Where to Camp on the San Francisco Peninsula and in the South Bay Area
Rev. May 2003
Introduction
Most public parks in the four-county Trail Center service area
were queried to compile this list, which includes campgrounds
with both drive-in and walk-in sites, places for groups to camp,
backpacker trail camps, and horse camps. A few private
campgrounds with sites for tent camping are included. Private
RV-only parks are not included.
Camp areas accessible to the
physically limited or to wheelchairs are few in number. Some are
located in the drive-in camp areas, others in group areas, and
still others are assigned special sites. The parks that have such
sites are shown in the summary. Check with the individual parks
for specific information.
Reservations information is given
for each camp area. Parks vary in their reservations
requirements. The state parks use the State Parks Reservations system: call
1-800-444-PARK (7275) or make reservations online through Reserve America. You may want to check with
park or district headquarters for information before calling State Parks Reservations.
Fees vary and are not given here;
however, fee schedules are the same for all state parks. They are
usually higher for horse camps and at private campgrounds, which
provide a more resort-like atmosphere.
Information on the location of
trails accessible by wheelchairs and for horseback riding,
bicycling, and dog walking is available from the Trail Center.
Published guides for many of the parks and trails can be obtained
at area bookstores and outdoor retailers. USGS topographical 7.5'
map quads can be found in most outdoor supply stores or obtained
at the US Geological Survey offices on Middlefield Road in Menlo
Park.
The Trail Center has published
the Peninsula Parklands map that shows
the location of all parks, open space preserves, and public
access lands in our four-county service area. This map is for
sale through the Wilderness Press and through many retail
stores throughout the area. The Trail Center has also published
two detailed trail maps for the central Santa Cruz Mountains that
cover some of the campgrounds listed: Trail Map of the Southern Peninsula
and Trail Map of the Central
Peninsula. For the
Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail and surrounding parklands, including
Castle Rock, Butano and Big Basin State Parks, Sempervirens
Fund has published a two map set:
Trail Map of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Camping by County
Key
Camps = # of individual sites/# of
persons per site (where specified); "RV" indicates no tent sites;
** indicates private campground.
Groups = # of group sites available/#
of persons per site (where specified); "Y" indicates youth group
only.
BC = # of backcountry camps; HH =
Sierra Club Hikers' Hut/max. group size.
Horses = # of horse camps/# of horses
per site (where specified)
San Mateo County
Santa Clara County
Santa Cruz County
Public and Private Campgrounds with Individual Sites
Drive-in campsites are those where vehicles may be parked at the
campsite. Walk-in sites require leaving vehicles in a parking lot
and walking to a campsite nearby (usually less than 1/4 mile).
Campsites usually accommodate eight or fewer people with one or
two vehicles.
Information for both public parks
and private campgrounds is provided. Many private RV-trailer
parks exist. Only those that also provide for tent camping are listed here.
Note: Starred telephone
numbers are for park district offices.
Public Campgrounds with Individual Sites - San Mateo County
- Butano State Park, near Pescadero
-
| Directions: |
From Pescadero Rd, on
Cloverdale Rd, 5 mi S of Pescadero. |
| Information: |
(650) 879-0173 |
| Reservations: |
Reservations required from Memorial Day to Labor Day: State Parks Reservations at
1-800-444-PARK (7275) or make reservations online through
Reserve America. No reservations
after Labor Day to Friday before Memorial Day: first
come, first served. |
| Camps: |
38 drive-in sites; 8 sites
