Top 10 RV Parks Near the San Jose, CA Area

Top 5 reasons why it is a fun place to visit:

1. Enjoy a stroll through the Municipal Rose Garden
2. Walk the Santana Row
3. Check out the Rosicocrusian Egyptian Museum
4.  Visit the Winchester Mystery House
5. Marvel at the architecture of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph

List of top ten RV Parks in the San Jose, CA area:

(Disclaimer: information is a compilation of researched info as published online and does not necessarily reflect the experience or opinion of the author)

The RV parks have been ranked and are listed from “Most Recommended” to “Least Recommended” based on reviews, feedback, amenities, and preference. Cost was not the primary ranking driver. Please note that weekend RV families with children might have different needs than full-time RV “snowbirds”.

1. Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park

This park is located in the Santa Cruz North Harbor, with the harbor beach about 1 mile away from the park. There are extensive trails that surround the harbor, and one can walk and hike these, as well.

What makes this park unique?

According to their Website, this park is “[l]ocated in the Santa Cruz North Harbor, you can enjoy convenient access to numerous beaches and restaurants, downtown Santa Cruz, Capitola, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.” (Source: https://www.santacruzharbor.org/rv-park-information/)

Note: Max RV length is 42 feet and max stay is 7 days. RVs must be fully self-contained. Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance.

2. Smithwoods RV Park

Family-owned since 1919, this park is a definite historical fixture of the community. This park is a true gem that is an oasis for getting away and relaxing in nature. Rich flora and fauna surround the campsites, as one can take in the breath-taking surroundings of the majestic Redwoods.

What makes this park unique?

This is an old-fashioned nice RV park with all the amenities, surrounded by nature and gorgeous Redwoods. There are many tourist attractions nearby, as well as shops, restaurants, and even RV repair services. One can go surfing in the morning and hiking in the mountains in the afternoon. There are also zipline adventures nearby.

Note: Max RV length is 40 feet.

3. Coyote Valley RV Resort

Located in Morgan Hill, this park is an example of California Coast luxury and beauty. With something to do for everyone, even if that is for the whole family to lounge at the sparking pool, this park is in the center of all the tourist attractions while providing a relaxing environment for a great stay.

What makes this park unique?

Ranked as a 10-10-10 Good Sam resort and also ranked as a top-30 RV park, this park is incredible. Truly a resort vibe, with countless amenities and spotless landscaping, this park stands out when it comes to luxury and comfort.

4. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Park

This RV park is nestled among beautiful Redwoods, very close to the beach, yet still in nature to enjoy walks and quiet away from the city, as well. This park is 6 miles from Santa Cruz.

What makes this park unique?

Quaint. Close to the water. Among the trees. All these statements about this RV park are true. This park is great for the whole family to create wonderful vacation memories. There are all the amenities to make the stay a pleasant and comfortable one.

5. Mount Madonna County Park

Dubbed as one of the most majestic of Santa Clara County’s Regional Parks, this park is a popular destination for tourists, as well as locals alike. According to their Website, “[t]his 4,605 acre park is dominated by the redwood forest so characteristic of the Santa Cruz Mountain range. To the east, the park overlooks the Santa Clara Valley, to the west, Monterey Bay. As the slopes of Mt. Madonna descend toward the valley, the landscape changes from redwood forest to oak woodland, dense chaparral and grassy meadows. Park visitors may learn about areas where Ohlone Indians hunted and harvested, and will understand why cattle baron Henry Miller spent his summers here. Enjoy your visit today, and return often to the pristine redwood forest of Mt. Madonna County Park. Mt. Madonna Stables offers horseback trail rides, it is a wonderful way to explore the beauty of this park.” (Source: https://parks.sccgov.org/santa-clara-county-parks/Mt.Madonna-county-park)

What makes this park unique?

There is so much to do at this park, from horseback riding to archery to hiking to nature walks…there is even an amphitheater that is often reserved for weddings or family reunions. Overall, this is a great affordable park to stay at and to explore local nature. One can even rent yurts to stay in for the ultimate experience.

