Best Camping near Martinez, CA

Searching for the best camping near Martinez, CA? Martinez is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Martinez, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Martinez, CA (150)

    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    1.

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    25 Reviews
    63 Photos
    599 Saves
    Castro Valley, California

    Anthony Chabot Family Campground, overlooking Lake Chabot, is a year-round getaway only 35 minutes from downtown Oakland and Oakland International Airport. The campground features 53 drive-to tent campsites, 10 walk-to tent campsites, and 12 RV/trailer campsites with full hookups (sewer, water, and 30 amp electrical). All sites have a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Restrooms include hot showers. Firewood and charcoal are available for purchase. The campground provides access to miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, along with fishing at nearby Lake Chabot.

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park features seven group camps ranging in capacity from 35 to 300 campers, reservations required (a minimum of 9 people to use the group campsites). All group camps include picnic tables, BBQ, fire ring, water, and chemical/vault toilets. Equestrian camping is available by reservation at Bort Meadow Group Camp. For reservations, call 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2. Group campsites cannot be reserved online.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    2.

    Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    154 Photos
    7 Saves
    Lagunitas, California

    Creekside Loop (sites 1-25)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Picnic Table
    • Showers
    • Toilets

    $35 - $225 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground

    3.

    Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    71 Photos
    241 Saves
    Diablo, California

    Live Oak Campground

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park

    4.

    Skyline Wilderness Park

    22 Reviews
    65 Photos
    319 Saves
    Napa, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    5.

    Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    49 Photos
    756 Saves
    Sausalito, California

    Overview

    Kirby Cove is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge at historic Battery Kirby. Visitors are awarded breathtaking views of San Francisco, its famous Golden Gate Bridge, and the rugged Pacific Coast of northern California. Please note: The parking area for the campground is a short walk from the campsites, so RV or car camping is not allowed at Kirby Cove Campground.__

    Recreation

    Hiking, picnicking and taking in the beautiful views from Kirby Cove are among the park's most popular activities. Visitors also enjoy exploring Battery Kirby, a historic army battery in use from 1898-1934. The Point Bonita Lighthouse and Nike Missile Site SF-88 are also close to the campsite.

    Facilities

    Hiking, picnicking and taking in the beautiful views from Kirby Cove are among the park's most popular activities. Visitors also enjoy exploring Battery Kirby, a historic army battery in use from 1898-1934. The Point Bonita Lighthouse and Nike Missile Site SF-88 are also close to the campsite.

    Natural Features

    Kirby Cove offers a coarse-sand beach with spectacular views - when it's not foggy - of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and northern San Francisco, including the historic Presidio. The cove is nestled at the foot of the craggy Marin Headlands and has beach access. A steep, mile-long trail to the cove begins at the parking area above Battery Spencer on Conzelman Road. The path descends through a stately grove of Monterey, cypress, pine and Blue Gum eucalyptus. Coastal sage and colorful Lupine dot the hillsides. 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 Kirby Cove.

    Nearby Attractions

    The San Francisco Bay Area has no shortage of fun and interesting things to do and see. Awe-inspiring Muir Woods National Monument, with its old-growth coastal redwood forest and numerous hiking trails, is just a 20-minute drive from Kirby Cove. Mount Tamalpais State Park, with hiking and sweeping views of the Bay Area, is another 10 minutes past Muir Woods. Downtown San Francisco offers a myriad of restaurants, shops, museums and tourist attractions. Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island and Chinatown are popular destinations. Visitors love riding San Francisco's world famous cable cars up and down the city's hilly streets.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (415) 331-1540.

    Charges & Cancellations

    The Kirby Cove Day Use Site must be cancelled or modified more than 14 days before your check-in date otherwise it will be considered a late cancellation.__ You may also 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.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    6.

    San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    28 Reviews
    33 Photos
    191 Saves
    Penngrove, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

    7.

    Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

    9 Reviews
    21 Photos
    257 Saves
    Tiburon, California

    In 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

    8.

    Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    64 Photos
    366 Saves
    Kenwood, California

    Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is nestled in the heart of Sonoma County. We offer camping for Tents and Rv’s, two luxurious glamping sites, and tent rental if you need a tent or an extra one for the kids. Visit our website for reservations - and our reservable instantly available - no more requirement to make reservations 48 hours before arrival day.

