Samuel P. Taylor State Park sits nestled within the rolling hills of Marin County, 12 miles northwest of El Sobrante. The park features a creek running through mature redwood groves where temperatures typically remain cool even during summer heat waves. Water levels in Lagunitas Creek fluctuate seasonally, with access restrictions during salmon spawning periods from spring to mid-summer.
What to do
Hiking Mount Tamalpais trails: Access the East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail from Anthony Chabot Regional Park, connecting multiple preserves with dogs allowed on most fire trails. "There is an extensive network of trails accessible from the campground. It's a great natural area that is so conveniently located in the Bay Area," shares Amanda P.
Fishing at Lake Chabot: The lake near Anthony Chabot offers fishing opportunities for bass, trout and catfish, though swimming is prohibited. "While the camp was empty, I moved over to site 56 when it was clear my neighbor was a camp d-bag. The views and solitude over here were great with the setting sun through the trees," notes Ryan W.
Golden Gate Bridge views: H. Dana Bower Rest Area provides exceptional vistas of San Francisco Bay. "Parked here and had friends from the city come pick me up to spend the day together and then dropped me back off at night to feel very safe with all the other campers around. And the view!" reports Kathy B., who found this free overnight option particularly valuable.
Horseback riding nearby: At Five Brooks Ranch in Olema near Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, trail rides offer another way to experience the landscape. "I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding, Hog Island in Marshall (snag a picnic table and shuck your own oysters - definitely a highlight)," suggests Kathleen C.
What campers like
Native gardens and wildlife viewing: Skyline Wilderness Park offers excellent opportunities to observe local fauna. "Native garden is very nice. Hiking is nice too especially in winter when everything is green. It's like a fairy wonderland on the Manzanita trail. Wild turkey, deer, wood peckers regularly seen!" reports Adam B.
Ferry access to San Francisco: Marin RV Park provides easy public transit connections to avoid city driving and parking hassles. "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," writes Jeff T.
Natural swimming areas: While Lake Chabot prohibits swimming, other nearby options exist. "On visiting San Francisco we were looking for a site that wasn't a car park. This really met the mark! Beautiful place with great sites. Nice picnic tables & fire pits! Was very quiet," describes Helen F. about Anthony Chabot Regional Park.
Eucalyptus forest scents: The distinctive aroma creates a memorable sensory experience at several dog friendly campgrounds near El Sobrante. "The eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.)," observes Amanda P.
What you should know
Lock food securely from wildlife: Raccoons and other animals actively seek food at campsites. "Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue," notes Kathleen C. at Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Ticks present on trails: When walking dogs at regional parks, careful post-hike inspection is necessary. "While you can get down to the lake easily, there's no swimming for either dogs or humans. Keep in mind that if you walk the single track trails with your dogs, you'll be spending some quality time with them later picking off ticks," advises Lori T.
No campfires during dry periods: Fire restrictions vary seasonally and by park. "Sorely missed a fire, but appreciate that the mountain will not burn down while we are up there," mentions Linda A. about Mount Diablo State Park.
Variable cell service: Reception differs dramatically between campgrounds. "The campground is clean and quiet. No generators are allowed which isn't an issue since there are full hookups at all 12 RV sites. All sites seemed relatively level," reports Lori T. about her experience.
Tips for camping with families
Choose weekday visits when possible: For first-time campers, weekdays offer quieter environments and better site selection. "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," recommends Susie B.
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Coastal fog can dramatically change conditions. "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises Kathleen C.
Consider education opportunities: Pantoll Campground provides access to natural learning environments. "Pros: Location. You can hike anywhere from this campground. Down to Muir Woods in less than 3 miles. Up to Rock Springs, Bolinas Ridge, and Mount Tam. Down to Stinson Beach," notes Erin S.
Anticipate campground etiquette issues: Pet-friendly campgrounds near El Sobrante may attract inexperienced campers. "Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty. The sites are fairly close to each other, which matters because one of the other campers is right next to mine (46) and doesn't understand basic camp etiquettes," Ryan W. observes.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV site availability: Many campgrounds have few designated RV spots with hookups. "The RV Campsites are nothing fancy and close together. But the park itself is nice...hiking trails, views, nature, and close to Napa," shares Rich J. about Skyline Wilderness Park.
Advance planning required: First-come, first-served sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "For what this RV park is designed to be, it is done very well. It's a parking lot with full hookups strategically located to public transit direct to San Francisco," explains David M.
Self-contained vehicle requirement: Some overnight areas mandate onboard facilities. "Tried camping here but the ranger said I had to have a self-contained toilet since the park itself is locked at dusk," warns Nicholas A. about Benicia State Recreation Area.
Narrow site spacing: Prepare for close quarters in most RV sections. "Gravel lot 30 minutes from Golden Gate Bridge and 10 minutes to Ferry. Clean bathrooms with decent showers and security," reports Kathy S.
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