Coe Ranch Campground

Hello, fellow California outdoor enthusiasts! For those of us who cherish the wild, untamed beauty of our state, finding a truly immersive wilderness experience that's also relatively accessible can feel like striking gold. Coe Ranch Campground, nestled within the vast and rugged Henry W. Coe State Park in Morgan Hill, offers just that. As locals, we know the value of escaping the urban sprawl and delving into expansive natural landscapes, and Coe Ranch provides the perfect basecamp for doing exactly that. It's not just a place to pitch your tent; it's a gateway to Northern California's largest state park, an untamed wilderness waiting to be explored.

Coe Ranch Campground is a drive-in primitive campground designed for those who appreciate the simpler side of outdoor living. It caters to both tent and RV campers (with size limitations), providing essential amenities while maintaining a rugged, natural feel. Each of the 19 drive-in campsites comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill grate, perfect for cooking up your favorite camp meals under the stars. While the campsites are considered primitive with no electric, water, or sewage hookups at individual sites, campers have access to nearby vault toilets and potable water spigots – crucial for any comfortable camping trip. Some sites boast panoramic views of the park's ridges and canyons, while others offer cozy spots beneath shady oaks. For sites without natural tree cover, shared ramadas provide welcome shade.

What truly sets Coe Ranch Campground apart is its unique blend of accessibility and wildness. You can drive to your campsite, making it convenient for families and those with more gear, yet you're immediately surrounded by 87,000 acres of incredible wilderness. This allows for diverse experiences, from relaxing at your campsite to embarking on challenging backcountry adventures. The atmosphere here is one of respect for nature and quiet enjoyment, attracting campers who are eager to immerse themselves in the natural environment. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect from the demands of modern life and reconnect with the raw beauty that California has to offer.

Coe Ranch Campground is located at the end of E Dunne Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, USA. This address serves as the main entrance to Henry W. Coe State Park, making it the primary hub for visitors exploring this expansive wilderness. While Morgan Hill provides a convenient urban starting point, be prepared for a journey once you turn onto E. Dunne Avenue. The road to the park headquarters, where the campground is situated, is approximately 13 miles long and can be narrow and winding with significant elevation gain. This winding approach ensures that by the time you arrive, you truly feel a sense of having left civilization behind and entered a world of wild beauty.

Despite its seemingly remote feel, Coe Ranch Campground's location offers remarkable accessibility from major California population centers. It’s a manageable drive from the greater San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose, making it a popular weekend escape for locals. The drive itself is part of the experience, offering scenic views as you ascend into the higher elevations of the Diablo Range. Once at the park headquarters, the campground is immediately adjacent to the Visitor Center, providing easy access to park information, maps, and often a small store for essential supplies or firewood (when fires are permitted).

This strategic location at the park's headquarters also means campers have immediate access to numerous trailheads for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Whether you're looking for a short, scenic stroll or a multi-day backpacking adventure into the park's vast backcountry, Coe Ranch Campground is the ideal starting point. The elevated position of the campground, at approximately 2,600 feet, provides cooler temperatures than the valley floor and offers glimpses of the extensive backcountry, hinting at the adventures that lie beyond your campsite. Its position truly acts as the perfect launchpad for exploring the wild heart of Henry W. Coe State Park.

Services Offered:

• 19 drive-in campsites suitable for tents and RVs (up to 25 ft motorhomes, 20 ft trailers).
• Each campsite includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill grate.
• Access to vault toilets conveniently located near campsites.
• Potable water spigots available in the campground area (non-potable at backcountry sites).
• Shared ramadas for shade at sites without natural tree cover.
• Proximity to the park's Visitor Center for information, maps, and essential supplies (e.g., firewood).
• Permitted campfires in fire rings when conditions allow (check current fire regulations).
• Self-registration system available when the Visitor Center is closed.
• Dogs are allowed in the Coe Ranch Campground, on paved roads, and one trail connecting to the parking lot.

Features / Highlights:

• Gateway to Henry W. Coe State Park, Northern California's largest state park (over 87,000 acres).
• Located on an open ridge at 2,600 feet, offering panoramic views from some sites.
• Excellent base for extensive hiking, mountain biking (over 250 miles of trails), and horseback riding.
• Opportunities for wildlife viewing (deer, coyotes, bobcats, various bird species).
• Dark skies provide excellent stargazing opportunities away from city light pollution.
• Offers a true wilderness experience while still being accessible by vehicle.
• Close proximity to the park's Visitor Center for resources and assistance.
• Reservations are highly recommended, especially during spring, summer, and holiday weekends.
• Diverse scenery ranging from shady oaks to open, expansive views.

Contact Information:

Address: E Dunne Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, USA (Henry W. Coe State Park Headquarters)

Phone: (408) 779-2728 (Henry W. Coe State Park Visitor Center)

Reservations: Can be made online via ReserveCalifornia.com

For us Californians, Coe Ranch Campground is more than just a place to camp; it's an essential part of experiencing the rugged and expansive beauty of our state's interior. Its unique position as a drive-in campground at the very entrance of Henry W. Coe State Park makes it incredibly suitable for a wide range of locals, from families introducing their kids to primitive camping to seasoned adventurers planning multi-day backcountry treks. The convenience of being able to drive to your site, coupled with immediate access to thousands of acres of wilderness trails, strikes a perfect balance.

What truly resonates with locals is the feeling of being "a world away" despite being a relatively accessible drive from the Bay Area. The panoramic views from the ridge, the quiet evenings under a blanket of stars, and the abundant opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation provide a much-needed antidote to urban life. The park's commitment to preserving its wild character means you're truly immersing yourself in nature, while the availability of potable water and vault toilets at the campground ensures a comfortable primitive experience.

Whether you're looking for a challenging mountain biking adventure, a peaceful hiking excursion to one of the park's many lakes, or simply a tranquil spot to enjoy a campfire (when permitted) and the company of loved ones, Coe Ranch Campground delivers. Its reputation as the gateway to Northern California’s largest state park is well-earned, and for any Californian seeking an authentic outdoor experience that blends wildness with convenience, Coe Ranch Campground is an absolute must-visit. It truly allows us to connect with the untamed heart of our incredible state.

Coe Ranch Campground

E Dunne Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, USA