Best Campgrounds near Kensington, CA

Camping near Kensington, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking," making it a great spot for both novice and experienced hikers.
• Beach Activities: Visit Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground for beachcombing and sunbathing. A camper shared, "Campsites are right by the beach... wonderful trail along the beach line."
• Wildlife Watching: At Lawson's Landing, you can spot wild turkeys and enjoy the natural beauty. One visitor noted, "A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers love the picturesque settings. One reviewer at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground said, "This is a gorgeous campground! It's big and busy, but the sites are mostly very private and lush and green."
• Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground mentioned, "Restrooms are clean. Showers are clean and tidy and warm."
• Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offer various activities for kids. One parent said, "This place is busy and expensive... but great for kids."

What you should know:

• Poison Oak: Be cautious of poison oak at many campgrounds, especially at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. A camper warned, "It's full of poison oak!!!! But you can get around it."
• Crowded During Holidays: Expect busy campgrounds during holiday weekends. A visitor at Lawson's Landing noted, "Went on Veterans Day weekend so it was pretty busy."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lawson's Landing, lack showers and toilets. One camper advised, "Porta pottys were very dirty and TP less."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA that offer activities for children. A reviewer said, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun."
• Plan for Clean Facilities: Make sure to check the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A camper at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground mentioned, "Showers were clean and spacious with great pressure and warm water."
• Bring Entertainment: Keep kids engaged with games or outdoor activities. One family at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground enjoyed frisbee in the meadow.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Be aware that some sites may be smaller than expected. A reviewer at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground noted, "Not much space to pitch a larger size tent."
• Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check campgrounds like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. One camper shared, "I got a 'full hook-up' site which apparently meant they drive around in the morning and clear your tanks."
• Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "This place books up fast."

Camping near Kensington, California, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking through redwoods or relaxing by the beach, there's something for every camper to enjoy.