Camping options near San Lorenzo, California range from forested inland sites to coastal beach campgrounds, all within 20-30 miles of the city. The area transitions from San Lorenzo's 50-foot elevation to nearby peaks like Mount Diablo at 3,849 feet, creating varied camping microclimates. Overnight temperatures can drop below 50°F even in summer, particularly at coastal sites where dense fog regularly rolls in during evening hours.
What to do
Hiking near Mount Diablo: The mountain offers trails for all skill levels, approximately 25 miles east of San Lorenzo. "The campground is a good place to explore the rest of the summit areas, plus Rock City," notes a visitor at Mt. Diablo State Park. Trails connect to lookout points with sweeping views across the Bay Area.
Beach activities at Half Moon Bay: Located 30 miles west of San Lorenzo along Highway 92, the state beach provides sand and surf recreation. "Beautiful beaches, nice scenery, not a lot of vegetation," reports a camper about Francis Beach Campground. The 4-mile coastal trail runs directly through the camping area.
Urban wildlife watching: Coyote Hills Regional Park features extensive wetlands habitat for bird watching. A park visitor mentions, "There are many many trails for hiking and biking, and wildlife is plentiful." The marshes support over 100 bird species, particularly during spring and fall migrations.
What campers like
Convenient city proximity: Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park offers camping with all amenities just 15 miles from San Lorenzo. "If you are visiting and want to go to San Francisco, I think this is one of the closest RV parks to the city," explains a frequent camper. The park sits directly on fairgrounds property with easy freeway access.
Well-maintained facilities: Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "Bathrooms were spotless and backing into our site was a breeze. Best part about the campground is access to miles of trails by the side of the bay," shares a visitor. The campground opened in 2021, so facilities remain in good condition.
Natural settings with urban convenience: Locations balance nature access with nearby services. "We appreciate how convenient it is for people who live in the Bay Area and if you want to visit the area from out of state or out of the Bay Area, it would be a great place to park your camper and explore," notes a camper at Dumbarton Quarry.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Competition for sites at the best places to camp near San Lorenzo is fierce. For Kirby Cove Campground, a camper advises: "Check the website for availability the SECOND the reservation window opens." Many campgrounds release sites 6 months in advance, booking completely within minutes.
Fog and wind conditions: Weather patterns affect comfort at many locations. "No matter how hot it is you'll never be able to escape the howling winds at night. Good tent stakes and warm gear is a must," warns a Mt. Diablo camper. Coastal fog can persist all day at oceanside campgrounds.
Site privacy concerns: Many campgrounds feature closely spaced sites. At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, a visitor notes: "The sites are fairly close to each other, which matters because one of the other campers is right next to mine and doesn't understand basic camp etiquettes." Research site maps before booking to find more secluded options.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Dumbarton Quarry Campground offers family-friendly facilities. "There's a great playground if you have small kids, and lots of gentle hiking trails," mentions a local camper. The park provides flat, paved walking paths suitable for strollers and beginning bicyclists.
Wildlife education opportunities: Look for ranger programs during peak seasons. At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, the setting offers natural learning opportunities: "There is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.). It's a great natural area that is so conveniently located in the Bay Area."
Temperature preparation: Pack additional layers regardless of season. The climate varies significantly from day to night. "The weather, though hot in the Bay Area at this point, was quite nice. The breeze and shade of the park made for a very comfortable setting," explains a summer visitor to Anthony Chabot, noting the temperature felt 10 degrees cooler than nearby valley locations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At San Francisco RV Resort in Pacifica, location matters significantly. "Our group stayed here in early August. The better sites are #5-12 with #11 and #12 being the best," recommends an experienced visitor. Sites closer to facilities typically have less privacy but more convenience.
Hookup details: RV parks near San Lorenzo offer varying levels of services. At Trailer Villa RV Park, "The grounds are clean; parking pads are concrete and flat; and drive lanes AND parking spots are wide and spacious for maneuvering large RVs." Most dedicated RV parks provide full hookups, though amperage may vary between 30 and 50 depending on site.
Traffic considerations: Plan extra travel time during peak periods. An Anthony Chabot visitor warns: "Plan for a 45 minute drive from town to the top, longer if you are doing it on a weekend when you'll be waiting to pass cyclists." Mountain roads to several campgrounds feature tight turns and limited passing areas.
