Star This Camp

Camp Joseph D Grant County Park

Ready to take your camping experience to the next level? Put a star next to this on your outdoors adventures list: Way up in the foothills overlooking the Santa Clara Valley, within eyeshot of hulking Mount Hamilton (4,209 feet), Joseph D. Grant County Park is home to two campgrounds dotted with oaks. Better known for its hiking and mountain biking—surprise!—there are 40 campsites at Joseph D. Grant, including four first-come, first-served options. All you have to do is wind your way up to them! Halls Valley is the first of two small campgrounds you’ll reach. Sites 15 and 16 are first come, first served and set atop a hill partially shaded by oaks.

Views extend across the valley to Mount Hamilton—easily identified by the giant, white Lick Observatory at its summit. While a lot of this area is quite exposed (take note), oaks and other trees provide some shade. Site 18 is sweet for some seclusion, and site 22 is located directly across from Halley Hill, a terrific spot for stargazing. But you’ll need to reserve these in advance. Adjacent to Halls Valley, and a little more rugged (the road here isn’t paved), Snell Campground’s sites 29 and 32 are first come, first served, with the latter offering the most privacy, not to mention more banner views of Mount Hamilton. Those who shy away from sun exposure can head to reserved sites 34 or 35, both generally well shaded in the afternoon.

BONUS STAR PARTIES: Halls Valley Astronomical Group hosts monthly Star Parties at Joseph D. Grant County Park. Their next Star Party is February 2, 2019.

Sites have food lockers, and there is a bathroom facility. Park office (408) 274-6121. Camping and reservation info.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View