T T.
Guide
GuideH. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
Rest Stop
This is more of a rest, stop in a camp area and there’s signs all over that say do not leave valuables exposed in vehicle. Amazing dude perfect time to be here for a airshow
Camping near Menlo Park, CA
153 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds near Menlo Park in the San Francisco Bay Area span developed RV parks with full hookups to primitive tent sites, with several options located within a 30-mile radius. The region includes Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay in Fremont and Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground along the coast, both offering developed sites for tents and recreational vehicles. Trailer Villa RV Park in Redwood City provides the closest full-hookup option specifically for RVs, while Anthony Chabot Regional Park offers more natural surroundings with both drive-in and walk-in access. Most campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, restrooms, and fire rings, with varying levels of hookup availability.
Reservations are highly recommended throughout the region, especially during summer months when Bay Area campgrounds often reach capacity. Many campsites require booking several months in advance, particularly for weekend stays. "The campground is so new that the laundry facility is not up and running yet. Bathrooms were spotless and backing into our site was a breeze," noted one visitor about Dumbarton Quarry. The climate remains mild year-round, though coastal areas experience fog during summer mornings, while inland locations can reach high temperatures. Most campgrounds near Menlo Park maintain paved or gravel parking areas suitable for standard vehicles, though some tent sites require short walks from parking areas. Cell reception is generally reliable throughout the area, unlike more remote camping destinations.
Several campgrounds provide access to hiking and biking trails, with Coyote Hills Regional Park and Anthony Chabot offering miles of recreational paths. Campers frequently mention the convenience of staying near urban amenities while still enjoying natural settings. A visitor to Dumbarton Quarry commented, "We appreciate how convenient it is for people who live in the Bay Area and if you want to visit the area from out of state, it would be a great place to park your camper and explore." Sites with electric hookups and shower facilities command premium rates compared to basic tent sites. For those seeking more solitude, Black Mountain Backpacking Camp requires a 1.5-mile hike to reach primitive sites but rewards with sunset views and fewer crowds than developed campgrounds closer to urban areas.
Best Campgrounds near Menlo Park (153)
1. Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
"What they do have are scores of hookup sites for $60 / night and three tent / drive-in no hookup water-only sites for $45 / night."
"The showers are roomy with ok water pressure (for California) and warm water. The laundry is super convenient. They even have summer ranger programs but we didn’t see many kids here."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability2. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
"We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance."
"Beautiful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat. Short drive to many other areas. small but good size sites for where it is."
from $35 - $165 / night
Check Availability3. Anthony Chabot Regional Park
"as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"
"Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty."
from $25 - $200 / night
Check Availability4. San Mateo Memorial Park
"It's a great place to use as a basecamp for exploring the myriad of hiking trails that exist in the redwoods and nearby coastal hikes. "
"Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability5. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED
"Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site."
"So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco."
from $35 / night
Check Availability6. Sanborn County Park
"This is a nice camping away from the car experience. It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites."
"Great walk-in campground so close to home in the South Bay Area (albeit walk is slightly uphill)."
from $33 / night
Check Availability7. Trailer Villa RV Park
"Clean, has some views from far border of the hills but the spots are tight and there is not much to do but hook-up."
"After-hours check-in was a breeze, as the checkin instructions were taped to the main door of the office at the park entrance."
8. Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY
"It is a smaller park than many of the other redwoods parks in Northern California, so it was very nice and peaceful. Butano is a bit off the beaten path to get to, but so worth it."
"Large, user-friendly campsites surrounded by redwood trees. Great ferny hiking trails for every level of camper/hiker. Very easy access to campsites and near Pescadero and Highway One."
from $35 / night
Check Availability9. Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
"The parking lot for the trail head is just a bit further down Hwy 35. "
"There is a nearby shooting range and you can hear the gunshots during the daylight hours."
from $8 / night
Check Availability10. Coyote Hills Regional Park
"We walked through and enjoyed the nature areas so much. We continue to go back and spend time at Cayote Hills because it is so beautiful. We can't wait until thwe next time."
from $75 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 21 min from San Jose, CA
- 31 min from San Francisco, CA
- 41 min from Santa Cruz, CA
- 58 min from Vallejo, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Menlo Park, CA
257 Photos of 153 Menlo Park Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
SkyWanda Sanctuary
Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
San Mateo Memorial ParkC
Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park
Sanborn County ParkK
Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY
Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSEDQ
Sunrise Point at Candlestick Point SRA - TEMPORARILY CLOSEDN
Redwood Resort RV Park & Campground
Recent Reviews near Menlo Park, CA
897 Reviews of 153 Menlo Park Campgrounds
- MMargaret B.
TravelerSecret Gardens By the Bay
Secret garden enchantment
This is a 10 out of 10 stay. The outdoor kitchen and gardens are to die for and the owners are incredibly hospitable and kind we stayed for five days. It’s really the type of place you just have to see for yourself. Multiple showers and bathrooms. I stayed in my RV, but there are a cabin options as well as tent options booked to be a Hipcamp and beyond worth the cost. I highly recommend more than one night.
C. K.TravelerSan Mateo Memorial Park
Redwood canopy
Around this time of year, park is practically empty during weekdays. Nice and quiet and peaceful place where you can slow things down
- T T.Guide
Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Great safe place in sourh east bay
Great location with spaces in safe SE bay area location and reasonable prices New development small young trees limited natural shade
Tom T.
ScoutDumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Open sky great starlink users.
Very quiet campground at night. See stars clearly. Use the fire pit after 730pm when the wind has calmed down.
