with a pond, a garden, a paved platform with chairs and a table, and a fire pit. The property is secure with a gated lock. The pond attracts frequent visits from wild geese, ducks, and cranes, while a flock of peacocks and turkeys are also regular visitors. Keep an eye out for eagles and turkey vultures soaring overhead, and marvel at the graceful deer effortlessly leaping over the property fence. Local attractions abound, including wineries, Gilroy Gardens, and the Gilroy Premium Outlet. Located on the famous Gilroy Wine Trail boasting over 30 family-owned wineries, 10000 Ranch offers easy access to Stefania Wine (stefaniawine.com), just a short walk away, and Kirigin Cellars (kirigincellars.com) a short distance away. Enjoy live outdoor music and a friendly atmosphere at Cottage Creek Vineyards (cottagecreekvineyard.com). Gilroy Gardens (gilroygardens.org) is less than 7 miles away, promising an unforgettable day for the whole family followed by a relaxing camping night—a memory to cherish. Only 5 miles away, Gilroy Premium Outlet beckons with its vast selection of famous goods at deeply discounted prices. With so much to explore, why not extend your shopping spree into the next morning?

Redwood Ranch with Sweeping View

8 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Gilroy, CA

Our 6+ acre ranch Misthaven sits in the redwood forest at Gilroy, just 20min from Gilroy downtown and 45min from San Jose. This ranch has huge space, lots of ranch amenities and many ranch related activities. If you are planning a short trip that you do not have to drive several hours to the busy lake Tahoe, Misthaven would be an ideal destination for family retreat, team building, or even a birthday party. The ranch includes a 2,000 sq ft large barn with spacious indoor space, a 400 sq ft woodworking and crafts workshop, a 1,000 sq ft ranch center with microwave, oven and refrigerator, an amazing zipline, a shooting range for archery and BB gun under our staff guidance and supervision, a fenced petting zoo with goats, chicken, bunny and guinea pig, hammocks in the redwood forest and plenty of beautiful redwood trees. With the ranch booking, you will have the access to: - BBQ and fire pit usage (charcoal/propane with extra charge of $20) - Fire-Roasted Golden Marshmallow Challenge (bring your own marshmallow or purchase with us, we provide skewers) - Trampoline - Hammock - Tree climbing - Petting zoo ($5/cup snack food for pets and animals) - Edible garden - 2,000 sq ft large barn indoor space - 400 sq ft woodworking and crafts indoor space (woodworking activities need to be booked separately) - Water gun - 18ft inflatable Water slide - Outdoor movie projector/screen - Tables and folding chairs There are plenty of ranch activities that you can book with us WITH A FEE separately during your stay. All will be supervised and guided by our professional instructors: - archery - Knife Throwing - Learn survival techniques for lighting your campfire - Spear making - Water filtration in an outdoor environment - Shelter building - Tomahawks - Outdoor BB gun arcade - Camp Zipline and fun forest features. - Woodworking such as Candy dispenser making, Bird feeder making, etc - Pizza making and Ice cream making, butter churning - and many others 20min to the Mt. Madonna County park. 20min to the Gilroy Garden theme park. 50min to Santa Cruz beach and the beautiful Capitola beach. 1hr to Monterey/Carmel.

The Ranch at Cross Road

10 sites · RVs, Tents84 acres · Livermore, CA

Welcome to the ranch at cross road! We are a family owned organic farm in the heart of Livermore wine country. We have 10 camp sites spread across the property for you to choose from. The property is minutes from Lake Del Valle and some of the best wineries and breweries California has to offer. Settle in and enjoy amazing sunsets every night with us! We accommodate tents,Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars. Our guests love us too! "I had a wonderful stay at Matt’s ranch! It was easy to find even as it was starting to get dark, and the campsites were well lit and easy to find. The ranch is beautiful. It was such a treat to stay here. I would definitely stay again."

Top Of The Mountain Vineyard

6 sites · Lodging, RVs32 acres · CA

Welcome to Hill Top Vineyard, nestled in the mountains of Santa Cruz; this breathtaking 30+ acre retreat is the ideal getaway. We offer 3 RV/tent sites and 2 glamping domes. The glamping domes share a full bathroom equipped with a hot water shower and flushing toilet. There is no toilet available for the RV/tent sites so campers are required to bring their own. Featuring four acres of vineyard, two acres of seasonal pond, winding trails, and sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains. Just imagine waking up slowly with a cup of coffee from one of the local coffee shops while you watch the wildlife come to life. Evenings are best spent enjoying the stunning sunsets in front of the 2 acre pond. Located just 15 miles from the world-famous beaches of Santa Cruz that have some of the most sought-after surf breaks, and if beaches aren't your thing, Henry Cowell State park is less than ten miles away and has some of the gorgeous hikes in all of Santa Cruz County. Big Basin State Park is a few towns over and is one of the few places in the world where you can see coastal redwoods. The location also offers easy access to silicon valley and the greater bay area if you're interested in a day trip to the city. Amenities include RV/oversized vehicle parking, private trails, and more! Book your stay today at Hill Top Vineyard to experience the ultimate getaway, where you'll find peace in nature's embrace.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

90%

(13)

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

Santa Nella, California

Smoke on the Water. Early morning fog over Lake Chabot. This is the morning view from campsite 71. Campsites 69-73 all sit on the hill overlooking the Lake.

94%

(33)

Anthony Chabot Regional Park

Castro Valley, California

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)

Henry W. Coe State Park

Morgan Hill, California

Lakeside camping near San Jose guide

Overview

If you're looking for a camping experience near San Jose, California, with a preference for a lake, Hipcamp has you covered. With over 190 available options near San Jose, California with a lake, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Check out some of the top campsites like The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews), Walden Ranch (418 reviews), and Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden (388 reviews). Average prices per night start at $69, but you can find options as low as $30. Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, pet-friendly sites, and potable water. Engage in activities such as climbing, horseback riding, and biking. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience near San Jose, California!