Best Campgrounds near Menlo Park, CA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Menlo Park. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Menlo Park is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Menlo Park and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Menlo Park, California (144)

    1. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    27 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 726-8819

    $35 - $165 / night

    "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."

    2. Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

    10 Reviews
    Newark, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $45 - $60 / night

    "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."

    "Since it's a new campground, the trees are young and don't supply much shade, but since it's close to the SF Bay, the bay breeze helps."

    3. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    25 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (510) 690-6676

    "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"

    "Always went here when we don't wanna drive too far. Staff is great and place is clean. Campsite #69 has the best view but is next to trail. Very nice trails and not super far from town to get food."

    4. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 338-8860

    $35 / night

    "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."

    5. Trailer Villa RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Redwood City, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 366-7880

    "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."

    6. San Mateo Memorial Park

    15 Reviews
    Loma Mar, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-0238

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."

    "Bathrooms are easily accessible but showers are a bit of a walk maybe 5 mins from your site."

    7. Sanborn County Park

    19 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-9959

    $33 / night

    "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)."

    8. Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    18 Reviews
    Pescadero, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-2040

    $35 / night

    "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."

    9. Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    8 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-2952

    $8 / night

    "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."

    10. Coyote Hills Regional Park

    2 Reviews
    Newark, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Menlo Park, CA

800 Reviews of 144 Menlo Park Campgrounds



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

Which is the most popular campground near Menlo Park, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Menlo Park, CA is Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 27 reviews.

What parks are near Menlo Park, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Menlo Park, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.