KrystleScoutMineral Springs Trailhead
Overnight stays not allowed
I was woken up by law enforcement and asked to leave on my second night staying here. They will issue a citation (luckily they took mine away and gave me a warning) this needs to be removed as a dispersed site.
Dawn S.GuideSan Francisco RV Resort
Great for visiting the City
There are many spot. It's a parking lot and the spots are very snug. The edge by the ocean lost a few.
Staff is kind, helpful and responsive. Area is clean and very peaceful. It's a bit pricey. Our standard spot was $150.
- TTwindaddyGuide
Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District
East Bay Parks - IYKYK
Like most/all east bay parks, this is well appointed for the masses. It’s also surrounded by rolling hills and close to suburbia. For many, these are positives. As an east bay resident they are for me as well. Del Valle is a bit more removed than many east bay parks. From my location in Fremont, it’s a one hour drive. A pleasant drive for the most part. I camp to get away for a bit and almost always to mountain bike. As such, I seek parks that have trails. Del Valle has a map of many trails. They also appear on many of the mapping services used by mountain bikers. Review those and digest them if this is also your intention - these are east bay parka style trails. In other words, mostly steep and loose fire roads, with many “social trails” sprinkled between. If you are compelled to stay legit/legal trails, bring an ebike. Now on to the camping. I picked a spot as far removed from any booked spot on the map. I triple checked this up until the day before I arrived. I want solitude! When I arrived Thursday afternoon, I was surprised to see the sites just 3 spaces away, on both sides, occupied. This is a fairly compact area. And while I’m sure they’re lovely folks, this isn’t what I expected on a Thursday. Saturday? Sure. Anyway… be aware that these reservation services aren’t completely reliable in that regard. The bathrooms and showers are amazing! Clean, smell good, cared for. Noteworthy is the hot showers in the camp grounds are free and your one push of the button provides water for two minutes I'd guess. Very nice! The space, 135 for me, is okay. A couple trees for shade, a nice table and fire pit. It’s now dark and the noise is minimal - mostly from the group campsite just down the hill. I’ll update this with more details in the coming days since it’s a 4 day visit.
Update 1: it’s my first morning here. Using starlink as there is no cell signal to be found. What I noticed last night was that this park is directly below the flight path to the local airports. Every couple minutes last night, a plane would fly overhead. According to flight aware, they’re at about 10,000 feet. If this will ruin your getaway, you’ve been warned.
Update 2: On Friday night, the majority of the spots were filled. Many large groups of people with varying degrees of consideration, but to their credit almost all (except the barking German Shepard) were quiet by 10PM. It was a bit more crowded come Saturday morning. Some friends came to visit for a mountain bike ride, and we set off at about noon. I had been complimentary of the facilities and bragged that I'd be taking a nice shower after our ride. Unfortunately, upon our return, there was no hot water and no lighting in the showers. And, sadly, someone decided to remove the tags and hangers from their TJ Maxx haul and leave them all over the floor of two of the showers.
Verdict: I'd only come back here in the springtime when it's likely to be green and have some water in the arroyo and only during the week. The density and composition of the people here was akin to being at Costco on a Saturday, and I only did that once.
- C. K.Traveler
San Mateo Memorial Park
Under the Redwoods
Nothing like camping under the redwoods with sounds of streams nearby. Restrooms and facilities are clean and well maintained. Park Rangers are extremely nice and helpful.
Guide to Menlo Park
Camping near Menlo Park, California, offers a great mix of nature and adventure. With beautiful parks and campgrounds just a short drive away, you can enjoy the great outdoors without straying too far from home.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One visitor noted, “The local trails and creeks were breathtaking. Hiking through the forest felt like you were walking through a scene from Fern Gully.”
- Beach Access: Visit New Brighton State Beach Campground for a day at the beach. A camper shared, “Great views and easy access to the beach.”
- Wildlife Watching: At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, keep an eye out for local wildlife. One reviewer mentioned, “We were harassed by cute little chipmunks and birds that didn’t seem too intimidated by humans.”
What campers like:
- Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground said, “West Marin is BEAUTIFUL.”
- Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of Mount Madonna County Park. A reviewer remarked, “Loved everything about this campground! It was quiet and peaceful.”
- Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the amenities at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. One parent noted, “This place is busy and expensive, but great for kids with activities like petting zoos and jumping pillows.”
What you should know:
- First-Come, First-Serve: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground advised, “Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early.”
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited facilities. A camper at New Brighton State Beach Campground mentioned, “Bathrooms were fine, no lines ever, but not very private.”
- Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park shared, “We had two new types of visitors... a couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground.”
Tips for camping with families:
- Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with family-friendly features. A parent at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA said, “Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun.”
- Check Amenities: Make sure to check the amenities before booking. A reviewer at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground noted, “The bathrooms were about what you’d expect to see at a public facility, nothing fancy and clean enough to use.”
- Bring Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. One camper at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground mentioned, “Showers, restrooms, tables and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure.”
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at New Brighton State Beach Campground said, “Spot 64 was humongous and extremely private.”
- Use Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are. A camper at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, “There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park.”
- Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy. A reviewer at Francis Beach Campground noted, “The campground was full so the bathrooms were not very clean.”
Whether you’re looking for the best camping near Menlo Park, CA, or just a quick getaway, these campgrounds offer something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Menlo Park, CA?
What camping is available near Menlo Park, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Menlo Park, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 153 campgrounds and RV parks near Menlo Park, CA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Menlo Park, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Menlo Park, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Menlo Park, CA is Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Menlo Park, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Menlo Park, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Menlo Park, CA.
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