Rest and Wild

Henry Coe State Park - Coe Ranch Campground

June 15, 2019

Coe Ranch Campground is the site of several historic buildings from the land's cattle-ranching days, and is reached by a narrow, twisty road that, from Morgan Hill, takes you west and up into the dry, round hills of the Diablo Range.

The 19 campsites are spaced generously apart, each one with a picnic table and fire ring (but check current regulations for fire restrictions). When we were there in January, the campground was about half full. The sites sit atop a small plateau that provides gorgeous views of the hills to the south and east, especially in the mornings when fog rests in the valleys. Vault toilets and potable water are available. Dogs are allowed in the campground, but not on the trails.

The park itself is a secret giant, a large wilderness quietly hiding less than an hour from the bay area. Henry Coe campsites often have availability when other area parks are completely booked. And the park is large enough for week-long backpacking trips.

Our campsite in Coe Ranch Campground.

Amazing Manzanita trees.

The dry grass and beautiful twisted oaks that make up California chaparral.