Menlo Park sits between coastal redwood forests and the San Francisco Bay shoreline, offering camping options with elevations ranging from sea level to 2,000+ feet in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains. The area experiences a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and mild, wet winters, making camping possible year-round. Average summer temperatures reach the mid-70s while winter lows rarely drop below 40°F.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: Miles of pet-friendly trails await at Coyote Hills Regional Park where leashed dogs can explore the Bay shoreline. "We loved going to Cayote Hills Regional Park...We walked through and enjoyed the nature areas so much," writes Ingrid B. Multiple access points make this convenient for day trips from nearby campgrounds.
Beach exploration: The coastline offers multiple dog-friendly options beyond the standard state beaches. "A short walk away there is a public beach that is dog friendly, so that was nice for our doggo," notes Michell C. about staying at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground. Dogs can run off-leash at Poplar Beach just south of the main campground.
Redwood hiking: Trails through ancient forests provide shaded routes even during summer heat. "Lots of trails for hiking and biking, and wildlife is plentiful," writes Michael D. The higher elevation trails often provide ocean views on clear days, with some campgrounds offering direct trail access from campsites.
What campers like
Hot showers year-round: Despite the rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain clean bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms were spotless and backing into our site was a breeze," shares Tim C. about Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay. Free showers at some parks provide unexpected comfort after long hikes.
Urban accessibility: Campers appreciate the proximity to urban amenities while maintaining a natural setting. "We appreciate how convenient it is for people who live in the Bay Area," writes Ann I. Most campgrounds are within 30 minutes of grocery stores, restaurants, and emergency services.
Wildlife viewing: The diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. "Lots of birds and wildlife—beware says the sign...all the signs, but I mostly only saw turkeys and a few water birds," notes Ryan W. about camping at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. Dawn and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing times across all parks.
What you should know
Limited shade at newer campgrounds: Recently developed sites often lack mature trees. "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," explains a camper about Dumbarton Quarry. Portable shade structures are recommended during summer months.
Wind conditions: Coastal and bay-facing campgrounds experience consistent winds. "Every time we have stayed here it has been windy. Sites, though asphalt, require some leveling," reports Kim G. Proper tent staking and wind-resistant camping gear are essential year-round.
Site spacing variations: Campground density varies significantly between parks. "The sites are close together, which matters because one of the other campers is right next to mine and doesn't understand basic camp etiquettes," reports Ryan W. Butano State Park offers more separated sites with "large, user-friendly campsites surrounded by redwood trees," according to Renee W.
Tips for camping with families
Trail difficulty planning: Match hikes to children's abilities with multiple options at most parks. "There are about 15 miles of trails. If you hike 2 days and stay 1 night you can easily hike the park out. Trails start steep and then mellow out once you're on the ridge line," explains a reviewer about Sanborn County Park.
Transportation options: Several campgrounds feature paved roads suitable for wheeled recreation. "If you have littles the roads are paved so a scooter or bike could be fun," suggests Chesney S. about Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Educational opportunities: Many parks feature interpretive programs during peak season. "They even have summer ranger programs but we didn't see many kids here," notes Kim G. Visitor centers at larger parks offer junior ranger activities and wildlife displays suitable for children of various ages.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Many RV campgrounds near Menlo Park feature different site configurations. "RV sites are basically parking lot with 4' strips of grass in between," notes one camper about Sanborn County Park, while at San Francisco RV Resort, "A few of the site have their own lawns but I'm sure you'll pay an arm and a leg for one of those."
Leveling requirements: Several campgrounds require additional leveling equipment. "Sites seemed relatively level. We stayed in site #5," mentions a camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. Check campground reviews for specific site recommendations before booking.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites with water, electric, and sewer connections are limited but available. "There are full hookups at all 12 RV sites. No generators are allowed which isn't an issue since there are full hookups," reports Lori T. Off-season camping often provides better availability for premium hookup sites.