Note: RV max length is 30 ft.

6. Seacliff State Beach Campground

“Seacliff State Beach is one of the most popular beachfront campgrounds in California. Home of the 435 foot S.S. Palo Alto, Seacliff State Beach campground offers RV campers (sorry, no tents) 26 full hookup sites and 37 non-hookup sites. With nearly two miles of shoreline on the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, a visitor center museum, fishing pier, and group picnic area with barbecue grills, it’s no wonder Seacliff State Beach is such a favorite destination!” (Source: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29803)

What makes this park unique?

This park is full of fascinating history. According to their Website, “[t]his beach is known for its fishing pier and concrete freighter, the SS Palo Alto. The ship is unsafe and closed to the public and half of the pier remains closed until needed repairs can be made. The beach is a popular swimming spot. There is a long stretch of sand backed by bluffs. There are covered picnic facilities and a visitor center.” (Source: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=543)

Note: max trailer length is 36 ft and max motorhome length is 40 ft. All sites are back-in only. All RVs must be self-contained.

7. Cotillion Gardens RV Park

There is so much to do when staying at the Cotillion Gardens RV Park! Whether it’s anything to do with nature, or relaxing at the RV park, or even spending time exploring all the surrounding area and doing all the “tourist things”, there is surely something for everyone here!

What makes this park unique?

This park also has cabins, 2 of them facing the river. The sites are all surrounded by mature trees and wilderness. It is also a short distance away from all the great fun things to do in the area.

8. Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort

This Thousand Trails park is located just minutes from Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz and is a popular location for visitors due to its relaxing and sunny weather, as well as the many interesting things to do in the area.

What makes this park unique?

According to their Website, “On Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort are many Indian Grinding Rocks that were once used to grind acorns next to Carbonero Creek, which winds its way past our RV park. Santa Cruz is well-known for watersports such as sailing, diving, swimming, paddling, and surfing — get active during your Santa Cruz RV camping vacation! It is the home of O’Neill Wetsuits, Santa Cruz Surfboards, Santa Cruz Skateboards, and Santa Cruz Bicycles. While enjoying Santa Cruz RV camping, turn up the fun at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – California’s oldest amusement park. An easy trip from Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort, you’ll have great ocean views from the 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster and 1911 Carousel together a National Historic Landmark.” (Source: https://www.rvonthego.com/california/santa-cruz-ranch-rv-resort/?utm_source=yext&utm_medium=directory&utm_campaign=Yext%20Directory%20Listing)

9. Del Valle Regional Park

According to their Website, “[t]he centerpiece of the park is a lake five miles long with a variety of water-oriented recreation, from swimming to windsurfing and boating, surrounded by 4,395 acres of beautiful land for hiking, horseback riding, and nature study. Del Valle also is the eastern gateway to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, 28 miles of scenic back-country trail.” (Source: https://www.ebparks.org/parks/del-valle)

What makes this park unique?

This is a great nature park with mostly primitive campsites, but many different activities on both land and water.

10. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

This one is a true gem! While this park has the amenities of a State Park, the location is one-of-a-kind and a MUST for any outdoor enthusiast.

What makes this park unique?

This park is an incredible experience: nestled among ancient trees, one can feel the majesty of the Redwoods while taking in the breath-taking surroundings. Bring your bikes and hiking gear!

Note: max trailer length is up to 31 feet, max motorhome length is 35 feet. Watch out for poison oak!

TIPS TO GET TO SAN JOSE

San Jose is located south of San Francisco and Fremont, right on Highway 101. There are several ways to get to San Jose: when traveling the coast, Highway 101 is an option (keep in mind that it might not be the best option for large RVs). When coming from the East, one can travel to the I-5 and then take the Gilroy exit. When coming from the Stockton/Modesto area, one can take the Fremont exit off I-205/I-580 to San Jose.