3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Mount Tamalpais State Park houses some of the most sought-after glamping campsites in the Bay Area, with Steep Ravine Campground offering rustic cabins perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. These $100-per-night structures feature wood-burning stoves for warmth, sleeping platforms that can accommodate up to six people, and million-dollar coastal views just 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA provides upscale glamping tents with comfortable bedding, while Olema Campground offers glamping options with easy access to Point Reyes National Seashore. Coast Campground within Point Reyes National Seashore features yurts with picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water. A recent visitor mentioned, "The 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."
Hiking trails connect directly from these glamping locations to Mount Tamalpais watershed trails and the Matt Davis Trail system, allowing guests to explore without driving. The Steep Ravine location provides beach access via a short scramble over boulders, with visitors reporting seal sightings just 20 feet offshore. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with guests regularly spotting deer, raptors, and various seabirds from their accommodations. Sunset and sunrise views are particularly spectacular from these oceanfront glamping sites, with clear nights revealing surprisingly vibrant stargazing despite proximity to San Francisco. Reservations for premium glamping campgrounds like Steep Ravine are notoriously competitive, with bookings opening six months in advance and filling within minutes — making early planning essential for securing a spot at these top-rated glamping campsites near Golden Gate National Recreation Area. According to a camper, "The campsite sits right on the Pacific Ocean and offers some of the best sunsets imaginable. And being so close to SF you'd be surprised at how many stars appear at night."
"This campground is beautiful, set in the redwoods, with a creek and nature trails. It has all the amenities: flush toilets, showers, fire pits, running water, and grills."
"On our first visit, there was no running water or showers, but they did have portapotties."
from $35 - $225 / night
"The bathrooms are clean. There is running water and a small beach access for campers (if you're willing to climb over some rocks). I recommend going in August when there is less wind."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $100 / night
"It has great hiking nearby and an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city, and is a short drive into the city. you definitely want to reserve a space well in advance, especially during peak"
"All three sites here are next to each other and have no seperation, but if you’re okay with that it’s a wonderful place to camp Site 3 is closest to the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the trails connected"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 / night
"My site had plenty of shade, fire pit, picnic table, and water nearby."
"There is a post office and laundry mat on-site. The reservation office is open from 9-5p, and they sell firewood!! A constant fire is highly recommended. Also, we saw fox!!!"
"With the campsites centered around a large communal campfire circle."
"Pitch tent on wood chips. Level. Fire pits, water. Nice and close, yet feels a ways away. Accessible to many trails."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $105 - $170 / night
"We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance."
"Bathrooms and showers on site. We stayed in a spot without hookups and it was $35 per night. Gate staff was friendly and helpful."
Available this weekend
from $35 - $165 / night
"It's a good distance from the bathroom and water (which is really a good thing). Very private compared to some of the other sites, although it's a little more exposed to cooler breezes than some. "
"most West part of it) You check in with the ranger, get your camping permit, then park at the trailhead, and the campsite awaits...Super spacious, gorgeous views, and really nice people await your arrival"
"Bathrooms are clean. laundry room very large and has many washers and dryers. Subway close walk, MUNI is at the park entrance. A gas station and Grocery store are both across the street."
"Like most (if not all) KOAs, you can also tent camp or tent cabins. Good size dog park for the pets to run and be free, as well as plenty of fun activities to entertain the kiddos."
"great accommodations. the bathrooms and showers were always clean. there was some construction going on, since it was the off season. it looked like they were renovating some of the bathrooms and aisle"
"It's a short hike from the hostel and has running water and pit toilets. It's right at the beach so it gets windy in the summer. Fall is best. For privacy, book a site out of the meadow."
"The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed). There are two routes to hike in."
from $30 - $90 / night
TravelerHenry in the office is amazing. Bathrooms are clean. laundry room very large and has many washers and dryers. Subway close walk, MUNI is at the park entrance. A gas station and Grocery store are both across the street.
ScoutHas hot showers & laundry room! A 5 min walk to the ocean as well. Super peaceful
GuideWe arrived and looked at our site and needed sun to recharge our batteries so the attendant let us pick one from the available list. A bit dusty but well worth it for the amenities.
TravelerHad a late check in after scheduling in the same day, but the staff were so welcoming and helpful over the phone! The campsite is so clean you could walk around barefoot. the scenery is so beautiful with sheep, cattle, mountains and a stream surrounding/on the property. Would definitely recommend
GuideWe stayed at Francis Beach Campground, we snagged a spot the week of since they release a few throughout the week. I’m so glad they do that for locals!
Campground is well maintained, there was an individual picking through the trash though so we made sure to lock up some stuff.
Sites are easy to get in and out of, pretty spacious. The middle sites aren’t too great, but the ones bordering the beach and the bike trail are very nice. We loved our spot, we had a trail right behind our trailer onto the beach!
Dump station is $10. Fresh water smelled a bit off, but we filled up and just used it for washing up.
GuideWe have stayed here a few times. I have a sister that lives here and this place is only about 3 miles from us! $80 for a back in space.