    We release first-come, first-serve sites over the phone at 10 am. We typically have room Sunday-Thursday, but fill up on good weathered weekends from April through October.

    You can enjoy camping year-round at Sugarloaf Ridge State

    • Park 47 family camping spaces are surrounded by a large meadow bordered by a year-round stream and a hillside forest. 
    • Group campground with room for up to 50 people.
    • 2 wheelchair-accessible campsites(6, 7) with an accessible restroom and showers. The campfire pits for these sites are also accessible, with a variety of wheelchair seating areas. 
    • Ability to accommodate RVs up to 28 feet and trailers up to 24 feet. There is no dump station at the campground. 
    • Two seasonal glamping tents (April-Oct)
    • Dog’s are allowed in the campground, but not on backcountry trails and roads.
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $35 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Brannan Island State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brannan Island State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brannan Island State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brannan Island State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brannan Island State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brannan Island State Recreation Area

    9.

    Brannan Island State Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    26 Photos
    131 Saves
    Rio Vista, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    10.

    Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    60 Photos
    480 Saves
    Stinson Beach, California

    S Rav Camp Area (sites E1-E7)

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $100 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 150 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Martinez

Recent Reviews In Martinez

680 Reviews of 150 Martinez Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Campground Point Reyes National Seashore
    September 20, 2024

    Wildcat Campground Point Reyes National Seashore

    Hike-in Costal Camping

    This is an awesome spot, the hike out was absolutely gorgeous. We accessed it from the Palomarin trailhead. Beware, the costal weather can be volatile and you could get flash rain. Also, I highly recommend planning your visit with the sunny weather because it’s easy to pick a day that has endless overcast here, and it’s just not quite as much fun.

    Also be careful what campsite you reserve. Some are absolute gems off on the ocean bluff. Others are more inland and packed in

  • Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
    September 2, 2024

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Great time inconvenienced by yellow jackets

    We love to camp here for barbecuing, mountain biking and hiking. We always do it during 7/4 holidays except for this year when the park canceled our reservation due to high heat. So we booked for the Labor Day weekend. Temperature was perfect and biking and hiking were enjoyable as usual. This year we had two new types of visitors to the the site. A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground. We were able to take a closeup look at them and they were beautiful birds with big eyes spotting tiny bits of crumbs. They come and go from one site to the next quietly and gently. Very cute and we took pictures with their presence. Then came the aggressive yellow jackets. We never had yellow jackets in our previous 7/4 outings here. Oh boy, they fought for the meat relentlessly. At the end of the outing, both my finger and my wife’s were stung. We reported the experience to the attendant at the gate when leaving. She said the park is looking for a solution. In the meantime, she suggested contacting them early on so they might be able to provide another site. Hopefully, next year, we won’t encounter so many nasties.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    August 30, 2024

    Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    Beloved Sam Taylor’s - Just Get Ready for Camping Virgins and Kooks

    Everything about the campground is GREAT. The location is CLASSIC. West Marin is BEAUTIFUL.

    And for families who want a quick trip over Golden Gate Bridge to introduce their children (or adults!) to the great outdoors, their first camp, nowhere is more convenient and instantly gratifying. 

    However! You are going to probably experience some of the most ridiculous first-time campers with no sense of camping etiquette you have ever met in your life. I put up with it, for kids—- and now I have great stories— but I’d never go back as an experienced camper. 

    Example A: Finally things quiet down and everyone is asleep, 2 or 3 am. A woman starts SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER, every single headlamp comes on, other people start screaming too, thinking it’s a bear attack. The ranger, where the F are they? 

    We literally WALKED OVER toward the screaming banshee, that went on for a few bloodcurdling minutes. Do you know what we found? This complete nincompoop was surprised when we stooped down to her tent and said, “What’s going on?”

    She was defiant, and her “companion” looked dazed. She said, “I just had a bad dream, what’s the big deal?” 

    I said, “Well, you can’t do that here, if that’s what it is. You’re going to have to stay up the rest of the night, to make sure you’re not screaming, or leave now. You just devastated  about 200 people, and children are crying everywhere, thinking there’s a bear.” (Not). 

