Campgrounds In The Bay Area: Bothe
Del Valle Lake, the regional parks central attraction, is nestled deep within a rolling green valley, surrounded by gorgeous oak trees. The lake hosts an abundance of water activities such as fishing, boating, windsurfing, and swimming. Lifeguards are on duty during high season. Boasting nearly 5,000 acres of land, the park is also home to the 28-mile Ohlone Wilderness Trail, horse trails, and biking trails. Family, group, and equestrian campgrounds are on-site. There is parking, concessions, restroom, and a visitors center. Kayak and boat rentals are available. Guided tours of the lake are a great way to learn about the natural history of the area.
2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA, Phone: 888-327-2757
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Top 10 Campgrounds And Rv Parkssan Francisco California
San Francisco, California, is a hilly city on the tip of a peninsula with the San Francisco Bay on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. The city is famous for hippies in the 1960s, Alcatraz, fog, technological innovation, and an exciting and unusual lifestyle. San Francisco has some of the best restaurants in the world and is known for its farm to fork cuisine. The Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, and the cable cars are icons of the city. There is a lot to do and see near San Francisco and you can rent an RV in San Francisco and travel from Silicon Valley to the Sonoma vineyards with your San Francisco RV parks map.
Tent Camping Near Me: Mount Diablo State Park
Best known for its remarkable summit views, Mount Diablo towers above vast green valleys and rolling hills. When clear sky conditions are present, visitors take in panoramic views that extend 200 miles out in all directions, towards northern Californias most memorable natural landmarks. The Summit Building has an observation deck equipped with telescopes, while the Diablo Valley Overlook boasts views of the Golden Gate Bridge. A visitors center showcases exhibits that reflect the cultural and natural history of the mountain. Kids will love visiting Rock City which is home to wind caves, Sentinel Rock, Elephant Rock, Fossil Ridge, and Artists Point. Campgrounds, hiking, and horseback riding are located within the state park.
2675 Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard, Blackhawk, CA, Phone: 925-837-2525
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Best Bay Area Camping Spots Near San Francisco California
The San Francisco Bay Area is a densely populated metropolis surrounded by miles of coastline, thousands of wetland acres, and rolling hills as far as the eye can see.
NorCals cultural and economic hub was built upon a richly diverse ecosystem. Thanks to conservation efforts and thoughtful city planning, there are plenty of wild spaces within and around the city set aside for nature to blossom and humans to explore.
You dont have to travel far from the skyscrapers of downtown San Francisco to find excellent camping opportunities. There are a couple of great camping spots within the city itself, and its possible to reserve several remote campsites that are less than a 30-minute drive from Fishermans Wharf without traffic, of course.
Lush coastal forest campgrounds, lakeside retreats, dry mountain prairie tent sites, and rustic beachside cabins are but a few of the great camping options near San Francisco, California. Weve got the scoop on the best camping in the Bay Area.
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Bay Area Campgrounds: Sweetwood Camp
Sweetwood Campground is located within the four-mile stretch of the Half Moon Bay State Beach, near HWY-1. Green grass clearings and coastal trees scatter across the campground. Campsites are equipped with fire pits, picnic benches, and primitive toilets. Sweetwood is nestled to the east of and between Venice Beach and Dunes Beach, just a short walk away. Both beaches have parking and restroom facilities, along with running water. Just a mile or two to the south of Sweetwood is Francis Beach, which hosts the parks ranger station and visitors center. Amenities at Francis Beach also include picnic areas, barbecues, and an RV sanitation station.
95 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA, Phone: 650-726-8819
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Angels Island Campground In Angel Island State Park
Distance from San Francisco: 6.2 miles
Just a short ferry ride away from San Francisco, Angel Island Campground grants its guests the serenity and adventure of the San Francisco area. With hikes up to two miles to its four campsites, East Bay, Ridge, Sunrise, and Kayak Camp, each site is unique with its views, the ridge sites even having incredible views of Golden Gate Bridge. Sunrise campsite offers more protection and is available to reserve for larger groups up to 24. No matter which site guests choose to hike into, the fishing, hiking, biking, paddling, swimming, and boating produce a peaceful escape from the bustle of San Francisco, all the while enjoying the views the city has to offer.
