Best Glamping near Kensington, CA

Recent Glamping Reviews near Kensington, California

293 Reviews of 27 Kensington Campgrounds

• L

  L

  Guide

  

  Mar. 7, 2022

  Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

  Tucked away getaway

  This is a great getaway spot--quiet, not too crowded, and with the Robert Ferguson Observatory just up the road (time it right and you can get in on some of their events, which are very cool).  The campsites on the spur back up into shade, a welcome relief in the summertime.  "Glamping" sites available with reservations.  No cell service but high-speed internet is available for a fee at the Visitor Center.  A great place to camp if you're looking for a laid-back outdoor experience in the wine country.  (And dogs are allowed, always a plus for those of us with K9s.)

• 

  Julie D.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 27, 2020

  Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

  Yurts!

  My husband and I stayed here for Christmas, and loved our little yurt. It was very clean, and the bed was actually pretty comfy. It came with a cot as well. The bathrooms were super clean and also really nice. I was impressed. There were hardly any other people staying there at the same time, so we pretty much had the campground to ourselves.

  It was pretty chilly at night in December, and the yurts don't really stay warm, but maybe slightly warmer than if staying in a tent.

  My only complaint is noise from the road. It runs right by the campground, and pretty audible even inside the yurt. I recommend ear plugs.

• A

  Ash C.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 28, 2022

  Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

  Camping in wine country!

  Great spot for cheap and restful accommodation while Visiting wine country. Yurts, and campsites, pull thru and rv sites. Not super cheap cuz you are in California but way more affordable than any hotel and 5 minutes from Calistoga, thru vineyard lined lanes. Lots of hikes for a hike level. Mosquitos started coming out but tolerable. Nice trickling river and peaceful pondering spots. Great bathrooms but bring lots of quarters for showers, helpful staff! Rico you are the best for giving me firewood!

• 

  Joseph F.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 9, 2021

  Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

  Peaceful with nice shade. Bring insect countermeasures.

  Lived in this area almost my whole life and never knew about this campground. Did a little recon prior to booking our trip and decided on site #39, as we were only staying for 3 nights and did not need any sun for solar for that short of a stay. Tons of shade with the sites along the south side of the campgrounds, tons of sun along the north side. So depending on the time of year and your solar charging needs, this may make a difference. There were ample water faucets along the campground road and bathrooms were only a short walk in just about any direction. The showers are located along the north east portion of the loop, and they are fantastic. Large, hot, coin operated showers at the rate of $0.25/min. There is free WiFi with limited bandwidth at and around the visitor’s center, as well as an option to pay for premium internet at a reasonable daily or weekly rate. There is firewood and bagged ice available at both the visitor’s center and with the camp hosts. They can take card, cash, or you can pay using their QR code. They also have some basic supplies and snacks at the visitor’s center. The campsites are your standard fare with a parking area, a picnic table, and a fire pit. Some of the sites are less level than others, but there are plenty of good places to set up tents. Additionally, some of the parking areas for each site are better than others. At our site, we were able to fit our teardrop, our tow vehicle, and our parent’s jeep in our assigned parking area at site 39. The campsites are relatively close together, so that might be an issue if you visit when it’s booked up, but we went just after Labor Day and we had at least two to three empty sites to either side of us. The camp host was friendly and helpful, as were the rest of the staff. Lastly, depending on the time of year, you may encounter yellow jackets, so prepare accordingly. If you don’t have your own mosquito net tent, you can rent one at the site for about $15/day, plus a $25 mandatory setup fee. It appears that they also have a couple “glamping” sites which are furnished with a fancy teepee tent, chairs, and I believe they even have their own private portapotty. Speaking of portapotty, you can rent your own at your site for about $10-15/day, too. Very convenient if you are reliant on that amenity and your chosen site is far from the other restrooms. Lots of hiking around, there’s an observatory nearby, and it looks like a popular spot for cyclists, as well.