for RVs (no hookups). No showers; flush toilets; phone 1 mi. |
| Open: |
Open all year. |
| Maps: |
Butano State Park;
Trail Map of the Santa Cruz
Mountains (Map 2); USGS 7.5' quad Franklin Point. |
- Half Moon Bay State Beach, Half
Moon Bay
-
|
Directions: |
From Hwy 1 in Half Moon
Bay, 9 mi S of Hwy 92, take Kelly Ave W 5 mi to park
entrance. |
|
Information: |
(650) 726-8820, (650)
726-8800* |
|
Reservations: |
No reservations for family
camping; first come first served. |
|
Camps: |
55 sites; Up to 8 people
per site RVs OK (no hookups). Phone, cold outdoor
showers. |
|
Open: |
Daily all year. |
|
Maps: |
Half Moon Bay State
Beaches; USGS 7.5' quad Half Moon Bay. |
- Memorial County Park, near Loma
Mar and La Honda
-
|
Directions: |
9500 Pescadero Rd, La
Honda. From Skyline Blvd (Hwy 35), take La Honda Rd (Hwy
84) W 6.6 mi to Pescadero Rd. 6 mi on Pescadero Rd to
park entrance. From Hwy 1, Pescadero Rd E 11 mi. |
|
Information: |
(650) 879-0212 or (650)
363-4021* |
|
Reservations: |
No |
|
Reservations: |
First come, first
served. |
|
Camps: |
136 drive-in sites; RVs OK
(no hookups) Phone, hot showers when summer campground is
open. |
|
Open: |
Daily all year. |
|
Maps: |
Memorial Park;
Pescadero Creek County Park complex; USGS 7.5'
quad La Honda. |
- Portola Redwoods State Park,
near La Honda
-
|
Directions: |
From the junction of
Skyline Blvd (Hwy 35) and Page Mill/Alpine Rds, take
Alpine 3.1 mi SW, Portola Redwoods State Park Rd 3.5 mi
S. Or, from Skyline, take La Honda Rd (Hwy 84) to
Pescadero Rd. Pescadero Rd SE 1 mi to Alpine Rd, 5 mi E
on Alpine to Portola Redwoods State Park Rd. |
|
Information: |
(650) 948-9098 |
|
Reservations: |
Required all year,
especially holiday weekends. Call State Parks Reservations at
1-800-444-PARK (7275) or make reservations online through
Reserve America. |
|
Camps: |
52 drive-in sites; RVs OK
(no hookups). Phone, hot showers. |
|
Open: |
Daily all year. |
|
Maps: |
Portola Redwoods State
Park; Trail Map of the
Southern Peninsula; Trail Map of the Santa Cruz
Mountains (Map 1); USGS 7.5' quads Big
Basin, Mindego Hill. |
Public Campgrounds with Individual Sites - Santa Clara
County
- Coyote Lake County Park, near
Gilroy
-
|
Directions: |
40 mi S of San Jose. 6 mi E
of Gilroy. From Hwy 101, take Hwy 152 (Leavesley Rd) E 2
mi towards Los Banos. Left on New Ave, S mi. Right on
Roop Rd, 2 mi, then Gilroy Hot Springs Rd 12 mi to Coyote
Reservoir Rd and park entrance. |
|
Information: |
(408) 842-7800 or
358-3741* |
|
Reservations: |
No reservations
accepted. |
|
Camps: |
74 drive-in sites and
overflow lot. Phone, no showers. |
|
Dogs: |
Dogs allowed in picnic
areas and on leash only. |
|
Open: |
Daily all year. |
|
Maps: |
Coyote Lake County Park;
USGS 7.5' quad Gilroy. |
- Foothills Park (City of Palo Alto park), in Los Altos Hills
-
|
Directions: |
From I-280 in Palo Alto,
Page Mill Rd W 3 mi to park entrance. |
|
Information: |
(650) 329-2423 |
|
Reservations: |
Call number for
instructions. Required all seasons. |
|
Camps: |
5 walk-in sites, l5 people
each. No RVs. No phone or showers. |
|
Open: |
Daily during summer months;
open to City of Palo Alto residents, employees and their
guests only. |
|
Maps: |
Foothills Park;
Trail Map of the Southern
Peninsula; USGS 7.5' quad Mindego
Hill. |
- Henry W. Coe State Park, near
Morgan Hill
-
|
Directions: |
Main Entrance: From Hwy 101
in Morgan Hill, go E on E Dunne Ave past Anderson
Reservoir. After 3 mi, look for sign saying "Coe Park 10
mi." |
|
Information: |
(408) 779-2728 or (408)
623-2431* |
|
Reservations: |
Reservations
accepted. See
Henry W. Coe State Park for details |
|
Camps: |
20 developed sites; RVs OK,
but road is narrow and winding (no hookups). Pit toilets,
phone, no showers. |
|
Open: |
Daily all year. |
|
Maps: |
Henry W. Coe State Park
(several available); USGS 7.5' quads Gilroy Hot
Springs, Mississippi Creek, Mt
Sizer, Mt. Stakes, Mustang Peak,
Pacheco Peak, Wilcox Ridge. Also
information sheet about camping in Coe Park. None of the
USGS quads show the current boundaries or trail system.
