Angel Island State Park Campgrounds
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.
Angel Island State Park
Just a ferry ride away from the mainland, Angel Island is the largest natural island in San Francisco Bay. The island offers gorgeous views of San Francisco Bay Area and is a tranquil getaway from the traffic and stressors of the city.
Plus, Angel Island has a rich history, starting from the time it served as a food gathering location for Native Americans to its function as an Immigration Station in more recent times.
In Angel Island State Park, hike to the top of Mount Livermore , rent a bike and explore the island, take a tram tour, go swimming at sandy Quarry Beach, visit the historical sites, picnic, look for birds or wildlife, or fish. Segway tours of the island and kayaking tours to the island may also be available.
Camping: There are a limited number of tent camp sites and one kayak camping site in Angel Island State Park. Camp sites must be reserved in advance.
Ferry to Angel Island
Ferries to Angel Island run from Pier 41 in San Francisco and from Tiburon. From San Francisco, the ferry ride takes about 25 minutes. From Tiburon, it takes about 10 minutes.
Drive Time: 18 Minutes
If youre in a time crunch and are looking to stay relatively close to the city, look no further than Rob Hill, which is less than 20 minutes from city center.
These campgrounds come with some great perks like food storage lockers, bike racks, and a free-standing charcoal barbecue setup in case you want to fire up the grill.
The history buffs in your group will love the proximity to the World War II West Coast Memorial and Battery Chamberlin. And those in your crew looking to sunbathe can head over to Baker Beach.
This site is a little more pricey, with $100/night during peak days and $75/night for off-peak days .
For a unique daytrip, try hiking through the Presidio to The Palace of Fine Arts. If you stop by in the summertime, you can get a ticket to see some outdoor theater!
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Sonoma Coast State Park
Sonoma Coast State Park extends for 17 beautiful miles, from Bodega Head to beyond Jenner on the Northern California coast. Its rugged coastal cliffs, sandy beaches and coves, and natural rock formations make for a great getaway from the city.
The drive from one end of the park to the other and back is beautiful. There are turnouts where you can stop to take in the views and snap photos. You can access the beach from one of several access points along the 17-mile stretch.
On the beach, you can walk, sunbathe, go beachcombing or tidepooling, picnic, look for wildlife and birds, or fish. There are trails along the coastal bluffs as well, which offer great water views and wildflowers in season. Bodega Head is a good place from which to try and spot migrating gray whales in season.
Camping: Wrights Beach campground has 27 campsites adjacent to the beach. Maximum trailer length is 27 feet and hookups are not available. Bodega Dunes Campground, about 5 miles south, has 99 campsites, plus showers, potable water, and a dump station. Reserve in advance.
Driving distance from San Francisco
68.4 miles, 1 hour and 23 minutes
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Located in Marin County, just north of San Franciscos Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais State Park is a super popular getaway from SF. With hillsides covered in redwoods, oak, and chaparral, and areas of open grasslands, the park is extremely scenic.
Mount Tamalpais is 2,571 feet tall, and you can drive to the top for panoramic views. When the famous fog is not in evidence, you can see as far as the Farallon Islands, the hills of Marin County, San Francisco , East Bay, and Mount Diablo.
Mount Tamalpais State Park offers unparalleled opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, from hiking the many trails to mountain biking, horseback riding, stargazing, fishing, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and even hang gliding. Mountain Theater hosts performances in May and June each year.
Camping: Group campsites, rustic cabins, or seaside campsites can be reserved in advance. In addition, first-come, first-served camp sites are available at specific campgrounds.
Driving distance from San Francisco
14.5 miles, 28 minutes
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More to Explore in San Francisco: After spending the night at a great campground near the city, the best way to spend the day is exploring one of the best hiking trails near San Francisco. After getting your fill of San Francisco’s natural wonders, in-city attractions like the Palace of Fine Arts and Golden Gate Park are just a few of the top-rated tourist attractions in San Francisco to check out in the city. For a great hotel after time spent camping, our guide to Where to Stay in San Francisco covers all types of travelers.
