Best Campgrounds near Hercules, CA

Several good camping spots circle the Bay Area near Hercules, California. Taylor State Park Campground has basic facilities like restrooms and picnic tables, all set among trees just a short drive away. If you're into stars, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground might be worth the trip - they have an observatory right at the campground and spots for both tents and RVs. The hiking trails there start practically at your campsite. Closer to the coast, Bodega Dunes Campground in Sonoma Coast State Park puts you right by the beach, though you'll need tokens for the showers. You definitely need to book ahead for any of these places, especially in summer when they fill up fast. Fire rules change throughout the year - they're usually stricter during the dry months. From any of these spots, you can easily get back to Hercules for supplies or food. The weather can shift quickly in this part of California, so pack extra layers for cool nights. Remember to pack out all your trash to keep these places nice. Check current rules before heading out since regulations sometimes change, particularly during fire season.

Best Camping Sites Near Hercules, California (150)

    1. Skyline Wilderness Park

    27 Reviews
    Napa, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 252-0481

    "A ton of great hiking and horseback riding trails. Literally 5 mins outside of the town of Napa. Ate at an amazing Brazilian Steakhouse and came to camp in just a short drive."

    "Nice, clean place with beautiful hiking trails. The garden is very cute, perfect for a quiet walk or meditation. Sites are close to each other. This place is a good getaway into nature."

    2. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Lagunitas, CA
    24 miles

    $35 - $225 / night

    "This campground is less than an hours drive from San Francisco. It is along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard which takes you through a bunch of very cute tiny towns."

    "Beautiful trees and wonderful California charm. The campsites were decently located. Above the Mendocino coast the mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place"

    3. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 331-1540

    $40 - $75 / night

    "The walk to the beach was 60 seconds and the ocean can be seen from the site. Cool ww2 structures. You get a code to open the gate uptop and drive down to park for your stay."

    "If you plan to leave your cooler outside of the bear box make sure it has a lock or secure latch. 3- you get a gate code and parking pass to drive down, but have to walk your gear the last 500-1,000 ft"

    4. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

    9 Reviews
    Tiburon, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 435-5390

    $30 / night

    "Angel Island is a California State Park, but it's surprising how many visitors do not know of the 10 campsites scattered around the island!"

    "Campsites are walk in throughout the island.  Remember there will be fog and there will be wind.

    We try to get what they call the "group" kayak site. "

    5. Benicia State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Benicia, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 648-1911

    $12 / night

    "The area is beautiful and lots of people come here to walk and exercise, and once I took my dog on a walk I saw why nobody brings their dog - TICKS! So many!  "

    "Near the freeway so there was road noise almost all night.

    Great option for when you just need a cheap overnight."

    6. Marin RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Larkspur, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 461-5199

    $99 - $115 / night

    "30 mins away from the City. A bit pricy but that is to be expected in SF."

    "Great location to the city and Muir woods. Good stores near by. Narrow sites. No room for awning. Close to gather. Sites are gravel and level. Nice area for pets with view."

    7. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    11 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    17 miles
    Website

    "I decided to stay here, because it was the right location for my road trip, it was free, and I thought the view of the city would be excellent."

    "Reasonably quiet on the side away from the road. Very safe, police patrols throughout the day/night. Good hiking areas nearby. Bathrooms and trash cans. Highly recommend as it is also completely free."

    8. Tradewinds RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Crockett, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 643-4000

    $42 - $47 / night

    "Close to highway. Noise not a problem. Very friendly staff. Sites are close together but easy entry. Level sites with FHU’s. Would stay here again."

    9. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    25 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $25 - $200 / night

    "as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"

    "Always went here when we don't wanna drive too far. Staff is great and place is clean. Campsite #69 has the best view but is next to trail. Very nice trails and not super far from town to get food."

    10. Tilden Regional Park

    4 Reviews
    Kensington, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $75 - $120 / night

    "Tilden is great for anyone looking for a close park right outside of the Berkeley/San Fran area. It is a rather large park area that overlooks Berkeley."

    "Tilden offers a lake in the middle to swim in and fish. The campsites have lots of fire pits. The weather is always great too!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 150 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Hercules, CA

812 Reviews of 150 Hercules Campgrounds



Guide to Hercules

Camping near Hercules, CA, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for a weekend getaway or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. “The local trails and creeks were breathtaking,” one camper noted, highlighting the beauty of the Pioneer Tree Trail.
  • Beach Activities: Visit Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground for beachcombing and sunbathing. A reviewer mentioned, “Campsites are right by the beach,” making it easy to enjoy the ocean.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Lawson's Landing, you can spot wild turkeys and other wildlife. One visitor shared, “We were able to take pictures with their presence,” making it a fun experience for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground appreciate the beautiful surroundings. “It’s a lovely campsite with most sites being under tree canopies,” one reviewer said.
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Bodega Dunes Campground. A camper remarked, “Bathrooms and showers were really clean compared to other places.”
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the amenities at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. One parent noted, “Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun,” making it a hit with kids.

What you should know:

  • Crowded on Holidays: Campgrounds like Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground can get busy during holidays. A reviewer warned, “You might experience some of the most ridiculous first-time campers.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites, like Lawson's Landing, lack showers and toilets. A visitor mentioned, “Porta pottys were very dirty and TP less,” so be prepared.
  • Wildlife Caution: At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, yellow jackets can be a nuisance. One camper shared, “We reported the experience to the attendant,” suggesting caution when eating outdoors.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with family-friendly features, like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. A parent said, “This place is busy and expensive,” but the activities keep kids entertained.
  • Check Amenities: Before booking, check if the campground has clean restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground mentioned, “Showers were clean and spacious with great pressure.”
  • Bring Entertainment: If you’re camping at places like Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, pack games or outdoor activities. One camper noted, “The campsite is only a few minutes from Kenwood and many wineries,” so there’s more to explore nearby.

Tips from RVers:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with ample space, like Bodega Dunes Campground. A reviewer said, “Most spots are pull-through and ours was super clean and had a good amount of space.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots like Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground can fill up quickly. One camper advised, “You might think, ‘oh just one bad time,’” but it’s best to book early.
  • Check for Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Skyline Wilderness Park mentioned, “They gave free wifi but it was not consistent,” so plan accordingly.

Camping around Hercules, CA, offers a variety of experiences, from beach fun to hiking adventures. Just remember to check the amenities and plan for the crowds, especially during peak seasons!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Hercules, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hercules, CA is Skyline Wilderness Park with a 4.2-star rating from 27 reviews.

What parks are near Hercules, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Hercules, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.