Coe Ranch Campground

0 review

9000 East Dunne Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Great Hiking

Quick Facts

2,600 ft

Price

$5 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California Department of Parks and Recreation site

Official Website

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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

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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

Coe Ranch Campground

$5.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Drive-in campsites are $20 per night, which includes 1 vehicle. Additional Vehicle Fee is $8 per night. Senior Rate is $2 less per night. Group...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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

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Limited Reviews

Based on 0 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulhiking

"Reviews praise the scenic views, challenging trails, and quiet atmosphere but note limited amenities and steep terrain."

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Campground Map

9000 East Dunne Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Coe Ranch Campground

9000 East Dunne Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

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

The road to Coe Ranch Campground is narrow and winding, extending for 10 miles past Anderson Lake. Campers should be prepared for a 30-minute drive with challenging terrain.

Nearby places

Morgan Hill (13 miles, approximately 30 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Camping supplies can be purchased at the Visitor Center. Additional supplies may be obtained in nearby Morgan Hill, 13 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Coe Ranch Campground

Time your visit to capture nature's perfect moods: spring arrives with gentle breezes and wildflower-scented air, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues under crisp, clear skies. Summer transforms the mountaintop into a sun-drenched escape where days soar above 90°F before cooling to refreshing 50-degree evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. Winter brings its own drama as Pacific storms sweep through, dropping temperatures to the 50s by day and crisp 30s at night. During these wet months, seasonal creeks come alive with rushing water, creating a dynamic landscape that demands respect and careful navigation.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summer is hot; topography and heat reduce comfort though holiday demand remains.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn praised for golden hues, crisp clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in CA

Spring (Feb–May) features vibrant wildflowers, temperate weather and is the park's peak season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter is wet with dangerous creek crossings; some entrances close seasonally.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Spring is particularly busy, as are holiday weekends.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, though some entrances (e.g., Dowdy Ranch) close seasonally.
Current Alerts: Prescribed burns from December 9-11, 2024, may temporarily close selected trails. Check with staff for updates.

About Coe Ranch Campground

Perched dramatically atop a ridge at 2,600 feet, Coe Ranch Campground invites adventurers to wake up to breathtaking panoramas of rolling ridges, deep canyons, and the sprawling southern Santa Clara Valley below. This intimate mountaintop retreat features 20 thoughtfully positioned drive-in campsites, each furnished with picnic tables and campfire pits where stories and s'mores come to life under starlit skies. Choose between primitive sites with parking adjacent to dedicated tent pads or traditional spots perfect for your camping setup. While the nearby Visitor Center provides modern flush toilets for your convenience, the absence of showers encourages a true back-to-nature experience that reconnects you with the wilderness.

Coe Ranch Campground is primarily a drive-in facility with primitive sites suitable for tents and vehicles. Group camping is available at designated hike-in sites.

Historical SignificanceThis land tells stories both ancient and evolving. Today, Coe Ranch Campground stands as a testament to collaborative stewardship, with park management working hand-in-hand with the Tamien Nation to implement traditional prescribed burns and ecological projects. This meaningful partnership honors indigenous knowledge while protecting the landscape for future generations, creating a living classroom where cultural heritage and environmental preservation unite.

Weather and SeasonsTime your visit to capture nature's perfect moods: spring arrives with gentle breezes and wildflower-scented air, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues under crisp, clear skies. Summer transforms the mountaintop into a sun-drenched escape where days soar above 90°F before cooling to refreshing 50-degree evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. Winter brings its own drama as Pacific storms sweep through, dropping temperatures to the 50s by day and crisp 30s at night. During these wet months, seasonal creeks come alive with rushing water, creating a dynamic landscape that demands respect and careful navigation.

ElevationAt 2,600 feet above sea level, Coe Ranch Campground offers a natural escape to cooler mountain air and commanding views that stretch for miles. This elevated perch provides relief from valley heat while positioning campers perfectly to witness spectacular sunrises painting distant peaks and fog-filled valleys below in shades of gold and rose.

