We Almost Missed This Hidden RV Gem Near Morgan Hill, CA (Uvas Reservoir Guide)

uvas reservoir

Uvas Reservoir HikingAfter spending time along the California coast and navigating some of the more intense driving conditions early in our RV journey, we found ourselves looking for a place to slow things down a bit.

That’s how we ended up in the Morgan Hill area—and it quickly became one of our favorite stops during our early days of full-time RV living.

We stayed at the Morgan Hill RV Resort multiple times, and it checked all the boxes for what you want in a great RV park. Tucked away in the trees, it offered a peaceful, wooded setting with full hookup RV sites, spacious pads, and amenities that made it easy to settle in for more than just a quick overnight stay.

The pool was a favorite for unwinding after travel days, and during one of our visits, they were even upgrading parts of the resort—expanding sites and improving pads to better accommodate larger RVs and motorhomes.

At the time, we were traveling in a gently used Forest River Sunseeker Class C motorhome—just a few years old, which meant most of the early “new RV” issues had already been worked out. Looking back, that was one of the best decisions we made starting out. It allowed us to focus less on troubleshooting and more on learning the RV lifestyle itself.

And there was a lot to learn.

We were only about a month into RV travel, still figuring out campground logistics, dump stations, hookups, and how to plan routes that worked for a motorhome towing a vehicle. We were also just getting familiar with the Thousand Trails system—learning how to maximize stays, understand booking windows, and really take advantage of the membership. At the time, we thought we’d be on the road for maybe six months.

That “six months” turned into six and a half years.Uvas Reservoir Parking

What’s funny looking back now is how much we were already using products, parts, and services from companies like Lippert and Camco—leveling systems, hoses, water pressure regulators, must-have RV accessories—without having any idea that down the road, we’d end up working with companies like them on the RV Marketing side.

At that point, we were just RVers trying to figure it all out.

And Morgan Hill was one of the places where things started to click.

One of the biggest reasons we loved staying there was how much there was to explore nearby.

Just over a mile down the road sat Uvas Reservoir—a quiet, scenic spot that felt like a hidden gem for RV travelers. It wasn’t packed with crowds or overdeveloped. It was just nature—rolling hills, mountain views, and a peaceful lake that made it perfect for hiking, relaxing, or spending a low-key day outdoors.

I spent time hiking the trails around the reservoir, and what stood out most was how uncrowded it was. There were a handful of people fishing—actually catching fish and having a great time—but only a couple of other hikers. It gave you that rare feeling of having space to explore without distractions.

It’s a different kind of California beauty.Sunset at Uvas Reservoir

Not the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur or the coastline views—but something quieter, more grounded, and just as memorable in its own way.

And then, just a short drive in another direction, there were even more reservoirs and outdoor areas to explore, making it a great basecamp location for anyone traveling in an RV and looking to stay a few days or even a couple of weeks.

What really made this spot stand out, though, was its location.

From Morgan Hill, we made multiple trips over the mountains to Santa Cruz—an easy drive that completely changed the scenery. One day you’re hiking around a quiet reservoir, the next you’re on the California coast watching waves roll in. That kind of flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of RV travel.

And then there’s the wine country.Uvas Reservoir Hiking

The Morgan Hill area is surrounded by incredible wineries and is often considered a quieter alternative to Napa Valley. You still get the vineyards, the views, and the experience—but without the heavy crowds. For RVers, especially those looking for relaxing travel days mixed with scenic drives, it’s an ideal setup.

Looking back, this stop wasn’t about one big moment.

It was about progression.

Learning how to manage a motorhome. Understanding RV parks and campground systems. Getting comfortable with the lifestyle. And starting to realize that this wasn’t just a short trip—it was something much bigger.

Morgan Hill, Uvas Reservoir, the drives to Santa Cruz—those weren’t just stops.

They were part of the foundation of everything that came after in our RV journey.

One Comment on “We Almost Missed This Hidden RV Gem Near Morgan Hill, CA (Uvas Reservoir Guide)

  1. Pingback: Santa Cruz RV Trip: Campgrounds, Redwoods, Beaches & the RV Lifestyle That Sparked Shorelooksnice |

Leave a Reply

Discover more from

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading