How much does camping cost at Mt. Madonna?

Camping fees at Mt. Madonna range from $41-$106/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mt. Madonna first-come first-served or reservation?

Mt. Madonna accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Mt. Madonna before I book?

Yes! Mt. Madonna has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Mt. Madonna?

Mt. Madonna is open March 1 - October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mt. Madonna?

Yes, Mt. Madonna has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Mt. Madonna?

Fire policies at Mt. Madonna: Designated fire rings/pits with grates are provided at campsites; use only in designated locations (amenities reported by park and visitors).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Mt. Madonna have?

Mt. Madonna has 110 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mt. Madonna?

Yes, pets are allowed at Mt. Madonna. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Mt. Madonna?

Mt. Madonna offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mt. Madonna?

Popular activities at Mt. Madonna include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mt. Madonna

4.82

180 reviews

Mt. Madonna

Family FriendlyScenic Views

Quick Facts

Price

$41 - $106/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

110 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$41 - $106/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

110 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Mt. Madonna

$41.00 - $106.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Tent $41/night, RV $53/night (with water/electric hookups), Yurts $73-$106/night. Group sites $140-$400/night. 25% off-peak discount Nov 1 - Feb 28.

Standard Site Fee$41.00

Hookup Site Fee$53.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$140.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Santa Clara County Parks

Provider

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What Campers Say

4.82

Top-Rated

Based on 180 reviews

837 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersshade

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Generally highly rated for its peaceful, forested setting, clean restrooms and hot showers, and well-maintained trails. Common issues mentioned include wildlife (skunks, raccoons, mosquitoes), occasional noisy groups, limited cell coverage, and some temporary site closures for maintenance."

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Campground Map

Mt. Madonna

37.0086, -121.6986

Nearby supplies

Gilroy (about 15 minutes by car, per visitor reports)

Best Time to Camp at Mt. Madonna

The campground stays noticeably cooler than Gilroy and San Jose year-round. Mornings often start foggy in the redwoods, so bring layers even in summer. Summer weekends bring live music to the amphitheater. Expect persistent morning moisture under tall trees. Some areas close periodically for forest maintenance.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Wildflower meadows and pleasant temps make spring especially appealing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 1 - October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round

About Mt. Madonna

Mt. Madonna sits in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where 110 sites spread across Valley View and Tan Oak loops at elevations cooler than the valley floor. The county park offers everything from yurts and RV hookups to rustic tent sites under redwoods, with hot showers, 14 miles of trails, and an archery range. Sites run $41-106 per night and book up to six months ahead.

Provides designated tent sites, RV sites with partial hookups, and several yurts available for lodging.

Historical Significance

The park contains ruins of the Miller Estate, which locals attach to ghost stories and legends. The white fallow deer near the ranger station trace their lineage to animals kept on Henry Miller's estate, later part of Hearst's collection.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground stays noticeably cooler than Gilroy and San Jose year-round. Mornings often start foggy in the redwoods, so bring layers even in summer. Summer weekends bring live music to the amphitheater. Expect persistent morning moisture under tall trees. Some areas close periodically for forest maintenance.

Natural Features and SceneryThe 3,688-acre park straddles ridgetops between Santa Clara Valley to the east and Monterey Bay to the west. Redwood groves give way to oak woodland, chaparral slopes, and meadows cut by small streams. Some sites nestle in cool shade under ancient trees, others open to grassy hillsides. Morning fog rolls through the redwoods regularly, leaving everything damp until midday. White fallow deer descended from William Randolph Hearst's former zoo collection roam near the ranger station. Skunks and raccoons are active nightly, especially if food isn't secured in the provided lockers.

Geological RegionSanta Cruz Mountains

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

A range of day- and overnight activities including hiking and mountain trails, archery, equestrian use, wildlife viewing, picnicking, stargazing, and family-friendly biking on camp loops.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as skunks and raccoons may raid campsites if food is not stored properly; mosquitoes can be an issue in some areas. Cell coverage is fair to poor in places. Do not feed the white fallow deer. Portions of the park/campground may be closed periodically for forest maintenance.

Weather at Mt. Madonna

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.8

180 reviews

Top-Rated

Mt. Madonna is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Generally highly rated for its peaceful, forested setting, clean restrooms and hot showers, and well-maintained trails. Common issues mentioned include wildlife (skunks, raccoons, mosquitoes), occasional noisy groups, limited cell coverage, and some temporary site closures for maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 180 reviews

What Campers Love

Shaded redwood campsites, scenic views, clean bathrooms and hot showers, yurts and partial RV hookups, family- and kid-friendly, extensive trail network, close to nearby towns/attractions.

Based on 180 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Store food in provided lockers and secure campsites at night; reserve well in advance (reservations open up to six months); bring layers for cool mornings and expect fog and morning moisture under...

Based on 180 reviews

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Last updated April 6, 2026

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