Best Campgrounds near Kensington, CA

Kensington is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Kensington is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Kensington, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Kensington, California (149)

    1. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    25 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (510) 690-6676

    "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."

    2. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    12 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"

    3. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

    9 Reviews
    Tiburon, CA
    9 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. "

    4. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    10 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    12 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."

    5. China Camp State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    San Rafael, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 456-0766

    $35 - $175 / night

    "You won't be able to drive up to your campsite. You have to carry your gear in a short distance from the parking lot."

    "Located on the west side of the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge, on San Francisco Bay, this park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. "

    6. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Lagunitas, CA
    26 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"

    7. Marin RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Larkspur, CA
    13 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."

    8. Tilden Regional Park

    4 Reviews
    Kensington, CA
    2 miles
    Website

    "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!"

    9. Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Diablo, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (925) 837-2525

    $30 / night

    "This mountain has many of hiking trails for various levels of hikers."

    "Live Oak is the closest to the entrance (and town), and features some cool rock formations to explore, but it's colder, has terrible cellular data service, and doesn't quite have the sunset / sunrise views"

    10. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 388-2070

    $25 - $100 / night

    "1 to get to the entrance, and then another steep, curvy ride down to the campground."

    "The entire Mount Tamalpais watershed is within 30 minutes drive from this location."

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Showing results 1-10 of 149 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Kensington, CA

742 Reviews of 149 Kensington Campgrounds



Guide to Kensington

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Kensington, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kensington, CA is Anthony Chabot Regional Park with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.

What parks are near Kensington, CA?

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