Tom T.
Scout
ScoutDumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Open sky great starlink users.
Very quiet campground at night. See stars clearly. Use the fire pit after 730pm when the wind has calmed down.
Camping near El Cerrito, CA
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Campgrounds surrounding El Cerrito, California range from urban-adjacent parks to scenic coastal and mountain retreats within an hour's drive. Anthony Chabot Regional Park, located about 10 miles southeast of El Cerrito, provides tent and RV camping with full hookups in a wooded setting. Tilden Regional Park, just east of El Cerrito in the Berkeley Hills, offers tent camping with hiking trails and regional park amenities. The broader Bay Area includes diverse options from beachfront camping at Kirby Cove in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to cabin accommodations at Mount Tamalpais State Park's Steep Ravine Campground.
Road access varies significantly across the region's campgrounds, with some requiring advance planning for narrow, winding routes. Many campgrounds in the East Bay hills feature steep access roads that can be challenging for larger vehicles. "This is a nice camping away from the car experience. It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites. The park provides carts to help with hauling gear," noted one visitor about Sanborn County Park. Weather conditions remain mild year-round, though coastal fog frequently affects western campgrounds, particularly during summer months. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season from late spring through early fall, with many sites booking up months in advance.
Campers consistently highlight the surprising wilderness experience available despite proximity to urban areas. Several visitors mentioned the contrast between city access and natural settings as a key benefit. At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, one camper noted, "This is a great getaway for being so close to the megalopolis that is the San Francisco Bay Area. As the crow flies, you're probably only about 25 miles from San Jose. But you'll feel like you're a lot further away." Mount Tamalpais campgrounds receive high ratings for scenic coastal views and redwood forests. Facilities vary widely, from primitive sites with pit toilets to developed campgrounds offering hot showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. Many campgrounds enforce strict quiet hours and have specific regulations regarding fires, particularly during California's dry season when fire bans are common.
Best Campgrounds near El Cerrito (155)
1. Anthony Chabot Regional Park
"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"
"Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty."
from $25 - $200 / night
Check Availability2. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
"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"
from $40 - $75 / night
Check Availability3. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
"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."
4. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
"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. "
from $30 / night
Check Availability5. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
"Beautiful trees and wonderful California charm. The campsites were decently located. Above the Mendocino coast the mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place"
"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."
from $35 - $225 / night
Check Availability6. Marin RV Park
"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."
from $99 - $115 / night
Check Availability7. Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
"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."
from $7 - $25 / night
Check Availability8. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
"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."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability9. Tilden Regional Park
"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!"
from $75 - $120 / night
Check Availability10. Benicia State Recreation Area
"The area is beautiful and lots of people come here to walk and exercise, and once I took my dog on a walk I saw why nobody brings their dog - TICKS! So many! "
"It's peaceful and there is a sense of stillness despite there being a few dozen people walking throughout at any given time."
from $12 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 18 min from San Francisco, CA
- 19 min from Vallejo, CA
- 34 min from Napa, CA
- 46 min from Santa Rosa, CA
Recent Camping Photos near El Cerrito, CA
196 Photos of 155 El Cerrito Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State ParkR
Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Hawk Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation AreaC
Haypress Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Alice Eastwood Group Camp — Mount Tamalpais State Park
Bootjack Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State ParkS
Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State ParkJ
Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near El Cerrito, CA
896 Reviews of 155 El Cerrito Campgrounds
KrystleScoutMineral Springs Trailhead
Overnight stays not allowed
I was woken up by law enforcement and asked to leave on my second night staying here. They will issue a citation (luckily they took mine away and gave me a warning) this needs to be removed as a dispersed site.
Dawn S.
GuideSan Francisco RV Resort
Great for visiting the City
There are many spot. It's a parking lot and the spots are very snug. The edge by the ocean lost a few.
Staff is kind, helpful and responsive. Area is clean and very peaceful. It's a bit pricey. Our standard spot was $150.
- TTwindaddyGuide
Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District
East Bay Parks - IYKYK
Like most/all east bay parks, this is well appointed for the masses. It’s also surrounded by rolling hills and close to suburbia. For many, these are positives. As an east bay resident they are for me as well. Del Valle is a bit more removed than many east bay parks. From my location in Fremont, it’s a one hour drive. A pleasant drive for the most part. I camp to get away for a bit and almost always to mountain bike. As such, I seek parks that have trails. Del Valle has a map of many trails. They also appear on many of the mapping services used by mountain bikers. Review those and digest them if this is also your intention - these are east bay parka style trails. In other words, mostly steep and loose fire roads, with many “social trails” sprinkled between. If you are compelled to stay legit/legal trails, bring an ebike. Now on to the camping. I picked a spot as far removed from any booked spot on the map. I triple checked this up until the day before I arrived. I want solitude! When I arrived Thursday afternoon, I was surprised to see the sites just 3 spaces away, on both sides, occupied. This is a fairly compact area. And while I’m sure they’re lovely folks, this isn’t what I expected on a Thursday. Saturday? Sure. Anyway… be aware that these reservation services aren’t completely reliable in that regard. The bathrooms and showers are amazing! Clean, smell good, cared for. Noteworthy is the hot showers in the camp grounds are free and your one push of the button provides water for two minutes I'd guess. Very nice! The space, 135 for me, is okay. A couple trees for shade, a nice table and fire pit. It’s now dark and the noise is minimal - mostly from the group campsite just down the hill. I’ll update this with more details in the coming days since it’s a 4 day visit.
Update 1: it’s my first morning here. Using starlink as there is no cell signal to be found. What I noticed last night was that this park is directly below the flight path to the local airports. Every couple minutes last night, a plane would fly overhead. According to flight aware, they’re at about 10,000 feet. If this will ruin your getaway, you’ve been warned.
Update 2: On Friday night, the majority of the spots were filled. Many large groups of people with varying degrees of consideration, but to their credit almost all (except the barking German Shepard) were quiet by 10PM. It was a bit more crowded come Saturday morning. Some friends came to visit for a mountain bike ride, and we set off at about noon. I had been complimentary of the facilities and bragged that I'd be taking a nice shower after our ride. Unfortunately, upon our return, there was no hot water and no lighting in the showers. And, sadly, someone decided to remove the tags and hangers from their TJ Maxx haul and leave them all over the floor of two of the showers.
Verdict: I'd only come back here in the springtime when it's likely to be green and have some water in the arroyo and only during the week. The density and composition of the people here was akin to being at Costco on a Saturday, and I only did that once.
C. K.
TravelerSan Mateo Memorial Park
Under the Redwoods
Nothing like camping under the redwoods with sounds of streams nearby. Restrooms and facilities are clean and well maintained. Park Rangers are extremely nice and helpful.
- Dawn S.Guide
Marin RV Park
Great to see the City
We came in around 9pm. There's a board with names and site numbers on the office building. These are snug spots but we have enough room to put the slide out. It is a level gravel parking lot. There's not alot of places in San Fran to even day park. This is just fine. They do fill up fast. Called the next day to extend through Sat, they are booked solid.
Dog walk is through the gate at the back of the lot where abandoned railroad tracks are. There's a pond with some ducks and a walking path.
- CColeen B.Guide
Doran Regional Park
Beach and Water Sports!
Lots of beautiful campsites by the beach. It’s in Bodega Bay so all of the beach is pretty protected. Many are in the harbor and there’s a place to launch your watercraft. Dogs are allowed yon the beach on leash. The campground was full but the beach wasn’t crowded at all.
The shower was coin operated. The dial didn’t change the temperature or volume of water at all. ☹️
- LLGuide
Doran Regional Park
If you want to camp on the coast in California …
There aren’t a lot of options for camping on the coast in California outside of busy campgrounds. But as those go, Doran Beach is ok. Try to get a site that backs up to the harbor for more privacy and an almost private beach to walk. But be aware there are lots of sounds going on all day and night, including people talking, sea birds squawking, sea lions barking, and a 24/7 foghorn (whether there’s fog or not). Sites are close together but pick wisely and you can get one that affords you a little more privacy.
- DDon E.Traveler
Sherman Island Regional Park
Sherman island is about the wind and the beach and the launch
This is a fun place for you and the fam either to camp or for the day.
The tide comes in and out here as it’s a low level island and the approach to access sometimes will be under water from the tide. It is just like that, not poorly maintained, just one short section that can get 6inches deep and is not an issue for anybody.
I stayed in a tent camper fold-out. I hugged the hedge next to a teardrop. Everyone was nice and it was a relaxing stay. Can launch boat/kayak or do all the wind surfing type sports they talk about.
Guide to El Cerrito
Campsites near El Cerrito, California offer diverse terrain across an elevation range from sea level at coastal options to over 3,800 feet at Mount Diablo. The Bay Area's unique microclimate system creates distinct camping experiences even within short distances. While summer daytime temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, coastal areas can experience dense fog particularly in June and July, with inland areas remaining considerably warmer.
What to do
Hike the Pacific Coast Trail sections: At Mount Tamalpais State Park, connect to extensive trail networks. "You can hike throughout the island to with great bay views and bridge views on all sides. Then there is the history there from the Civil War sites to the immigration sites - so there is much to see and do beyoond hiking," notes one visitor to Angel Island.
Explore historic sites: The region contains numerous military installations and immigration facilities. "The island 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, in addition to the awesome views of the San Francisco Bay Area," shares a camper who visited Angel Island.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer exceptional wildlife encounters. "We love Anthony Chabot! The eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.)," reports one camper who appreciated the natural setting despite urban proximity.
What campers like
Unexpected quiet: Despite proximity to urban areas, many campgrounds provide surprising solitude. "This is a well-kept park with proactive rangers only limited by their working hours, and despite it being quite accessible to Oakland, the park felt like camping in the wilderness," explains a visitor to Anthony Chabot Regional Park.
Diverse camping options: The region offers everything from RV parks to primitive tent sites. "These cabins are well worth the cost. There is a separate bedroom, you could sleep 2 couples on beds easily with extra floor space and a small individual bunk for larger families," notes a visitor about Steep Ravine's rustic accommodations.
Ferry access to island camping: Angel Island State Park provides a unique camping experience. "Load your backpack, get on a ferry in Tiburon and head to Angel Island. Campsites are walk in throughout the island. Remember there will be fog and there will be wind," advises a regular visitor who appreciates the island's distinct character.
What you should know
Gate access restrictions: Several campgrounds have timed entry gates that lock overnight. At Mount Diablo State Park, "they lock you in at sunset; if you want to leave you have to call the fire department to open the locked gate, it's not like a tiger-teeth exit but no entry kind of situation."
Wildlife interactions: Multiple campgrounds report determined wildlife. "The raccoons are vicious and fearless. Store all food and ANYTHING with a scent in the bear box. If you plan to leave your cooler outside of the bear box make sure it has a lock or secure latch," warns a camper at Kirby Cove.
Cell service variability: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "Live Oak is the closest to the entrance (and town), and features some cool rock formations to explore, but it's colder, has terrible cellular data service, and doesn't quite have the sunset/sunrise views that Juniper has," explains a Mount Diablo camper comparing the park's campgrounds.
Weather extremes: Microclimates affect camping conditions dramatically. "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises a camper who stayed at Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Easy introduction sites: For first-time campers with children, Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers an ideal setting. "For families who want a quick trip over Golden Gate Bridge to introduce their children (or adults!) to the great outdoors, their first camp, nowhere is more convenient and instantly gratifying."
Education opportunities: Several parks offer interpretive programs and facilities. "There are informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information," notes a camper at Samuel P. Taylor, highlighting the educational aspects of the campground.
Accessible water features: Streams and beaches appeal to younger campers. "The stream is accessible shallow. Beautiful trees," shares a visitor to Samuel P. Taylor State Park, describing features that make the campground appealing for families with children.
Wildlife viewing potential: Kids particularly enjoy abundant wildlife sightings. "We saw a mix of wildlife. Deer, hawks, wild turkeys. We saw an amazing sunset too," mentions a Mount Diablo visitor about their summer camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Parking and maneuverability: Many campgrounds have tight access roads and limited space. "Some spots are larger than others, and very few can accommodate a house-size tent," notes a camper at Pantoll Campground, indicating the size limitations at many area campgrounds.
RV park proximity to transit: For exploring San Francisco without driving, Marin RV Park offers strategic advantages. "Drive in, park and then walk to all the sights you want to see in San Francisco. A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco," explains an RVer who appreciated the location.
Hookup availability: Full-service options exist but are limited in the immediate area. "It is nothing more than a parking lot with hookups," notes one candid reviewer about Marin RV Park, highlighting the functional but no-frills nature of the closest RV facility to San Francisco.
Advance research needed: RVers should carefully check site specifications. "It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)," cautions a visitor to Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at El Cerrito camping areas?
What amenities are available at El Cerrito camping areas?
Campgrounds accessible from El Cerrito offer varied amenities to suit different camping styles. Skyline Wilderness Park provides separate tent and RV areas with picnic tables and bathroom facilities. For RV campers, Half Moon Bay RV Park offers pull-through sites with helpful staff to assist with parking and setup. Many regional parks like Spring Lake Regional Park feature modern bathroom and shower facilities, along with access to recreational activities like hiking trails, fishing, and water sports. Most campgrounds provide standard amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and potable water, though specific features vary by location.
Where can I find campgrounds near El Cerrito?
Where can I find campgrounds near El Cerrito?
El Cerrito offers convenient access to several excellent campgrounds within an hour's drive. Anthony Chabot Regional Park is one of the closest options, offering family-friendly sites with restrooms and water access. For coastal camping, Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground provides beautiful oceanfront sites that occasionally have last-minute availability. Other nearby options include Tilden Regional Park in the Berkeley Hills and Mount Diablo State Park to the east. For redwoods experiences, consider San Mateo Memorial Park or Sanborn County Park on the Peninsula.
What camping is available near El Cerrito, CA?
What camping is available near El Cerrito, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, El Cerrito, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 155 campgrounds and RV parks near El Cerrito, CA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near El Cerrito, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near El Cerrito, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near El Cerrito, CA is Anthony Chabot Regional Park with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near El Cerrito, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near El Cerrito, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near El Cerrito, CA.
What parks are near El Cerrito, CA?
What parks are near El Cerrito, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near El Cerrito, CA that allow camping, notably Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore.
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