The park's official cooperating association, the Pine Ridge Association, publishes a large-scale, multi-color map at a large scale with contours and shaded relief, available in paper or plastic, as well as several small single-color handout maps |
- Joseph D. Grant County Park,
near San Jose
-
|
Directions: |
From Hwys 101 or 680 in San
3ose, take Alum Rock Ave (Hwy 130) NE to Mt. Hamilton Rd,
then E 8 mi toward Lick Observatory. |
|
Information: |
(408) 274-6121 or (408)
358-3751* |
|
Reservations: |
No reservations
accepted. |
|
Camps: |
22 drive-in, RVs under 30ft
OK (no hookups). Phone, hot showers. |
|
Open: |
Daily in summer; weekends
only November and March. Closed Dec. through Feb. |
|
Maps: |
Joseph D. Grant County
Park; USGS 7.5' quad Lick
Observatory. |
- Mount Madonna County Park, near
Watsonville
-
|
Directions: |
From Hwy 101 in Gilroy, Hwy
152 (Hecker Pass Hwy) W 10 mi. From Hwy 1 in Watsonville,
Hwy 152 (Main St and Lake Ave) E and N. |
|
Information: |
(408) 842-2341 or (408)
358-3751* |
|
Reservations: |
No reservations
accepted. |
|
Camps: |
117 drive-in sites; RVs OK
(No hookups). Phone, no showers. |
|
Open: |
Daily all year. |
|
Maps: |
Mount Madonna County
Park; USGS 7.5' quads Mt. Madonna,
Watsonville East. |
- Sanborn-Skyline County Park,
near Saratoga
-
|
Directions: |
From Saratoga, 2 mi on Hwy
9 (Big Basin/Congress Springs Rd) to Saratoga Springs,
then Sanborn Rd S 1 mi Rom Hwy 35 (Skyline Blvd) at
Saratoga Gap (the junction of Hwys 35 and 9), 5 mi E on
Hwy 9 to Saratoga Springs, then Sanborn Rd S 1 mi. |
|
Information: |
(408) 867-9959 or (408)
358-3751* |
|
Reservations: |
No reservations accepted,
except for non-profit youth groups. |
|
Camps: |
37 walk-in sites, 20
parking lot RV sites (no hookups) Phone, no showers. No
wood fires. Gates locked after sunset; campers must
arrive before sunset. |
|
Dogs: |
Dogs allowed in picnic
areas and in overnight RV camping sites only. Must be on
leash. |
|
Open: |
Open all year. All camping
closed 2nd Sunday in October until mid-February. |
|
Maps: |
Sanborn-Skyline County Park. USGS
7.5' quad Castle Rock Ridge. |
- Uvas Canyon County Park, near
Morgan Hill
-
|
Directions: |
From Hwy 101 in South San
Jose. take Cochrane Rd W to Monterey Rd, S on Monterey to
Watsonville Rd, then N on Uvas Rd, W on Croy Rd. Proceed
4 mi through Sveadal to park entrance. |
|
Information: |
(408) 779-9232 or (408)
358-3751* |
|
Reservations: |
No reservations accepted,
except for non-profit youth group. |
|
Camps: |
30 drive-in sites, RVs OK
(no hookups) Phone, no showers. |
|
Open: |
Daily during summer;
weekends only October-April Friday and Saturday evenings,
closing Sunday at 5 pm. Open the evening before a
holiday, Thanksgiving Holiday, and the week before and
after Christmas Holiday. |
|
Dogs: |
Dogs allowed in picnic
areas and campground areas only. Must be on leash. |
| Maps: |
Uvas Canyon County Park;
USGS 7.5' quad Loma Prieta. |
Private Campgrounds with Individual Sites - Santa Clara
County
- Saratoga Springs Picnic and Campground
-
| Directions: |
22801 Big Basin Way,
Saratoga. On Hwy 9 (Big Basin/Congress Springs Rd) at
intersection of Sanborn Rd. 2 mi W of Saratoga, 5 mi E of
Skyline Blvd at Saratoga Gap. |
|
Information: |
(408) 867-9999 |
|
Reservations: |
Required. |
|
Camps: |
22 tent sites. RVs on
monthly basis only. Phone, hot showers. |
|
Open: |
Daily all year. |
|
Maps: |
USGS 7.5' quads Castle
Rock Ridge, Cupertino. |
Public Campgrounds with Individual Sites - Santa Cruz
County
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park,
near Boulder Creek
-
|
Directions: |
9 mi N of Boulder Creek via
Hwys 9 and 236. |
|
Information: |
(831) 338-6132 |
|
Reservations: |
Call State Parks Reservations at
1-800-444-PARK (7275) or make reservations online through
Reserve America. |
|
Camps: |
109 drive-in, 38 walk-in
sites; RVs OK (no hookups). Phone, hot showers. |
|
Open: |
Daily all year.