    I think Sam T should have a big sign that says, “This is not Spring Break. This is not a place to work out your family trauma. This is not a garbage fight. This is not your narcissistic b.s.” 

    You might think, “oh just one bad time.” Well, that was the ultimate, but no, i went there dozens of times because the Kidds loved it, and we could live in SF and start camping in about a half hour. 

    Okay, now I feel like a curmudgeon. More good people who know how to camp SHOULD camp here, because peer pressure and good community is the only thing that works. I did my time ! now it’s up to you!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
    August 26, 2024

    Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

    Beautiful

    This rv site was awesome.It's quiet beautiful, lush green. Be aware tho. It's full of poison oak!!!! But yiu can get around it.
    There are no hook ups. But the sights are mostly shaded, so it was a great help and I did not go in a hot time of the year. They have good hours for use of generators as well We Brought our electric bikes and rode to the geyser in Calistoga and to multiple wineries It was a great way to travel

  • Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    August 23, 2024

    Olema Campground

    Great getaway spot

    Ok, I was originally hoping for a cabin, which is included in my search, but this CG is either tent or RV only. Luckily, I also brought a tent.

    I was there 2 weeks ago. It's a fairly large area and flat. Lots of space for kids to play including a play area.

    Sheep roam freely in one area towards the back.

    It's a great place for families. Showers are great. Includes a small shop for goodies.

    I love it there. Only negative is there are only portapotties. Except for a couple that are constantly in use.

  • Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    August 23, 2024

    San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    Busy and expensive but great for kids

    Wow! This place is busy and expensive. We stopped at this KOA because it was a good halfway point for us heading to the Redwoods. This KOA offers a variety of activities that cater to children, such as petting zoos, jumping pillows, climbing walls, and pools, which are excellent for keeping the young ones engaged and entertained. To me it was overcrowded and the firepits were so close to the RV’s I was afraid it would set my neighbors RV on fire, or our neighbor was going to set ours on fire. For those without children (like us), the bustling environment might be overwhelming, but it also provides an opportunity to enjoy the lively atmosphere.

  • Camper-submitted photo from French Camp RV Park and Golf Course
    August 22, 2024

    French Camp RV Park and Golf Course

    Quiet, clean and great dog parks!

    I believe a lot of the people here are full-time. It’s a super sweet RV resort. It is very well-maintained, nicely landscaped, and they have some great dog parks. I came in after hours and the person managing the campground was kind enough to open up the office and get a space for me.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Benicia State Recreation Area
    August 3, 2024

    Benicia State Recreation Area

    Not a campground - enroute spot only

    This is just a perfect spot for when you just need a spot for the night. To be very clear, it's not a campground. It's just a safe and legal spot to sleep. We stayed here 3 years ago and nothing much has changed, including the $12 fee.

    The area is beautiful and lots of people come here to walk and exercise, and once I took my dog on a walk I saw why nobody brings their dog - TICKS! So many!  Just from walking along the path, not even going into the grass, my dog got 6 ticks once and 5 ticks another  walk. 

    My previous review is still accurate, except that now all 3 sites are open. Glad this place is under the radar, it's nice that there's been room here for us when we've needed it.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Brannan Island State Recreation Area
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake Regional Park
    July 29, 2024

    Spring Lake Regional Park

    Lots of recreation options, but that also means busy.

    This campground is nice with newer bathrooms and shower facilities, but it's also very open and exposed. Great access to Spring Lake's water-based activities and hiking trails, plus easy access to Trione-Annadel State Park for hiking and mountain biking. Howarth Park, a city park, also borders Spring Lake Regional Park and provides access to boating and fishing on Lake Ralphine, plus they have a small train, carousel, tennis courts, and a softball field. Overall a good campsite for families in need of lots of recreation options, but not the best for those wishing to "get away from it all."

  • Camper-submitted photo from SacWest RV Park & Campground
    July 27, 2024

    SacWest RV Park & Campground

    Great Rv parking

    It is the only RV parking in Sacramento that will allow you to stay for one night. Great campground! Hospitality and professionalism- that how you can describe this place! Lots of things to do for kids: great playgrounds, swimming pool, more than 100 ducks going around! Beautiful place! Thank you!