TravelerStayed one night at site 5 over the Fourth of July weekend. Great site at the top of the hill. It's a good distance from the bathroom and water (which is really a good thing). Very private compared to some of the other sites, although it's a little more exposed to cooler breezes than some. I used Sky as the intermediary camp between Glen and Coast. The fog rolled in the morning I packed up, and my tent was soaked. Careful if you have a single wall tent :)
Rabbits, quail, and deer seen around the campsite
LegendGeneral: 52 RV/tent sites, four walk-in oceanfront tent sites, and a hiker/biker camp. 28 sites have electric hookups. No sewer (there is a dump station) and shared water spigots.
Site Quality: Sites are paved with room for an additional vehicle and are level. Some sites have decent spacing between them, but others have no privacy/separation (the internal sites with electric have less privacy). IMO, sites 48 and 16 are the best sites.
Bath/shower: Two bathhouses each with all-in-one toilet/sink combos. They could use a little TLC. Showers are standard CA state park requiring tokens to use. Did not use them.
Activities/Amenities: There are three trails for easy ocean access. Beach is long and ok for walking, but in the springtime, the beach is littered with “blue sailfish”. Dogs are not allowed. Walking north is better than south. The 7.5-mile Half Moon Bay Coastal multi-use trail is easily accessible from the campground. Little Free Library. There is a host on site who sells firewood for $15 from 4:30-9:30 pm daily.
There are not many camping options in this area, and the campground was fully booked during the week in mid-May. We had to make reservations several months in advance and could only get two nights, and we had to move sites. Four stars due to the lack of privacy between many of the sites.
GuideI loved my stay here! I had a lot of tasks and couldn't have asked for a better place to accomplish them. I particularly appreciated the close coastal access, the birds and the clean, comfortable surroundings. Staff was welcoming and friendly throughout my stay. Highly recommend this gem!
Golden Gate National Recreation Area spans 82,000 acres of ecological zones where the Pacific meets the California coast. Winter brings mild temperatures averaging 50-60°F during the day, while summer fog keeps temperatures cool, rarely exceeding 75°F. Camping options range from rustic cabins perched on coastal cliffs to family-friendly campgrounds with modern amenities, all within an hour's drive of San Francisco.
Horseback riding in Olema: Located near Point Reyes National Seashore, Olema Campground provides easy access to equestrian trails. "I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding," notes Kathleen C. who stayed at Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Hiking coastal trails: Bicentennial Campground offers access to trails with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. "There are a lot of hiking 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," explains August M.
Beach exploration: The coast offers tidepools and sunset spots. "The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed)," writes MarinMaverick about Coast Campground, emphasizing the natural attractions within walking distance of campsites.
Privacy in the redwoods: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers secluded sites under tall trees. "Sites are on the small side as well. It's a special forest though and worth a visit," explains Kelly S., highlighting the natural setting.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers report diverse animal sightings. "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," shares Nikata L. about Steep Ravine Campground.
Urban camping convenience: Some campgrounds offer surprising proximity to urban amenities. "Short drive to many other areas. Small but good size sites for where it is," explains Carina B. about Francis Beach Campground, noting how location compensates for site limitations.
Reservation challenges: Many campgrounds require booking months ahead. "Steep Ravine is notoriously difficult to reserve — you need to be ready to click 'reserve' on the website at no less than 5 minutes before the window opens for your dates of interest, which was 6 months ahead of time," advises Adam about Steep Ravine.
Weather variability: Coastal conditions change rapidly. "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," recommends Kathleen C. about camping near Point Reyes.
Camping etiquette issues: Coast Campground at Point Reyes National Seashore offers yurt camping options with proximity to beaches. "Always expect fog. Expect cold and damp at night," advises MarinMaverick, preparing visitors for typical coastal conditions.
Yurt and cabin options: For families seeking Golden Gate National Recreation Area yurt camping experiences, Coast Campground offers comfortable alternatives to tents. "Inside the Point Reyes National seashore, this is a hike in only campground. But has pit toilets, potable water. Groups sites also available. Sites have picnic tables and bear/critter lockers for food," explains Jason R.
Kid-friendly amenities: San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offers extensive recreation options. "Playgrounds, swimming pool, lots of space to run and scream. We stay when visiting the area and endure the screaming kids. The kids do have fun, I give them that," shares Linda A., acknowledging the family-oriented environment.
Introductory camping spots: Some locations work well for first-time campers. "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," explains Susie B. about Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary significantly in quality. "Sites are on the small side... It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)," warns Tai W. about Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Full hookup availability: Various campgrounds offer different levels of service. "Checkin process a little hectic but wonderful camp hosts and overall nice facilities. A ton of great hiking and horseback riding trails. Literally 5 mins outside of the town of Napa," shares Leanne R. about Skyline Wilderness Park.
Proximity to services: When selecting an RV site, consider distance to amenities. "If you don't want to cook there are 2 restaurants next door," notes Chris M. about Olema Campground, highlighting convenient dining options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Golden Gate National Recreation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Golden Gate National Recreation Area is Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 57 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Golden Gate National Recreation Area?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 glamping camping locations near Golden Gate National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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