• J

  Jason S.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 31, 2019

  Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

  Glamping

  Nice state park north of Napa, the few car tent sites are nicely situated near a creek. Good space between sites. Easy and fun camping.

  Yurts and cabins available. Close to road so a little noisy. Great for a less expensive stay. Saves money for wine tastings...

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 20, 2023

  Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

  Nice Respite Along the Beach

  We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance. While meeting up with some friends in Half Moon Bay we happened along the campsite and simply enquired if they had an open site for the night. They did, and we ended up staying for 2 nights due to a cancellation.  It never hurts to ask!  

  The campsite is a nice quiet stretch of grass, live oak trees, and beach shrubs about 30 vertical feet above the Pacific beach shoreline.  While you get away from the blowing sand, you get to hear the pounding ocean at night. I can’t imagine a more gentle lullaby, frankly. The sites themselves are a little close quarters, but all provide just about enough space for a long camper and a tow/towed vehicle as well.  For a small camper like us, there’s even enough room to have a friend visit. 

  The sites offer electrical and water hookups, additionally there is a dump station just as you exit the camping area. Showers and flush toilets are available, but also used by all the beach goers in the area, so you know what they look like....never clean.

  The town of Half Moon Bay offers pretty much everything you need in terms of restaurants or grocery stores. Riding your bike, or walking along the path toward town for a well-earned brunch should definitely reach the top of your to-do list while you’re there.  We had brunch at Mavericks Creparie and dinner at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.  Both are absolutely fantastic!

  Beachcombing, sunbathing, swimming, horseback riding, and skim boarding during the warmer months also are great ways to fill up the day. The beach path goes for miles in either direction so you can get some exercise off of the main roads.

• 

  Kate L.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 1, 2016

  Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

  Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

  Traditional campground, yurts and a seasonal pool make this a fun place to go with the kids. Camp sites are on the smaller side. Take a walk to check out the Pioneer Cemetery and nearby mill. St. Clement Vineyards is a fun stop on the way out of town and is kid-friendly.

• S

  Seneca E.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 20, 2020

  Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

  Good place to spend the night

  We just stayed here for 2 nights, great location very close to Calistoga and not to far from Saint Helena! Next time i would love to try out a cabin or yurt. Cons are lots of poison oak and lots and lots of wasps! Bring a trap and be prepared to constantly tell the kids to stay away from the bushes. Great creek near by (we spent most of our time stacking rocks) and great hiking trails i believe it’s a 5 mile loop up ritchy creek. Very cool to see hundreds of frogs everywhere at night. Overall had a great time. Pool was awesome, staff was friendly, facilities were clean! Wood was overpriced but hey that’s the Napa Valley for you!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 1, 2021

  Del Valle Regional Park

  Del Valle: Of The Valley

  After time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality given you both by the camp rangers and fellow campers you’ll come across. 

  From a range of activities including horseback riding, kayaking on the namesake lake as well as hiking the foothills, if you’ve come here for nature, you’ll strike gold! The amenities are basic and – key to all California Regional Parks – everything is very well maintained, easy to find and wonderful to make use of. 

  Happy Camping!

• G

  Guy

  Guide

  

  Aug. 3, 2024

  Brannan Island State Recreation Area

  Great times

  Brennan Island State Park is an absolute gem nestled in the heart of the California Delta. From the moment you arrive, you're greeted by friendly staff who make you feel right at home. The park's natural beauty is simply breathtaking, with expansive views of the Delta's sparkling waters and lush landscapes.

  The park offers a variety of activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're into boating, fishing, hiking, or simply relaxing by the water, there's something here for everyone. The well-maintained trails provide the perfect opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna, and the picnic areas are ideal for a leisurely lunch with family and friends.

  One of the highlights of Brennan Island State Park is its sense of community. The other visitors are always warm and welcoming, creating a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere. It's a great place to meet new people who share a love for the great outdoors.

