Mt. Madonna Campground

Mt. Madonna campground is part of the Santa Clara (California) County park system. If you have looked into staying at a coastal campground in Central California and couldn't find a spot, try Mt. Madonna. Because it is a county park, you won't find it on Reserve America, so it's easy to miss. The park has a fenced-in herd of White Fallow deer, the decedents of a gift from the Hearst family, and tons of great hiking. It's only twenty miles from Sunset and Manresa State beaches, a world class disc golf course (Pinto Lake), and Gizditch Ranch (an apple orchard featuring a wonderful bakery with fresh pies and cider daily). It's forty minutes from Santa Cruz to the north and Monterrey to the south. There are several campgrounds, one with electric and water hook ups, as well as Yurt rentals. For a quieter stay, the Tan Oak campground offers large sites to dry campers well away from the busier campsites. We have camped there several times, have never been disappointed and could always get a spot.