Best Tent Camping near Kensington, CA
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Kensington? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Kensington. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Kensington, California (40)
1. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
15 Reviews•60 Photos•497 SavesStinson Beach, CaliforniaS Rav Camp Area (sites E1-E7)
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$25 - $100 / night
2. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
9 Reviews•21 Photos•265 SavesTiburon, CaliforniaIn the middle of San Francisco Bay sits Angel Island State Park, offering spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais. The island is also alive with history. Three thousand years ago the island was a fishing and hunting site for Coastal Miwok Indians. It was later a haven for Spanish explorer Juan de Ayala, a cattle ranch, and a U.S. Army post. From 1910 to 1940, the island processed thousands of immigrants. During World War II, Japanese and German POWs were held on the island, which was also used as a jumping-off point for American soldiers returning from the Pacific. In the '50s and '60s, the island was home to a Nike missile base. Today, there are two active Coast Guard stations - at Point Blunt and Point Stuart - on the island. Angel Island became a State Park in 1958.
CAMPSITES
11 environmental, including an ADA site (each site accommodating up to 8 people) and a kayak-accessible site (holds up to 20 people).
For more information contact the rangers office: 415-435-5390
Please check in with the park staff upon arrival on the island.
Be prepared to carry and/or transport your equipment up to 2.5 miles. Some sections are uphill, total elevation gain may be over 300 feet. Tables, food-lockers, running water, pit-toilets, and a barbecue are located at each site.
Bring charcoal or a stove as no wood fires are allowed. Raccoons are active making food-locker storage very important. Travel on the island after sunset is prohibited in some areas for park security and public safety.
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Market
$30 / night
3. Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
14 Reviews•62 Photos•357 SavesStinson Beach, CaliforniaLocated half way up Mount Tamalpais' forested southern slopes, Pantoll Campground is one of two first-come, first-served walk-in campgrounds within Mount Tamalpais State Park (Bootjack being the other). With 16 historic campsites lying beneath a quiet Douglas fir forest, time spent next to the campfire here will quickly expunge thoughts of the big city that lies just a few miles to the south.
The campground has an assortment of sites that are distributed on the hill that extends from the Pantoll Day Use Area; sites located further uphill offer greater privacy and more room. All 16 sites are within a short, 100-yard walk from the car park. Each comes equipped with campfire pits and historic, stone-built campfire grills to accommodate all of your cooking and warming needs. Since advance reservations cannot be made for Pantoll, arriver earlier on weekend days to ensure you’ll have a site. You’ll likely have the campground to yourself if you are there mid-week.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$7 - $25 / night
4. Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
14 Reviews•71 Photos•217 SavesOlema, CaliforniaThis recreation area is part of Eastman Lake
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
5. Glen Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
13 Reviews•30 Photos•83 SavesPoint Reyes National Seashore, California- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
$30 / night
6. Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
7 Reviews•19 Photos•282 SavesSausalito, CaliforniaOverview
Bicentennial Campground is in an ideal location in the Marin Headlands surrounded by a grove of cypress trees. The campground is a great location for those wanting to camp near the city. There is a moderate short hill to climb to/from the campground from the parking area, which means car or RV camping is not allowed. It is downhill to the site and uphill back to the parking area.
Recreation
The Marin Headlands is noted for its great hiking, and many trails with scenic views are close by. Rodeo Beach is about 1.5 miles away. Point Bonita Lighthouse and the historic Nike Site are within walking distance.
Natural Features
The campground is secluded amongst a cypress tree grove and offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city of San Francisco.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (415) 331-1540.
Nearby Attractions
Bicentennial Campground is a short walk from the Point Bonita Lighthouse and the Nike Missile Site. Also close by are some of the many 20th century coastal defense gun batteries and the city of San Francisco.
Charges & Cancellations
Refer to Recreation.gov policy on changes and cancellations.__To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
- Trash
$25 / night
7. Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
13 Reviews•48 Photos•193 SavesPoint Reyes National Seashore, California- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
- Picnic Table
8. Haypress Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
5 Reviews•16 Photos•79 SavesMuir Beach, CaliforniaOverview
Haypress Campground is nestled within the coastal scrub of Tennessee Valley, near Mill Valley. The hike to this campground is 0.7 miles from the Tennessee Valley Trail head parking lot, which means car or RV camping is not allowed. Typical Haypress campers enjoy hiking to Tennessee Cove, where they can admire the dramatic geology and colorful sand of this unique beach.
Recreation
Tennessee Valley and the Marin Headlands are noted for great hiking, and trails are often populated with hikers regardless of the time of the year. Consider hiking to Tennessee Beach (2 miles), Muir Beach (3.5 miles), historic Battery Townsley (3.5 miles), or Rodeo Beach (4 miles). Contact the Marin Headlands Rangers at (415)-331-1540 to inquire about a ranger-led program or guided hike during your stay.
