How much does camping cost at Uvas Canyon?

Camping fees at Uvas Canyon range from $6-$41/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Uvas Canyon first-come first-served or reservation?

Uvas Canyon 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 Uvas Canyon before I book?

Yes! Uvas Canyon has 16 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 Uvas Canyon?

Uvas Canyon 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 Uvas Canyon?

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

Can I have a campfire at Uvas Canyon?

Fire policies at Uvas Canyon: Site amenities include fire rings with grills; firewood is sold by rangers.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Uvas Canyon?

Cell phone service at Uvas Canyon is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Uvas Canyon have?

Uvas Canyon has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Uvas Canyon?

Yes, pets are allowed at Uvas Canyon. 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 Uvas Canyon?

Uvas Canyon offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Uvas Canyon

4.62

169 reviews

Uvas Canyon

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

Price

$6 - $41/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Showers

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$6 - $41/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Showers

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Uvas Canyon

$6.00 - $41.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Parking fee reported as $6. Camping fees not specified in provided sources. Firewood available for purchase from rangers.

Standard Site Fee$41.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$175.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Santa Clara County Parks

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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 169 reviews

1445 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerypeacefulcleanshowers

Some mention

noisereservationcell service

"Visitor sentiment is strongly positive, praising the park's waterfalls, shaded trails, and well-maintained restrooms and showers. Common notes include the need for reservations and limited parking, variable cell coverage, and that noise can carry between closely spaced sites."

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Campground Map

Uvas Canyon

37.0852, -121.7919

Best Time to Camp at Uvas Canyon

Winter and early spring deliver the fullest waterfall flows and the richest greenery, when every cascade runs loud and moss thickens on canyon walls. Heavy rains can flood trails like the Contour Trail, making footing slippery or passage impossible. Check conditions before heading out and expect muddy boots. The park stays open year-round, and fall offers quieter visits with moderate temperatures. Summer is drier, waterfalls slow to a trickle, but the shaded trails remain pleasant.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Early spring = 'waterfall wonderland' with fullest flows — highlighted seasonal peak.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 1 - October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; waterfalls are most impressive in wetter seasons. Trails may flood during wet weather.

About Uvas Canyon

Uvas Canyon County Park sits tucked into a 1,147-acre canyon on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where half a dozen waterfalls tumble over moss-covered rock within walking distance of camp. The 25-site campground offers hot showers and clean restrooms, and reservations are required year-round. Fees run $6–$41 per night.

A small developed campground with numbered individual sites; specific campsites (sites 14–18, especially 17 and 18) are commonly recommended. Reservations are required and parking is limited.

Historical Significance

The campground sits adjacent to Sveadal, a private resort associated with the Swedish American Patriotic League. Visitors must drive through the Sveadal community to reach the park. Respect the private property and drive slowly.

Weather and SeasonsWinter and early spring deliver the fullest waterfall flows and the richest greenery, when every cascade runs loud and moss thickens on canyon walls. Heavy rains can flood trails like the Contour Trail, making footing slippery or passage impossible. Check conditions before heading out and expect muddy boots. The park stays open year-round, and fall offers quieter visits with moderate temperatures. Summer is drier, waterfalls slow to a trickle, but the shaded trails remain pleasant.

Natural Features and SceneryThe canyon unfolds as a dense canopy of Douglas fir, coast redwood, oak, bay laurel, and tanbark oak, their trunks wrapped in moss and ferns blanketing the understory. Seasonal creeks wind through the canyon floor, feeding several named waterfalls that drop into shaded pools and grottos. The popular Waterfall Loop Trail strings these cascades together, while the Contour and Knibbs Knob trails climb higher for ridge glimpses through the trees. In wet months, whitewater roars over every ledge. By late summer, flows diminish but the forest stays cool and green.

Geological RegionUpper Uvas Canyon, on the eastern side of the Santa 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

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The site is primarily used for hiking and picnicking, with trails that highlight a series of waterfalls and wooded canyon scenery.

Hiking

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTrails can flood in wet seasons (Contour Trail noted). Some trails have very steep sections (Knibbs Knob described as steep). Noise can carry between closely spaced campsites; cell coverage is variable depending on carrier.

Weather at Uvas Canyon

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

4.6

169 reviews

Top-Rated

Uvas Canyon is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor sentiment is strongly positive, praising the park's waterfalls, shaded trails, and well-maintained restrooms and showers. Common notes include the need for reservations and limited parking, variable cell coverage, and that noise can carry between closely spaced sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 169 reviews

What Campers Love

Stunning waterfall scenery and well-maintained hiking trails; clean flush toilets and hot showers; peaceful, shady setting; ranger presence and on-site firewood sales.

Based on 169 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Make reservations in advance and prepay parking when required; visit in wetter seasons (spring) for best waterfall flows; choose sites 17–18 if available; check vehicle fit for sites and drive slowly...

Based on 169 reviews

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Last updated April 6, 2026

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