  Overall, Brennan Island State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and friendly vibes of the California Delta. It's a perfect spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway, offering a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

• 

  Lexi L.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 4, 2023

  Ko-Ket Resort

  RV spot with private dock+deck!

  This place is awesome! Has a cute restaurant on the water too. Very clean facilities, it’s right on the water- the California delta river. They have paddle boards you can rent and go out on the water in the morning. They have cute little cottages people can rent too. Very peaceful and fun atmosphere. They had live music on the Saturday we were there. Highly recommend!

• D

  Daniel D.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 25, 2020

  Spring Lake Regional Park

  Solid camping experience for a quick getaway

  Dry camped here with my 20ft R-Pod. Had a fun time. Walked to the water park on spring lake that featured an inflatable, floating obstacle course/ bouncy house thing. The kids LOVED that. As far as local and regional parks go, this is top notch. But compared to some of California’s more beautiful state and national parks, it doesn’t quite measure up. Would give it 3 1/2 stars if I could!

• r

  robert S.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 27, 2020

  Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

  Ritchey Campground in Bothe-Napa Valley park

  Great place to stay at when visiting the Napa wine valley that is halfway between St Helena and Calistoga, two nice tourist towns. There are nice hiking trails in the park though they are closed currently (Dec 2020) due to the fire in the area. There was no damage to the campground even though the fire burned into the grounds. The weekends usually are full, it clears out Sunday evening so during the weekdays it is really nice. Staff are really nice. Be careful of the poison oak, it is prevalent there as it is so anywhere in Northern California.

• J

  Jessi D.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 22, 2016

  Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

  Hidden Gem Among the Vineyards

  While driving through Sonoma Valley, I found this hidden campground that was one of the most amazing campgrounds that I have stayed at. I was tent camping and easily found the perfect spot. Until this trip, I had never seen a banana slug which was HUGE! I stayed for just one night while continuing on my way up to the Redwoods. The hills were covering in the yellowing grass of the summer and combined with the tranquility of the rolling hills, I experienced one of the most calming sunsets of my life. Not far from this campground is the Jack London Historical State Park, which i highly recommend going to see. Overall, this was a fun little hidden gem in California.

• 

  Charles W.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 26, 2022

  Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

  Remote Campground in wine country

  We were on a short trip through California in our new camper van. We had reserved all our stays at Harvest Host, but because the water pump in our van failed and we needed water and a shower we decided a camp ground would fit the bill. I called and was able to make reservation here the same day.

  Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is at the end of a narrow winding road. The camp sites are arranged around a large meadow for the most part. We stayed in site 50 which had a small brook running through. It was level and separated from the other sites. 

  We found the staff to be friendly and helpful. The accommodations were adequate with large clean showers. The flush toilets were small and cramped. There is no TV reception, no cell reception. Slow WiFi is available at or near the reception center.

• 

  Nathaniel S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 24, 2021

  Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

  Fun Camping in the Middle of Napa Valley Wine Country

  I've camped here more times than I can count.  I remember camping here during several wine-soaked weekends with large groups of friends, back in my younger days.  We rode our bikes through the Napa valley, stopping at multiple wineries along the way.  Then, after a day of riding and wine tasting, we retired back to our campsites for an evening of grilling and drinking of local wines (of which there are many, many excellent choices). I've only tent camped here; I've not brought my Airstream because I don't think there are spots that are large enough for it.  However, I do recall seeing trailers and RV's here in the past, so it can accomodate rigs of smaller sizes.

  There's nothing dramatically beautiful about this park, but if you like California country living - oaks, madrone, rolling hills, and lots of sunshine - than you'll enjoy it here.  It's a short drive from the San Francisco Bay Area, and is quite literally in the Napa valley, on its northern end, near Calistoga.  You'll easily be able to get to all the restaurants and wineries in the valley. You won't be disappointed with a couple of nights camping at Bothe-Napa.