Natural Features
Haypress Campground spans over a large grassy swath that is lined by eucalyptus trees. California quails frequent the area, and raptors are often soaring overhead. Deer, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats share this open space. The geology that underlies Tennessee Valley is unique and world-renowned; for example, outcrops of radiolarian ribbon chert that line the trails are frequently admired by visitors from near and far. Temperatures are mild year-round. Expect lows from 50-55 degrees and highs from 60-65. Fog is prevalent in the summer months from May-Sept. It is best to bring clothing that can be layered. Lightweight summer clothes are rarely comfortable to wear at Haypress Campground.
Nearby Attractions
The San Francisco Bay Area has no shortage of fun and interesting things to do and see. The 150-year-old Point Bonita Lighthouse (a secret jewel of the Bay Area) and the historic Cold War era Nike Missile Site are just a 20-minute drive away from the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot. Awe-inspiring Muir Woods National Monument, with its old-growth coastal redwood forest and numerous hiking trails, is a 25-minute drive. Mount Tamalpais State Park, with hiking and sweeping views of the Bay Area, is another 10 minutes past Muir Woods. Within the Marin Headlands, consider visiting the historic Battery Townsley, the Point Bonita Lighthouse, or Nike Missile Site SF-88.
Charges & Cancellations
Group Site Cancellations and Modifications The Haypress Campground Group Site must be cancelled or modified more than 14 days before your check-in date otherwise it will be considered a late cancellation. Refer to Recreation.gov's Rules & Reservation Policies. To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Toilets
- Alcohol
$25 - $75 / night
9. Tilden Regional Park
4 Reviews•8 Photos•61 SavesKensington, California- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
10. Alice Eastwood Group Camp — Mount Tamalpais State Park
4 Reviews•5 Photos•72 SavesMuir Woods, CaliforniaAlice Eastwood Group Camps
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$110 - $225 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Kensington, California
645 Reviews of 40 Kensington Campgrounds
MarinMaverick
Legend
Olema Campground
Only Game in Town
If you want to explore the Point Reyes National Seashore you do not have many options. This facility has been there a long time, and while not the best, it gives you great access. It is mostly used for RV's some appear to be year round residents. I am a tent camper and there are tent camping sites. They are on a grassy area and not well defined. Not a lot of shade for tent sites.
That being said you are at the gateway to a large fabulous national seashore.
They have great ameneities - a store, post office, hot showers. Everything you need is there. There is a great restuarant down the road and a church next door!
- TTai W.
Guide
Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
Beautiful campground among majestic redwoods
The Upper Campground is a gem of a place to camp, nestled among the redwoods on the eastern facing side of a ridge (complete with hiking trails) and a creek. The Madrone group campground is across Sir Francis Drake Blvd (I personally think it's less scenic but more open). The only reason I took off a star is the campground's proximity to the road, which is not extremely busy but can be noisy if you are camping in a tent. Were it not for the noise, we'd go back again and again and again.
Alicia F.Legend
Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
Great views
Often booked so you’ll want to get a reservation. $35/night for tent camping plus 7.99 reservation fee. No electric for tent camping but there is water. Safeway is just a mile away. Super cute town close by with fun shops and restaurants. The wind in the afternoon can be annoying but the views are worth it. I love staying here after working in Burlingame which is only 30 minutes away. Super easy to get to Mavericks, San Francisco etc.
- TTai W.Guide
Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
Beautiful campground but close to the road
Love this campground ... a great basecamp for easy access to everything that West Marin has to offer. It has wonderful campsites nestled among mature trees with a stream that runs through it. It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces). Also, if you're tent camping, the vehicle noise from the nearby Sir Francis Drake Blvd can be distracting if you are a light sleeper (and you are tent camping). But all in all a great locale!
- Melissa P.
Traveler
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground
Small camp ground
Tent camp here every year. It's small but great for families! Has a creek and many hiking trails!
- SSusan V.
Scout
Midway RV Park
No tent sites
This management informed me they do not have tent sites, contrary to the information the Dyrt app provided.
Alana S.Scout
Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Great for first time campers
The staff was amazing. Tent site was spacious. Not too crowded. Clean bathroom and shower. Several trails to walk. Close to town in case we forgot something.
Jasim ِ.Traveler
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
- JJoanna M.Traveler
Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
Campsite vs Cabins
Do this. “Hike in” means a paved lot with wheelbarrows to help you get your gear to your site which is less than a mile.
Yes these can be hard to get but the new “rolling reservation “ means dates are released 6months to the day not a whole month at a time. Be flexible and you can get a site. We have also stayed in the cabins which are a fantasy experience but the tent sites are cheaper and easier to get.