Maps: Big Basin Redwoods State Park;
Trail Map of the Santa Cruz
Mountains (Maps 1-2); USGS 7.5' quads
Año Nuevo, Big Basin,
Davenport, Felton. |
- Castle Rock State Park, near
Saratoga
-
|
Directions: |
On Skyline Blvd (Hwy 35),
25 mi S of Saratoga Gap-the intersection of Hwy 9 (Big
Basin/Congress Springs Rd) and Hwy 35. |
|
Information: |
(408) 867-2952 or (831)
429-2850* |
|
Reservations: |
Call information number for
instructions. No reservations required, except Waterman
Gap campground at (831) 338-6132. |
|
Camps: |
23 sites near park
headquarters (2 mi via Hwy 35 and park road or 2.3 mi via
trail from Castle Rock parking lot). Used primarily as a
backpacker trail camp. |
|
Open: |
Daily all year. |
|
Maps: |
Castle Rock State Park; Trail Map of the Santa Cruz
Mountains (Map 1); USGS 7.5' quads Big
Basin, Castle Rock Ridge. |
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State
Park, near Felton
-
|
Directions: |
5 mi N of Santa Cruz From
Hwy 9 in Felton, take Graham Hill Rd E 3 mi to
campground. |
|
Information: |
(831) 335-4598 |
|
Reservations: |
Call State Parks Reservations at
1-800-444-PARK (7275) or make reservations online through
Reserve America. Accepted May
through October. |
|
Camps: |
111 sites; RVs OK (no
hookups). Phone, hot showers. |
|
Open: |
Daily all year. (May close
for winter due to insufficient funding. Call ahead) |
|
Maps: |
Henry Cowell Redwoods State
Park; USGS 7.5' quad Felton. |
- New Brighton State Beach,
Capitola
-
|
Directions: |
Off Hwy 1, 4 mi S of Santa
Cruz. Take New Brighton exit. |
|
Information: |
(831) 475-4850 or (831)
429-2850* |
|
Reservations: |
Call information number for
instructions. Accepted April 1 to October 31. Call Call
State Parks Reservations at
1-800-444-PARK (7275) or make reservations online through
Reserve America. |
|
Camps: |
112 drive-in sites; RVs OK
(no hookups; yes dump station.) Phones, hot showers (25
cents). |
|
Open: |
Daily all year. |
|
Maps: |
Santa Cruz Coast State
Beaches; USGS 7.5' quad Soquel. |
- Seacliff State Beach, Rio del
Mar
-
|
Directions: |
On Hwy 1, 55 mi S of Santa
Cruz |
|
Information: |
(831) 688-3222 or (831)
688-3241* |
|
Reservations: |
For reservations call State Parks Reservations at
1-800-444-PARK (7275) or make reservations online through
Reserve America. Call information
number for instructions. Accepted January 1 to December
31. |
|
Camps: |
26 RV sites, hookups (no
tents). Phone, hot showers. |
|
Open: |
Daily all year. |
|
Maps: |
Santa Cruz Coast State
Beaches; USGS 7.5' quad Soquel. |
- Sunset State Beach, near
Watsonville
-
|
Directions: |
From Hwy 1, 16 mi S of
Santa Cruz. take San Andreas Rd W (watch for highway
signs). |
|
Information: |
(831) 763-7063 or (831) 763-7062* |
|
Reservations: |
Accepted end of March (2
weeks before Easter) through October 31. Call State Parks Reservations at
1-800-444-PARK (7275) or make reservations online through
Reserve America. |
|
Camps: |
90 drive-in sites; RVs OK
(no hookups). Phone, hot showers (coin). |
|
Open: |
Daily all year. |
|
Maps: |
Santa Cruz Coast State
Beaches; USGS 7.5' quad
Watsonville-West. |
Private Campgrounds with Individual Sites - Santa Cruz
County
- Carbonero Creek RV Park
-
| Directions: |
4556 Scotts Valley a.k.a.
917 Disc Dr. From Hwy 17 S. take Granite Rd exit, left on
Scotts Valley Dr, 1.25 mi to Disc Dr. From Hwy 17 N,
right on Mt Hermon/Big Basin Rd 3.2 mi, right on Scotts
Valley Dr to Disc Dr. |
| Information: |
(831) 438-1288 |
| Reservations: |
Required all year 3 weeks notice needed). |
| Camps: |
15 tent sites (separate
area), 104 RV (hookups). Phone, hot showers. |
| Open: |
Daily all year. |
| Maps: |
USGS 7.5' quad
Felton |
- Cotillion Gardens RV Park
-
|
Directions: |
300 Old Big Trees Rd (Hwy
9), Felton. 15 mi S of stoplight. |
|
Information: |
(831) 335-7669. |
| Reservations: |
Suggested May to September |
|
Camps: |
Some tent sites, 80 RVs
(hookups). Phone, hot showers. |
|
Open: |
Daily all year |
|
Maps: |
USGS 7.5' quad
Felton. |
- Kampgrounds of America -
KOA
-
|
Directions: |
1186 San Andreas Rd,
Watsonville. Off Hwy 1 between Sunset and Manresa State
Beaches. |
|
Information: |
(831) 722-0551 |
|
Reservations: |
Suggested during summer
months. |
|
Camps: |
230 sites, RVs OK
(hookups). Phone, hot showers. |
|
Open: |
Daily all year. |
|
Maps: |
USGS 7.5' quad
Watsonville-West. |
- Santa Vida RV Park and Campground
-
| Directions: |
1611 Brancifort Drive,
Santa Cruz. From Hwy 17 or Hwy 1, go to Mission Street
and Ocean Street. Go E on Mission to Market Street and
turn left. Take Market under Hwy 1 (where Market becomes
Brancifort), and continue up Brancifort to the
campground. |
| Information: |
(831) 425-1945; (831) 425-1954 (FAX) |
| Reservations: |
Suggested May to September |
| Camps: |
Some tent sites, 47 RVs (43
with full hookups). Phone, hot showers. |
| Open: |
Daily all year |
| Maps: |
USGS 7.5' quad Santa Cruz. |
Camping Areas for Groups
Specific car camping sites are available for group camping in
many parks. Groups also may use the backpacker trail camps.
