The San Francisco Bay Area has several coastal glamping options within a 30-minute drive from Burlingame, California. Winter temperatures in the region typically range from 45-65°F, with summer coastal fog common from June through August. Glamping sites near Burlingame combine coastal access with premium accommodations, though most require reservations several months in advance during peak season.
What to do
Beach exploration: 4-mile coastal trail at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground connects visitors to multiple beaches. "Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat. Short drive to many other areas," notes Carina B. The campground provides direct beach access with designated trails.
Horseback riding: 15-minute drive from coastal glamping sites. "This campground has a beach that dogs are allowed to walk on and beautiful places to hike. There is horse back riding available and coin operated hot showers," according to Debbie R., who enjoyed the activities near Half Moon Bay.
Tide pool excursions: Early morning low tides reveal marine life along coastal areas near Steep Ravine Campground. "I've seen deer in the seaside vernal pools, wild miniature ocean bunnies boxing in the morning sunshine, and a great white shark off the cliffs one fine day," shares Nikata L. about the diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.
Coastal hiking: Multiple trail systems connect with glamping cabins. "Steep Ravine / Matt Davis trails and climb all over Mt. Tam from the campground," writes one visitor, highlighting the network of trails directly accessible from luxury accommodations.
What campers like
Privacy between luxury sites at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. "Sites are close, but have some privacy. Stream is accessible shallow. Beautiful trees," notes Gabriel F. The campground maintains natural buffers between glamping areas despite its popularity.
Upscale dining options within walking distance of glamping locations. "The restaurant at the lodge, the Cascade, was phenomenal. This is coming from someone used to San Francisco and Oakland restaurants. The vegetables were all grown in the garden and the dishes were expertly executed," writes Alma L. about Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA.
Heated common areas provide comfort during foggy evenings. "This place just has everything including always lit fireplaces at the bath houses. Very social camping place," explains Corrie G., highlighting the premium amenities at Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA.
Ocean views from glamping platforms enhance the experience. "We stayed in a cabin in the huckleberry campground. The cabins were nice, and each cabin has 2 double beds, a table, and a wood stove," shares Kim P., describing the comfortable amenities available to glampers.
What you should know
Reservation competition is intense for premium sites. "Extremely hard to get a reservation. Can get very windy! Georgeous spot to pitch your tent on the ocean cliffs," warns Kelly S. about Steep Ravine Campground, emphasizing the need to book months in advance.
Coastal weather fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. "Bring layers of functional clothes since the weather on the coast of the SF bay can be anything from roasting to foggy frigid cold during the day and night year round," advises Patrick O., highlighting the unpredictable conditions at glamping sites.
Limited cell service in some premium locations. "Barely any cell reception, but wifi worked pretty well (we could have a video conference)," reports Ignasi M. about Sanborn County Park, which offers glamping options close to Burlingame.
Weekend noise levels vary between locations. "Weekends are booked solid through the end of the year; however, weekday sites are available," notes one camper about a coastal glamping site, suggesting that weekdays offer a quieter experience for those seeking solitude.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Weekend programming enhances the glamping experience. "This is a great camp ground for families as well as seniors! We attended a presentation on the wild birds in the area that an employee provided, and then he took us on a hike through Costanoa and over to the ocean," shares Dave about Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA.
Secure food storage: Wildlife interactions are common at coastal sites. "Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue," according to Kathleen C., who visited Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground with family.
Playground access: On-site recreation for younger children. "There is a nice playground next to an equally nice café called the pinecone," notes Alma L. about facilities at Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, providing options for families with smaller children.
Temperature management: Evening coastal fog requires preparation. "It can get cold at night in the redwoods so the wood stove was great at night," explains Kim P. about Big Basin cabins, emphasizing the importance of proper heating in glamping accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Space limitations: Premium sites with hookups require advance planning. "The pull through spaces are extremely tight to the point that our slide out was hitting vegetation and our neighbors awning was about two feet from our Rv," warns Andrea A. about Pelican Point RV Park near Half Moon Bay.
Utility connections: Extension requirements vary by location. "Hookups are pretty fast away and needed my sewer extention," explains C.W. about Treasure Island MH and RV Park, highlighting the need for proper equipment when glamping with an RV near Burlingame.
Site selection strategy: Back-in spots often offer more privacy. "Back in spots have far more space," notes Alma L., suggesting these sites provide better accommodation for luxury camping despite being less convenient for parking.
Reservation timing: Sunday-to-Tuesday stays avoid weekend crowds. "We arrived on Sunday and left on Tuesday, so we didn't get to experience the weekend activities," shares Lori L., suggesting mid-week stays provide a more relaxed glamping experience in the Bay Area.
