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Camping Sites Near San Francisco

Samuel P Taylor State Park

San Francisco North Petaluma KOA Camping Resort

Image Source:https://www.parks.ca.gov/?pag…

The park is 15 miles west of San Rafael and provides an amazing outdoor experience. It has many hiking trails, where during the season you can watch salmon spawn or kike to the top of Barnabe Peak and get one if the best viewpoints in Marin County. It has shady strolls and trails for serious hikers.

Campgrounds Near Me: Portola Redwoods State Park

The parks cool redwood forest grows densely beneath a steep ridgetop. Nearly 3,000 acres of woodland hosts 18 miles of hiking trails, bubbling creeks, mossy banks, huckleberries, and ferns. Refreshing waterfalls cascade down into Pescadero Creek and Fall Creek scenic locations to stop for a rest. The park houses 55 family campsites and four tent-only group campsites. There are no RV hookups, but there are pay showers. Visitors may purchase firewood and water on-site. Families will want to make sure to pack in plenty of supplies, as the nearest gas station is 14 miles away. Activities include hiking, swimming, geocaching, and checking out the exhibits located within the visitors center. There is no cell reception in the park.

9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA, Phone: 650-948-9098

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Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park

At 115 feet tall, Pigeon Point Light Station is one of the tallest lighthouses in the country, and a fabulous photo spot, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the sky is bathed in rich colors. At the time of writing, you cant enter the historic lighthouse, first lit in 1872, but you can tour the grounds. The lighthouse is being restored.

The grounds of the park are a wonderful place from which to view marine mammals, and sea and shore birds. Land birds can also be spotted in the scrub, especially during the fall. You have a good chance of seeing migrating gray whales in season, dolphins, otters, and seals in the water. Bring binoculars, or a bird scope for birdwatching.

You will also find hikes at Pigeon Point, with spectacular ocean views, and the opportunity to see lots of wildflowers in season. Dress warmly, as it can be breezy by the water.

Camping: Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park is day use only. But you can stay at the highly-rated HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel, located right by the lighthouse!

Driving distance from San Francisco

49.2 miles, 1 hour

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Haypress Campground Tennessee Valley

North of the Golden Gate Bridge in the , the Haypress Campground features five hike-in campsites within the verdant Tennessee Valley. It’s a relatively flat, three-quarters-of-a-mile hike from the Tennessee Valley parking area to reach the Haypress Campground. Each campsite can accommodate four tents, and a single group can reserve the entire campground. A vault toilet is available at the campground, and every overnight visitor needs to pack in their own water.

For a heartier hike-in campground in the Tennessee Valley, the Hawk Campground can also be reached from the parking area. Accessible with a three-mile hike, the Hawk Campground has three sites with similar accommodations. Both Haypress Campground and Hawk Campground are free to use and must be reserved ahead of time before packing in any gear.

Address: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California

Anthony Chabot Family Campground Anthony Chabot Regional Park

Safari Tent Camping near San Francisco

Twenty miles from downtown Oakland in the East Bay, the family campground at Anthony Chabot Regional Park features 53 standard sites and 12 RV sites with full hookups. An additional 10 walk-in campsites are reserved exclusively for tents. The popular Honker Bay Trail leads from the campground to Lake Chabot, which is frequently stocked for great fishing opportunity. All overnight visitors to Anthony Chabot have access to flushing toilets, potable water, and hot showers.

Northwest of Anthony Chabot and connected by hiking trail, Redwood Regional Park is also operated by the East Bay Regional Park District. With dense forests of giant trees, Redwood Regional Park features three different group sites to spend the night. Available by reservation only, campgrounds like Fern Dell Group Campground can accommodate up to 50 people.

Farther east and outside of Fremont, Lake Del Valle Family Campground is also operated by the East Bay Regional Park District. Lake Del Valley Campground features 150 individual campsites that are just over an hour away from San Francisco.

Address: 9999 Redwood Road, Castro Valley, California

Read Also: Free Camping Cedar City Utah

Coyote Point Recreation Area

Coyote Point Recreation Area is situated in San Mateo. The campground near San Francisco, CA, offers a lot of opportunities and activities to make sure you enjoy your stay at the fullest. You can enjoy picnicking, bicycling, swimming, windsurfing, boating, fishing, jogging, or sailing. The park is both family and pet-friendly place and offers a lot to do.

It features a giant castle and dragoon-themed Magic Mountain Playground that your kids are going to love. Moreover, they can also enjoy CuriOdyssy to get close to wild animals. You can also visit the marina and its breakwater or saltwater marsh. The place is great with beautiful views offering fresh air to make you relax and enjoy it. Whats more, you will surely love windsurfers, shorebirds, colorful boats, and much more.