Other Campgrounds in California: North of San Francisco, the best campgrounds at Redwood National and State Parks deliver with some big attractions. The stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains are located three hours east of San Francisco, and the top-rated campgrounds at Yosemite National Park really showcase what this region has to offer. For details on great campgrounds near another urban center, our guide to campgrounds near Santa Cruz can have you pitching a tent next to the beach or near redwoods in no time.
Drive Time: 1 Hour 37 Minutes
You can never go wrong with a detour to Lake Sonoma.
This is arguably one of the best places to camp in California, and a refuge from the busy city. Here youll find scenic shoreline views, challenging hikes, and recreational activities for the whole family including archery, disc golf, and a dog park.
In terms of accommodations, youll be practically glamping with paved roads, picnic areas, and accessible showers.
If youre feeling more rugged, hit the Serpentine Trail with your mountain bike,or flex your angling skills at the lake.
Depending on the season, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25-100/night . Thats a small price to pay for this hidden gem!
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Kirby Cove Campground Marin Headlands
In the Marin Headlands at historic Battery Kirby, on the immediate north side of the Golden Gate Bridge, this tucked-away campground isn’t even known by some locals of the city. Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the five available sites at Kirby Cove are accessed by a service road leading straight down from the north side of the bridge. From Kirby Cove, the view of San Francisco Bay including the Golden Gate Bridge is nothing short of special.
The five sites at Kirby Cove can be reserved ahead of time, which is necessary throughout the weekends between March and November. Each site accommodates up to 10 people, and each group needs to pack in their own water and supplies. It’s a short walk from the parking area to the campsites, and three cars are allowed per campsite. An additional day-use picnic area at Kirby Cove can host up to 35 people and needs to be reserved ahead of time.
To the west of Battery Kirby and the Kirby Cove Campground, closer to the Point Bonita Lighthouse, the Bicentennial Campground offers three additional sites with similar accommodations. Both Kirby Cove and Bicentennial Campground only facilitate tent camping.
Address: 948 Fort Barry, Sausalito, California
Drive Time: 1 Hour 50 Minutes
As the state continues to reopen and recover from wildfires and COVID-19, its important to plan your camping trips well in advance. Some sites are opening with reduced capacity, so youll want to book your spot early.
This camping location isnt a place youll want to miss in those picturesque summer months. Nuzzled in the San Joaquin Valley just 2 hours from San Francisco, the reservoir is an ideal spot for boating, sailing, or a classic picnic.
There are four campgrounds open year-round, with your pick of on-site accommodations like bathrooms, showers, drinking water, and hook-ups for just $30.
If you end up camping during a windy season you might consider picking the Basalt campsite, which is tucked in the valley and offers protection from heavy winds.
But with a durable, noise-dampening hard shell roof top tent, you might not have to worry so much about the wind, giving you freedom to explore any of the beautiful campsites along the shoreline.
Like many other sites in the Bay Area, group camping and public events are prohibited for the time being. But if youre hauling in a boat, youre welcome to sail around and enjoy the view.
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Under a two-hour drive south from San Francisco, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is the oldest state park in California. Home to the largest grove of ancient redwood trees south of the Bay Area, Big Basin has four different campgrounds, with 146 total campsites available. Accommodating both RVs and tents, Big Basin Redwoods State Park 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.
Address: 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, California
Rob Hill The Only Campground In The City Of San Francisco
There’s only one place to camp legally within the city of San Francisco. Its located on four wooded acres just above Baker Beach. If you camp there, youll see the lights of Sutro Tower, smell the ocean, and hear owls hooting in the night.
It sounds perfect, but there are lots of gotchas and time-sensitive procedures to reserve a spot. First off, it’s only open from early April through late October. Each year’s dates are posted on the Rob Hill website. RV camping isn’t allowed. If you don’t have camping gear, you can rent it from the Sports Basement at Crissy Field.
There are only two camps at Rob Hill, set up for groups only. Each one can accommodate up to 30 people and comes with four parking permits. Each site has a fire pit, a free-standing barbeque grill, and picnic tables. Rob Hill has restrooms but no showers. The maximum stay is 3 nights.
A reservation and permit are required for camping at Rob Hill. Making reservations isnt easy, but heres how you do it:
- Reserve in early February for April, May, June, July and in early March for August, September, and October.
- Get prepared. Requests are filled on a first-come, first served basis.
- Payment is by credit card only and your camping fee is nonrefundable.