Limitations on group size depend on the number of sites available
at each camp and the allowable number of people per site. Some
city parks may maintain group areas not listed here.
Note: Starred telephone numbers
are for park district offices.
Camping Areas for Groups - San Mateo County
- Half Moon Bay State Beach, Half
Moon Bay
-
|
Directions: |
From Hwy 1 in Half Moon
Bay, 3 mi S of Hwy 92, take Kelly Ave W 5 mi. |
|
Information: |
(650) 726-4820, (650)
726-8800* |
|
Reservations: |
Required for groups. Call
State Parks Reservations at
1-800-444-PARK (7275) or make reservations online through
Reserve America. |
|
Camps: |
1 site, 50 people maximum,
including 12 cars. Tents only. No trailers or
motorhomes. |
|
Maps: |
Half Moon Bay State
Beaches; USGS 7.5' quad Half Moon Bay. |
- Huddart County Park,
Woodside
-
|
Directions: |
1100 Kings Mountain Rd,
Woodside. From I-280 in Redwood City, Woodside Rd (Hwy
84) 1.5 mi W through Woodside, NW on Kings Mountain Rd
2.5 mi to park entrance. |
|
Information: |
(650) 851-0326 or (650)
363-4020* |
|
Reservations: |
(650) 363-4020* |
|
Camps: |
3 group sites with 50
people per site. |
|
Maps: |
Huddart County Park; Trail Map of the Central
Peninsula. |
- Memorial County Park, near Loma
Mar/La Honda
-
|
Directions: |
From Skyline Blvd (Hwy 35),
take La Honda Rd (Hwy 84) W 6.6 mi to Pescadero Rd. 6 mi
on Pescadero Rd to park entrance. From Hwy 1, Pescadero
Rd E ll mi. |
|
Information: |
(650) 879-0212 (Memorial
Park), (650) 7474403 (Sam McDonald Park), or (650)
363-4021* |
|
Reservations: |
Required. Call (650)
363-4021* |
|
Camps: |
Two camp areas:
- Wurr Flat group area, located 35 mi E of
Pescadero Rd on Wurr Rd (5 mi W of park entrance).
Accommodates group of 75 people.
- Homestead Flat youth group area, located .7 mi W
of park entrance off Pescadero Rd.
|
|
Open: |
Daily all year. |
|
Maps: |
Memorial Park;
Pescadero Creek County Park complex; USGS 7.5'
quad La Honda. |
- Portola Redwoods State Park,
near La Honda
-
|
Directions: |
From the junction of
Skyline Blvd (Hwy 35) and Page Mill/Alpine Rds, take
Alpine 3.1 mi SW, Portola Redwoods State Park Rd 32 mi S.
Or, Hwy 84 (La Honda Rd) to Pescadem Rd, SE 1 mi to
Alpine Rd, 5 mi E on Alpine to Portola Redwoods State
Park Rd. |
|
Information: |
(650) 948-9098 |
|
Reservations: |
Required. Call State Parks Reservations at
1-800-444-PARK (7275) or make reservations online through
Reserve America. |
|
Camps: |
4 sites, each accommodating
25 -50 people and up to 12 cars. |
|
Open: |
Daily all year. |
|
Maps: |
Portola Redwoods State
Park; Trail Map of the
Southern Peninsula; Trail Map of the Santa Cruz
Mountains (Map 1); USGS 7.5' quads Big
Basin, Mindego Hill. |
- Sam McDonald County Park, near La
Honda
-
|
Directions: |
13435 Pescadero Rd, La
Honda. From Skyline Blvd (Hwy 35), take La Honda Rd (Hwy
84) W 6S mil to Pescadero Rd. 15 mi on Pescadero Rd (W
across bridge at Alpine intersection) to park entrance.