Coyote Point Recreation Area On-Site Facilities

  • Spacious sites.
  • Magic Mountain Playground.

Coyote Point Recreation Area Visitors Reviews

  • It is a beautiful spot to take your family and kids with you and have a lovely time with so many things to do around.
  • Enjoy a picnic, walking on the beach or trail, or watch planes landing. The beaches are amazing, and you will have a memorable experience.
  • The RV park is one of the hidden treasures on the Peninsula. It offers great views, a friendly and clean atmosphere, and a lot of attractions to explore around.
  • They charge you $6 per vehicle to get in. Other than the place is great.

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.

A post shared by LyfsArt on Nov 12, 2019 at 11:46am PST

Why you should camp here: Explore the expansive beaches and coastal cliffs of Point Reyes National Seashore.

Reservations accepted: YesBest season: Spring, summer, fall, winterCampsite type: Tents, RVsRV hookups: Yes

A post shared by Linda | Cuppiecake on Jun 26, 2019 at 6:48am PDT

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With Popular Landmarks Such As The Golden Gate Bridge Its Namesake Urban Park And A Host Of Other Urban Attractions Camping Typically Isn’t The First Thing That Comes To Mind When Thinking About Exploring The San Francisco Bay Area

Well, we’re here to tell you it should be.

In a state that is home to nine national parks including Yosemite and Redwoods, camping competition can be fierce. Yet those familiar with the unique coastline and impressive diversity of public lands around the Bay Area know full well that proximal camping options rival some of the most coveted campgrounds in the state.

Whether you’re traveling through or residing in the Bay Area and simply looking for a nearby outdoor overnight, one need drive no further than a few hours drive from the urban core. In many cases only a fraction of that drive time is necessary to access campground gems set among scenic coastal backdrops, redwood groves and rolling oak savannah hills.

Below is a list of some of our favorite Bay Area campgrounds located within a 100-mile radius, stretching from the Sonoma Coast to northern Big Sur. While most campgrounds listed below are accessible by vehicle, some require a short walk or hike in. Note that reservations are recommended during weekends and holidays where applicable.

GERSTLE COVE CAMPGROUND, Salt Point State Park

The campground is situated around a single loop, and the outer campsites offer more privacy than others. There are no showers. Reservations are possible year-round and strongly encouraged April through September.

BODEGA DUNES CAMPGROUND, Sonoma Coast State Park

DORAN BEACH CAMPGROUND, Doran Regional Park

SKY CAMP, Point Reyes National Seashore

PANTOLL CAMPGROUND, Mount Tamalpais State Park

Big Sur Campground And Cabins

URBAN CAMPING at San Francisco’s Candlestick Point

If youre looking to venture south for some beach vibes along Highway 1, look no further than Big Sur, where the waves collide with nature. Big Sur Campground and Cabins offers camping for all sorts, from serviced cabins to tent sites. Enjoy the redwoods. Go for a swim. Rent an inner tube. The opportunities abound at this gorgeous destination.

Address: 47000 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, United States

Cost: From $65 per night

Distance to SF/Bay Area: 193 miles

Also Check: Best Camping Spots In The Us

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has a 40-acre grove of old-growth redwoods. The tallest tree in the grive is 277 feet tall and 1,500 years old! Walking among these giants is a profound experience, and if you bring a flashlight, you can step inside the Fremont Tree!

Henry Cowell Redwoods State park offers miles of hiking trails, plus biking and horseback riding trails. Hiking trails take you through the various ecosystems in the park, which include redwoods, grasslands, riparian, and sandhills. Look for birds, wildlife, bright yellow banana slugs, and trout in the river.

You can swim at The Garden of Eden, a swimming hole on the San Lorenzo River. There are picnic sites in the park. Next door is the Roaring Camp Railroad, with vintage locomotives that can take you through the redwood forests or to the beach in Santa Cruz and back.

Camping: The parks forested campground has 107 shaded sites. Campers and trailers are permitted, but there are no water or sewer hookups. Advance reservations are recommended, especially in season.

Driving distance from San Francisco

71 miles, 1 hour and 11 minutes

Good to know: All of these state parks individually make for wonderful day trips from San Francisco, or great San Francisco weekend trips. But for an even longer getaway, you can combine three or four state parks that are located close together. Or do a road trip that strings together a number of state parks near San Francisco.

Spectacular State Parks Near San Francisco

Looking for the best state parks near San Francisco to visit? California has a very robust state parks system, with beautiful parks scattered all over the state, and you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to state parks around San Francisco.

From mountains to coast and redwood forests to wildlife havens, there are many beautiful California state parks near San Francisco for fun nature-focused day trips or weekend trips. There are also historic parks to visit, where you can tour old lighthouses or Colonial-era buildings.

