Best Tent Camping near Clayton, CA

Recent Tent Reviews near Clayton, CA

586 Reviews of 37 Clayton Campgrounds

• 

  MarinMaverick

  Legend

  

  Aug. 13, 2020

  Olema Campground

  Only Game in Town

  If you want to explore the Point Reyes National Seashore you do not have many options.  This facility has been there a long time, and while not the best, it gives you great access.  It is mostly used for RV's some appear to be year round residents.  I am a tent camper and there are tent camping sites.  They are on a grassy area and not well defined.  Not a lot of shade for tent sites.

  That being said you are at the gateway to a large fabulous national seashore.

  They have great ameneities - a store, post office, hot showers.  Everything you need is there.  There is a great restuarant down the road and a church next door!

• T

  Tai W.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 25, 2020

  Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

  Beautiful campground among majestic redwoods

  The Upper Campground is a gem of a place to camp, nestled among the redwoods on the eastern facing side of a ridge (complete with hiking trails) and a creek.  The Madrone group campground is across Sir Francis Drake Blvd (I personally think it's less scenic but more open).  The only reason I took off a star is the campground's proximity to the road, which is not extremely busy but can be noisy if you are camping in a tent.  Were it not for the noise, we'd go back again and again and again.

• S

  Susan V.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 17, 2021

  Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park

  Tent site experience

  I stayed one night in one of the 2-3 tent sites, which was on the water. -It was quite expensive ($55/night) for a tent site. I didn’t request, want, or use them, but I did have a faucet and two 110-V outlets available; perhaps I was paying for that. -Office staff told me I had to sleep in a tent, not my car (I’m testing out a cot in my car; can’t do a tent any more). My thinking is, if I pay and take good care of the tent site, why insist on controlling how I sleep? I found this intrusive - and I set up a tent, but slept in my car. -The sites for RVs were very small. The campground was pretty much full and I felt bad for the RVers, who were almost on top of each other. -Additional notes: good, free showers (but $15 returnable cash deposit to get a restroom/shower key); tent site was on water and had privacy of bush on one side (unlike RVs); friendly office staff; not near town or residential areas, despite being so near an urban area.

• 

  Alicia F.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 25, 2018

  Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

  Great views

  Often booked so you’ll want to get a reservation. $35/night for tent camping plus 7.99 reservation fee. No electric for tent camping but there is water. Safeway is just a mile away. Super cute town close by with fun shops and restaurants. The wind in the afternoon can be annoying but the views are worth it. I love staying here after working in Burlingame which is only 30 minutes away. Super easy to get to Mavericks, San Francisco etc.

• T

  Tai W.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 27, 2020

  Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

  Beautiful campground but close to the road

  Love this campground ... a great basecamp for easy access to everything that West Marin has to offer.  It has wonderful campsites nestled among mature trees with a stream that runs through it.  It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces).  Also, if you're tent camping, the vehicle noise from the nearby Sir Francis Drake Blvd can be distracting if you are a light sleeper (and you are tent camping).  But all in all a great locale!

• 

  Melissa P.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 22, 2019

  Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

  Small camp ground

  Tent camp here every year. It's small but great for families! Has a creek and many hiking trails!

• S

  Susan V.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 12, 2021

  Midway RV Park

  No tent sites

  This management informed me they do not have tent sites, contrary to the information the Dyrt app provided.

• 

  Alana S.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 27, 2024

  Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

  Great for first time campers

  The staff was amazing. Tent site was spacious. Not too crowded. Clean bathroom and shower. Several trails to walk. Close to town in case we forgot something.

• 

  Jasim ِ.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 30, 2020

  Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

  It's just ok

  Only 3 tent sites available, You have to reserve ahead of time, No drive in access, unloading our staff was very big work, Very nice views and a lot of hiking trails are available

• J

  Joanna M.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 26, 2019

  Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

  Campsite vs Cabins

  Do this. “Hike in” means a paved lot with wheelbarrows to help you get your gear to your site which is less than a mile.

  Yes these can be hard to get but the new “rolling reservation “ means dates are released 6months to the day not a whole month at a time. Be flexible and you can get a site. We have also stayed in the cabins which are a fantasy experience but the tent sites are cheaper and easier to get.

  Tent sites have raccoons and are $25/night Cabins have mice and are $100/night

  Site 2 is on the edge of the world. Several trees had been chopped down and there was little shelter but an unbelievable view! We camped for two nights in November and it was sunny and chilly.

  Raccoons are abundant and brazen. They got into my lock top storage container but didn’t even try the flimsy food locker. Our bandit made off with a loaf of bread and the marshmallows.