  One important note: I have not been here since the fires that have ravaged Napa and Sonoma every year since 2017.  There has been at least one fire that burned very near this park, causing it to close temporarily.  I don't know how bad the impact to the park has been, as I've not seen it first hand.  As I write this in summer 2021, the campground is open, so hopefully the fire and smoke damage was minimal.   As I've mentioned in many of my other posts, the sad reality of the ongoing drought in California is that summer camping is not the experience it used to be.  It's still fun, but I would argue winter or early spring is now the best time to visit places like Bothe-Napa.  The creeks will be flowing, you'll be allowed to have a campfire, and the vegetation will be greener and lusher.

  Per my rating system, I give this 4 stars as it's not a place you'd plan a trip to from out of state, but it is a place you should consider visiting as part of a larger trip to Napa/Sonoma.  For locals, this is a top tier spot.

• 

  Tai R.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 27, 2020

  Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

  A Breath of Fresh Air

  The most challenging thing about Steep Ravine is the drive from the gate on down to the parking lot. It. Is. Very. Narrow. Once you make it down cue instant zen & elation. Very clean and well maintained bathrooms with flushable toilets and sinks are right near the parking lot and wheelbarrows are available to help you unload your gear to your cabin or camp site.

  I camped by tent, in site #1, and can’t wait to return. It is the quintessential California costal camp site. All of the sites are incredibly beautiful, with lots of space, and each with their own unique layout & personality. The camp hosts clearly take very good care of all of them, as we explored the next morning we spotted poison oak but never in close range to the cleared pathways and flat areas of the camp sites. Just be aware, and stay on the cleared areas, not just for poison oak but also with respect to the preservation of the natural wildlife habitat. Speaking of that NO DOGS! We read conflicting information on the Mt. Tam website but make no mistake, dogs will not be allowed, and even if they were, this place is too precious & too populated with frogs and raccoons & SEALS (like 20 feet away) when you’re jumping into the waves to even consider the best of dogs.

  This is a fantastic spot. A great combination of breathtaking western skyline & crisp costal air. Only bring your favorite people & your best film.

• A

  Adam

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 31, 2018

  Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

  Worth doing at least once. Bring mouse traps.

  How is it possible that I am the first to review this place, the number one most difficult to reserve spot in all of California (and therefore presumably all of America)?!

  So the cabins are not only 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 when I reserved -- but kind of expensive for what they are, at $100/night plus reservation fee.

  For that, you get your own seaside cabin with million dollar views just 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Sleeping platforms for about 6 people split among 3 semi-private rooms. Flush toilets at the parking lot and an honor system for buying firewood bundles with kindling. A full-time host lives in the house at the parking lot. There are dish washing spigots scattered among the cabins. There are wheelbarrows for schlepping your stuff to the cabins and campsites; more on that later. And charcoal grills outside each cabin. A couple general use picnic tables scattered about. So those are the basics you can read anywhere.

  Various thoughts and recommendations, based on my solo weekend visit in mid-March 2018, staying in Cabin 7 at the bottom of the hill closest to the little beach:

  • It's a classic, twisty ride on Highway 1 to get to the entrance, and then another steep, curvy ride down to the campground. Campers sensitive to motion sickness or vertigo be warned.
  • Mice. There were several brand new mouse traps provided at the entrance to my cabin. You'll need them. You'd think staying in a cabin would elevate the camping experience a bit, but frankly, this brought things down a couple notches. In two days, I caught three and actually had to buy more traps. Removing any hint of food every night might work, but that's a pain. Experienced cabin-stayers will probably have better advice than mine.
  • Views. The campground and all cabins have incredible views. Bring binoculars and your good camera. Bolinas, Stinson, The Farallon Islands, fishing boats, the night sky, raptors, seals, all manner of water fowl…that's why you're here. The views. And…
  • It's about a mile into Stinson Beach if you need provisions or restaurants, and you can hike right onto the Steep Ravine / Matt Davis trails and climb all over Mt. Tam from the campground. It's also a great base camp for exploring Bolinas and the Pt. Reyes area by vehicle.
  • Wind! It's typically windy in this area most afternoons from May to September. Between those months, there's always a chance of rain, so being inside the cabin with the woodburning stove does have a major advantage over the campsites.
  • Seating. Bring your camp chairs. The cabins have fixed sleeping platforms, a built-in table, and two hard wooden benches. If you want to sit close to the wood stove or just lounge comfortably inside or out, it's DIY.

