Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

This small and quite campground is our favorite in Bay Area. Each site has a picnic table and a fire pit, with enough of trees and privacy. Campground is really small with only 20 campsites. The camp is a great base for hikes and bike rides all over the park, but also great just to enjoy the campground. There is a small visitor center close to the entrance, with a few souvenirs and some snacks and drinks. Visitor Center only takes cash. Overall, this place is a great spot to run away from Bay Area noise and rush.

Bay Area Oasis 

You’d have to get to ranger station to obtain permit for use of campground on the day of your trip, so arriving early or on time at ranger station in the morning is helpful. Once you get the campground permit you then can hike into your destination. There are people who would camp anywhere if they can’t find campground after sunset. We camped at Skeel’s Meadow which is by a creek for fresh water usage (and refreshing to soak your feet in!). No facilities so mark a tree and follow LNT guidelines. No campfire allowed.

Limited spaced out campgrounds for backpackers

Came here from SF Bay for 2 nights on a weekend.  Obtained permit from the ranger station and had to pick a district I would camp in the first night (to limit amount of campers in a region per night).  Hiked about 8 miles southwest to a lake the first night and camped in my hammock by the lake.  Second day backpacked about 12 miles northeast to another lake and was able to grab a spot to set up my hammock next to some picnic tables and a restroom.  Saw plenty of wildlife (lizards, snakes, birds, fish).  It was fairly hot in mid-spring, and there is not much shade on the trails, especially the dirt roads.

Amazing Backcountry Backpacking

The campground is pretty remote and there are a good amount of sites with tree cover and shade. It’s a gigantic park with plenty of hiking trails. You can buy firewood on site but you might want to bring some. When I arrived store was closed but I found a ranger to open it and sell me some. There are signs warning of ticks in the area so be aware but I had no issues.

Massive Park

This is a primitive campground, no showers only vault toilets and restroom near visitor center ( 2 min walk from campground) both decently clean. Water for washing dishes is available. Spots are not close to each other so there is privacy. It is small, quiet, surrounded with beautiful views. Good hiking trails and good opportunity for bird watching, wild flowers viewing and plenty of deer around. From main road it takes about 35 min drive up the hill through narrow road which is paved but I don't think it is appropriate for RVs. It is a bit of hassle getting here but worth it! If you are car camping I advice NOT to choose drive in spots as it is not leveled but the parking where you have to walk to your camp spot is okay. 

Awesome primitive camping 

We had a great weekend camping trip at Coe Ranch - thanks to being at one of the sites with a bit of shelter and shade. Beware that many of the sites have neither of these things, and can be really exposed.

I’d recommend sites 10-12, 13 looked ok - and sounds like other folk recommend the ones down the hill a bit.