Natural Features and SceneryNestled within the dramatic Diablo Mountain Range, the campground immerses visitors in a landscape where towering Ponderosa Pines mingle with sprawling Oak Woodlands across rugged, undulating terrain. From February through May, nature puts on its finest show as vibrant wildflowers carpet the hillsides in brilliant splashes of orange poppies, purple lupines, and golden mustard. This ever-changing canvas of colors, textures, and mountain vistas creates an outdoor gallery that transforms with each passing season.

Geological RegionThe Diablo Mountain Range serves as your dramatic backdrop, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of striking contrasts. These rugged mountains tell a story written in stone, featuring scenic ridges that ripple toward the horizon and deep valleys carved by time, creating a terrain that challenges hikers and rewards them with discoveries around every bend.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is allowed until 12 PM the following day of reservation.

Check-out

Check-out times are not explicitly mentioned, but campers must vacate based on reservation end date.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 people per campsite.

Groups

Group sites such as Manzanita Point accommodate between 9 to 50 backpackers depending on the site. Poverty Flat supports 9 to 25 people. Access requires hiking, and seasonal water sources may dry up by late summer.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are distributed along a steep ridge. Tent-only and primitive sites are available.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through ReserveCalifornia at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites not reserved are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Saturdays and holiday weekends tend to fill up quickly.

Cancellation PolicyReservations must be canceled as per guidelines on ReserveCalifornia. Failing to notify late arrivals may result in forfeiture of your campsite.

AccessibilityOne ADA accessible campsite (Site 003) is available and can be reserved for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are generally described as primitive and vary in size. Limited tent space is noted due to the campground’s location on a narrow, steep ridge.

PrivacySites are located on an open ridge at 2,600 feet, offering scenic views but limited privacy due to lack of surrounding vegetation.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesSelect sites based on proximity to potable water and views. Sites 11 and 13 are highly recommended.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers access to extensive hiking trails, mountain biking opportunities, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing.

HikingThe park features over 250 miles of hiking trails ranging from leisurely loops to strenuous backpacking routes with elevation gains in the thousands of feet.

FishingFishing is available in park lakes and ponds, with species including largemouth bass, green sunfish, crappie, bluegill, and rainbow trout. Access requires significant hiking over rugged terrain.

SwimmingSwimming is possible in park ponds and lakes such as China Hole and Coit Lake, but requires hiking or biking trips ranging from 4 to 25 miles roundtrip.

BikingOver 200 miles of rugged roads and trails are open to mountain biking, including moderately difficult options near the Coe Ranch Entrance.

Wildlife viewingWildlife includes mountain lions, bobcats, black-tailed deer, tule elk, and gray foxes. Visitors are advised to store food securely.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive exhibits and seasonal programs are available at the Visitor Center.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMountain Lions, Bobcats, and other wildlife inhabit the area, requiring secure food storage. Rugged terrain and seasonal creek flooding can pose risks.

Active AlertsPrescribed burns from December 9-11, 2024, may temporarily close selected trails. Check with staff for updates.

Fire PolicyWood and charcoal fires are permitted in metal rings provided at the campground. Fire bans may be imposed during wildfire season.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be reached by dialing 9-1-1. There is variable cellphone reception, but a pay phone is available outside the Coe Ranch Entrance Visitor Center.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal facilities are available. Recycling options are not specified.

Water FeaturesSeasonal ponds and creeks are accessible by hiking or mountain biking, with destinations like Frog Lake and China Hole being popular.

Camp HostPark staff and volunteers are available at the Visitor Center for assistance.

Weather at Coe Ranch Campground

Reviews

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Coe Ranch Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews praise the scenic views, challenging trails, and quiet atmosphere but note limited amenities and steep terrain.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

"Amazing views from the ridge," "Great hiking trails," "Quiet and peaceful environment."

Common Concerns

"No showers available," "Steep terrain may be difficult for beginners," "Limited privacy due to open ridge setting."

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early during busy spring weekends, carry plenty of water, and reserve popular sites like 11 and 13.

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are lauded for temperate weather and abundant wildflowers, while summer is hot and winter wet with dangerous creek crossings.

Camper Quotes

"Perfect for the adventurous camper—be prepared for rugged terrain!" "Site 11 has the best views of the valley." "No showers, but flush toilets at the Visitor Center are a nice touch."