From Hwy 1, Pescadero Rd # 15 mi (4 mi past Memorial Park
entrance). |
|
Information: |
(650) 363-4021* (Sam
McDonald) or (650) 879-0212 (Memorial) |
|
Reservations: |
Required. Call (650)
363-4021* (Memorial Park campgrounds: first come, first
served). |
|
Camps: |
3 areas of youth groups
only, 50 people each. |
|
Open: |
Hikers' Hut: The Sierra Club
Hikers' Hut will accommodate
groups of 14 people. Call the Sierra Club at (650)
327-8111 for reservations. |
|
Open: |
April 15 to November
15. |
|
Maps: |
Pescadero Creek County
Park complex; Trail Map
of the Southern Peninsula; Trail Map of the Santa Cruz
Mountains (Map 2); USGS 7.5' quad La
Honda. |
Camping Areas for Groups - Santa Clara County
- Ed R. Levin County Park, near
Milpitas
-
|
Directions: |
From Hwy 880 in Milpitas, E
on Calaveras Rd 4 mi to park entrance, 2 mi from Hwy
680. |
|
Information: |
(408) 262-6980 or (408)
358-3741* |
|
Reservations: |
(408) 358-3741* |
|
Camps: |
One large undeveloped site
for youth groups only. 100 maximum group size. No
facilities. |
|
Maps: |
Ed R. Levin County
Park |
- Foothills Park (City of Palo Alto) in Los Altos Hills
-
| Directions: |
From I-280 in Palo Alto, 3
mi W on Page Mill Rd to park entrance. |
| Information: |
(650) 329-2423 |
| Reservations: |
Call information number for instructions. |
| Camps: |
4 sites, about 15 people each. Maximum group size 70 people |
| Open: |
Daily during summer months to City of Palo Alto residents, employees, and their guests only. |
| Maps: |
Foothills Park; Trail Map of the Southern
Peninsula; USGS 7.5' quad Mindego
Hill. |
- Henry W. Coe State Park, near
Morgan Hill
-
|
Directions: |
From Hwy 101 in Morgan
Hill, go E on E. Dunne Ave past Anderson Reservoir. After
3 mi, look for sign saying "Coe Park 10 mi. |
|
Information: |
(408) 779-2728 or (408)
623-2431* |
|
Reservations: |
Required. Call information
number for instructions |
|
Camps: |
10 hike-in group sites at Manzanita Point, maximum of 50 people each. 1 car allowed for each group for water, wood, supplies and emergencies. Vehicle stays parked at campsite, no shuttling of group members; campfires allowed, no wood gathering. Also one hike-in group site at Poverty Flat, maximum of 25 people, no vehicle access, no fires (stoves OK)." |
|
Open: |
Daily all year. |
|
Maps: |
Henry W. Coe State Park
(several available); USGS 7.5' quads Gilroy Hot
Springs, Mississippi Creek, Mt
Sizer, Mt. Stakes, Mustang Peak,
Pacheco Peak, Wilcox Ridge. Also
information sheet about camping in Coe Park. None of the
USGS quads show the current boundaries or trail system.
The park's official cooperating association, the Pine Ridge Association, publishes a large-scale, multi-color map at a large scale with contours and shaded relief, available in paper or plastic, as well as several small single-color handout maps |
- Joseph D. Grant County Park,
near San Jose
-
|
Directions: |
From Hwys 101 or 680 in San
Jose, take Alum Rock Ave (Hwy 130) NE to Mt. Hamilton Rd,
then 8 mi E towards Lick Observatory. Or take Capitol
Expwy to Quimby Rd. E on Quimby, right on Mt. Hamilton Rd
5 mi to park entrance. |
|
Information: |
(408) 2744121 or (408)
358-3751* |
|
Reservations: |
(408) 358-3751* |
|
Camps: |
4 sites for youth groups
only, 200 people maximum. 1 car allowed for each
group. |
|
Open: |
Daily in summer; weekends
only November and March. Closed Dec. through Feb. |
|
Maps: |
Joseph D. Grant County
Park; USGS 7.5' quad Lick
Observatory. |
- Mount Madonna County Park, near
Watsonville
-
|
Directions: |
From Hwy 101 in Gilroy,
take Hwy 152 (Hecker Pass Hwy) W 10 mi. From Hwy 1 in
Watsonville, take Hwy 152 (Main St and Lake Ave) E and
N. |
|
Information: |
(408) 842-2341 or (408)
358-3751* |
|
Reservations: |
(408) 358-3751* |
|
Camps: |
Two types of camps. (1) 5
sites for youth groups, maximum 210 people; (2) 2 group
camps |
|
Open: |
Daily all year |
|
Maps: |
Mount Madonna County
Park; USGS 7.5' quads Mt. Madonna,
Watsonville East. |
- Sanborn-Skyline County Park,
near Saratoga
-
|
Directions: |
From Saratoga, 2 mi W on
Hwy 9 (Big Basin/Congress Springs Rd) to Saratoga
Springs, then Sanborn Rd S 1 mi. From Hwy 35 (Skyline
Blvd) at Saratoga Cap, 5 mi E on Hwy 9 to Saratoga
Springs. |
|
Information: |
(408) 867-3654 or (408)
358-3751* |
|
Reservations: |
(408) 358-3751* |
|
Camps: |
One area for youth groups
only, 35 people maximum |
|
Maps: |
Sanborn-Skyline County Park; USGS
7.5' quad Castle Rock Ridge. |
Camping Areas for Groups - Santa Cruz County
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park,
near Boulder Creek
-
|
Directions: |
9 mi N of Boulder Creek via
Hwys 9 and 236. |
|
Information: |
(831) 338-6132 |
|
Reservations: |
Call State Parks Reservations at
1-800-444-PARK (7275) or make reservations online through
Reserve America. |
|
Camps: |
Big Basin maintains two
group camp areas 25 mi apart with total of 4 sites. Two
sites serve a maximum group size per site of 50 people
with 18 cars; showers, flush toilets. Other two sites
serve 40 people per site with 15 vehicles; no showers,
portable toilets. Open- Daily all year.
