RV campgrounds near El Sobrante, California sit within 20 miles of San Francisco Bay, providing ocean and bay access points for campers exploring the region. The area experiences mild Mediterranean climate with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F and winter lows rarely below 40°F. Cell service varies throughout the region with stronger signals closer to urban areas and weaker coverage in coastal locations.
What to do
Beach activities: 10 minutes from Pillar Point RV Park with direct beach access for surfing and kayaking. "Lots of activities and places to eat within walking distance. Surfing, walking/bike trails, kayaking...Pet friendly," notes one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Observe marine mammals from coastal sites. "We saw a couple whales too. When it's clear you can see the farralon islands 30 miles offshore," reports a camper at San Francisco RV Resort, where oceanfront sites provide prime whale watching opportunities during migration seasons.
Urban exploration: Use public transportation from campgrounds to visit San Francisco. "It's a parking lot with full hookups strategically located to public transit direct to San Francisco," explains a visitor at Marin RV Park. "A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco."
What campers like
Oceanfront locations: Wake up to Pacific Ocean views. "This is an interesting rv park on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It has a ca beach town feel, but is just 20 minutes from San Francisco," writes a camper about San Francisco RV Resort.
Convenient city access: Most parks offer quick routes to San Francisco. "30 mins away from the City. A bit pricy but that is to be expected in SF. Clean facilities but make no mistake about it... this is a parking lot with hook ups," explains a visitor at Marin RV Park.
Walking trails: Several parks connect to coastal paths. "Nice trail to walk along the water and cliff, nice restoration project going," mentions a camper at San Francisco RV Resort. At Pillar Point RV Park, visitors appreciate "walking and bike trails, beach access, and friendly staff."
What you should know
Site spacing: Most parks have limited space between sites. "The spaces are narrow. The ground is made up of small rocks, but is perfectly level. There are no picnic tables and/or fire pits available," reports a camper at Marin RV Park about their experience.
Road conditions: Some parks have rough access roads. "The road in is very bumpy, so take your time," warns a visitor to Rio Viento RV Park. Another camper concurs: "The only issue I had which has nothing to do with the park is the road leading into the park is extremely."
Noise levels: Highway proximity affects several campgrounds. "Loved the view but sleeping near a highway is a little loud at night," shares a camper at Pillar Point RV Park. At Tradewinds RV Park, a visitor notes: "Close to highway. Noise not a problem. Very friendly staff. Sites are close together but easy entry."
Tips for camping with families
Facilities access: Check for family amenities before booking. "The rec area was very run down. Laundry has mobile payment and was clean and accessible," mentions a visitor at San Francisco RV Resort, indicating facilities may not match online photos.
Budget planning: Expect higher prices for Bay Area camping. At Candlestick RV Park, a camper notes: "It's expensive ($122.5 incl. tax), but gives you the opportunity to be in the city. Lyft/Uber 25 minutes to Fishers Wharf ~$25-30."
Entertainment options: Limited on-site activities for children. "There are a few picnic tables around, but nothing in terms of entertainment for kids. Thank goodness we brought the kids' bikes!!" shares a camper about their experience at San Francisco RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Utility extensions: Bring extra sewer hoses. "Hookups are pretty fast away and needed my sewer extension," notes a visitor at Treasure Island MH and RV Park about their site setup.
Space management: Be aware of slide-out limitations. At Sonoma County Fairgrounds RV Park, one visitor warns about space constraints: "They wait until you've parked, leveled, slides out and set up until they inform you that you need to park your rig between the (hardly noticeable) white lines."
Early morning noise: Expect activity at marina-adjacent parks. "The fishermen docked in the marina start getting ready at about 4:30am! They are not quiet," reports a camper at Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park. Similarly, at Sonoma County Fairgrounds RV Park, a visitor mentions: "They host a lot of contract workers from outside the area who are firing up their diesels at 5:30 in the morning."
