Camping near Kensington, California occupies a temperate microclimate where temperatures generally range between 55-75°F year-round. The nearby coastal fog often rolls into campgrounds in the evening, requiring campers to pack warmer clothing than typically expected for California summers. Most campsites in the region sit at elevations between 700-1,500 feet, offering varying degrees of tree cover among predominantly oak, pine, and eucalyptus groves.
What to do
Hike the volcanic trails: Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve features a moderate 0.2-mile walk from the parking lot to a primitive backpack campsite. "The Sibley backpack camp is a small, primitive hike-in site for a maximum of 15 campers, a moderate 0.2 mile walk from the parking lot," notes Elliott B. The site provides expansive views of Mount Diablo, Vollmer Peak, and Tilden Park.
Explore Mount Diablo: The drive to the mountain's Juniper Campground takes about 45 minutes from the base. "Juniper is way up there, plan for a 45 minute drive from town to the top, longer if you're doing it on a weekend when you'll be waiting to pass cyclists," explains Blake H. The journey rewards campers with "absolutely worth it" views of the east bay and, on clear days, San Francisco and the Pacific.
Visit nearby Lake Chabot: The lake offers scenic views though swimming isn't permitted. "The views and solitude over here were great with the setting sun through the trees, and the knowledge that the Bay in the distance," shares Ryan W. from Anthony Chabot Regional Park. The park has numerous trails around the lake with "a mix of wider open trails and narrower, through the woods" paths.
What campers like
Clean facilities with showers: Anthony Chabot Regional Park offers free, hot showers that campers appreciate after hiking. "The showers were great. Hot and FREE!" exclaims Ryan W. The park maintains clean toilet facilities and offers reservable sites with multiple water spigots distributed throughout.
Proximity to urban amenities: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground provides a wilderness feel while being close to city conveniences. "Love this campground... a great basecamp for easy access to everything that West Marin has to offer," writes Tai W. The campground's location allows campers to "literally walk over Golden Gate Bridge to introduce their children to the great outdoors."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to spot local wildlife in natural settings. "We love Anthony Chabot! The eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.)," shares Amanda P. Similarly, at Mount Diablo State Park, campers report seeing deer, hawks, and wild turkeys, especially during sunrise and sunset hours.
What you should know
Weather variations can be extreme: Despite summer heat in surrounding areas, many campgrounds remain cool or even cold. "The weather, though hot in the Bay Area at this point, was quite nice. The breeze and shade of the park made for a very comfortable setting," mentions Twindaddy at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. Prepare for significant temperature drops after sunset.
Limited availability at first-come sites: H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound provides free overnight parking but fills quickly. "Rocked up at around 8pm, pretty busy at least 10 other vans and rvs there for the night," reports Luke N. The site requires self-contained vehicles only, with no tent camping permitted.
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Many parks implement fire bans during dry periods. "Because it is fire season, campfires are not allowed. Sorely missed a fire, but appreciate that the mountain will not burn down while we are up there," notes Linda A. about camping at Mount Diablo. Always check current fire regulations before your trip.
Tips for camping with families
Select sites away from roads: At Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, certain sites offer more privacy and quiet. "Sites 47-44 had no one across the way, more private, set back," advises Kathleen C. For larger family groups, "site 52" might not be ideal as it can be near the "epicenter of all things" during busy holiday weekends.
Watch for poison oak: The plant grows abundantly around trails and unmaintained areas. "Also, lots of poison oak in the unmaintained areas and off the trails, so be aware," warns Joseph F. about Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. Teach children to identify and avoid this common irritant, especially during spring and summer months.
Bring fall-weight clothing: The coastal influence makes evenings surprisingly cold. "Also, cold here in the summer. Pack for fall weather," advises Royce C. about H. Dana Bower Rest Area. The marine layer often brings fog and significant temperature drops, even during summer months when inland areas remain warm.
Tips from RVers
Level sites with hookups: Skyline Wilderness Park offers full and partial hookup options just minutes from Napa's attractions. "Sites are level with minimal need for blocks. Staff are friendly," reports Adam B. The park provides easy access to town while offering hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities directly from camp.
Prepare for tight quarters: Marin RV Park functions primarily as a convenient base for San Francisco exploration rather than a nature retreat. "It's a parking lot with full hookups strategically located to public transit direct to San Francisco," explains David M. The sites are "in arms length in proximity to each other" but offer easy access to public transportation.
Reserve ferry parking early: When staying at Marin RV Park, the nearby ferry provides convenient access to San Francisco. "A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco," shares Jeff T. Alternatively, "We parked the RV at the ferry station and where able to enjoy a day of San Francisco without worrying about the RV," suggests Luc M. as a practical approach to city exploration.
Guide
