Manzanita Point Hike-In Group Campground

4.40

7 reviews

9000 E. Dunne Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

2,600 ft

Price

$5 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens California Department of Parks and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

2,600 ft

Price

$5 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens California Department of Parks and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Manzanita Point Hike-In Group Campground

$5.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Manzanita Point Hike-In Group Camp is $75 per night for up to 50 people. Backpacking permits are $5 per person per night, with an additional vehicle...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00

Group Site Fee$75.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

408-779-2728John.Verhoeven@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 7 reviews

4 Google reviews

"User reviews highlight the natural beauty and solitude of the site, particularly praising the hike from the park office to Manzanita Point. The lack of potable water and the primitive nature of the campground are noted as challenges but are also seen as part of the authentic outdoor experience."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

9000 E. Dunne Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Manzanita Point Hike-In Group Campground

9000 E. Dunne Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Driving directionsFrom Highway 101 in Morgan Hill (1/2 hour south of San Jose), take East Dunne Avenue exit and drive east past Anderson Lake to the end of the county road to the park headquarters. The road beyond Anderson Lake is narrow, winding, stretches for 10 miles, and takes approximately 30 minutes.

The road is narrow, winding, and may present challenges for large vehicles or trailers. Seasonal closures can impact Dowdy Ranch Entrance but do not affect Coe Ranch Entrance.

Nearby places

Morgan Hill, CA (13 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

San Jose, CA (about 0.5 hours south of Morgan Hill)

Nearby supplies

Visitor Center may supply firewood

nearby stores unavailable. Morgan Hill has an Aquatics Center and other amenities but details are unclear.

Best Time to Camp at Manzanita Point Hike-In Group Campground

The seasons paint dramatically different portraits at Manzanita Point. Summer arrives with intensity, pushing temperatures above 90°F and turning the landscape golden-brown under endless blue skies. Winter brings welcome relief with crisp, cool days hovering between 30-50°F - perfect for ambitious hikers. But it's the magical window from February through May when nature puts on its most spectacular show, carpeting the hillsides in a riot of wildflowers. Spring and fall offer the sweet spot for camping, with temperate conditions that make both hiking and stargazing equally enjoyable.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

“Summer…temperatures above 90°F and dry conditions” reduce comfort and appeal.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

“Temperate fall months” noted as good visiting period; milder than summer.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

“Spring…best time…blooming wildflowers” (Feb–May) and mild temperatures recommended.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round but “winter may pose accessibility issues”; conditions can limit visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Spring, especially February through May given blooming wildflowers, and temperate fall months.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; specific seasonal closures only applicable for Dowdy Entrance.
Current Alerts: Prescribed burn events (December 9-11); Temporary closures due to burns.

About Manzanita Point Hike-In Group Campground

Perched high above the valley floor, Manzanita Point Hike-In Group Camp offers an authentic wilderness experience for adventurous souls. This collection of 11 secluded group sites rewards those willing to trek beyond the trailhead with the kind of solitude that's increasingly rare in California. Each thoughtfully placed site comes equipped with essential comforts - a sturdy picnic table for gathering, a metal fire ring for evening storytelling (when fire season permits), and convenient access to vault toilets. It's primitive camping at its finest, where the journey to reach your site becomes part of the adventure.

Manzanita Point Hike-In Group Campground is a primitive group camping site designed to accommodate groups of nine or more people. It provides a backpacking-style camping experience with minimal facilities and close interaction with nature.

Historical SignificanceThis land holds stories stretching back millennia, and today's park management honors that legacy through a meaningful partnership with the Tamien Nation. Together, they're breathing new life into ancient practices, using prescribed burns to restore the ecological balance that once flourished here. It's a living example of how traditional knowledge and modern conservation can work hand-in-hand to heal the land.

Weather and SeasonsThe seasons paint dramatically different portraits at Manzanita Point. Summer arrives with intensity, pushing temperatures above 90°F and turning the landscape golden-brown under endless blue skies. Winter brings welcome relief with crisp, cool days hovering between 30-50°F - perfect for ambitious hikers. But it's the magical window from February through May when nature puts on its most spectacular show, carpeting the hillsides in a riot of wildflowers. Spring and fall offer the sweet spot for camping, with temperate conditions that make both hiking and stargazing equally enjoyable.