In this article, weve rounded up the most spectacular state parks near San Francisco for easy road trips. While weve listed driving times based on Google maps, note that driving time can vary wildly based on when you travel and your exact point of departure.

Good to know: Before you head out, be sure to check the official park site for information on closures and current hours of operation. Parks may have special closures in place for various reasons.

With miles of hiking trails, fishing spots, wildflowers in season, stargazing, and lots of bird and wildlife, the outdoor parks on our list are perfect for camping and enjoying Californias stunning scenery. Whether you are looking to have a fun family road trip, an active couples getaway, or a serene solo retreat, youll find a park to suit.

Read Also: Tent Camping In Maggie Valley Nc

Best Weekend Camping Trips Outside Of San Francisco

Home> Travellers Autobarn Blog

Looking for a weekend camping trip outside of San Francisco? Well, youve come to the right place. San Francisco is home to beautiful locations like the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite, and urban parks. It makes California unarguably one of the most ravishing places to live in. And just outside the Bay Areas city center, you will find even more adventures to be explored.

In the current COVID climate, we cant travel internationally and should try to avoid crowds. So, its a perfect time to spend a night in the wilderness. For a backcountry escape, you need not drive more than a few hours from San Francisco. Weve hunted down some of the best Bay Area national parks and camping sites that northern California has to offer.

Angel Island State Park Campgrounds

Safari Tent Camping near San Francisco

Location: Angel Island East Bay Sites, Belvedere Tiburon, CA 94920

Camping on San Francisco Bays largest natural island is a short ferry ride away from the bustling city.

To stay at this simple campground, you may need to book a reservation up to six months in advance for a chance to enjoy the panoramic views the island provides. Competition is fierce for these beautiful spots to camp near San Francisco, but its absolutely worth the wait!

Leave your car at home and either take the ferry in or arrive on your boat or kayak.

The camping area offers guests pit toilets and water.

While on the island, take advantage of the 13 miles of hiking trails, head up Mount Liverpool for beautiful Golden Gate views, and relax at the small beach, all while marveling over the San Francisco views.

Also Check: Best Lake Camping In California

Olema Campground Point Reyes

If youre looking for picturesque beach views for days, the Point Reyes National Seashore is an idyllic coastal oasis. Olema Campground makes a great base camp, whether youre looking for a family-friendly stay or a romantic getaway. With activity options like hiking, biking, bird-watching, or just relaxing on the beach, Olema Campground offers a laid back atmosphere with everything you need to live your best camping life. This private campground has great amenities to get you set up with what you need to pitch a tent and go.

Address: 10155 Highway 1, Olema, CA 94950

Cost: $53 RVs / $43 tents per night More info on pricing here.

Distance from Bay Area: 37 miles

China Camp State Park And Beach

China Camp Beach is definitely and experiences to be had. There are endless opportunities of fun to be had here for sure including a fun-filled beach experience, adventures, new experiences, and much much more. Explore nearly any hobby here!

China Camp has fun activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, picnicking, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, photography, and anything else you can think of. This campsite also has a grass park, museum, BBQs, boat launch, and a pier.

Along with all of these fun activities, it is a very comfortable place to stay. They have restrooms, showers, an RV park and a campground, plenty of trails, and you can even bring your dogs with you!

China Camp is a little under an hour away from San Francisco making it perfect because you are outside all of the city craziness and can have a luxury camping experience, while still being able to go to dinner and explore the town whenever you feel like it.

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Discover The Best Camping In San Francisco Bay Area Rentals Available For Bodega Bay Camping And Sonoma County Vacations

Now is the time to start planning your Easter vacations. 2022 is going to open up gradually, which is why a California staycation could be the perfect idea for locals to the area. Check out the best California campgrounds ‘near me’ and enjoy luxury camping near San Francisco. The city itself is the financial, cultural and commercial hub of Northern California. The San Francisco Bay Area, which is reaches right along the California coast, is home to plenty of beautiful spots which are perfect for a California glamping getaway. Try Sonoma County vacations and explore the beautiful vineyards of the region. Or you can go Bodega Bay camping and enjoy the best beach camping rentals on the market in California. Camping is always a great idea if you’re enjoying a stay near San Francisco. Camping trips can even be enjoyed a little further inland, with the Henry W Coe State Park being only a few miles south. State parks camping in California is an experience not to be missed, after all. So what are you waiting for? Discover the best camping in San Francisco Bay Area! Rentals are available today for San Francisco camping trips. Book an accommodation for Spring Break 2022 and see what all the fuss is about. Go luxury camping: California awaits, with the best camping near San Francisco.

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