Huckleberry Group Camping Site

Welcome to Huckleberry Group Camping Site, a truly enchanting destination nestled within the majestic Mount Madonna County Park in Gilroy, California. For Californians seeking a unique and memorable outdoor experience for groups, Huckleberry offers a fantastic blend of natural beauty and surprising comfort. This site is particularly renowned for its yurts, which one delighted reviewer described as "the most magical place I've ever seen." Beyond the allure of yurts, the campground provides ample tent spots enveloped by "beautiful redwoods," offering a classic California camping feel. We understand that locals look for places where they can truly connect with nature while still having access to well-maintained facilities. Huckleberry Group Camping Site excels in this, boasting "friendly staff" and ensuring a clean environment, including "the most beautiful sunset from 'the top of the world'" as experienced by a happy camper. Whether you're looking for a cozy yurt adventure or a traditional tent camping experience for your group, Huckleberry provides a serene and captivating setting where lasting memories are made under the towering trees of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Our commitment is to provide a welcoming, clean, and inspiring environment that makes every visit an adventure to cherish.

Huckleberry Group Camping Site is located within the expansive Mount Madonna County Park, officially listed with the address Mt Madonna Park,, Pole Line Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA. This places it strategically in the southern Santa Cruz Mountains, offering Californians excellent accessibility from major population centers. The park is conveniently situated off Highway 152 (Hecker Pass Highway), which connects directly from Highway 101 (near Gilroy) to Highway 1 (near Watsonville). This well-maintained route ensures a smooth drive for both cars and RVs, making Huckleberry a highly accessible destination for a weekend escape or a longer vacation from the San Francisco Bay Area, San Jose, or even further afield in California. Reviewers have noted the drive time from San Jose is approximately 31 minutes, making it an incredibly convenient "immerse yourself in nature minutes from the Bay Area" location. The elevation of Mount Madonna County Park also provides a welcome respite from summer heat, often being "surprisingly cold," which can be a perfect weather bonus for a long weekend trip. While the campground itself offers a secluded feel within the redwoods, its proximity to Gilroy and Watsonville means that essential supplies, local restaurants, and additional attractions are just a short drive away. This blend of natural immersion and practical convenience makes Huckleberry Group Camping Site an ideal choice for Californians looking for an accessible yet profound outdoor experience.

Huckleberry Group Camping Site, as an integral part of Mount Madonna County Park, provides a comprehensive set of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all campers, especially those in groups. Our focus is on maintaining high standards of cleanliness and offering practical amenities within a beautiful natural setting.

• Yurt Accommodations: A distinctive offering, yurts are available for reservation. These unique, circular, domed-tent-like structures come in three sizes (16', 20', and 24') and include bunk beds with mattresses, fold-out futons, and a wrap-around deck. They are clean, well-kept, and many are pet-friendly.
• Tent Campsites: Numerous tent-only sites are available, some offering more privacy on outer loops, while others are closer for a more social group experience. Each tent site includes a picnic table, fire pit with a grate, and a food storage locker.
• Clean Restrooms (Flush Toilets): Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of the flush toilets and bathhouses. They are well-maintained and often include hand soap, providing a high level of comfort.
• Free Showers: Showers are available within the campground and are typically free of charge (included with the camping fee), a valued amenity for campers after a day of exploration.
• Potable Drinking Water: Access to clean, potable drinking water is available throughout the campground area.
• Food Storage Lockers: Each campsite, including yurts and tent sites, is equipped with a food storage locker to protect food from wildlife.
• Fire Rings with Grates: Metal fire rings with grates are provided at each site, suitable for campfires and cooking. Firewood is often available for purchase at the park entrance.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Leashed pets are generally allowed (up to 2 per site), including in some yurts, making it convenient for Californians to bring their furry companions (with specific rules regarding leash length and restricted areas).
• RV Dump Station: For RV campers, a dump station is available within Mount Madonna County Park, even if Huckleberry itself focuses on yurts and tent sites.
• Trash Collection: Designated trash collection points are available, and campers are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Friendly Staff: Reviews highlight the presence of "friendly staff" and "Park Rangers are very friendly," indicating a helpful and welcoming atmosphere.

Huckleberry Group Camping Site, within Mount Madonna County Park, offers a remarkable array of features and highlights that make it a truly captivating destination for Californians seeking a diverse and enriching outdoor experience.