  Other tips: Site 1 is very exposed. Site 2 is ample for two tents if needed Site 3 ample for two tents with just a cedar fence between site 2 and 3 Site 4 is tucked down on the hillside with a great view south.

  Beach access is via larger boulders. Have good shoes.

  Firewood is available onsite for $7. Clean outhouse near tent sites. Clean bathrooms near parking lot- no soap or showers.

• 

  Les S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 24, 2019

  Skyline Wilderness Park

  Beautiful campground and park

  I tent camped here and really liked it. There is also an RV section. It has flush toilets, showers and WiFi. For recreation you have the park behind the camp with great hiking trails and the whole Napa region. The people who work there are nice and do a great job keeping it up.

• 

  MarinMaverick

  Legend

  

  Sep. 1, 2020

  Brannan Island State Recreation Area

  Access To The Delta

  I am a tent camper and there are some good tent sites here.  A bit open so can be windy but pick your site.

  Access to the Delta with a boat ramp.  Access to fishing all around you. Beyond water sports not a lot to do here but relax. Or go fly a kite.

• 

  Lori L.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 20, 2023

  California Delta's Snug Harbor

  Worth the drive

  Snug harbour sits on Steamboat Slough of the California delta. It is a small island that has pretty calm water around it. It is under new management (2022). They were gracious and helpful. Bathroom were clean. (I am a bathroom snob). Extremely dog friendly. Tent camping is allowed. Back in RV SITES back right up to the river, with their own dock. There are also cabins and two manufactured homes. A cute beach sits at the end of the island. There was plenty to do if you enjoy boating or fishing. Looking forward to going back.

• J

  Julie H.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 3, 2021

  SacWest RV Park & Campground

  Decent city camping

  Right off the freeway - easy access to the city. We didn’t book ahead much and ended up with a site that just had rocks and a picnic table. No grass except at tent sites. Not wide enough to fully put out slider. The bathroom were great in the tent area. Nice pool and dog area.

• 

  Eric D.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 2, 2019

  Olema Campground

  Private Family Oriented Campground

  Pros: Has numerous amenities including hot (free) showers (cleaned daily), flush toilets, full hookup RV spots, laundromat, US Post office, fenced playground, dog park, drive in tent sites, and firewood for sale. Cons: expensive, sites are close and poorly defined and the after hours check in procedure doesn’t prevent overlapping.

• 

  Leah L.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 17, 2021

  SacWest RV Park & Campground

  City stop

  Camp site is clean. You can order food and they will deliver. Wonderful ada bathroom/showers with a fold down bench. Friendly staff. Near freeway (lots of traffic noise. Quiet morning. Stayed for a quick night. The cabins and rv section are top notch. Tent sites are ok. If we come back will choose site 10 of 12. River was dry in july

• C

  Colleen T.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 29, 2021

  Skyline Wilderness Park

  Camping during Covid

  The tent camping is good. It’s spread out now because of social distancing. There are only 3 other campers besides me. Dogs are allowed but not on the trails so that’s a real bummer because this is a great place for hiking and horseback riding. Campsite is nothing special but the restroom gets 4 stars and the shower does as well only because the shower pressure is fantastic. Take yer skin clear off . I’m happy that I’m here and really that’s all you can ask for

• J

  Jessi D.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 22, 2016

  Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

  Hidden Gem Among the Vineyards

  While driving through Sonoma Valley, I found this hidden campground that was one of the most amazing campgrounds that I have stayed at. I was tent camping and easily found the perfect spot. Until this trip, I had never seen a banana slug which was HUGE! I stayed for just one night while continuing on my way up to the Redwoods. The hills were covering in the yellowing grass of the summer and combined with the tranquility of the rolling hills, I experienced one of the most calming sunsets of my life. Not far from this campground is the Jack London Historical State Park, which i highly recommend going to see. Overall, this was a fun little hidden gem in California.

• N

  Nick T.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 26, 2021

  San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

  Great camp for the kids

  This KOA is pretty big with plenty of options for RV sites. Wide variety of full hook-ups or partial hook-ups. Like most (if not all) KOAs, you can also tent camp or tent cabins. Good size dog park for the pets to run and be free, as well as plenty of fun activities to entertain the kiddos. For us, this is a great spot to shoot down the highway and pull in for a few days to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal life! Close to downtown Petaluma with plenty of premium shops and restaurants.

• M

  MacClellan R.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 17, 2024

  Olema Campground

  Spacious and Accommodating

  We visited this park earlier this spring. Yes it was wet, but we didn't mind. Liked the spaces and layout so much...we are going back this fall. Plus we love that whole area.