Maps: Big Basin Redwoods State Park;
Trail Map of the Santa Cruz
Mountains (Maps 1-2); USGS 7 1/2' quads
Año Nuevo, Big Basin,
Davenport, Felton. |
- Sunset State Beach, near
Watsonville
-
|
Directions: |
From Hwy 1, 16 mi S of
Santa Cruz take San Andreas Rd (watch for highway
signs). |
|
Information: |
(831) 724-1266 or (831)
688-3241* |
|
Reservations: |
Required year round. Call
State Parks Reservations at
1-800-444-PARK (7275) or make reservations online through
Reserve America. |
|
Camps: |
One group area, 50 people
maximum, 10 cars. |
Backcountry Trail Camps
In general, trail camps near approved mountain bicycling trails
serve cyclists as well as backpackers. The camps usually have pit
toilets. A few have tables. Ground fires often are not allowed,
especially in fire season. Backpack stoves are OK. Water supplies
are tenuous. Wilderness area camping in Coe Park is without
facilities -- water is from springs, streams, and lakes. Carry
water and purification supplies (for boiling, filtering, or
treating chemically).
Reservations are required for all
camps except those at Henry Coe Hikers and bicyclists usually are
welcome at regular car campgrounds, especially those with walk-in
sites.
Note: Starred telephone numbers
are for park district offices.
Backcountry Trail Camps - San Mateo County
- Butano State Park, near
Pescadero
-
|
Directions: |
From Pescadero Rd, on
Cloverdale Rd 5 mi S of Pescadero |
|
Information: |
(650) 879-0173 |
|
Reservations: |
Call park number for
instructions; reservations suggested but not
required. |
|
Camps: |
1 trail camp, about 5.0 mi
E of park headquarters, between the Butano and Olmo Fire
Trails. Six sites. Next camp is 4 mi to Lane-Sunset Camp
in Big Basin via the Butano Fire Trail. No water. No
ground fires. Backpack stoves OK. |
|
Open: |
Open all year. |
|
Maps: |
Butano State Park;
Trail Map of the Santa Cruz
Mountains (Map 2); USGS 7.5' quad Franklin
Point. |
- Pescadero Creek County Park, near La Honda
and Loma Mar
-
|
Directions: |
There are several parking areas:
- Sam McDonald Park From Skyline Blvd (Hwy 35),
take La Honda Rd (Hwy 84) W 6.5 mi to Pescadero Rd;
1.5 mi on Pescadero Rd (W across bridge at Alpine
intersection) to park entrance From Hwy 1, Pescadero
Rd E 15 mi (4 mi past Memorial Park entrance).
- Memorial Park, Wurr Rd: As for Sam McDonald Park,
except 5 mi on Pescadero Rd to Wurr Rd, .25 mi S on
Wurr to parking area near wooden bridge at the end of
Old Haul Rd.
- Camp Pomponio Rd Area: As above, except 1 mi on
Pescadero Rd to Alpine. 4 mi on Alpine to Camp
Pomponio Rd; 1 mi towards Sheriff's Honor Camp to
parking area. Or, from Skyline Blvd at the junction
of Page Mill-Alpine Rds, take Alpine 3.5 mi SW (just
past Portola Redwoods State Park Rd) to Camp Pomponio
Rd.
- Portola Redwoods State Park:
As above, except 3.5 mi on Portola Redwoods State
Park Rd to headquarters parking area.
|
|
Information: |
(650) 879-0238 (Memorial
Park), (650) 363-4021* (Sam McDonald) |
|
Reservations: |
No reservations required.
Best to call parks to indicate plans and find out about
overnight parking. Camp info (650) 363-4021*; Hikers' Hut info (650) 327-8111
(Sierra Club) |
|
Camps: |
Two trail camps:
- Shaw Flat Camp, about 2 mi from Wurr Rd off the
Towne Trail near its junction with Old Haul Rd; 2.5
mi from the Sierra Club Hikers' Hut.
- Tarwater Camp, between Camp Pomponio Rd and Old
Haul Rd. 3 mi from Shaw Flat Camp; 35 mi from the Hikers' Hut; 2.3 mi from
Camp Pomponio Rd; 1.5 to 2 mi from Portola Redwoods State Park
headquarters.
