Tent camping near Emeryville, California provides access to a surprising number of primitive and hike-in sites within 60 miles of the city. While summer temperatures typically range from 55-75°F in these coastal and woodland camping areas, campers should prepare for the region's microclimate shifts. Fog can roll in rapidly at coastal sites, dropping temperatures by 15-20 degrees in minutes.
What to do
Hike to Tennessee Beach: From Haypress Campground, campers can take the flat, level trail to Tennessee Beach. "Meadow sites against a row of trees... Here you can strike out hiking through Tennessee Valley to the beach and beyond!" notes a camper who rated this hidden gem highly.
Explore volcanic terrain: The campground at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve sits atop an extinct volcano with 360-degree views. A visitor explains, "San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard... The site has basically 360 degree views of Mount Diablo, Vollmer Peak and Tilden Park."
Watch for wildlife: The Marin Headlands camps offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. At Haypress, a camper reported, "There are owls perched in eucalyptus trees next to the campsite, and coyotes. Came across one on the way back from a sunset hike to the beach."
What campers like
City and ocean views: At Bicentennial Campground, site 3 offers premium Golden Gate Bridge vistas. A camper notes: "Site 3 is closest to the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the trails connected to the campground but they all have easy access... Gorgeous sunset and sunrise from camp or even better up the closest hill which is a 6 minute walk tops."
Complete urban escape: Rob Hill Campground offers the only overnight camping in San Francisco city limits. A visitor mentioned: "Once the U.S. Army left the Presidio, Rob Hill was a dusty, rustic site. It was expanded and improved in 2010... set amidst a stunning cypress and eucalyptus grove."
Rustic cabins: Steep Ravine Campground offers both tent sites and rustic cabins. According to one camper, "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."
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Securing sites at popular locations requires persistence and planning. For Steep Ravine, one camper advises, "Extremely hard to get a reservation. Can get very windy! Georgeous spot to pitch your tent on the ocean cliffs."
Weather preparation: Bay Area coastal conditions fluctuate dramatically. A visitor at Haypress recommends, "Mornings can get foggy here, so bring a sweatshirt regardless of the season. Pack in the water you need."
Limited amenities: Many sites near Emeryville offer primitive camping with few facilities. At Hawk Campground, a visitor noted, "Loved this spot tucked away in the Marin Headlands. Great views of the golden gate or Pacific in the far distance. Sites spread enough apart that no one was too close."
Tips for camping with families
Space considerations: When camping with kids, select sites with adequate room. At Sibley, one visitor observed, "The Sibley backpack camp is a small, primitive hike-in site for a maximum of 15 campers (although this would be super cramped in my opinion, unless it a bunch of small kids)."
Short hike-in options: For families with young children, choose locations with minimal hiking required. Bicentennial Campground offers a practical option: "You have to park at the top of the hill and bring your stuff down which isn't very far. There are porta potties to use that aren't horrible."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer learning experiences. At Rob Hill, campers noted the site is "the site for the Camping at the Presidio (CAP) program, which provides youth with meaningful outdoor experiences."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Most tent campgrounds near Emeryville don't accommodate RVs. As one Rob Hill visitor points out, "RV, pop-up and camper-truck camping is not allowed in the Presidio. No hook-ups available."
Day-use alternatives: RVers can park at larger lots and explore tent camping areas during daytime hours. At Pantoll Campground, a visitor mentioned, "It can be impossible to find a place to park on busy weekends (you'll need to drop your stuff off, find a place to park along the road, then come back to park in the evening when the parking lot clears)."
Pantoll access considerations: For RVers considering short walks to campsites, note that "All sites are a small walk up on a hill kind of steep. Ranger station at parking lot that sells firewood. Water faucets, bathrooms. No showers. Bear lockers."
