RV camping near Hayward, California offers varied options within reasonable distances of San Francisco Bay. The region features Mediterranean climate with mild summers and moderate rainfall from November through April. Many RV parks in the area remain open year-round with most sites requiring advance bookings during peak periods.
What to Do
Hiking trails access: Near Cotillion Gardens RV Park, visitors can explore redwood forests. "Lots of hiking and exploring right from the campsite," notes one camper with young children. The nearby park contains mature redwoods with easy trail connections.
Beach activities: The coastal location of Pillar Point RV Park provides water recreation options. "Great spot right off the highway and on the beach. Lots of activities and places to eat within walking distance. Surfing, walking/bike trails, kayaking," explains a reviewer. Sites are approximately 45 minutes from Hayward.
San Francisco excursions: Campgrounds function as bases for city exploration. At Marin RV Park, "A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco. We spent a week here and only drove when we wanted the experience driving down Lombard St and driving across the Golden Gate Bridge."
What Campers Like
Ocean proximity: At San Francisco RV Resort, campers appreciate the coastal setting. "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," one camper reports. Another mentioned, "When it's clear you can see the farralon islands 30 miles offshore."
Convenient locations: The practical positioning of many parks ranks highly in reviews. At Candlestick RV Park, a visitor notes it "gives you the opportunity to be in the city. Lyft/Uber 25 minutes to Fishers Wharf ~$25-30." Public transportation access from various parks provides car-free travel options.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained amenities receive consistent mentions. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, campers appreciate that "Restrooms had 3 stalls and 4 free showers available. Cleaned and stocked daily." The resort also offers a clubhouse with "TV, couch, dining tables, fridge, microwave, board games."
What You Should Know
Space constraints: Most RV parks near Hayward feature compact arrangements. At Candlestick RV Park, one reviewer describes it as "a parking lot with close neighbors." Similar observations appear for San Francisco RV Resort where "the 'campsites' are close together… it's more like a parking lot than a campground."
Variable costs: Pricing ranges considerably between parks and seasons. At Half Moon Bay RV Park, a visitor notes they "enjoyed our 4 week stay" while another international traveler found it "very expensive" at "$122 US$ for one night." Many parks charge additional fees for amenities like WiFi.
Advance planning: Reservations become essential during peak periods. A visitor to Trailer Villa RV Park mentioned they "did a same day drop-in reservation for an overnight stay over the phone" but this flexibility isn't typical. Several reviewers mentioned booking months ahead for summer visits.
Tips for Camping with Families
Pool access: Campgrounds with swimming facilities offer recreation for children. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, one family noted their kids "liked the pool and clubhouse." The park provides multiple activities for younger campers.
Wildlife viewing: Marine wildlife spotting opportunities exist at coastal locations. At San Francisco RV Resort, a visitor reported they "saw a couple whales too," while another family mentioned "We even saw whales!! The sunset was pretty killer, too."
Recreation areas: Santa Cruz Ranch Campground provides structured play spaces. "There were lots of kids around using the playground, bicycling, playing basketball, and swimming in the pool," notes a family who stayed with children. Facilities typically maintain specific hours, with this campground's clubhouse operating from 9am-9pm.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Position of utilities influences site selection. A visitor at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort mentioned "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot." Carrying extensions helps ensure proper connections.
Leveling requirements: Site conditions vary significantly between parks. Trailer Villa RV Park receives praise for concrete pads that are "level and easy to get to." Several reviewers noted adequate preparation for large vehicles with "wide and spacious" drive lanes.
Space for slides: Limited room between sites affects slide-out usage. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, one camper complained "my slide almost sat on the neighbors table," while another mentioned "sites can get a bit tight, but there are definitely some gems hidden in the redwoods."