  • Camper-submitted photo from H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
    July 25, 2024

    H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    Great spot and free but really dirty

    The rest area was surprisingly quiet given its location. There was ample parking, and thankfully, the parking spots weren’t illuminated by bright street lamps, which was a nice touch considering we stopped her to sleep. However, the bathrooms were filthy during our stop, which was quite disappointing. Another downside was the lack of vending services; if you’re in need of caffeine or snacks, be sure to bring them along.

    An important point to note is that you can only access this rest area when traveling northbound off the bridge. If you miss it, you’ll have to cross the bridge again, which costs $9-10 each time you head south into San Francisco. This is a significant consideration for those planning their stops carefully.

    Also, cold here in the summer. Pack for fall weather.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park
    July 24, 2024

    Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park

    Outstanding location, Right on the river with a swimming beach and free fishing with no license required

    Tons of beautiful, shady spots overlooking or near the Sacramento river. Very Breezy and well maintained park with good prices for electrical and water hookup and a dump station. Clean bathrooms and showers at no cost and the laundry room with free detergent . Decent prices in the store and overlooks the Marina and the river at includes free fishing and swimming and is a beautiful spot! was only going to stay one night and ended up staying two.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Flag City RV Resort
    July 20, 2024

    Flag City RV Resort

    Good overnight stop

    Clean and safe overnight stop along I-5. Friendly and helpful staff. Security on patrol in golf carts. A little expensive, but not bad when considering the alternatives. We'll likely stop here again when on our way somewhere.

  • Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    July 4, 2024

    San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    Great pool, nice RV park

    The pool was great during the oven like temperatures, the staff was very kind and the amenities were good and clean. Movies night every night, and shop for groceries on site.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Del Valle Regional Park
    May 28, 2024

    Del Valle Regional Park

    Distance from home was the highlight

    I had a very different take on this place than the others. The RV spot was a fair distance from the neighboring spots, it was low-density, quite, all good qualities, but there was very little see or do near the loop. There were no hikes suitable for young kids as far as I could tell. There was a little store for ice cream and camping supplies and dump station on the loop.  HOWEVER, WARNING: the road around the campground looks wide but there are boulders every 10 feet or so making it insanely hard to back into our spot - and we had only a 22ft trailer! I can't see myself coming back here. The maps do accurately depict the relatively narrow space you have for back in spots. Once we were in, it was fine.  The pedestal and sewer set-up was just fine. No issues there. It's just not worth the hassle. 

    As for the park/water part of the park, well, it was covered in garbage from the day-trippers. It was packed and only accessible by driving to it. Truly not a place I wanted to BBQ or picnic at.  Cars, people, dogs, loud music, and garbage. A gross diaper on the shore.     We took a very nice hike starting at the dog run. That was beautiful, but not worth the trip.

    I didn't bother to photograph our site. There were all adequate, just avoid back in site here. There are so many better places to visit.  I checked this off the list, no reason to return. I don't believe there was reception either from the campsite.

    Last thing, we peaked in on the cabins in our loop. They looks very nice and maintained.

  • Camper-submitted photo from H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
    May 8, 2024

    H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    Great place to stay

    Stayed for two nights, great view. 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
    May 3, 2024

    Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area

    1 Night

    We stayed 1 night and it was perfect. The staff was very nice and the place was clean and quiet. There are toilets and showers on the campground and it only cost 10$!

    the campsite is perfect for traveling through and getting a night's sleep.

  • Camper-submitted photo from French Camp RV Park and Golf Course
    April 25, 2024

    French Camp RV Park and Golf Course

    Good overnight

    Clean flat site. Pool and launderette good. Could not get water out of any of the showers so not sure if they are on a timer. Good hookup. We were given tokens for WiFi. Mine did not work, but husbands did.