Amenities: Pit toilets, water sources, picnic tables
Campgrounds In The Bay Area: Butano State Park
The park sprawls across 4,000 acres of upland and cool canyons, filled with redwoods and babbling brooks. Forty miles of hiking trails pass through chaparral, oak woodland, and wet riparian ecosystems. Visitors will marvel at the diversity of plants and wildlife. There are eighteen walk-in campsites and twenty-one drive-in campsites, while the backcountry trail camp hosts another eight campsites. Restrooms with running water are located within the park, but showers are not provided. Drinking water is available. As a special treat for guests, the park offers Junior Ranger programs, campfire programs and guided nature walks.
1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA, Phone: 650-879-2040
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Point Reyes National Seashore Campgrounds
Location: Point Reyes National Seashore
Amenities: Four hike-in campgrounds and one boat-in loop at Tomales Bay, picnic tables, charcoal-only grills, food storage lockers, freshwater, and toilets
Activities: Biking, hiking, and boating
Dogs allowed: Dogs are allowed on South Limantour Beach, North and South Point Reyes Beaches, and Kehoe Beach . No dogs are allowed on the hiking trails.
Five paradisiacal campsites await you within the majestic sanctuary of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Sandy beaches, lush forests, and hillsides are home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals. If youre digging the beach scene, head to the Coast Campground to set up camp near the beach and tide pools. Nestled within a small coastal grassy valley, this campsite is a quick 200-meter walk to the beach and is suitable for group camping.
Forest lovers: Escape the summer sun and head to the serene Glen Campground, located within a wooded valley protected from the cool ocean breeze. You can access this campground either by bicycle or on foot. To marvel at the breathtaking Alamere Falls, embark on a challenging journey to complete the hike to the Wildcat Campground.
Whichever Point Reyes campsite floats your boat, adventure away at one of thebest camping areas near San Francisco.
Pantoll Campground In Mount Tamalpais State Park
Distance from San Francisco: 19.4 miles
Pack wisely for Pantoll Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park or be ready to hike! Located off Panoramic Highway from Mill Valley in Tamalpais State Park, the Stinson Beach Community Center, an impressive 1.5-2 hour hike, is the nearest center to get supplies for the trip. Mt. Tamalpais is the birthplace of mountain biking, yet also has options for road bikers to explore their wild side. Although, Road bikers face the infamous seven sisters and the twisting road to the top of the peak. On the other hand, mountain bikers enjoy the coastal view, and the Dias Ridge trails as they climb their way to the top. Tamalpais has more than 50 miles of trails that connect to a 200-mile trail system such as Mount Davis hiking trail or the Steep Ravine. Both are great hikes to enjoy lush waterfalls and old-growth Redwoods and give unparalleled views of the Bay Area, and its sister peak, Mt. Diablo, across the fog line. If horses attract, guests can see the Sierra Mountains or Farallon Islands on clear days, and even stop along the way to fish the wide array of fish in the area.
Amenities: Potable water, picnic tables, flush toilets, fire rings
Note: Parking a campervan at Pantoll is allowed in the lower parking area, but only between 6 pm to 9 pm.
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is the oldest state park in California and is under a two-hour drive south of San Francisco. It’s home to the largest grove of ancient redwood trees south of the Bay Area and has four different campgrounds, with 146 total campsites available.
Campsites at Big Basin accommodate both RVs and tent and also has group sites, tent cabins, and backcountry hike-in campsites spread throughout its massive forests.
Overnight visitors to the four developed campgrounds at Big Basin have access to flushing toilets, potable water, and coin-operated showers. Two of the campgrounds, Huckleberry Campground and Sequoia Campground, are open throughout the year.
