Madrone Group Area

If you’re hiking from the south end of Stevens Creek Reservoir back to Fremont Older Open Space Preserve along the Lookout Trail (which passes through Stevens Creek County Park), chances are you’ll pass by the Madrone Group Area. This is the de facto name for this small picnic area, according to the sign by the access control gate off Stevens Canyon Road. Use of Madrone for events is done by reservation, and the gate is kept locked when the area is not in use.
The address listed is approximate. You’ll find the entrance 200 feet north of where Google Maps says it is.
Here are the basic amenities that Madrone offers:
Small parking lot that has 8 spaces, one of which is handicapped
4 uncovered picnic tables and a charcoal grill
Restroom facilities, locked when the area is not in use
A drinking fountain
A lane for playing horseshoes. Equipment not provided
Trash bins
For hikers, Madrone is a welcome place to rest and refill water. Just don’t expect to be able to use the restrooms, since this place never seems to be in use.
For having an actual event, Madrone has all the basics a small group of people should need. Reservations can be made at
or by calling (408) 355‑2201. The daily fee is $ 135 plus a $ 6 reservation handling fee. Yeesh. Not cheap for a basic picnic area.
For larger groups, Sycamore Group Area (
) nearby is much nicer looking, has better amenities, and the fee is only $ 50 more than Madrone.