ElevationAt 2,600 feet, Manzanita Point commands its ridge like a natural watchtower, offering sweeping vistas that make every uphill step worthwhile. The journey to reach these heights isn't for the faint of heart - the trail demands respect with its rugged climbs and rocky switchbacks. But those who answer the mountain's challenge are rewarded with panoramic views that stretch to the horizon, where golden hills meet azure sky in a distinctly Californian embrace.

Natural Features and SceneryThis untamed landscape bursts with life in ways that surprise even seasoned hikers. Waves of blue lupine cascade down hillsides while California poppies paint patches of pure gold across meadows. As spring progresses, the floral parade continues with delicate gold fields giving way to elegant larkspur and showy mariposa lilies. The rugged terrain supports an impressive cast of wildlife - from elusive mountain lions and clever bobcats to graceful deer and swift foxes. Every visit offers the possibility of witnessing nature's daily dramas unfold across this diverse ecosystem.

Geological RegionDeep in the heart of the Diablo Mountain Range, this campground serves as your gateway to one of California's last great wildernesses. The park's staggering 87,000 acres encompass a landscape largely unchanged by human hands, where rugged ridges and rolling hills create an endless tapestry of peaks and valleys. These ancient mountains, sculpted by millions of years of geological forces, offer a raw, authentic California experience that feels worlds away from the bustling Bay Area, despite being surprisingly close.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

During business hours at park (latest 1 hour before sunset for vehicle access).

Check-out

During business hours
exact time unclear.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Manzanita Point accommodates up to 50 people per group camp.

Groups

Each site accommodates groups of at least nine people, with space for tents and equipment. Up to two equipment vehicles may be allowed under favorable conditions.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layout11 group sites, hike-in access (2-3 miles from Coe Ranch Entrance).

Reservation PlatformsReserveCalifornia website or by calling 1-800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly stated for hike-in group site; backpacking permits available first-come-first-serve.

Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly mentioned.

AccessibilitySpecial arrangements can be made with park staff for access to the site under unique needs. Please contact the park at (408) 779-2728 for assistance.

Site SizeSites are large enough to accommodate group camping setups for at least nine people.

PrivacyThe sites are relatively secluded, offering privacy for group campers.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesBring sufficient water; Sites close to vault toilets may be preferred for convenience.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Camp Store

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Manzanita Point Hike-In Group Campground reflect the rugged and natural environment of Henry W. Coe State Park. Popular options include hiking and wildlife viewing, though campers will need to trek to specific activity locations. Seasonal wildflower blooms and expansive views make hiking particularly appealing during spring. The campground’s location within a larger wilderness ensures opportunities for solitude and outdoor immersion.

HikingManzanita Point offers access to trails within Henry W. Coe State Park, ranging from easy loops to strenuous treks with significant elevation changes. Seasonal wildflowers enhance the hiking experience, particularly in spring.

BikingThe campground can be accessed via mountain bike, and trails near Manzanita Point provide opportunities for moderately difficult rides.

Wildlife viewingWildlife in the park includes mountain lions, bobcats, black-tailed deer, tule elk, gray foxes, and various bird species. Viewing opportunities are best along trails and open areas.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRugged terrain; Summer dehydration risks; Dangerous winter creek overflow; Wildlife presence.

Active AlertsPrescribed burn events (December 9-11); Temporary closures due to burns.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in metal rings only when authorized; No wood gathering; Gas stoves permitted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency - 9-1-1 (variable cellphone reception); Pay phone available at Coe Ranch Entrance Visitor Center. Emergency services not explicitly detailed for hospitals or police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned at Manzanita Point Hike-In Group Campground. Campers should be prepared to pack out all trash.

Water FeaturesNo potable water onsite; Nearby creeks require purification, may dry up in summer.

Camp HostPark staff available for questions; volunteer availability during events.

Weather at Manzanita Point Hike-In Group Campground

Reviews

4.4

7 reviews

Recommended

Manzanita Point Hike-In Group Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the natural beauty and solitude of the site, particularly praising the hike from the park office to Manzanita Point. The lack of potable water and the primitive nature of the campground are noted as challenges but are also seen as part of the authentic outdoor experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive comments from users include the scenic hike to the campground, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and the secluded setting suited for group camping.

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on the lack of potable water and the primitive facilities. Some users also note challenges with hiking in equipment due to the rugged terrain.

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing sufficient water and supplies due to the lack of potable water. Planning for varying trail conditions, especially during wetter seasons, is advised.

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is highlighted as the best time to visit due to mild temperatures and wildflower blooms, while summer challenges include high temperatures and dry conditions. Winter may pose accessibility...

Based on 7 reviews