Manzanita Group Campsite

Greetings, Californians! Are you seeking a fantastic outdoor destination capable of hosting your entire crew, whether it’s a massive family reunion, a large scout troop, or a memorable gathering of friends? Look no further than Manzanita Group Campsite, a crown jewel within the stunning Mt. Madonna County Park. This isn't just any campground; it's specifically designed to accommodate substantial groups, offering ample space and essential amenities to ensure your collective adventure is seamless and spectacular.

Manzanita Group Campsite stands out as the largest group campsite within Mt. Madonna County Park, a significant advantage for those planning events that require generous space. With the capacity to host up to 240 people and 30 vehicles, it truly is a venue built for grand gatherings. Imagine the joy of having an entire section of a beautiful county park dedicated to your group, where you can spread out, socialize, and engage in activities without feeling cramped or encroaching on other campers' privacy.

This campsite is more than just a place to pitch tents; it's a dynamic outdoor space. It's equipped with several picnic tables, a substantial BBQ pit perfect for communal meals, and a large fire ring that serves as a natural focal point for evening storytelling and s'mores. While a significant portion of the site is taken up by a large dirt parking lot, this seemingly utilitarian feature has been highlighted by previous visitors as a "great play area for all the kids to ride bikes in and run around," adding an unexpected bonus for families with active youngsters. Manzanita Group Campsite truly caters to the needs of large groups, offering both practical amenities and a vast environment for recreation and relaxation.

Manzanita Group Campsite is proudly located within Mt. Madonna County Park, with the address 276R+M9, Llagas-Uvas, CA 95076, USA. This places it in the scenic Santa Clara County, nestled in the southern end of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The park itself is a majestic natural haven, dominated by towering redwood forests that characteristic of this beautiful mountain range. To the east, the park offers stunning views of the Santa Clara Valley, while to the west, you can catch glimpses of Monterey Bay, providing a diverse and breathtaking backdrop for your group's outdoor experience.

Accessibility to Manzanita Group Campsite is excellent for Californians across the region. Mt. Madonna County Park is located on Highway 152 (Hecker Pass Highway), approximately ten miles west of Gilroy. This means it's a relatively straightforward drive for residents coming from the greater San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose, Oakland, and San Francisco, as well as those from the Central Valley and Salinas Valley. The journey to the park often involves picturesque drives through agricultural lands and winding mountain roads, setting the stage for a true escape into nature.

Once within Mt. Madonna County Park, finding Manzanita Group Campsite is clear, and the park staff can assist with directions upon arrival. The park's well-maintained roads ensure easy access for vehicles, even with larger groups arriving. This strategic location offers the best of both worlds: a serene, expansive natural environment for your group, combined with reasonable driving distances from major population centers, making it an ideal choice for a convenient yet immersive California camping adventure.

As a premier group camping destination, Manzanita Group Campsite offers a range of services tailored to large gatherings within Mt. Madonna County Park. While specific booking details should always be confirmed directly, typical services and facilities at such a robust group site include:

• Vast Camping Capacity: Accommodates up to 240 people, ensuring plenty of space for large gatherings.
• Vehicle Capacity: Can host up to 30 vehicles, providing ample parking for your entire group.
• Multiple Picnic Tables: Strategically placed throughout the site to facilitate group dining and activities.
• Large BBQ Pit: Perfect for communal cooking and grilling for a big party.
• Expansive Fire Ring: A central gathering point for campfires, storytelling, and evening entertainment.
• Plenty of Tent Space: Ample flat ground for pitching numerous tents.
• Clean Restroom Facilities: Located within Mt. Madonna County Park, generally noted by visitors for their cleanliness and maintenance. (While specific to Manzanita, park facilities are available to campers).
• Potable Water: Access to drinking water is typically available at group sites within county parks.
• Showers: Available within Mt. Madonna County Park for campers, often with no coins needed (though a camping fee applies for use).
• Dedicated Parking Lot: A large dirt area within the site, serving as a convenient parking space and an open play area.

These services ensure that groups have the necessary infrastructure to manage their stay comfortably and effectively, from cooking and dining to sleeping and recreation.

Manzanita Group Campsite truly shines with its standout features and highlights, making it a top choice for group camping in California:

• Unmatched Capacity: Its ability to host up to 240 people and 30 vehicles is a rare find for group campsites, making it ideal for the largest gatherings.
• Dedicated Group Space: The entire site is exclusively for your group, offering privacy and freedom for your activities without public interference.
• Versatile Layout: The combination of designated tent areas, picnic tables, and a large open dirt lot provides flexibility for various group activities, from team games to bike riding for kids.
• Essential Group Amenities: The inclusion of a large BBQ pit and a huge fire ring directly within the campsite makes communal cooking and evening gatherings incredibly convenient and enjoyable.
• Immersive Natural Setting: Located within Mt. Madonna County Park, campers are surrounded by beautiful redwood forests, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing (including the unique white fallow deer in an enclosed pen), and enjoying nature.
• Family-Friendly Fun: The "huge dirt parking lot" serving as a play area for children's bikes and running around is a particular highlight mentioned by past visitors, adding significant value for families.

These features combine to create an environment that is not just a place to stay, but a memorable outdoor venue for collective experiences.

To inquire about reservations, availability, or any specific details regarding Manzanita Group Campsite, you can contact Mt. Madonna County Park directly. Group camping sites, especially those of this size, typically require advance reservations due to their popularity.

Address: 276R+M9, Llagas-Uvas, CA 95076, USA (within Mt. Madonna County Park)

Phone: (408) 842-2341

Mobile Phone: +1 408-842-2341

It's always recommended to call well in advance, especially for peak seasons or weekend dates, as group sites can book up quickly. The park staff can provide the most current information on booking procedures, fees, and any specific rules or fire restrictions that might be in place during your intended visit.

For Californians, Manzanita Group Campsite is an outstanding choice for any large-scale outdoor gathering. Its generous capacity and dedicated group facilities directly address the common challenge of finding suitable space for big parties in popular camping destinations. Located in the beautiful Mt. Madonna County Park, it offers a convenient escape into nature without requiring excessive travel from major population centers in the Bay Area and beyond.

The positive feedback from previous visitors, particularly highlighting the "huge dirt parking lot" as a play area for kids and the general amenities like picnic tables, BBQ pit, and fire ring, underscores its suitability for local families, scout troops, and community organizations. It provides the perfect blend of essential amenities and expansive natural beauty, allowing groups to focus on building connections, creating lasting memories, and enjoying the unique outdoor experiences that only California can offer. Manzanita Group Campsite truly is a prime location for your next large group adventure in the Golden State.

Manzanita Group Campsite

276R+M9, Llagas-Uvas, CA 95076, USA