  My advice? If you're a small party that just wants a couple days with the gorgeous oceanfront views and location, stay at the tent sites, not the cabins. You won't sleep with one eye open waiting for the mousetraps to pop, and it's a flat, easy portage from the parking lot to the campsites. Easier to keep clean, and I find cooking outside to be less of a hassle and easier to clean up than doing it inside the cabin where there isn't any water, sink, or spillage containment solution. Cheaper and (barely) easier to reserve a tent site, too.

  If you're intent on having the cabin experience, or if you're staying in winter, or staying for more than a couple days, or have kids and really want to set up house, then go for a cabin, and I'd recommend choosing a cabin close to the parking lot. They're actually more private and you can use the wheelbarrows to move your stuff from car to cabin. The cabins further away from the parking lot are further down the hill; wheelbarrows are not an option, and footing is iffy when carrying large, heavy items up and down from the parking lot. Views are the same from all cabins so you're not losing any benefits. I'll try for CB04 next time.

  But take whatever cabin you can get, and check "Steep Ravine Cabins" off your camping bucket list.

• 

  Elliott B.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 25, 2018

  Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

  Ranger Review: Ethnotek Setia 20 Liter at Half Moon Bay SB’s Francis Beach

  Campsite Review: 2/5 Stars

  Half Moon Bay State Beach – Francis Beach Campground State Beach Phone # (650) 726-8819

  I find it a little disappointing just how close the campsites are to each other here, meaning you’re not going to get anything close to a secluded camping experience. The facilities were dirty/sandy (although you are right on the beach), probably because not only are they being overused by day trippers to the beach and the many campers. Although, they do have coin-operated hot showers available (2 minutes per quarter). They really do pack in the 50+ sites here although there are 3 walk-in sites with great views over the beach and of the ocean, which are separated from the RV (up to 40’) mad house, but then you’re right by all of the day use people and even more out in the open as there is literally no coverage at all. The RV sites have electric hook-ups and there are shared water spigots (not hook-ups).

  All of these are reservable by phone at 1-800-444-PARK (7275) or online at www.reservecalifornia.com/ ($35 for tent, $56 or $65 for RV and a $7.99 online fee)

  Dogs are allowed at the campsite on leash, but not on the beaches here at all (Although horses are… Guess only one animal per “beach”). If you want a dog friendly beach go just a little south to Poplar Beach where the doggos can roam free off leash and have a blast.

  The State Beach Park itself is very tiny. $10 to park, there’s a small visitor centers, beautiful beaches, nice scenery, not a lot of vegetation. From here you have access to the 4-ish mile long Half Moon Bay coastal walking/bike trail which runs right through the back of the campground and into the “park”, and of course there are ~4 miles of sandy beaches to enjoy. Should you need connectivity there is actually (unsecured) wi-fi provided by the park and adequate cell coverage!!

  For me personally the campground only gets 2/5 stars :

  Overall, remember that while you have great access to the beach and the campground is pet friendly you’re definitely, not exactly going to get a remote camping experience and the dog beach is a little way away. The facilities are a bit dirty and jam packed and could be a little better maintained.

  Gear Review: 4/5 Stars

  As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get the opportunity to test out products and what I got to use during this trip as a day pack during this trip was Ethnotek’s Setia 20 Liter backpack. While listed as a laptop backpack I used it to store my snack, water bladder/bottle and other first aid type items. I used the laptop pouch to hold the water bladder and ran my tube out the side. Worked perfectly!! For being a compact backpack, I really liked that it has both padded shoulder straps with a slide adjusting sternum strap and the raised lower back padding which made for a comfy fit and allowed a bit of airflow.