Over 80 miles of hiking trails navigate throughout the park, including the Skyline to the Sea Trail, which spans from the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.
Editor’s Note: The 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire tore through Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Much of the park is closed throughout 2022. Only small sections of the park’s coastal region have reopened to the public. The state park maintains up-to-date information regarding the park’s regrowth and rehabilitation.
Address: 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, California
Official site:
Coast Camp Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes is the only designated national seashore on the West Coast. It encompasses a sprawling coastal peninsula approximately an hour drive north of San Francisco. No car camping or RV camping opportunities exist at Point Reyes National Seashore, but the park does offer four hike-in campgrounds.
Located 1.8 miles from the nearest trailhead, the Coast Camp at Point Reyes is popular for its vicinity to the beach and ocean. With 12 individual sites and two group sites available, Coast Camp provides a vault toilet and water faucet. Reservations are required to stay at any hike-in camp at Point Reyes.
The other hike-in campgrounds at Point Reyes include Glen Camp, Sky Camp, and Wildcat Camp. Point Reyes also has a boat-in camp at Tomales Bay, where 20 permitted vessels can beach camp in designated areas.
Address: 1 Bear Valley Visitor Center Access Road, Point Reyes Station, California
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Campgrounds In The Bay Area: China Camp State Park
As a first stop, guests to the park should spend some time at the ranger station and visitors center. Interactive exhibits and docents provide visitors the opportunity to learn about the parks natural history, the Coastal Miwok tribe, and the historic China Camp Village. Within the park, fifteen miles of hiking, road biking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails loop the San Pablo Bay. The bay itself offers recreational activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, and sailing. Launch areas are equipped with picnic tables, restrooms, and parking. The campground offers 33 walk-in, tent only campsites. Visitors may enjoy the luxury of wheeled carts to help transport gear. Food lockers, fire rings, and picnic tables are provided.
100 China Camp Village, San Rafael, CA, Phone: 415-488-5161
Lake Del Valle Family Campground
Reservations accepted: YesBest season: Spring, summer, fall, winterCampsite type: Tents, RVs, cabin, equestrianRV hookups: Yes
Why you should camp here: An abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities awaits!
Lake Del Valle Family Campground is a hub of outdoor fun in the East Bay Regional Park District. Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and an array of watersports are popular activities in the area, and there are enough amenities to keep your family fueled for the duration of your stay.
Located in the wilderness south of the city of Livermore, Lake Del Valle stretches five miles in length and is encircled with access points and resort-like amenities. A marina, store, watercraft rental service, vineyard, and golf course can be a part of your civilized getaway, or you can use the camp as a staging area for a remote backpacking trip into the Ohlone Wilderness.
This family campground is one of several camping areas around the lake. Here you will have large, well-groomed campsites with access to flowing water, restrooms, an amphitheater, and a store with camping gear, snacks, and fishing equipment.
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Why you should camp here: Explore the expansive beaches and coastal cliffs of Point Reyes National Seashore.
- Reservations accepted: Yes
- Best season: Spring, summer, fall, winter
- Campsite type: Tents, RVs
- RV hookups: Yes
Why you should go: Its a legitimate campground within San Franciscos city limits.
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The Best Camping Spots Within 2 Hours Of San Francisco
in Camping / by Roofnest Team
Its hard to be bored in a place like San Francisco.
Between the countless attractions and historic landmarks like Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and those iconic cable cars zipping around town, its hard to run out of fun things to do.
But beyond the typical tourist attractions, San Francisco is a gorgeous camping location filled with breathtaking coastal landscapes, easy access to the ocean, and plenty of prime hiking spots for every experience level.
But while youre out and about exploring, its easy to get worn out by the notorious California traffic.
Thats why were bringing you this handy guide of excellent spots to peel off the highway and get in tune with nature instead of your road rage.
Whether youre planning a quick pit stop or a weekend getaway, be sure to add these relaxing places to camp in California to your GPS on your next adventure to the Bay Area.
