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With the longer days of spring people begin looking forward to spending more time outdoors. While the cool nighttime temps mean it’s still too soon for many to consider camping, it’s not too early to start planning your seasonal camping trips.
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The South Valley is located a stone’s throw from several ideal camping spots. Less than an hour drive to the ocean or the redwoods, South Valley provides a great starting point for any weekend camping excursion. But you had better stake your claim early because some of these destinations will fill up fast.
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Although last-minute vacancies may still be available on Sundays or mid-week, campers would be wise to avoid trying this on a popular holiday weekend like Memorial Day. Chances of gaining entry are limited and the last thing you want when camping is to be left out in the dark.
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The best bet is to book ahead of time. Many seasoned campers begin planning their trips up to five or six months in advance.
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In fact, you’ll often find these folks at their computers on January 1, poised to reserve choice spots at their favorite nearby camping haunts. An experience not unlike waiting for online ticket sales to open up, campers can be competitive when it comes to securing their prime picks for camping.
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Many families enjoy annual camping trips and will partner with other families, bringing a herd of children to descend on the wilderness for a weekend respite.
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Campers looking to spend some time on a lake will savor the camping and fishing opportunities at Gilroy’s own Coyote Bear Ranch Park and Reservoir or Uvas Canyon County Park and nearby reservoir in Morgan Hill.
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These parks offer great locations for day use as well as overnight camping. Coyote Bear is situated along a 4,595-acre recreation area and includes a 635-acre lake for fishing and boating. Coyote Bear visitors can experience many activities including hiking, off-road biking and horseback riding. Coyote Bear provides a habitat for many species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. The park includes a wildlife exhibit at the visitor’s center and allows patrons an opportunity to see many of these species up close. Uvas Canyon, situated along the east side of the Santa Cruz Mountains, is smaller than Coyote Bear and includes hiking trails to several waterfalls.
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This area also provides many great woodsy camping sites from nearby Mt. Madonna, just 10 miles west of Gilroy on Hecker Pass, to the Santa Cruz Mountains. Mt. Madonna is a 3,688-acre park where visitors can learn how the original Ohlone inhabitants lived and take in the lush forests and meadows inside the park. Avid hikers should note that this year Mt. Madonna is planning some trail closures from April to October, allowing time for the park to repair and improve its existing trail system.
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Moving into the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell State Park, once home to the indigenous Zayante Indians, appeals to both campers and anglers looking to reel in some steelhead or salmon. Also in the redwoods are the Sanborn County Park, Castle Rock State Park, the well-known Big Basin State Park and recently added Little Basin State Park.
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Acquired in 1902, Big Basin is the oldest state park in California and home to a remarkable number of waterfalls. These wooded mountains provide miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. Campgrounds, as well as tent cabins and even yurts are hidden away in beautiful groves of redwood trees. Nature lovers and birders alike will appreciate getting cozy in the majestic surroundings of the redwoods. Adventurous backpackers can even make the three-day trek to the ocean via the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail.
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If you would rather skip the three-day hike and go directly to the beach, it’s a quick drive to the coast, where you can camp and take in the sunset along the bluffs at Sunset, Manresa or New Brighton beaches. You will also encounter a variety of coastal wildlife and landscapes, from coastal woodlands to marshlands.
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Not usually more than an hour’s drive to the nearest lake, beach, or redwood grove, the South Valley offers a wide range of outdoor experiences. Many nearby campgrounds offer tent, RV, walk-in, group sites, tent cabins and even the unique experience of camping in a yurt. Reprieve from the daily grind of the valley is close at hand and only a toasted marshmallow away.
For convenience in campsite scheduling, visit www.reserveramerica.com, a large online national reservation system for outdoor recreation, which include state parks and beaches or our local www.gooutsideandplay.org, which showcases the best places to experience the outdoors in Santa Clara County.