|
| Hikers' Hut: |
The Sierra Club maintains a
Hikers' Hut for up to 14 people
near the Towne Trail, just under 2 mi from the Sam
McDonald parking lot. Call the Sierra Club at (650)
327-8111 for reservations. |
|
Maps: |
Pescadero Creek County
Park; Trail Map of the
Southern Peninsula; Trail Map of the Santa Cruz
Mountains (Map 2); USGS 7.5' quads La
Honda, Mindego Hill. |
- Portola Redwoods State Park,
near La Honda
-
|
Directions: |
From the junction of
Skyline Blvd (Hwy 35) and Page Mill/Alpine Rds, take
Alpine 3.1 mi SW, Portola Redwoods State Park Rd 3.9 mi
S. Or, Hwy 84 (La Honda Rd) to Pescadero Rd. Pescadero Rd
SE 1 mi to Alpine Rd, 5 mi E on Alpine to Portola
Redwoods State Park Rd. |
|
Information: |
(650) 948-9098 - Best times
to call Fri.- Sat - Sun. |
|
Reservations: |
Call information number
above for instructions. |
|
Camps: |
1 trail camp,the Slate
Creek Camp, in park center near the junction of the Slate
Creek Trail and trails north to newer portions of the
park. 2.5 mi to park headquarters. No fires; camp stoves
OK. Bring water. |
|
Open: |
Daily all year |
| Maps: |
Portola Redwoods State
Park; Trail Map of the
Southern Peninsula; Trail Map of the Santa Cruz
Mountains (Map 1); USGS 7.5' quads Big
Basin, Mindego Hill. |
Backcountry Trail Camps - Santa Clara County
- Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
(Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District), near Los Altos Hills and Monte Vista
-
| Directions: |
From I-280 in Palo Alto, take Page Mill Rd W 5 mi |
| Information: |
(650) 691-1200 |
| Reservations: |
Required. Call information
number between 8:30 - 12:30 a.m. Ask for parking permit. |
| Camps: |
The Black Mountain Trail
Camp, hike in about 1.5 mi E of the Page Mill Rd parking
area. No overnight parking along road; request permit for
lot. 11 mi to Castle Rock State Park camp.
Maps: Monte Bello Open Space Preserve; USGS 7.5' quad Mindego Hill. |
- Henry W. Coe State Park, near
Morgan Hill
-
|
Directions: |
- Park Headquarters: From Hwy 101 in Morgan Hill, E
on E Dunne Ave past Anderson Reservoir. After 3 mi,
look for sign "Coe Park 10 mi.
- Hunting Hollow entrance: From Hwy 101 in Gilroy, take Hwy 152 (Leavesley Rd) E 2 mi towards Los Banos. Left on New Ave, 1/2 mi. Right on Roop Rd, 3 mi, then Gilroy Hot Springs Rd 3 mi. to Hunting Hollow entrance (2 mi. before Gilroy Hot Springs)
|
|
Information: |
(408) 779-2728 or (408)
623-2431* |
|
Reservations: |
No reservations
accepted. |
|
Camps: |
Many trail camps are available in this 80,000+ acre
park. They are of two types:
- Regular trail camps in the original 13,000-acre
portion of the park (about 30 camps), fires OK only at Manzanita Point Group Camps, no wood gathering (camping stoves allowed).
- At-will camping in the 7 zones of the remainder
of the park (one zone is a 22,000 acre wilderness
area.) No fires (camping stoves allowed), no dogs,
and no firearms.
|
|
Open: |
Daily all year |
|
Maps: |
Henry W. Coe State Park
(several available); USGS 7.5' quads Gilroy Hot
Springs, Mississippi Creek, Mt
Sizer, Mt. Stakes, Mustang Peak,
Pacheco Peak, Wilcox Ridge. Also
information sheet about camping in Coe Park. None of the
USGS quads show the current boundaries or trail system.
The park's official cooperating association, the Pine Ridge Association, publishes a large-scale, multi-color map at a large scale with contours and shaded relief, available in paper or plastic, as well as several small single-color handout maps |
Backcountry Trail Camps - Santa Cruz County
- Big Basin Redwood State Park,
near Boulder Creek
-
|
Directions: |
Park headquarters-9 mi N of
Boulder Creek via Hwys 9 and 236. Rancho del Oso
Unit/Waddell Beach - off Hwy 1, 7 mi N of Davenport. |
|
Information: |
Park Headquarters: (831)
338-6132. Rancho del Oso Unit (831) 42S-1218 |
|
Reservations: |
Call park number for
instructions. |
|
Camps: |
6 locations, all accessible from the Skyline-to-the-Sea
(STTS) Trail:
- Lane-Sunset Camp near China Grade and the Rim
Trail, About 7.2 mi to the Waterman Gap Camp (Castle Rock State Park); 4.9
mi to Big Basin Headquarters-Jay Camp; 5 mi to
Tarwater Camp (Pescadero Creek County Park; 5.5 mi to
Portola Redwoods State Park
Headquarters.
- Jay Camp, near Big Basin Headquarters. Enroute
camp for hikers and cyclists.
- Sunset Camp, in park center near the junction of
the Sunset and Berry Creek Falls trails. 5.5 mi from
park headquarters; 6.5 mi from the ocean at Waddell
Beach.
- Camp Herbert, on the STTS trail. 9 mi from park
headquarters; 3.5 mi from Sunset Camp; 3 mi from
Waddell Beach.
- Twin Redwoods Camp, on the STIS trail. 1.5 mi
from Camp Herbert; 10.5 mi from park headquarters; 5
mi from Sunset Camp; 1.5 mi from Waddell Beach.
- Alder Camp, .25 mi W of Twin Redwoods Camp, 12.5
mi from
| |