The Golden State holds the largest diversity of wildlife in the nation. You can easily spot dozens of species of birds and marine life when you take full advantage of the hiking trails and the beautiful beaches in the San Francisco Bay Area. Rock climbing, cycling, and woodland tours are accessible activities that are sure to make your camping trip a memorable one.
Camping in California
As in most of the United States, Bay Area camping is best in the early Spring and late Fall. Thankfully, the state sees the majority of its rainfall between November and March; regardless, remember to pack your poncho and umbrella just in case. Additionally, pack plenty of sunscreen, and bring your glasses and a hat. Multiple clothing options are recommended as well because temperatures can change frequently at any time of the year.
San Francisco is part of what is known as Northern California, an area that houses the Redwood Forests, Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Southern California is characterized by the Mojave Desert, Colorado Desert, and Transverse Mountain Ranges. The most popular ranges in the south are the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains, both of which touch the San Andreas fault. California spans a vast amount of land and represents almost every ecosystem and climate the United States has to offer.
RV campgrounds near San Francisco
There are plenty of beautiful campgrounds close to San Francisco where you can take your mobile habitat for a short or extended getaway. These sites allow you to take advantage of the mild central California weather and the varied seasonal wildlife in the area. Check out the top 10 trailer and RV-friendly campsites near the Bay Area.
1. Samuel P. Taylor State Park
A central spot for campers from all over California, Samuel P. Taylor State Park is located among the majestic Redwoods. Known for its wide selection of hiking trails, including the wheel-chair accessible South Creek Trail, this campsite is a favorite for those who love to walk among nature. This park is a bit cooler than the surrounding areas year-round, so remember to pack an extra layer or two. Even though some of the sites can hold up to 50 campers at a time, this campground fills up quickly, so reservations are recommended.
- Price: $35
- Number of sites: 59
- RV sites: Yes (max length 30’)
- Hookups: No
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“One of the easiest accessed and most beautiful campgrounds in the state and it is literally just outside the city. Campsites are well maintained and under beautiful and huge trees.” – Hayley K.
2. San Francisco RV Resort
This unique RV site is located on a 60’ bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. San Francisco RV Resort is only 15 miles from many of the Bay Area’s popular tourist attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. With spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset over the ocean, easy access to the city of San Francisco, and the nearby beach, this RV park is great for those taking a day trip to the city or passing through on a road trip.
- Price: $20-100
- Number of sites: 162
- RV sites: Yes (max length 66’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: No
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Spots are tight. Staff is great! Laundry hot tub pool are always clean. Right on the ocean (on a cliff) !” – Corrie G.
3. Anthony Chabot Family Campground
A perfect location for your weekend getaway, Anthony Chabot Family Campground has full hookups, restrooms, and hot showers. Spend the day hiking and biking on the many surrounding trails or fishing for largemouth bass at Lake Chabot. Cull Canyon Lagoon is also just a few miles down the road and has some amazing swimming spots. If you go with 9 or more people, you have access to the group sites, which have picnic tables, a fire ring, and BBQ pits.
- Price: $40
- Number of sites: 75
- RV sites: Yes (max length 40’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Great family campground with many trails around. Very clean amenities, great park rangers. All sites have a fire ring and picnic table. Definitely recommend!” – Luciana X.
4. Skyline Wilderness Park
This location is a beautiful, serene spot to camp. Skyline Wilderness Park is aptly named as it boasts some of the most impressive sunrise viewings in the state of California. It also houses 25 miles of trails that everyone from beginners to advanced hikers will enjoy. The temperate weather makes this campground an ideal place to enjoy cool evenings and warm days. Visit the Martha Walker Native Habitat Garden to see plants and flowers unique to California. For traveling hunters, the Silverado Archery Club hosts open tournaments from April to July to help prepare for bow hunting season. Amenities include laundry, sewer, and water hookups.
- Price: $30-55
- Number of sites: 39
- RV sites: Yes (max length 50’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Nice, clean place with beautiful hiking trails. The garden is very cute, perfect for a quiet walk or meditation. Sites are close to each other. This place is a good getaway into nature.” – Adriana
5. Francis Bay Campground at Half Moon Bay
When you stay at Francis Bay Campground at Half Moon Bay, you’ll find miles of idyllic beaches close by — where you can walk, jog, picnic, fish, and sunbathe. You may even catch glimpses of pelicans, sea lions, or possibly gray whales! Pets and fires are allowed on the campgrounds; however, they are not permitted on the nearby beaches. This is mainly due to the fact that an endangered bird, the western snowy plover makes its home on Half Moon Bay. Some campsites have electric hookups for RVs, but water and sewer are not available. Most campsites also have outside showers and flush toilets for your convenience.