- Weekends fill up fast. Have your finger on your emails submit button, ready to send your application at 9 am PST sharp on the dates listed on their website.
- A minimum of three working days is required to process reservations.
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Find The Best Glamping Near Bay Area Attractions And Get Outdoors Book These San Francisco Campgrounds And Get Outdoors This Weekend
From Point Reyes to Napa, Bodega Bay to the Redwoods, the Bay Area is full of amazing places to go camping. Find the best glamping near Bay Area attractions, ranging from Napa Valley cabins or Sonoma vacation rentals to Bodega Bay beach camping. There’s no end to the outdoor adventures to be had when you bo glamping near San Francisco. Do a quick search for California campgrounds near me, and you’ll find private campgrounds, San Francisco weekend getaways, and top vacation spots all right here on Glamping Hub! Book these San Francisco campgrounds and get outdoors this weekend. With camping sites as amazing as these, you have no excuse to not get out of the city this weekend. Discover some of the best Northern California vacation rentals near the Bay Area and book yours today. When you’re on Glamping Hub, it’s easy to find the best campgrounds near San Francisco.
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
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Big Sur Campground And Cabins
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
Drive Time: 1 Hour 28 Minutes
Who doesnt love Napa Valley? You cant pass through the area without making a pit stop in this infamous wine-lovers location.
Set among the scenic redwoods, Bothe-Napa Valley State Parkis only a stones throw away from the most famous vineyards in the world.
To make the most of your stay, bring a swimsuit and take a dip in the parks luxurious swimming pool. Or grill up a quick meal by the campfire and post up under some Douglas Firs to gaze at the night sky.
The campgrounds have been newly reopened, and offer unique camping experiences like cabins and yurts, as well as drive-in spots to set up your Roofnest, which you can park on site for just $40.
And of course if youre a fan of wine, bring your favorite portable wine cups to toast to your relaxing escape from the city!
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Explore The Great Outdoors And Book Your Camping Trip Today
Enjoy the great outdoors, fit in some great water activities, and experience a range of amenities atAmerican River Resort. Nestled in the middle of California Gold Country, youll be surrounded by history and natural wonders. Whether youre looking to plan a wedding or a family event or you just want a getaway, American River Resort provides a range of services and options. Learn more about all that American River Resort has to offer, and book your trip today.
Anthony Chabot Regional Park
One of the best spots for camping in the East Bay is Anthony Chabot Regional Park, a giant campground that is situated in a stunning, wild landscape and offers a tremendous amount of amenities for visitors. You can enjoy hiking trails, riding trails, picnic tables, restrooms showers, phones, drinking water, and more. There are 11 RV hookup sites, 10 tent-only sites, and then 47 sites for tents or small RVs.
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Back Ranch Meadows Campground China Camp State Park
On the Marin County coastline adjacent to the city of San Rafael, China Camp State Park entices beachgoers, history buffs, and overnight campers. First settled by indigenous cultures of the region, this coastal site later became a major Chinese fishing village following the California Gold Rush. Visitors today can see remnants of this once-bustling era at the historic China Camp Village within park boundaries.
The Back Ranch Meadows Campground at China Camp State Park features 33 developed sites that visitors must walk up to 300 yards to access. Wheelbarrows are available to haul gear from the parking area to the campsites. Potable water and flushing toilets are also available at the campground.
Hiking and bicycling are popular activities at the state park, and campers can reach the China Camp Village and China Camp Beach with a six-mile hike on the Shoreline Trail from the campground.
Address: 100 China Camp Village Road, San Rafael, California
Sf Bay Area Rv Campground Overlooking The Pacific Ocean
You will never want to leave San Francisco RV Resort! Just 15 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, Half Moon Bay, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz and many other Bay Area attractions, the location of San Francisco RV Resort truly can’t be beat. Our 150 paved and level sites accommodate the smallest RVs to 45 foot motor homes.
Guests enjoy stunning sunset views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Naturally, the Pacific waves attract surfers, tide-pool adventurers and beach loungers.
Escape to this stunning San Francisco Bay Area RV campground. We enjoy clear blue skies and temperatures in the mid 60s to low 70s year round. Come any time of year and experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean first hand at San Francisco RV Resort!
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