  • Camper-submitted photo from East Bay Regional Park District Del Valle Family Campground
    April 25, 2024

    East Bay Regional Park District Del Valle Family Campground

    Bay Area escape

    This is nice little campground that is only about 15 minutes from downtown Livermore. It’s a great escape from the craziness of the Bay Area without having to drive too far. The lack of cell reception really helps the feeling of being away from the city life. There was quite a bit of wildlife roaming through the park mainly in the early morning. I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground.

    The restrooms and showers were clean and functional. Maybe a bit outdated, but I don’t see that as a negative considering everything works. It’s also nice that the showers are free, no need to bring your roll of quarters.

    The close proximity to the lake and all the hiking trails is a huge plus.

    The only negatives I can mention are the camp store and the lack of privacy at each site. It seems like the camp store is only open on Saturdays which means if you need anything, it’s close to an hour long commitment to drive into Livermore, buy what you need, and drive back. I’m not sure if that’s always the case but when I visited in April that was what the sign had posted. As far as the lack of privacy, I don’t think it’s a deal breaker since there is a good amount of space between sites but they are all fully exposed. I can see these being a bit of a problem especially on a crowded weekend.

    Overall a nice campground in a good location with plenty to do in the area.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    April 18, 2024

    Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    Decent Camping with Great Hiking & Views

    As the title says! Due to a cancellation at another state park, we booked a site at Sammy P. last minute, 2 days prior to our check-in date. It rained during our trip which we knew about beforehand. 

     We stayed at campsite #56, which was a surprisingly small lot. Keep in mind, not all campsites at Sammy P. are the same size, but I noticed the handful that we saw were smaller than what I’ve seen at other state parks. Not much space to pitch a larger size tent - we used our Big Agnes Big House 4 person tent and barely had enough space to set up the tent’s guy lines, however, a 2-3 person tent would fit just fine I think. Don’t plan on pitching more than one tent though, if you book site #56. I’d like to add that the area designed for you to deploy your tent was on a slope; you can tell there was an effort to make the area flatter but there was still a slope. This was a little problematic during the rain because the rain runoff would pool up in that area. We didn’t actually take on water inside our tent, but the footprint and lower outside area of the tent body were extremely muddy. 

    The site’s accompanying picnic table was positioned oddly close to the fire ring and was sitting on top of wooden planks to keep it level. I guess you could move the table away from the fire ring if you wanted but you might end up with a wobbly picnic table (also remember: not much space). The food locker onsite is made of wood. Make sure you bring a pad lock as there is no locking mechanism on the door. Also, most of our goods got wet from the rain so the food locker is definitely not waterproof. Keep your eyes peeled for wild life and your food no matter what time of the day it is. We were harassed by cute little chipmunks and birds that didn’t seem too intimidated by humans. The bathrooms were about what you’d expect to see at a public facility, nothing fancy and clean enough to use. The sinks had hot water and good water pressure. We never ended up using the showers because we were deterred by the rain.

    Enough of the “bad”, the local trails and creeks were breathtaking. We hiked Pioneer Tree Trail which was the perfect length for a novice hiker. Hiking through the forest felt like you were walking through a scene from Fern Gully. The various runoff creeks that you hike alongside were so neat to see. We would like to visit again, it was definitely a great last minute trip.



Guide to Martinez

Camping near Martinez, CA, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

What campers like

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lawson's Landing, lack showers and toilets. A camper warned, "Porta pottys were very dirty and TP less," so be prepared.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see wildlife, especially at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. One visitor shared, "A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground."
  • Poison Oak: Be cautious of poison oak at Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. A camper noted, "It's full of poison oak!!!! But you can get around it."

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities, like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. A parent said, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun."
  • Check for Clean Facilities: Look for campgrounds with clean restrooms and showers. One camper at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground mentioned, "Showers were clean and spacious with great pressure and warm water."
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games or outdoor toys to keep kids engaged. A family at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground enjoyed the large meadow for frisbee and other games.

Tips from RVers

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with pull-through sites, like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. A reviewer noted, "Most spots are pull-through and ours was super clean and had a good amount of space."
  • Check Hookup Availability: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. One RV camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park appreciated the "easy pull in" and "fast check in."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lawson's Landing mentioned, "Most people have RVs so the generators start early," which might be a concern for light sleepers.

Camping near Martinez, CA, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family fun. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions