Tent camping areas near El Granada, California range from sea-level coastal settings to elevated woodland sites at 300-800 feet in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The region's Mediterranean climate features frequent fog patterns that roll in from the Pacific, with high winds often strongest in late afternoons. Most local tent sites close to El Granada require proper food storage protocols specifically designed to deter raccoons rather than bears.
What to do
Beach hiking from camp sites: From the Haypress Campground in the Marin Headlands, campers can access Tennessee Valley Beach via a flat 2-mile trail. As one visitor noted, "You can strike out hiking through Tennessee Valley to the beach and beyond!" The campground offers primitive facilities with food lockers at each site.
Coastal trail exploration: Steep Ravine Campground at Mount Tamalpais State Park provides access to extensive coastal trails with Pacific views. A camper mentioned, "The hiking trails that join from the coast all the way to Mill Valley and central Marin are walking distance from this site." The trails are notably steep, requiring proper footwear and physical preparation.
Morning wildlife viewing: Wake early at coastal tent sites to spot local wildlife. According to one Steep Ravine camper, "The wildlife is off the hook...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." Wildlife sightings are most common during early morning hours before day visitors arrive.
What campers like
Unusual thermal features: The Steep Ravine area includes seasonal hot springs accessible only at extremely low tides. One visitor mentioned, "This place is absolutely fabulous...and we didn't even get into the mermaid hot springs gracing the beaches during super low tides!" These natural features are unmarked and require local knowledge to find.
Urban escape proximity: Angel Island State Park offers tent camping with unparalleled city views despite its isolation. A camper explained, "Once the last ferry leaves, you have the island practically to yourself. It is pretty awesome." Sites require advance reservations through the California reservation system, with only 10 tent sites available.
Star viewing from ridge sites: Higher elevation campgrounds provide optimal night sky viewing. At Pantoll Campground, a visitor observed, "Hard to find stars as you are canopied in trees but if you walk a little out, the night sky is dark and stars a plenty." For best viewing, walk to nearby clearings where tree cover opens up to reveal night skies.
What you should know
Limited water access: Castle Rock Trail Camp often has restricted water access. A camper reported, "Although there is a communal water source at the campsite entrance, the water was deemed not safe to drink when I was there, and that had been the case for a while." Always bring water filtration systems and check current conditions before arrival.
Weather preparation requirements: Temperature fluctuations require careful packing. At Bicentennial Campground, a visitor advised, "Bring layers of functional clothes since the weather on the coast of the SF bay can be anything from roasting to foggy frigid cold during the day and night year round. Don't just look at weather online and go." Morning fog typically burns off by 11am during summer months but can persist all day in spring.
Noise considerations: Sound carries at coastal sites, and some have unique noise issues. A camper at Bicentennial noted, "Be warned, at night the fog horns on the bridge are very loud and very close, so bring something to cancel the noise." Earplugs are recommended particularly for camping during foggy conditions when horns operate more frequently.
Tips for camping with families
Reservation timing: Family-friendly sites fill quickly. For Rob Hill Campground, "Weekends are booked solid through the end of the year; however, weekday sites are available." Reservations open 6 months in advance at most sites and should be secured immediately when the window opens.
Tent site selection: Choose your site location strategically. At Ben Ries Campground, a visitor advised, "If I were to come back and want two large sites to connect, I would choose either 6 and 8 or 10 and 13. If it's just two people, site 3 is pretty private as well as 14." Sites with numerical designations ending in odd numbers typically offer better afternoon shade.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for appropriate wildlife interactions. One Ben Ries camper warned, "But aggressive squirrels... one of my favorite spots in CA." Food must be properly stored in all regional campgrounds, with particular vigilance needed for items with strong aromas that attract local wildlife.
Tips from RVers
Space considerations: Half Moon Bay RV Park offers tight but workable spaces. A visitor commented, "The site was a pull through as well as our friends who were able to face the opposite way to have a common camp side with us. Of course the utility sides were in great position for that." Request specific site orientations when making reservations to optimize social arrangements.
Local exploration options: RV campers appreciate the ability to walk to nearby attractions. One guest noted, "From the park you can head about a quarter of a mile and walk or ride the coastal path all the way to the marina or south to the Ritz Carlton. Great ocean views." This coastal path provides ideal morning walking routes with firm surfaces suitable for all mobility levels.
