Best Campgrounds near El Cerrito, CA

El Cerrito is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near El Cerrito, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near El Cerrito, California (148)

    1. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 331-1540

    $40 - $75 / night

    "The walk to the beach was 60 seconds and the ocean can be seen from the site. Cool ww2 structures. You get a code to open the gate uptop and drive down to park for your stay."

    "If you plan to leave your cooler outside of the bear box make sure it has a lock or secure latch. 3- you get a gate code and parking pass to drive down, but have to walk your gear the last 500-1,000 ft"

    2. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

    9 Reviews
    Tiburon, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 435-5390

    $30 / night

    "Angel Island is a California State Park, but it's surprising how many visitors do not know of the 10 campsites scattered around the island!"

    "Campsites are walk in throughout the island.  Remember there will be fog and there will be wind.

    We try to get what they call the "group" kayak site. "

    3. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    25 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (510) 690-6676

    "as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"

    "Always went here when we don't wanna drive too far. Staff is great and place is clean. Campsite #69 has the best view but is next to trail. Very nice trails and not super far from town to get food."

    4. China Camp State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    San Rafael, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 456-0766

    $35 - $175 / night

    "You won't be able to drive up to your campsite. You have to carry your gear in a short distance from the parking lot."

    "Located on the west side of the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge, on San Francisco Bay, this park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. "

    5. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Lagunitas, CA
    25 miles

    $35 - $225 / night

    "This campground is less than an hours drive from San Francisco. It is along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard which takes you through a bunch of very cute tiny towns."

    "Beautiful trees and wonderful California charm. The campsites were decently located. Above the Mendocino coast the mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place"

    6. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    10 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    "I decided to stay here, because it was the right location for my road trip, it was free, and I thought the view of the city would be excellent."

    "Reasonably quiet on the side away from the road. Very safe, police patrols throughout the day/night. Good hiking areas nearby. Bathrooms and trash cans. Highly recommend as it is also completely free."

    7. Marin RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Larkspur, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 461-5199

    $99 - $115 / night

    "30 mins away from the City. A bit pricy but that is to be expected in SF."

    "Great location to the city and Muir woods. Good stores near by. Narrow sites. No room for awning. Close to gather. Sites are gravel and level. Nice area for pets with view."

    8. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 388-2070

    $25 - $100 / night

    "1 to get to the entrance, and then another steep, curvy ride down to the campground."

    "The entire Mount Tamalpais watershed is within 30 minutes drive from this location."

    9. Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    14 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 388-2070

    $7 - $25 / night

    "Pantoll is a pretty campground located adjacent to the entrance to Mount Tamalpais.  You can hike to, bike to, take the bus to, or even drive to this campground.  "

    "This is an ada compliant walkup campground situated near the top of Mount Tamalpais. Featuring 13 sites ranging from standard campground style to a few more secluded areas."

    10. Tilden Regional Park

    4 Reviews
    Kensington, CA
    3 miles
    Website

    "Tilden is great for anyone looking for a close park right outside of the Berkeley/San Fran area. It is a rather large park area that overlooks Berkeley."

    "Tilden offers a lake in the middle to swim in and fish. The campsites have lots of fire pits. The weather is always great too!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 148 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near El Cerrito, CA

785 Reviews of 148 El Cerrito Campgrounds



Guide to El Cerrito

Camping near El Cerrito, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A review for Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground stated, "It’s a lovely campsite with most sites being under tree canopies."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA said, "The bathrooms and showers were really clean compared to other places."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families enjoy the amenities at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. One reviewer highlighted, "This place is busy and expensive... but great for kids," thanks to the various activities available.

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Lawson's Landing mentioned, "By the end of the week, the place fills with families and large groups."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Lawson's Landing has no showers or toilets, so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers often see wildlife. One visitor at Anthony Chabot Regional Park shared, "A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, which offers activities like petting zoos and jumping pillows. A parent noted, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun."
  • Plan for Crowds: If you're camping during holidays, expect busier sites. A reviewer at Lawson's Landing said, "Most people have RVs, so the generators start early."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring your own supplies, especially if you're heading to campgrounds with limited amenities. One camper at Lawson's Landing reminded others, "Bring your own TP!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have smaller sites. A visitor at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground mentioned, "Not much space to pitch a larger size tent."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, consider San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, which offers electric hookups and water. A reviewer said, "The pool was great during the oven-like temperatures."
  • Be Prepared for Nature: Campers often encounter wildlife, so keep food secure. One camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park noted, "We reported the experience to the attendant... the park is looking for a solution."

Camping near El Cerrito, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near El Cerrito, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near El Cerrito, CA is Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.

What parks are near El Cerrito, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near El Cerrito, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.