- Price: $40-80
- Number of sites: 52
- RV sites: Yes (max length 40’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Not a very easy State Park to get reservations, but being persistent is do worth it. Was unable to get front-row beach view, but was still totally worth it for dog-walks.” – Doris V.
6. San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
The San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA campsite is a year-round, multi-camp area that houses RVs, tents, and cabins. Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge and nearby wineries, this location is ideal for those who want to relax in the country yet still have access to shopping, sightseeing, and restaurants. The Graton Resort & Casino is a short drive away, as are beautiful natural areas with giant redwoods and sandy beaches. Larger families can enjoy a wide range of amenities like playgrounds, snack bars, and hot tubs. Your furry friends will also love this campground as it has a designated dog park.
- Price: $70-140
- Number of sites: 302
- RV sites: Yes (max length 55’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“We stayed 3 days over Labor Day and were so impressed! They were full but everything was safe, clean and organized. Woody, the manager, was very helpful and accommodating! We had a beautiful site under shade trees and a grassy area! Lovely time.” – Linda W.
7. Olema Campground
The Olema Campground is located near the Point Reyes National Seashore, about 37 miles from San Francisco. This location has been around since 1969 and features scenic areas where you can bird watch, go hiking, kayaking, or visit the beach. Rustic yet equipped with hookups for your RV and level sites, this campground is a great choice for first-time RV or trailer campers. Point Reyes Station is also just two miles away with stores stocking all the essential camping gear and outdoor equipment.
- Price: $50-70
- Number of sites: 187
- RV sites: Yes (max length 50’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Lots of guests with dogs and kids, all pretty quiet and well behaved. Would come back. Grassy, plenty of trees and surrounding nature. Right on Highway 1, but limited traffic so not noisy.” – Maria M.
8. San Mateo County Memorial Park
This campground boasts 673 acres of redwood trees and nature trails. It includes two separate camping areas, Azalea Flat, and Sequoia Flat — so make sure to check the exact amenities of each site as they may differ. The San Mateo County Memorial Park features a picnic area, showers, and restrooms; however, there are no hookups available for RVs. Located in a rugged area, you’ll find yourself feeling immersed in nature as you traverse the famous Mt. Ellen and Tan Oak nature trails. A great place for relaxing and enjoying nature, these campsites are a great choice for the quintessential California nature experience. RV camping sites are available at Coyote Point and include free vehicle entry.
- Price: $25-45
- Number of sites: 158
- RV sites: Yes (max length 35’)
- Hookups: No
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: No
“Great place for camping or just getting out for the day with family and friends.” – Erik V.
9. Pillar Point RV Park
This first-come, first-served RV park is the perfect place to park on your California road trip to or from San Francisco. Located near picturesque Half Moon Bay, Pillar Point RV Park offers 49 RV sites with full hookups, complimentary Wi-Fi, and cable TV. The park is kid and dog-friendly with plenty of space to play. Guests will enjoy relaxing in the garden or looking out over the ocean at sunset, and the area also has plenty of eateries and shops within walking distance.
- Price: $75-100
- Number of sites: 49
- RV sites: Yes (max length 40’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: No
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Loved the view but sleeping near a highway is a little loud at night… nice place to go explore the beach and trails.” – Jesus R.
10. Kirby Cove Campground
Kirby Cove Campground has convenient campsites near San Francisco with magnificent views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Newly added 50 amp hookups and sandy trails are just some amenities offered at this Bay Area campground. The hiking trails around Kirby Cove provide the best of both worlds with views of the bay and canyons. Just remember to bring a coat because the fog can make things much cooler, even in the summer months. If you’re a history buff you’ll love this area for its old WW2 structures and army batteries from the late 19th century. Additional amenities include picnic tables, BBQs and fire pits, ADA-accessible sites, and food lockers. The small number of sites go quickly so it’s advisable to make your reservations well ahead of time.
- Price: $40 -75
- Number of sites: 5
- RV sites: Yes (max length 50’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: No
“I would camp here again in a heartbeat. Spots are separated substantially from each other.” – Cecil K.
Explore campsites near the Bay Area in style
These top 10 campsites near San Francisco are just a handful of the great options for where to stay while exploring the area. If you want to discover the Bay Area in style then check out the lineup of mobile habitats from TAXA. Our camper trailers are fuel-efficient and can even get towed by most electric vehicles. Tigermoth, Cricket, and Mantis will look right at home among the Redwoods or by the Pacific Ocean.