• Yurt Camping Experience: The availability of yurts is a standout feature, providing a unique "glamping" experience. As noted by one reviewer, they are "very clean and well kept," with real furniture and a comfortable setup that makes camping accessible even for those new to it.
• Beautiful Redwood Forest Setting: The campground is immersed in a stunning redwood forest, characteristic of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This provides ample shade, a cool ambiance even on warmer days, and a classic California natural backdrop, with "beautiful redwoods" creating a serene atmosphere.
• Expansive and Varied Campsites: Huckleberry offers a mix of tent sites, with some areas ("spots 101 to 117") known for being quieter, while other "tent spots tend to have large groups that can be a bit loud," catering to different group preferences for tranquility or social interaction.
• Exceptional Cleanliness: Reviewers consistently praise the "clean restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap," and overall cleanliness of the facilities and sites, which significantly enhances the comfort level.
• Stunning Sunsets from "The Top of the World": The park's elevated position often provides breathtaking views, with one reviewer specifically mentioning "the most beautiful sunset from 'the top of the world'," indicating prime viewing spots nearby.
• Extensive Trail System: Being part of Mount Madonna County Park, campers have access to an extensive network of 14 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. These trails wind through diverse ecosystems, from redwoods to oak woodlands, offering varied difficulty levels (including an "easy walk" like the Redwood Trail) and wildlife viewing opportunities (including white fallow deer).
• Historical and Educational Opportunities: The park features the intriguing ruins of cattle baron Henry Miller's summer home, offering a unique historical element to explore. An outdoor amphitheater hosts interpretive programs and events during peak seasons.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The combination of yurts, trails, and activities makes it ideal for families. Reviews highlight "kids playing outside," "NO screen time and NO gadgets," and "making healthy family time," emphasizing its appeal for family bonding.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: The campground is just a 15-20 minute drive from local amenities in Gilroy (like Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park or Gilroy Outlets) and Watsonville (including Gizdich Ranch for fruit picking), offering options for off-site excursions.

For inquiries, reservations, or any specific questions regarding Huckleberry Group Camping Site within Mount Madonna County Park, please utilize the official contact information for Santa Clara County Parks. It is always best to contact the park's main office for the most accurate and up-to-date details, especially given the popularity of yurts and group sites.

Address: Mt Madonna Park,, Pole Line Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA (Note: The park's main entrance is often associated with Watsonville, but Gilroy is also a common reference point due to proximity)

Phone: (408) 842-2341 (This is the direct number for Mount Madonna County Park)

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the Santa Clara County Parks online reservation system or call their central reservations office:

Santa Clara County Parks Reservations Office: (408) 355-2201

Reservations for yurts and group campsites are particularly popular and can be made up to six months in advance. Due to high demand, especially on weekends and during peak seasons, early booking is strongly advised to secure your preferred dates and accommodation type.

Huckleberry Group Camping Site is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals across California, offering a rich and varied outdoor experience that caters to diverse preferences. For Californians balancing busy urban lives with a desire for natural escape, its convenient location within Mount Madonna County Park means a manageable drive from major metropolitan areas like the Bay Area, maximizing leisure time and minimizing travel stress. This accessibility makes it a prime choice for both quick weekend getaways and more extended family or group vacations.

The unique offering of yurts at Huckleberry is a significant draw, providing a "glamping" option that appeals to those who desire more comfort than traditional tent camping, or who are new to outdoor adventures. As one reviewer aptly put it, the yurts are "the most magical place," offering a cozy and clean base from which to explore. This versatility, combined with traditional tent sites, ensures that a wide range of local campers can find their ideal setup. The consistent praise for "beautiful redwoods" and "friendly staff" underscores the commitment to both natural preservation and guest satisfaction, creating a welcoming and picturesque environment.

Furthermore, being part of Mount Madonna County Park opens up a wealth of activities right at the campers' fingertips. The extensive network of hiking trails, opportunities for wildlife viewing (including the unique fallow deer enclosure), and family-friendly amenities like the visitor center and amphitheater provide ample entertainment and educational opportunities. For locals, this means a chance to unplug and create "healthy family time" away from screens, as one review highlighted. The practical benefits, such as clean restrooms and the availability of amenities like fire pits and food lockers, ensure a comfortable and hassle-free stay. Huckleberry Group Camping Site truly stands out as an accessible, versatile, and beautiful retreat that allows Californians to reconnect with nature and create cherished memories close to home.

Huckleberry Group Camping Site

Mt Madonna Park,, Pole Line Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA