Santa Clara County Peace Officers Association

For Californians, especially those residing in the bustling Bay Area, finding a truly unique and serene escape into nature can be a rare gem. The Santa Clara County Peace Officers Association (SCCPOA) offers just such a place: a private campground nestled among the redwoods above the City of Saratoga. This isn't a public park; it's a dedicated facility on 171 acres, primarily for members of the SCCPOA and sponsored youth groups, providing a distinctive blend of outdoor recreation, educational opportunities, and a sense of community. If you're part of this specific community in California, this campground offers an exclusive opportunity to enjoy the wilderness in a secure and amenity-rich environment.

California's diverse landscapes are renowned, from its stunning coastlines to its majestic mountains. The Santa Cruz Mountains, where this property is located, offer a rich tapestry of towering redwoods, lush canyons, and abundant wildlife, providing a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. For local peace officers and their families, or the youth groups they sponsor, having access to such a private and well-equipped wilderness area within a reasonable distance of the urban sprawl is an invaluable asset. It allows for a deeper connection with nature, fostering skills, camaraderie, and a quiet retreat from the demands of daily life.

The SCCPOA property is more than just a place to pitch a tent. It's designed to be a comprehensive outdoor hub, boasting not only a campground but also a pistol range and an archery range. This unique combination caters to a variety of interests, from traditional camping and hiking to specialized recreational activities. The campground itself features "8 tent cabins," each equipped with "wood floors, picnic tables, and barbecues," providing a more comfortable camping experience than traditional tenting. Imagine enjoying a campfire under the stars, surrounded by the tranquility of the forest, after a day of outdoor pursuits.

While the private nature of this campground ensures a controlled and secure environment, it also means access is restricted. It's not open to the general public, emphasizing its role as a dedicated resource for the SCCPOA community. Feedback from visitors, such as "Our scouts loved the camp!", highlights its suitability for youth activities and group enjoyment, suggesting a positive and engaging atmosphere for its intended users. However, one review mentioned "cold weather. Rainy climate. Lots of mosquitoes" and a rather unusual discovery, indicating that, like any outdoor environment, it is subject to natural conditions and requires typical preparedness for wilderness elements. Being in the mountains, weather can change, and insects are part of the ecosystem.

Despite these natural considerations, the Santa Clara County Peace Officers Association Campground stands out as a unique and valuable amenity for its members and sponsored groups in California. It provides a secure, well-equipped, and naturally beautiful setting for outdoor recreation, community building, and personal development, fostering positive interactions and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

The Santa Clara County Peace Officers Association Campground is located at 24090 Deer Path Rd, Saratoga, CA 95070, USA. This address places it within the Santa Cruz Mountains, specifically "above the City of Saratoga," a charming and affluent community in Santa Clara County, California.

This location is strategically chosen for its natural beauty and relative seclusion, while still being accessible from the greater Silicon Valley and Bay Area regions. The property spans "171 acres," offering ample space for various activities and a genuine wilderness feel "hidden among the redwoods." For locals in California, especially those in the Santa Clara Valley, this means a significant escape into nature is just a short drive away, minimizing travel time and maximizing recreational opportunities.

Accessibility to the campground typically involves navigating mountain roads, as it is situated "off Highway 9" in a mountainous region. While the exact access road (Deer Path Rd) would be a local road, its connection to Highway 9, a well-known route through the Santa Cruz Mountains, ensures relatively straightforward navigation for those familiar with the area. The drive offers scenic views and prepares visitors for the natural setting they are about to enter.

The surrounding area is rich with California's iconic natural features, including towering redwood forests and diverse wildlife such as "birds, deer, chipmunks, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, and an occasional rattlesnake." While bobcat sightings and mountain lion tracks are rare, their presence underscores the wild character of the property. This immersive natural environment, combined with its proximity to urban centers like San Jose and Cupertino, makes it a uniquely positioned destination for its exclusive user base, providing both convenience and a profound sense of natural escape.

The Santa Clara County Peace Officers Association Campground, as a private facility, offers a range of specific services and amenities designed to support its members and sponsored youth groups in a wilderness setting. These services focus on providing essential comforts and recreational opportunities.

• Tent Cabins: The campground features "8 tent cabins" (12'x16' in size), each equipped with "wood floors, picnic tables, and barbecues." This provides a semi-rustic yet comfortable camping experience, removing the need for campers to bring their own tents.

• Restrooms with Hot Showers: Essential for a comfortable stay, the facility includes "male and female restrooms complete with hot and cold running water, flush toilets, and showers." This is a significant amenity for a wilderness campground, enhancing the overall experience.

• Potable Water (Limited): While "well water is provided for the bathrooms," it's explicitly stated that "the other water outlets in the campground area's are chlorinated but not potable so bring water for drinking and cooking." This is a crucial piece of information, as campers need to plan accordingly for drinking water.

• Pistol Range: A notable feature is a "50-yard pistol range" with "eight paved shooting lanes." This range is available for use by SCCPOA members and their immediate family, with specific rules and guest allowances. It serves as a training and recreational facility for peace officers.

• Archery Range: "Another area nestled above our campground is an archery range." This range provides "two boxed targets with markings up to 25 yards," offering a dedicated space for archery enthusiasts.

• Group Barbecue Area: A "large brick barbecue for group usage" is available, facilitating communal meals and gatherings, particularly beneficial for sponsored youth groups.

• Campfire Amphitheater: There is a "large circular cement firepit surrounded by seating," creating a central gathering place for campfires, storytelling, and group activities. It's important to note that "No fires are permitted except for the firepit and barbecues," and local fire warnings must be honored.

• Recreational Facilities: Within the campground, there are "2 children play structure areas, swings," a "volleyball court and two basketball hoops," and "horse shoe pits," providing a variety of recreational options for both youth and adults.

• Hiking Trails: The property features "hiking trails," allowing visitors to explore the 171 acres of wilderness and enjoy the natural surroundings.

• On-Site Office: A "smaller wooden structure" serves as an "on-site office for the S.C.C.P.O.A.," indicating a presence for administrative needs or support during open periods.

The Santa Clara County Peace Officers Association Campground offers several unique features and highlights that set it apart, especially for its target audience in California. These aspects contribute to a distinctive and memorable outdoor experience.

• Exclusive Access & Private Wilderness: As a private property for SCCPOA members and sponsored youth groups, it provides a secure and controlled environment. This exclusivity ensures a less crowded experience and a higher sense of safety within "171 acres" of "wilderness, hidden among the redwoods," offering a tranquil retreat rarely found in public campgrounds.

• Comfortable Tent Cabins: The presence of "8 tent cabins" with "wood floors, picnic tables, and barbecues" is a significant highlight. These semi-permanent structures offer a more comfortable and convenient camping option, bridging the gap between traditional tent camping and cabin rentals, especially appealing for families or those new to outdoor overnight stays.

• Integrated Recreational Facilities: The unique combination of a campground with a "pistol range" and an "archery range" on the same property is a major draw. This allows for diverse recreational activities that cater to specific interests, providing opportunities for skill development and target practice in a controlled environment for authorized users.

• Modern Restroom Facilities: The availability of "male and female restrooms complete with hot and cold running water, flush toilets, and showers" is a premium feature for a campground in a natural setting. This level of comfort greatly enhances the overall camping experience, particularly for families and longer stays.

• Dedicated Youth-Focused Amenities: With "2 children play structure areas, swings," a "volleyball court," "basketball hoops," and a "campfire amphitheater," the campground is exceptionally well-equipped for youth groups. This makes it an ideal location for scout camps and other youth programs, fostering positive interactions and outdoor education.

• Rich Natural Environment & Wildlife: The property's setting in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with towering redwoods and diverse wildlife (including deer, raccoons, and various birds), offers a true immersion in California's natural beauty. The opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing enhance the outdoor experience.

• Commitment to Community Service: The SCCPOA's mission to provide services to "underprivileged, disadvantaged, and/or at-risk youth" through programs like their Campership Program, using this property, highlights a strong community service aspect. This gives the campground a purpose beyond just recreation, adding to its positive impact.

For inquiries, membership information, or details regarding sponsored youth group access to the Santa Clara County Peace Officers Association Campground, you can utilize the following contact information:

Address: 24090 Deer Path Rd, Saratoga, CA 95070, USA

Phone: (408) 264-1224

Mobile Phone: +1 408-264-1224

As this is a private facility, direct contact is generally recommended to understand specific access policies, availability, and any requirements for membership or youth group sponsorship. Further information might also be found on the official SCCPOA website (sccpoa.org), which provides details about their mission, property, and various programs.

For locals in California, particularly those connected to the Santa Clara County Peace Officers Association or participating in their sponsored youth programs, this campground represents an exceptionally suitable and valuable resource. Its design and operation are uniquely tailored to provide a secure, enriching, and comfortable outdoor experience that aligns perfectly with the needs of its specific community.

Firstly, the exclusivity of this private 171-acre property is a significant draw for its members. In a densely populated region like the Bay Area, having access to a tranquil wilderness retreat that is not open to the general public offers a distinct advantage, ensuring a more peaceful and controlled environment. This translates to a higher sense of safety and privacy, allowing families and groups to fully relax and enjoy their time in nature without the common concerns associated with crowded public campgrounds.

Secondly, the range of amenities, including comfortable tent cabins with wood floors, clean restrooms with hot showers, and dedicated recreational facilities like a pistol range, archery range, and children's play areas, elevates the camping experience beyond the ordinary. These features cater to a diverse set of interests and comfort levels, making it accessible and enjoyable for various age groups and skill levels within the SCCPOA community. The provision of amenities that support both active recreation and restful relaxation is a key benefit for locals looking for a well-rounded outdoor experience.

Furthermore, the SCCPOA campground actively supports local youth programs, fostering positive interactions between young people and law enforcement officers through outdoor activities. This community-focused mission makes the campground not just a recreational spot but also a place for character building, education, and strengthening community ties—an invaluable contribution to the local fabric. For parents in California seeking meaningful and structured outdoor opportunities for their children, the sponsored youth programs at this facility are highly beneficial.

While preparedness for natural elements like cold weather, rain, and mosquitoes is always advised in any outdoor setting, the overall consensus from those who have utilized the camp points to a positive and well-regarded experience, particularly for its intended audience. The blend of a serene natural setting, comprehensive amenities, and a strong community mission makes the Santa Clara County Peace Officers Association Campground a highly suitable and cherished destination for its members and sponsored youth groups in California.

Santa Clara County Peace Officers Association

24090 Deer Path Rd, Saratoga, CA 95070, USA