Tent camping near Crockett, California offers proximity to volcanic formations, coastal views, and seasonal wildlife encounters. Campgrounds range in elevation from sea level sites like Haypress to higher mountain camps in the 2,500 ft range, with most requiring advance reservations through recreation.gov or Reserve California. Winter visitors to coastal sites should prepare for dense fog and temperatures averaging 45-55°F.
What to do
Beach access hikes: At Haypress Campground, campers can take a flat trail to Tennessee Beach. "The walk to Tennessee Beach is very flat and level and doable for kids," notes a visitor. Another camper mentions, "The night had beautiful stars with no artificial light. No road noise."
Volcanic trail exploration: Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve offers unique geological features on a moderate 0.2-mile walk from the parking area. "San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard," reports one camper. The site includes "360 degree views of Mount Diablo, Vollmer Peak and Tilden Park" with two tent pads measuring approximately 10'x25' and 10'x20'.
Historic site visits: On Angel Island, campers can explore immigration and military history between tent stays. "It used to be intake for immigration and even had some military presence on the island back in the day. Lots of old buildings to explore," shares a camper who appreciates the historical aspects of this tent camping destination near Crockett.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: At Steep Ravine Campground, tent campers appreciate exceptional stargazing opportunities. "Incredible views, hiking, and hot springs," notes one visitor. Another adds, "The cabins are not only notoriously difficult to reserve—you need to be ready to click 'reserve' on the website at no less than 5 minutes before the window opens for your dates of interest."
Wildlife encounters: Campers at tent sites near Crockett frequently report animal sightings. "There are owls perched in eucalyptus trees next to the campsite, and coyotes," one Haypress visitor explains. Another Angel Island camper observed, "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."
Ferry access: Angel Island State Park provides unique transportation experiences for tent campers. "You have to take a boat to get out to Angel Island so you have to drive up to Tiburon and park your car and get onto one of the Ferry Boats," explains a camper. Another adds, "Once the last ferry leaves, you have the island practically to yourself. It is pretty awesome."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Tent sites at popular campgrounds near Crockett require significant advance planning. For Steep Ravine, "you need to be ready to click 'reserve' on the website at no less than 5 minutes before the window opens for your dates of interest, which was 6 months ahead of time when I reserved."
Wind conditions: Coastal tent sites experience significant wind. At Bicentennial Campground, "It was too windy to put up our tent," reports one camper. On Angel Island, another advises to "stay on the Eastern side for less wind but bring plenty of stakes in case."
Water access limitations: Many tent sites require self-sufficiency. At Sibley, "drinking water is 0.2 miles from camp at the trail head so keep that in mind before it gets too dark to hike back and forth for a drink." A Haypress camper notes, "Neither the parking lot nor the campground had running water, so come prepared unless you want to drive into town."
Fire restrictions: No wood fires are permitted at multiple tent sites. A Sibley visitor reports "No wood fires or BBQs are allowed; only camp stoves are allowed for cooking." Similarly, at Haypress, one camper mentions, "No fires. You get a picnic table and a food storage locker, nothing else."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible tent hikes: For families with children, select sites with manageable hike-in distances. "Haypress Campground is about a 0.75 mile hike from the Tennessee Valley trail head," reports one visitor. Another notes the trail is "very flat and level and doable for kids."
Educational opportunities: Tilden Regional Park offers kid-friendly attractions beyond tent camping. One visitor recommends "taking the kids to Tilden's Little Farm (bring your own carrots, kale and lettuce)" as a nearby activity. The park also features "a great lake/pond area for anyone to relax at."
Wildlife viewing for children: Angel Island provides opportunities for wildlife observation. "The island is well equipped with various bathrooms that include flush toilets and sinks. This is a great place to visit to get views of the Bay that you cannot get anywhere else," writes a visitor. Children particularly enjoy spotting "deer in the seaside vernal pools" and other wildlife.
Weather considerations: Prepare children for coastal fog and wind. "Mornings can get foggy here, so bring a sweatshirt regardless of the season," advises a Haypress camper. At Angel Island, "it gets very windy and chilly at night, so come prepared with a sturdy tent and warm clothing."