Bay Area Campgrounds: Wright’s Beach Campground
Located within the Sonoma Coast State Park, this campground has twenty-seven seaside campsites. An expansive beach and ocean waves provide scenery for the campground, which is nestled in among a thick cluster of trees. Each site is outfitted with a fire ring, picnic table, and a paved parking spur. Restrooms have flush toilets and running water, although there are no showers. Registered campers are welcome to use the coin operated showers and water fill station at the Bodega Dunes Campground, which is about five miles to the south. The campground does not have RV hookups.
7095 CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA, Phone: 707-875-3483
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Castle Rock State Park
The Robert C. Kirkwood entrance is the main access for Castle Rock State Park. Here, visitors can access parking, restrooms, water-fill stations, and also learn about the history of the area by observing interactive displays. The park is best known for its dense forests, sandstone walls, and infinite vistas. The Santa Cruz Mountain ridge provides thirty-four miles of rugged trail for hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. Climbers will revel in the parks enormous rock walls and caverns. The campground is a two-and-a-half-mile trek from parking and features twenty campsites. Trash bins, restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables are provided on-site. There is no cell reception within the park.
15451 CA-35, Los Gatos, CA, Phone: 408-868-9540
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Huckleberry Campground In Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Distance from San Francisco: 71.2 miles
Just 1.5 miles from the Big Basin Redwoods State Park Headquarters, the Huckleberry Campground hosts 30 tent sites and 36 petite tent cabins for guests to rest between the many activities the park provides. Mountain bikes arent allowed on the single lane trails. However, you can still partake in recreational biking, horseback riding in Rancho Del Oso, and hiking in Big Basin Redwoods. If youre a hiking enthusiast, then make sure to put Sequoia Trail and Redwood Trail, the 10.5-mile roundtrip to the four cascades of Berry Creek Falls, on your itinerary. These are all excellent ways to explore the incredible mountain peaks, giant redwoods, and to observe the extensive wildlife. If interested in adventuring further from the campsite, windsurfing, and kiteboarding at Waddell beach, a fifty-minute drive across Highway 1 at the park entrance is an option that attracts many each year.
Amenities: Picnic tables, food lockers, fire pits potable water and showers
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Best Camping Near San Francisco: 11 Magical Campgrounds Near San Francisco
The San Francisco Bay area is more than just the Golden Gate Bridge and a terrific urban destination.
There are so many campgrounds near San Francisco: from the Marin Headlands to Mount Tam, from Angel Island to the Point Reyes National Seashore
Within just 15 minutes of the bustling city life, there are a variety of excellent campgrounds near San Francisco .
Choose between a campsite under the redwoods, one with views of the breathtaking rugged Pacific coastline where you can fall asleep to the tune of foghorns, or even waking up to see the Golden Gate Bridge!
The Marin Headlands area offers the Instagram-worthy Kirby Cove along with a variety of sites throughout the Tennessee Valley.
Are you planning on visiting Muir Woods National Monument? Then choose a convenient campsite at one of the three campgrounds in neighboring Mount Tamalpais State Park.
From there, you can continue your journey north and choose between four hike-in campgrounds in the Point Reyes National Seashore.
Grab your sleeping bag, family, or friends, and enjoy escaping the busy city and have a blast at one of these favored campgrounds near San Francisco!
Campgrounds In The Bay Area: East Bay Regional Park District
The East Bay Regional Park District is comprised of Almeda and Contra Costa county parks and trails. The system includes 73 parks, 1,250 miles of trails, and a whopping 125,000 acres of land. Visitors to the districts parks can enjoy any number of outdoor recreational activities. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails abound. Summer favorites like camping, boating, and fishing are a wonderful way to bring the family together. A number of sites offer geocaching a modern-day treasure hunt. There are a variety of nature-based kid’s programs to choose from, as well as swim lessons, riding lessons, and day camps. The district also hosts a Junior Lifeguards program.
2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA, Phone: 888-327-2757
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