Tan Oak Campground

Overlooking the Monterey Bay, Mount Madonna County Park is a short drive from either Gilroy or Santa Cruz, California. Set on the edge of a second-growth Redwood forest, Tan Oak Campground is a great option for a quick outdoor get-a-way. The campsites are spacious and have picnic tables and camp grills, and lockable concrete food boxes are available in each campsite. Redwoods tower above the campsites, providing half or full shade. It's a good idea to not stake your tent under the Redwoods, as they can "tree rain" underneath the canopy when the fog rolls in.  

The park has multiple hiking trails and over 17 miles of horse trails as well as an amphitheater and an archery range. The trails are clear and well marked, but watch for poison oak. The park has plenty of restrooms that are well maintained. Though you are not allowed to harvest wood to burn, wood is available for purchase at the pay station.