Camping options near Danville, California range from the Delta waterways to coastal state parks, with elevations varying from sea level to over 2,500 feet on Mount Tamalpais. The regional microclimate creates distinct temperature differences, with coastal areas often 15-20 degrees cooler than inland sites during summer months. Most campgrounds experience high demand from April through October, requiring reservations 3-6 months in advance.
What to do
Hiking on established trails: At Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, campers can access a paved path that "runs for at least a mile or so along the creek, that used to be the old railroad line through that area." Another visitor noted, "There are all kinds of trails available, as well as a paved path that runs for at least a mile or so along the creek."
Beach exploration: The Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground offers direct beach access where you can "walk for miles on the beach or on the bluff trails." A visitor mentioned, "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."
Fishing opportunities: Brannan Island State Recreation Area provides excellent fishing access with "great area to run around and you can fish the bay area from the area or go fishing in boat." One camper shared, "This is a big campground with everything you need for boating and fishing. They have a big boat launch for easy launching."
Urban camping excursion: For a unique experience, the Bicentennial Campground offers views of San Francisco. A camper noted, "Gorgeous sunset and sunrise from camp or even better up the closest hill which is a 6 minute walk tops." This makes for an unusual glamping option close to Danville, California.
What campers like
Private settings in redwoods: Campers appreciate the natural shade at Steep Ravine Campground, where visitors can enjoy cabins with "a separate bedroom, you could sleep 2 couples on beds easily with extra floor space and a small individual bunk for larger families." Another reviewer mentioned the "wood burning fireplace (you can buy wood on site) keeps the cabin warm."
Easy water access: Campers at Sugar Barge RV Resort & Marina enjoy direct water entry points. A visitor noted, "The tent-area was a clearing, fully backed up to the levee, with some shade and a water spigot." Another mentioned it's "right on the delta" with "a boat trailer parking lot and a boat ramp."
Spacious sites: Many campers highlight the adequate room at Brannan Island, where one visitor mentioned, "Site was nice and big and along River." Another camper shared, "It was very spacious and the staff were amazing! I got injured while fishing and they were extremely helpful."
Proximity to urban amenities: The location of Skyline Wilderness Park receives frequent praise: "Literally 5 mins outside of the town of Napa. Ate at an amazing Brazilian Steakhouse and came to camp in just a short drive." Another visitor noted it's "close to Raley's Grocery store. Easy drive to the wineries of Napa Valley."
What you should know
High seasonal demand: Most campgrounds require advance planning. At Steep Ravine Campground, "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."
Weather variations: Temperature swings are common throughout the region. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park, "It can get warm in the summer, but the cool moist ocean fog comes in and blankets the area in the evenings, which can really cool it down."
Site privacy differences: At Bicentennial Campground, "All three sites here are next to each other and have no separation," while at Samuel P. Taylor "sites are close, but have some privacy."
Limited facilities at some locations: Amenities vary widely between campgrounds. One visitor to Bicentennial noted, "One porta-potty for toilet," while at Sugar Barge, "The bathrooms have been recently remodeled and are very nice."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation planning: At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Tower Park, families find extensive water activities: "Our kids really enjoy the freedom to go play while the adults sit back and relax." However, check seasonal availability as "Water park was closed. Call ahead to see if it is open when you want to go."
Quieter weekday visits: Consider non-peak timing for more peaceful experiences. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park, visitors noted campground population varies dramatically: "Very quite/ beautiful sites" midweek, while "on our first visit, there was no running water or showers, but they did have portapotties."
Entertainment options: Family-oriented campgrounds offer scheduled activities. At Jellystone Park, "We went for Christmas in July and Santa was there for pictures, we go for Halloween and there is trick or treating through the whole place, a haunted house and a decor and costume contest."
Noise considerations: Campgrounds near popular attractions may be louder. At Bicentennial Campground, "at night the fog horns on the bridge are very loud and very close, so bring something to cancel the noise."
Tips from RVers
Site size and hookups: RV campers at Skyline Wilderness Park note the layout: "RV Campsites are nothing fancy and close together. But the park itself is nice...hiking trails, views, nature, and close to Napa." Another camper mentioned, "Clean showers and bathrooms, some trees, close to Raley's Grocery store."
Leveling requirements: At Skyline Wilderness Park, "Sites are level with minimal need for blocks. Staff are friendly. Native garden is very nice."
Seasonal variations: Weather affects RV camping comfort. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park, "Because of the amazing redwood canopy, it might be hard to get good sun for solar in most of the sites."
Connection quality: For those needing internet access, Skyline offers "good cell service with Verizon. Data speeds wavered between 10-25 mbps depending on where we were on the property, but we could video conference and stream with no issues."
