Mt. Madonna Campgrounds

California's Best Camping

coastal redwoods, CA
coastal redwoods, CA

Mt. Madonna Campgrounds

Santa Clara County


Mt. Madonna County Park Campgrounds

Mt. Madonna County Park has more than 3,600 acres of forested terrain at the summit of Hecker Pass (Highway 152) in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Redwoods dominate the park. Visitors enjoy views of the Santa Clara Valley to the east and Monterey Bay to the west. The park has many great trails for hiking or horseback riding. The Mt. Madonna Stables offers trail rides. Campers enjoy summer campfire programs on Saturday nights. The Visitor Center offers exhibits about natural history, geology, and the cultural history of the area.

Mt. Madonna County Park Campgrounds are popular camping spots. The park has 4 campgrounds: Valley View campgrounds 1 - 3 and Tan Oak Campground. Tan Oak Campground has 21 campsites. Valley View #1 has 44 campsites, 5 of which are yurts and 17 others are RV sites with water and electric hook-ups. Valley View #2 has 21 campsites and Valley View #3 has 25 campsites. RVs or trailers are permitted at all campsites, and tents at all but RV sites.

Three sizes of yurts are available. Each has bunk beds with mattresses, fold out futons, locking doors, and a wrap-around deck. Some allow dogs.

Mt. Madonna County Park Campgrounds also include 5 Group Campsites.

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Mt. Madonna County Park Campground Basics
Mt. Madonna County Park Campgrounds Location: Off Hwy. 152 at Hecker Pass, 10 miles west of Gilroy
Elevation: 1,500 feet
Mileage from gateway cities: Gilroy - 11 miles
Watsonville - 9 miles
Camping season: open year-round
Number of Sites: 111
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2
Pets: On leash, attended, maximum of 2
Operated by Santa Clara County Parks
Park Headquarters: (408) 842-2341

Reservations at Mt. Madonna County Park Campgrounds
Reservations Available: year-round, a maximum of 2 campsites may be reserved by any one person
Maximum Vehicle Length: 30 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: RV Site #116A, accessible facilities
Fees: Standard sites - $34 per night
RV hook-up sites - $44
Yurts - $66 - $96
(25% discount on all sites November through February)
Reservations: Mt. Madonna County Park Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 3:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Mt. Madonna County Park Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, food locker, fire ring
Campground: restrooms with flush toilets, tap water. amphitheater
Showers: Free showers
Dump Station: Yes
Attractions near Mt. Madonna County Park Campgrounds: Explore various hiking trails. Tour the Visitor Center. Sign up for trail rides at Mt. Madonna Stables. Take advantage of the nearby equestrian staging area. Visit the historic Miller House ruins. Head down to Manresa State Beach or Elkhorn Slough.


Mt. Madonna County Park Group Campsites
Campsites: Max. People Max. Vehicles Fee
ABC Group Camp 150 25 $325
Huckleberry 120 15 $300
Indian Rock 50 10 $175
Manzanita 240 30 $400
West Deer Pen 50 10 $175

Qualifying Youth Groups can receive a 50% discount. See Group Camping.
Reservations: Mt. Madonna Park Group Campsite Reservations





Mt. Madonna County Park Attractions

Mt. Madonna County Park offers a range of outdoor activities for campground visitors. Visitors to Mt. Madonna County Park Campgrounds have a variety of attractions from which to choose.

  • Park activities include archery, fishing, interpretive programs, and nature hikes.
  • Popular hiking and riding trails include the Blue Springs Trail, Redwood Trail, and Tan Oak Trail.
  • Visit the ruins of the Henry Miller estate.
  • Follow a trail to the Twin Giants, two old-growth redwoods in the park.
  • Visit the small herd of white fallow deer protected in the park.
  • Drive down to the coast and enjoy one of the many beaches such as Sunset, Manresa, Capitola, or Seacliff.

Key Mt. Madonna County Park Campground Regulations

  1. Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings or BBQs.
  2. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Campers should arrive before 10:00 PM.
  3. Dogs/Pets: A maximum of 2 is allowed per campsite. Dogs must be on leash, always attended, and confined to tent or vehicle at night.

    Check Santa Clara County Parks - Mt. Madonna Campground for any campground updates.