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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

Park Camps Groups BC Horses
Butano State Park 46 -- 1 --
Half Moon Bay State Beach 55/8 1/50 -- --
Huddart County Park -- 3/50 -- --
Memorial County Park 136 1/75, 1/Y -- --
Pescadero Creek County Park -- -- 2, HH/14 --
Portola Redwoods State Park 52 4/25-50 1 --
Sam McDonald County Park -- -- 3/50, HH/14 2/50, 1/9

Santa Clara County

Park Camps Groups BC Horses
Coyote Lake County Park 74 -- -- --
Ed R. Levin County Park -- 1/100 -- --
Foothills Park 5/15 4/15 -- --
Henry W. Coe State Park 20 10/50 Open 7/Many
Joseph D. Grant County Park 22 4/200 -- 1
Mount Madonna County Park 117 5/201(Y), 2 -- --
Sanborn-Skyline County Park 57 1/35(Y) -- --
Saratoga Springs Picnic and Campground** 22 -- -- --
Uvas Canyon County Park 30 -- -- --

Santa Cruz County

Park Camps Groups BC Horses
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 147 2/50, 2/40 6 1
Carbonero Creek RV Park** 129 -- -- --
Castle Rock State Park 23 -- 23,6 --
Cotillion Gardens RV Park** 80+ -- -- --
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 111 -- -- --
Kampgrounds of America - KOA - Santa Cruz** 230 -- -- --
New Brighton State Beach 112 -- -- --
Santa Vida RV Park and Campground** 47+ -- -- --
Seacliff State Beach 26/RV -- -- --
Sunset State Beach 90 1/50 -- --



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 the beach.
Open: Daily all year.
Maps: Big Basin State Park; Trail Map of the Santa Cruz Mountains (Maps 1-2); ; USGS 7.5'quads Año Nuevo, Big Basin, Davenport, Franklin Point.


Castle Rock State Park, near Saratoga
Directions: On Sky1ine Blvd (Hwy 35), 4 mi S of Saratoga Gap (the intersection of Hwys 35 and 9). 15000 Skyline Blvd, Los Gatos (mailing address).
Information: (408) 867-2952 or (831) 429-2850
Reservations: Call information numbers for instructions. Register at campgound, (not at parking lot) before sunset. No reservations required, except at Waterman Gap Campground ((831) 338-6132).
Camps: Two areas: NO smoking, dogs, bikes, fires.
  • 23 sites at Castle Rock Camp, near park headquarters, 2 mi via Hwy 35 and park road or 2 8 mi by trail from the Castle Rock parking lot.
  • 6 sites at Waterman Gap Camp, near the junction of Hwy 9 and the N end of Hwy 236 (the Big Basin Road), off the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail 9.7 mi from Castle Rock Camp, 7.7 mi. from Lane-Sunset Camp in Big Basin.
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.


Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, The, near Aptos (Santa Cruz County)
Directions: From Hwy 1, 6 mi S of Santa Cruz, take Aptos-Seacliff exit, N to Soquel Rd, E on Soquel to Aptos Creek Rd (begins in parking lot across from Exxon Station after crossing bridge over Aptos Creek), N to park.
Information: (831) 761-3487
Reservations: Required. Call information number for instructions.
Camps: 1 trail camp, the West Ridge Trail Camp, 6.5 to 7.5 mi from the trailhead on Aptos Creek Rd, depending on route taken. No ground fires. Bring water.
Open: Daily all year.
Maps: The Forest of Nisene Marks; USGS 7.5' quads Laurel, Loma Prieta (and Soquel for the Aptos Creek Rd entrance). Park map available at Henry Cowell or Aptos Library.


Public Parks with Horse Camps

Alas, only four public parks in the Trail Center service area offer camping opportunities with horses. Facilities range from full service to primitive to wilderness. Water is available at all camps; however, feed must be brought in. Some private stables, parks, and/or property owners may allow in-transit horse cam ping or provide other services. Check with local sources and equestrian groups for further information.

      Note: Starred telephone numbers are for park district offices.

Public Parks - San Mateo County

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 6.3 mi to Pescadero Rd. 1.5 mi on Pescadero Rd (W across bridge at Alpine intersection) to park entrance. Horse camp entrance is 1.5 mi beyond park entrance. From Hwy 1, Pescadero Rd E 15 mi (4 mi past Memorial Park entrance).
Information: (650) 363-4021*
Reservations: (650) 363-4021*. Suggest making reservations well in advance.
Camps: 2 camps at Jack Brook Horse Camp. One camp accommodates up to 50 horses. Second camp accommodates up to 9 horses. A full-facility camp. Corrals, water. Phone, hot showers, electricity.
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.


Public Parks - Santa Clara County

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: Call information number for instructions. Camp can be reserved with 90 to 10 days' notice.
Camps: 7 primitive camp areas, water available (must purify for people). Also, wilderness area camping, seasonal water
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 two complete park maps at a scale of about 150,000, one in black and white and the other multicolor with shaded relief.


Joseph D. Grant County Park, near San Jose
Directions: 18405 Mt. Hamilton Rd, Box 106-C, San Jose. From Hwys 101 or 680 in San Jose, take Alum Rock Ave (Hwy 130) NE to Mt Hamilton Rd, then 8 mi E toward Lick Observatory. Or from Capitol Expwy take Quimby Ave E, right on Mt. Hamilton Rd.
Information: (408) 274-6121 or (408) 358-3751*
Reservations: Call information number for instructions Not required.
Camps: Camping available at selected sites near the regular campground. Corrals, water, phone, hot showers at the campground. Bring feed
Open: Daily. Weekends only November and March. Closed Dec. through Feb.
Maps: Joseph D. Grant County Park; USGS 7.5' quad Lick Observatory.


Public Parks - Santa Cruz County

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Rancho del Oso Unit
Directions: 7 mi N of Davenport at 3640 Hwy 1.
Information: (831) 425-1218 (Park Office); (831) 427-2288 (Visitor Center)
Reservations: Call information number for instructions.
Camps: 1 horse camp, off the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail near Waddell Beach and Hwy l. 6 primitive sites, 1 trailer each. No stalls or corrals. No dogs allowed. Water, barbeque pits, tables, fire ring. Bring feed, firewood, charcoal
Open: Daily all year.
Maps: Big Basin Redwoods State Park; Trail Map of the Santa Cruz Mountains (Map 1-2); USGS 7.5' quads Año Nuevo, Big Basin, Davenport, Felton.




     
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