Tent sites have raccoons and are $25/night Cabins have mice and are $100/night
Site 2 is on the edge of the world. Several trees had been chopped down and there was little shelter but an unbelievable view! We camped for two nights in November and it was sunny and chilly.
Raccoons are abundant and brazen. They got into my lock top storage container but didn’t even try the flimsy food locker. Our bandit made off with a loaf of bread and the marshmallows.
Other tips: Site 1 is very exposed. Site 2 is ample for two tents if needed Site 3 ample for two tents with just a cedar fence between site 2 and 3 Site 4 is tucked down on the hillside with a great view south.
Beach access is via larger boulders. Have good shoes.
Firewood is available onsite for $7. Clean outhouse near tent sites. Clean bathrooms near parking lot- no soap or showers.
- Les S.Guide
Skyline Wilderness Park
Beautiful campground and park
I tent camped here and really liked it. There is also an RV section. It has flush toilets, showers and WiFi. For recreation you have the park behind the camp with great hiking trails and the whole Napa region. The people who work there are nice and do a great job keeping it up.
- MarinMaverickLegend
Brannan Island State Recreation Area
Access To The Delta
I am a tent camper and there are some good tent sites here. A bit open so can be windy but pick your site.
Access to the Delta with a boat ramp. Access to fishing all around you. Beyond water sports not a lot to do here but relax. Or go fly a kite.
- JJason S.Scout
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...
Lori L.Guide
California Delta's Snug Harbor
Worth the drive
Snug harbour sits on Steamboat Slough of the California delta. It is a small island that has pretty calm water around it. It is under new management (2022). They were gracious and helpful. Bathroom were clean. (I am a bathroom snob). Extremely dog friendly. Tent camping is allowed. Back in RV SITES back right up to the river, with their own dock. There are also cabins and two manufactured homes. A cute beach sits at the end of the island. There was plenty to do if you enjoy boating or fishing. Looking forward to going back.
- Eric D.Scout
Olema Campground
Private Family Oriented Campground
Pros: Has numerous amenities including hot (free) showers (cleaned daily), flush toilets, full hookup RV spots, laundromat, US Post office, fenced playground, dog park, drive in tent sites, and firewood for sale. Cons: expensive, sites are close and poorly defined and the after hours check in procedure doesn’t prevent overlapping.
- CColleen T.Scout
Skyline Wilderness Park
Camping during Covid
The tent camping is good. It’s spread out now because of social distancing. There are only 3 other campers besides me. Dogs are allowed but not on the trails so that’s a real bummer because this is a great place for hiking and horseback riding. Campsite is nothing special but the restroom gets 4 stars and the shower does as well only because the shower pressure is fantastic. Take yer skin clear off . I’m happy that I’m here and really that’s all you can ask for
- NNick T.Guide
San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
Great camp for the kids
This KOA is pretty big with plenty of options for RV sites. Wide variety of full hook-ups or partial hook-ups. Like most (if not all) KOAs, you can also tent camp or tent cabins. Good size dog park for the pets to run and be free, as well as plenty of fun activities to entertain the kiddos. For us, this is a great spot to shoot down the highway and pull in for a few days to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal life! Close to downtown Petaluma with plenty of premium shops and restaurants.
- MMacClellan R.Scout
Olema Campground
Spacious and Accommodating
We visited this park earlier this spring. Yes it was wet, but we didn't mind. Liked the spaces and layout so much...we are going back this fall. Plus we love that whole area.
However, DYRT got some info wrong. While there are plenty of full hookup spaces for RVs, there are no pull thru sites. Only back in for trailers and drive-in for coaches. Many tent camping spaces and RV spaces w/just water and power. The folks are friendly and helpful.
M.R.
- JJessi D.Scout
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.
- DDaniel D.Guide
Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Great camping in wine country
Tent camped here several times before I got my trailer. Fantastically close to many great wineries, and minutes from Calistoga. The park has a great swimming pool that my kids enjoyed, and I heard there was a fun hike to the mill located elsewhere in the park. Heads up for RV campers- the park is hilly, and some of the parking spots aren’t flat, so make sure you check sites like campsitephotos first to make sure you get a spot that works for you.
- EElizabeth S.Scout
Skyline Wilderness Park
Not Fancy, but Well Appointed
Basic outdoor setting near downtown Napa. Clean and well appointed bathrooms and showers. RV as well as tent camping in different sections. Recommend bicycles, if you have them, to ride into town, or on nearby backroads to view acres upon acres of vineyards. Park allows daytime use for mountain bikes, hikers and horseback riders. During current COVID times (eg 6/2020), wineries require appointments for visiting, as compared to many with “drop in” ability in the past, so plan ahead. Open 7am-7pm, with gate code given for late entrants. Recommend earlier check in (starts at 1pm).