  I also like that it’s water resistant and contains a hidden built-in rainfly, not that it has rained once since I’ve moved out to Northern California, but it is foggy and a bit damp first thing in the morning. The top zippered pocket in the top hood is the perfect size for items which you’ll want to have easy quick access to like; IDs, credit cards, extra sunscreen, etc. The main pocket is easily accessible via either the drawstring at the top or the side zipper so you can grab things out of the bottom without having to root around through everything in the pack. I do appreciate the laptop compartment, but for a more urban commuter bag I think this would be better utilized with additional pockets to separate out your work items and as a day-pack I think the laptop sleeve would be better utilized as a water bladder holder if there was a slot to pull the tube through.

  The only real drawback I had with this gear was that the side zipper doesn’t have a lock of sort for security. I like that there are the 2 zippers, but I think that having some sort of webbing across the zipper so that you could place them both on that side making it a little more difficult for someone walking behind/beside you to just unzip the side and pull out items. This added security isn’t really needed if you’re out hiking, but if you’re commuting in a large city or on crowded public transportation could really save you from losing some valuables.

  Overall, I give the bag 4/5 stars. I really love the company’s mission of keeping culture alive by creating high quality laptop and travel bags that feature ethically sourced handmade textiles. The back is extremely comfortable and has a ton of great features, but I think there are just a few minor tweaks which would make it truly unsurpassable.

  Backpack’s Features:

  · Water resistant 840 denier ballistic nylon main bag fabric

  · Built-in handmade textile paneling. Exterior & interior.

  · Left side zip gusset pocket for water bottle & quick-grab accessories

  · Back-right side zip pocket to access main internal compartment volume

  · Main compartment can also be accessed by its large drawstring cinch top

  · Main compartment is sealed with a buckle clipped top hood

  · A zipper pocket is built into the top hood for easy access storage

  · Padded shoulder straps with slide adjusting sternum strap for comfortably fit while wearing

  · Built-in rain cover tucks into and can be removed from the bottom of the bag’s back panel

  · YKK® zippers

• M

  Mattia B.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 8, 2022

  Rob Hill Campground

  Bello

  Bel sito

• 

  Owen S.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 18, 2024

  Rob Hill Campground

  Nice

  Amazing

• 

  Elliott B.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 24, 2018

  Rob Hill Campground

  Incredible location at an incredible cost

  Campground Description

  The Rob Hill campground claims the title of the only overnight campsite in the city! Stumbled across this campground by accident a few weeks ago as we were hiking around The Presidio. It was quite the hidden gem set amidst a stunning cypress and eucalyptus grove. Looked like there was easily room for at least a dozen small tents at each of the sites and nice restrooms accessible via combination punch pad. (You can see how much space there is in the photos and video)

  I found out that 2 of the 4 sites, that can accommodate 30 people each, are open to the public, reservations are handled through the emailing the PDF reservation form to camp@presidiotrust.gov. The staff person indicated yesterday that weekends are booked solid through the end of the year; however, weekday sites are available.

  This is a great place for a group camping event. With the campsites centered around a large communal campfire circle. Really seemed like the whole campground is very well organized and clean, with each of the 4 sites also having individual fire rings, looked like nice clean bathrooms, and plenty of space for people to run around. There's a great view of the ocean nearby as this is basically directly above Baker Beach. Since it's in the Presidio, come prepared for fog and cold weather. With a nice big fire and plenty of warm clothes, it seems like it could provide a very cool experience to watch the fog blow in through the trees. Note we haven’t camped here because of the crazy high campground cost being $125 per site, thus I’d say that Rob Hill is definitely intended for groups, not for individuals.

  The campsite’s main distinction is the site for the Camping at the Presidio (CAP) program, which provides youth with meaningful outdoor experiences.

