Stevens Creek County Park in Cupertino sprawls across 1,077 acres of oak woodlands and grasslands that feel surprisingly remote considering you’re in the heart of Silicon Valley. The park centers around a 92-acre reservoir where the water reflects the surrounding ridgelines, and trails loop through sections that range from wide and easy to more technical switchbacks if you want a real workout.

The camping and RV area gives you a genuine base for exploring rather than just passing through. You can set up for the night and wake up to the sound of water and birds instead of highway noise. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a full day without running out of things to do—hiking different trails, fishing if that’s your thing, or just walking along the reservoir’s edge where you might spot herons or deer.

Dogs are welcome throughout the park on leash, which means you’re not limited to designated pet zones. You can take your dog on most of the trails, and they seem to appreciate the varied terrain as much as people do. The shaded oak groves provide relief on warmer days, and the open meadows let them burn off energy. The historic Villa Maria orchard remnants are scattered through the park too—old fruit trees that add an interesting historical layer to your visit and give you a sense of what this land looked like before it became parkland.

The main thing to know is that this works best if you’re prepared to explore. Bring plenty of water for both of you, wear layers since the canyon areas can be noticeably cooler than the open ridges, and plan to spend at least a full day to really get a feel for the place. The reservoir is the centerpiece, but the trails branching off in different directions are where the park really comes alive.