  However, DYRT got some info wrong. While there are plenty of full hookup spaces for RVs, there are no pull thru sites. Only back in for trailers and drive-in for coaches. Many tent camping spaces and RV spaces w/just water and power. The folks are friendly and helpful.

  M.R.

• E

  Elizabeth S.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 29, 2020

  Skyline Wilderness Park

  Not Fancy, but Well Appointed

  Basic outdoor setting near downtown Napa. Clean and well appointed bathrooms and showers. RV as well as tent camping in different sections. Recommend bicycles, if you have them, to ride into town, or on nearby backroads to view acres upon acres of vineyards. Park allows daytime use for mountain bikes, hikers and horseback riders. During current COVID times (eg 6/2020), wineries require appointments for visiting, as compared to many with “drop in” ability in the past, so plan ahead. Open 7am-7pm, with gate code given for late entrants. Recommend earlier check in (starts at 1pm).

• 

  MarinMaverick

  Legend

  

  Sep. 1, 2020

  Haypress Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

  Hidden Gem

  Theses are limited  (5) hike in tent sites.  Not far in - less than a mile.  You are on your own here. Bring your own water.  No fires. You get a picnic table and a food storage locker, nothing else.

  Meadow sites against a row of trees. There is very little privacy between sites but the couple times I have been here it was not full.  It can get windy - there is some shelter under the tress. 

  Here you can strike out hiking through Tennessee Valley to the beach and beyond!

  Great for a close get-a-way and seclusion.

• 

  Jill F.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 1, 2018

  Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

  Chill and scenic

  Short walk to the beach. You can walk for miles on the beach or on the bluff trails. Everyone is laidback which makes for a peaceful experience. Great sunsets!!

  Tenting camping and RVs. Limited electrical hookups.

• 

  MarinMaverick

  Legend

  

  Sep. 29, 2020

  Lower Campground

  Best Along The Creek

  There are two loops here. What is the lower loop is a smaller number of sites which are all on the creek. The first few you park on the road and carry your equipment down to your site. It is a short distance. The last few sites on this loop are typical drive in sites.

  This loop being on the Creek I like better for tent camping. Redwoods on a creek what more do you need.

  Table, fire pit, food locker. Restroom with showers.

  Swimming holes in the creek but most of it is low flow and shallow (except in winter).

  Great hiking. Great for bikes. The Cross Marin trail goes thru the park whchc is a paved bike path thru the redwoods.

• 

  MarinMaverick

  Legend

  

  Aug. 17, 2020

  Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

  Skyline to the Sea Trail or Rock Climbing

  This is sweet hike in trail camp.  We have used it for two purposes.  First when were were climbing in Castle Rock State Park and this was our hub and second when we were doing the Skyline to the Sea Trail and wanted a easy first day.  This is primitive. There is a shelter with tables in the event there is rain.  Then there are scattered sites, some with tables for you to find a tent site.  If busy - you will be sharing.

  Shaded, though hike down can be in the open. Primitive restrooms. Water available. Picnic Tables.

  Great home base for climbing - good trail camp for the march to the sea.

• H

  Hannah

  Scout

  

  Aug. 22, 2021

  Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

  Clean, but close camping.

  We got a same day reservation, thankfully, because it was impossible to reserve anywhere in the area. We just wanted to car camp overnight to test drive our gear before a longer road trip. We got placed into site 6, which happened to be a handicapped accessible spot. It was level (perfect for our needs) had a fire pit, two picnic tables, and water source, and handicapped accessible (larger) porta-potty right at our site. Very convenient. 

  Overall the campground was nice, clean, and well maintained. Lots of portapotties available around the campsite. Plus, the site offers a location with flush toilets, and pay-for-showers if wanted. Most of the campsites were pretty close together, with no trees or shrubs to give privacy. Those who tent camped had more options for more private settings.

  Good for families.

• 

  Ed E.

  Legend

  

  May. 21, 2018

  Del Valle Regional Park

  Camping within an hour from the town of Livermore, CA

  We've been camping here a few times now, since it is about a half hour from where we live. We camp with a 27' Travel Trailer and the campgrounds can accommodate it. There is also several tent campsites as well. The marina to Lake Del Valle is a few miles away. They rent recreational boats as well as aluminum fishing boats. They have a swimming beach area and they rent kayaks as well. There is some decent hiking trails from the campgrounds. There were no hookups where we camped for the travel trailer. Lots of turkey and deer in the area. The fee for us was $27/per night. They is a per fee as well.