Eric G.
Scout
ScoutCamptown Tracy CA
Smelly
The location is close to the freeway and passes by for 7 years. Often it has a foul odor due to farmers, waste facility plants or Warehouses .
Best Campgrounds near Alameda, CA
The San Francisco Bay Area surrounding Alameda offers a mix of established campgrounds and urban camping options within an hour's drive. Anthony Chabot Regional Park, located in the Castro Valley hills, provides both tent and RV sites with some hookups available, while sites like Kirby Cove Campground in Golden Gate National Recreation Area offer more rustic tent camping experiences with views of the Bay. Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles with most sites requiring advance reservations, especially during summer and holiday weekends. The region includes several RV parks like San Francisco RV Resort in Pacifica and Candlestick RV Park in San Francisco for travelers seeking urban proximity.
Camping in the Bay Area typically requires planning ahead due to the limited number of sites and high demand. Most established campgrounds operate year-round with mild coastal temperatures, though winter brings more rainfall and occasional site closures. As one camper noted, "Anthony Chabot Campgrounds sits high up on the Castro Valley Hills overlooking Lake Chabot with several awesome hiking trails going down to the lake as well as some equestrian trails." Many public campgrounds enforce quiet hours, fire restrictions, and pet policies that vary by location. Cell service can be spotty in hillside locations like Mount Diablo State Park, while urban RV parks generally offer better connectivity but may present safety considerations in certain neighborhoods.
Campers report particular satisfaction with campgrounds featuring eucalyptus groves and lake views. Anthony Chabot's sites receive consistently positive reviews for cleanliness and maintenance, with one visitor highlighting that it offers "warm showers, and scores of dedicated staff who genuinely care about this place." Sites are generally well-spaced compared to private RV parks closer to San Francisco. Urban camping options near Alameda tend to be more utilitarian with varying reviews regarding safety and atmosphere. Angel Island State Park's Sunrise Campground stands out for its unique boat-in access and exceptional views of San Francisco, though it lacks RV accommodations. For tent campers seeking natural settings, the East Bay hills provide the most peaceful options within reasonable driving distance of Alameda.
Best Camping Sites Near Alameda, California (147)
1. Anthony Chabot Regional Park
29 ReviewsCastro Valley, CA10 milesWebsite+1 (888) 327-2757$25 - $200 / night
"as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"
"Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty."
2. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
15 ReviewsSausalito, CA13 milesWebsite+1 (415) 331-1540$40 - $75 / night
"The walk to the beach was 60 seconds and the ocean can be seen from the site. Cool ww2 structures. You get a code to open the gate uptop and drive down to park for your stay."
"If you plan to leave your cooler outside of the bear box make sure it has a lock or secure latch. 3- you get a gate code and parking pass to drive down, but have to walk your gear the last 500-1,000 ft"
3. San Francisco RV Resort
17 ReviewsPacifica, CA14 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"If you want a great little place with quick easy access to San Francisco that has a great view of the ocean this place is great! And affordable!"
"Very nice park for an on the water location, I've been to some where you can't even turn without hitting someone."
4. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
9 ReviewsTiburon, CA11 milesWebsite+1 (415) 435-5390$30 / night
"Angel Island is a California State Park, but it's surprising how many visitors do not know of the 10 campsites scattered around the island!"
"Campsites are walk in throughout the island. Remember there will be fog and there will be wind. We try to get what they call the "group" kayak site. "
5. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
10 ReviewsSausalito, CA12 milesWebsite"I decided to stay here, because it was the right location for my road trip, it was free, and I thought the view of the city would be excellent."
"Reasonably quiet on the side away from the road. Very safe, police patrols throughout the day/night. Good hiking areas nearby. Bathrooms and trash cans. Highly recommend as it is also completely free."
6. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
27 ReviewsHalf Moon Bay, CA22 milesWebsite+1 (650) 726-8819$35 - $165 / night
"We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance."
"Beautiful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat. Short drive to many other areas. small but good size sites for where it is."
7. Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
17 ReviewsDiablo, CA20 milesWebsite+1 (925) 837-2525$30 / night
"This mountain has many of hiking trails for various levels of hikers."
"Live Oak is the closest to the entrance (and town), and features some cool rock formations to explore, but it's colder, has terrible cellular data service, and doesn't quite have the sunset / sunrise views"
8. Candlestick RV Park
5 ReviewsBrisbane, CA6 milesWebsite+1 (415) 822-2299"Or Muni which takes about double the time including walk to the station. Great WiFi. It's a parking lot with close neighbors. Nice and clean facilities."
9. Rob Hill Campground
4 ReviewsSausalito, CA11 milesWebsite+1 (415) 561-5083$105 - $170 / night
"Stumbled across this campground by accident a few weeks ago as we were hiking around The Presidio. It was quite the hidden gem set amidst a stunning cypress and eucalyptus grove."
"Accessible to many trails."
10. Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
7 ReviewsSausalito, CA14 milesWebsite+1 (415) 331-1540$25 / night
"All three sites here are next to each other and have no seperation, but if you’re okay with that it’s a wonderful place to camp Site 3 is closest to the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the trails connected"
"It has great hiking nearby and an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city, and is a short drive into the city. you definitely want to reserve a space well in advance, especially during peak"
Recent Camping Photos near Alameda, CA
187 Photos of 147 Alameda Campgrounds
Stacie L.
Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Haley C.
Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
Cecil K.
Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Cat R.
Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Mary D.
Hawk Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Erin S.
Haypress Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Alana S.
Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Nathaniel S.
Alice Eastwood Group Camp — Mount Tamalpais State Park
Asher K.
Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
Jasim ِ.
Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
Brandon S.
Bootjack Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
Joanna M.
Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
Recent Reviews near Alameda, CA
730 Reviews of 147 Alameda Campgrounds
Marisa A.
TravelerSanborn County Park
cozy and simple campground in convenient location
We decided to come here for a last minute trip with our 25ft class C rv. The spots were nice and the hiking was beautiful. Cheap but comfortable and very convenient for a quick weekend away.
- moni G.Traveler
Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
loved it
just the sites might be to close for what im used to but besides that i loved it
- TTeresa A.
LegendDumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Overnight stay
Beautiful spot. Clean facilities and grounds. A bit of city noise but you are technically in the city.
- TTeresa A.Legend
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground
Overnight stay
This was a great campground to spend the night or several days if you have the time. Facilities are clean. Grounds are clean. The staff was super friendly. We enjoyed a fire while enjoying the night sounds of nature. The only complaint was the site that decided to run the generator after hours. We were ready to turn in but were surprised that even though the park was quite empty, there were hosts on site to address the issue.
withtheBrandonsScoutSan Francisco RV Resort
Quiet with an amazing sunset view
The sunset views over the ocean are breathtaking. It’s quiet, peaceful, and everyone we met was friendly and welcoming.
- ZZach S.Traveler
Coyote Valley RV Resort
Very nice property!
Everything is clean and organized. I had to make a change to my reservation check in after hours, and the staff was very helpful in both situations. Highly recommend!
- OOmar E.Traveler
Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
GORGEOUS Experience! 10/10
For my first west coast/pch camping experience, must say I’d HUGELY recommend it (especially with its close proximity to the LOVELY Alamere Falls!)
Be sure to plan for at least 2-to-3 days if you’d like to soak up all the adventures!
dive into safety tips for the region/season on YouTube university and of course nps.gov resources!
Lance L.
GuideMarin RV Park
If you're in a pinch...
Not sure how to justify $100 a night even after a good Sam discount but if you're in a pinch...sure. It's very tight spacing, no privacy in between lots so be prepared and skilled if you have a bigger rig. My 34 foot trailer took some time to get in. They don't have traditional posts where you would expect the water to be so bring extra hose. We got flooded out as well...
Guide to Alameda
Camping near Alameda, CA, offers a great mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
What to do
- Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful trails nearby," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
- Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at New Brighton State Beach Campground. A visitor shared, "Great views and easy access to the beach," highlighting the campground's prime location.
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One camper noted, "We were harassed by cute little chipmunks and birds," adding a fun twist to your camping experience.
What campers like
- Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A review for Bodega Dunes Campground stated, "Beautiful sunsets just a short walk away in the dunes."
- Clean Facilities: Many campers enjoy well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
- Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offer plenty of activities for kids. One parent said, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun."
What you should know
- Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground noted, "Always tough to get a reservation, but it never disappoints if you can get one."
- Wildlife Caution: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A visitor at Anthony Chabot Regional Park shared, "We had two new types of visitors... a couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food."
- Weather Variability: The weather can change quickly, so pack accordingly. One camper at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground mentioned, "The only downsides... were the ticks and foxtails."
Tips for camping with families
- Kid-Friendly Amenities: Look for campgrounds with activities for children. A review for New Brighton State Beach Campground highlighted, "Lots of families and lots of kids."
- Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A parent at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground advised, "You’re going to probably experience some of the most ridiculous first-time campers."
- Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground suggested, "Make sure you bring a padlock as there is no locking mechanism on the door."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park noted, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
- Dump Station Availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. One camper at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "The dump station was in good working order."
- Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure a peaceful stay. A review for Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground reminded, "The sites felt pretty spaced out, and didn't feel noisy at all."
Camping near Alameda, CA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there free camping options near Alameda?
Are there free camping options near Alameda?
Free camping near Alameda is limited, but there are some options within driving distance. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound offers free overnight parking with basic amenities like water and toilets, though it's intended for brief stays rather than extended camping. For more established camping at reasonable rates, consider Sanborn County Park, which offers a wallet-friendly camping experience with storage boxes, cart assistance for gear transport from parking areas, and well-maintained bathrooms. While not free, it provides good value in a beautiful setting relatively close to Alameda.
What amenities are available at Alameda campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Alameda campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Alameda offer a range of amenities to enhance your stay. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground provides beach access with clean facilities in a scenic coastal setting. For a different experience, Skyline Wilderness Park just outside Napa offers separate tent and RV camping areas, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails. Most campgrounds in the region typically provide restrooms, potable water, and picnic tables. Some locations offer fire rings, dump stations for RVs, and shower facilities. Reservation systems are common at most established campgrounds in the area.
Where can I find camping in Alameda?
Where can I find camping in Alameda?
The main camping option in Alameda is the Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park, which offers convenient RV camping right off Highway 680. This fairgrounds location provides grassy sites, some with trees, and serves as one of the closest RV parks to San Francisco. For those seeking camping experiences beyond Alameda proper, Anthony Chabot Regional Park is nearby and offers family-friendly sites with access to trails, though watch for poison oak and star thistle just off the paths. Both locations provide good bases for exploring the greater Bay Area.
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