  When the U.S. Army left the Presidio, Rob Hill was a dusty, rustic site. It was expanded and improved in 2010 with support from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. "Rob Hill Campground is a place where children and families have the opportunity to pitch a tent in their national park, enjoy s’mores cooked over a campfire, and wake up in the woods to the sounds of nature,” said Walter J. Haas, Chair of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund and son of its founders.

  2018 Rob Hill Campground Application and Payment Form PDF >>

  To request a site, please right click on the above link and Save Link, complete it, and email it to camp@presidiotrust.gov. (Mac Users: print the form, fill it out, scan it, and send it to camp@presidiotrust.gov.) Some browsers are unable to open this form properly, so please make sure it is saved to your computer.

  Reservations are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and are confirmed via email. For questions, please call the Presidio Visitor Center at (415) 561-4323. Reservations cannot be made over the phone.

  Please Note/Restrictions

  • RV, pop-up and camper-truck camping is not allowed in the Presidio. No hook-ups available.
  • Reservations begin at 12 pm and end at 11 am the following day.
  • Service dogs are the only pets allowed.
  • Alcohol, smoking, firearms, explosives, and generators are not permitted.
  • Campsite permits come with four parking passes. Please park in the designated parking area; illegally parked vehicles are subject to ticketing and towing by the U.S. Park Police. Additional paid parking is close by for additional vehicles.
  • All sites are walk-in. ADA access to the sites is available. Vehicles are not permitted in the campground proper.
  • Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit (you must bring your own firewood) and a fixed charcoal barbecue grill. Please do not burn wood or charcoal when there is a Spare the Air alert in effect. Visit http://www.sparetheair.org to learn more.
  • Quiet time is 10 pm to 6 am.
  • No amplified music is allowed.
  • The campground cannot be considered a temporary residence.
  • Heavy rains and high wind advisory cancels. Please call the weather hotline (415) 561-2115 for updated information.
  • The Great Room and Fire Circle are reserved for education programs only. Please do not disturb the groups using these spaces.

  CAP Program

  Two of Rob Hill's four group sites are reserved for the Camping at the Presidio (CAP) program, which provides youth with meaningful camping experiences. Through this 'train the trainer' program, the leaders of schools and community organizations are given the skills to bring groups of kids to explore the Presidio's outdoors. These adventures offer hands-on learning and exploration. CAP leaders love "getting to know the kids in a different setting" and seeing their kids' enthusiasm about simple natural wonders like a banana slug or the night sky. "The whole experience was truly magical!" said one CAP participant. CAP is a partnership of the Presidio Trust and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

  Overall, I gave the campground 4/5 stars because it was very well maintained and in a great location. But the cost is pretty exorbitant and there are only 2 sites open to the public.

• D

  Dan H.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 1, 2019

  Rob Hill Campground

  City camping

  There are 4, 30 person, group sites. Pitch tent on wood chips. Level. Fire pits, water. Nice and close, yet feels a ways away. Accessible to many trails.

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  Sara S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 12, 2016

  Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

  small

  We were expecting some kinda remote campsite with a great view, instead we found 3 campsites that were not very private with no fabulous view :( The price is good and the close location to the heart of San Francisco is nice, but we probably would not camp here again.

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  Amanda S.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 2, 2018

  Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

  bicentennial campground

  this is an excellent primitive campground with 3 sites. 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 times, although we went in January and walked in and got a space. be warned, at night the fog horns on the bridge are very loud and very close, so bring something to cancel the noise.

• C

  Cat R.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 5, 2019

  Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

  Beautiful and close to SF!

  There are only 3 sites here but it is very quiet! You get to park at the top of the hill and bring your stuff down which isn’t very far. There are porta potties to use that aren’t horrible. Definitely reserve this far in advance if you want a spot!

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  Jasim ِ.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 30, 2020

  Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

  It's just ok

  Only 3 tent sites available, You have to reserve ahead of time, No drive in access, unloading our staff was very big work, Very nice views and a lot of hiking trails are available