- MarinMaverickLegend
Haypress Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Hidden Gem
Theses are limited (5) hike in tent sites. Not far in - less than a mile. You are on your own here. Bring your own water. No fires. You get a picnic table and a food storage locker, nothing else.
Meadow sites against a row of trees. There is very little privacy between sites but the couple times I have been here it was not full. It can get windy - there is some shelter under the tress.
Here you can strike out hiking through Tennessee Valley to the beach and beyond!
Great for a close get-a-way and seclusion.
Jill F.GuideHalf Moon Bay State Beach Campground
Chill and scenic
Short walk to the beach. You can walk for miles on the beach or on the bluff trails. Everyone is laidback which makes for a peaceful experience. Great sunsets!!
Tenting camping and RVs. Limited electrical hookups.
- RRenee T.Guide
Putah Canyon Campground
Nice lakeside sides
We went during a month that only Self contained RVs were allowed. So we had two sites that were normally tent sites for our one camper. It was a lot of space and pretty quiet since the campers were spaced out. Bathrooms were all tied together so they couldn’t be used. Most of the sites are just a couple min walk to the beach front. Lake was warm and clear. Not a lot of upkeep, so there were some real janky stairs and stuff that I wouldn’t walk on. But the proximity to the lake makes up for it
- MarinMaverickLegend
Lower Campground
Best Along The Creek
There are two loops here. What is the lower loop is a smaller number of sites which are all on the creek. The first few you park on the road and carry your equipment down to your site. It is a short distance. The last few sites on this loop are typical drive in sites.
This loop being on the Creek I like better for tent camping. Redwoods on a creek what more do you need.
Table, fire pit, food locker. Restroom with showers.
Swimming holes in the creek but most of it is low flow and shallow (except in winter).
Great hiking. Great for bikes. The Cross Marin trail goes thru the park whchc is a paved bike path thru the redwoods.
- MarinMaverickLegend
Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY
Redwoods on the Coast
This is a hidden gem. A little bowl full of redwoods, a creek and great hiking. Lots of great tent sites but pick your site wisely so you are not too close to your neighbors. Also have some good back country hike in sites.
There is a nature trail along the creek.
If you hike up to the ridge on a clear day you can see the ocean. There is also an old landing strip on the hill you can hike to as well. Great hike along the ridge where you can bakcpack into a trail camp. Little streams along the way to get access to water.
- MarinMaverickLegend
Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
Skyline to the Sea Trail or Rock Climbing
This is sweet hike in trail camp. We have used it for two purposes. First when were were climbing in Castle Rock State Park and this was our hub and second when we were doing the Skyline to the Sea Trail and wanted a easy first day. This is primitive. There is a shelter with tables in the event there is rain. Then there are scattered sites, some with tables for you to find a tent site. If busy - you will be sharing.
Shaded, though hike down can be in the open. Primitive restrooms. Water available. Picnic Tables.
Great home base for climbing - good trail camp for the march to the sea.
- HHannahScout
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground
Clean, but close camping.
We got a same day reservation, thankfully, because it was impossible to reserve anywhere in the area. We just wanted to car camp overnight to test drive our gear before a longer road trip. We got placed into site 6, which happened to be a handicapped accessible spot. It was level (perfect for our needs) had a fire pit, two picnic tables, and water source, and handicapped accessible (larger) porta-potty right at our site. Very convenient.
Overall the campground was nice, clean, and well maintained. Lots of portapotties available around the campsite. Plus, the site offers a location with flush toilets, and pay-for-showers if wanted. Most of the campsites were pretty close together, with no trees or shrubs to give privacy. Those who tent camped had more options for more private settings.
Good for families.
Guide to Kensington
Kensington, California, offers a variety of tent camping options that allow you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying stunning views and outdoor activities.
Tips for tent camping near Kensington
- When visiting the Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park, be prepared for a narrow drive down to the parking lot, but the breathtaking coastal views make it worth the effort.
- At Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park, arrive early on weekends to secure a spot, as it can get busy, especially during peak hiking seasons.
- For a unique experience, consider the Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park, which requires a ferry ride, offering a secluded camping experience with stunning bay views.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy hiking to Muir Woods from Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park, where you can explore beautiful trails and enjoy the majestic redwoods.
- The Hawk Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area provides access to scenic hikes with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean, perfect for sunset chasers.
- At Alice Eastwood Group Camp — Mount Tamalpais State Park, you can embark on various hiking trails that lead to stunning vistas and explore the rich flora and fauna of the area.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Bootjack Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park features clean restrooms and easy access to potable water, making it a convenient choice for families.
- The Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area offers picnic tables and a serene environment, perfect for a peaceful camping experience.
- At Haypress Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area, you’ll find well-maintained vault toilets and food storage lockers, ensuring a comfortable stay in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kensington, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kensington, CA is Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Kensington, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 40 tent camping locations near Kensington, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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