Best Campgrounds near Newark, CA

Newark, California provides access to several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, with options ranging from tent sites to full RV hookups and cabins. Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay serves as one of the newer facilities in the area, offering both tent and RV accommodations with modern amenities. The East Bay region features several mixed-use campgrounds including Anthony Chabot Regional Park and Del Valle Campground, which accommodate various camping styles from traditional tent camping to RV sites with hookups.

Facilities throughout the area vary significantly in amenities and regulations. Most established campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer months and weekends. The proximity to San Francisco Bay means many sites experience coastal breezes and moderate temperatures year-round, though morning fog is common. Campgrounds like Dumbarton Quarry and Coyote Hills Regional Park offer paved sites with utilities for RVs while tent camping options range from drive-in sites to walk-in areas. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region due to the proximity to urban areas. A visitor described Dumbarton Quarry as "in the heart of Fremont, yet feels remote and safe in spite of being close to town."

Campers frequently mention the convenience of these campgrounds for exploring the Bay Area. Many sites provide access to hiking and biking trails, with several campgrounds integrated into larger regional park systems. The Coyote Hills area receives particular attention for its wildlife viewing opportunities and bay access. While most campgrounds in the region feature developed facilities with showers and restrooms, they often lack extensive shade due to their relatively recent establishment. "This campground opened in August 2021, so the facilities are still brand-spanking new," noted one camper about Dumbarton Quarry. Visitors should be prepared for some road noise at campgrounds near major thoroughfares, though most reviewers indicate the convenience of location outweighs these minor disturbances.

Best Camping Sites Near Newark, California (170)

    1. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    29 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $25 - $200 / night

    "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."

    2. Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

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

    $45 - $65 / night

    "It's a useful stop if needing to return your RV to Cruise America in Newark."

    "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."

    3. Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District

    23 Reviews
    Livermore, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $15 - $200 / night

    "After time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality"

    "Campsite amenities were great, easy access to water and bathrooms. Bathrooms were spotless the whole weekend, even though it was a holiday weekend and every site was booked."

    4. Trailer Villa RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Redwood City, CA
    9 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."

    5. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    27 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    23 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."

    6. Sanborn County Park

    19 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    20 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)."

    7. Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Pleasanton, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (925) 426-3340

    "The Fairview RV Park is a great Bay Area location easy to find right off hwy 680, in the Alameda county fairgrounds. The staff are all pleasant to work with and the park and facilities are clean."

    "If the Alameda Fairgrounds are having an event, you can't beat this location, it's on the property."

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

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    26 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."

    9. Coyote Hills Regional Park

    2 Reviews
    Newark, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $75 / night

    "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."

    10. Sunol

    3 Reviews
    Sunol, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    "I have never camped here but hiked many trails."

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Recent Reviews near Newark, CA

818 Reviews of 170 Newark Campgrounds


  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    San Francisco RV Resort

    Close to City

    We stayed here as we had baseball game tickets in SF during our RV trip. Close to city and in a safe area. Liked sleeping to the sounds of crashing waves and was able to use full hookups.

    Bathrooms were pretty dirty - not as pictured. Although I liked that the showers locked. Rec area was very run down. Laundry has mobile payment and was clean and accessible.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    Pantoll

    Very nice small campground on Mt Tam. All sites are a small walk up on a hill kind of steep. Ranger station at parking lot that sells firewood. Water faucets, bathrooms. No showers. Bear lockers.

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Redwood Resort RV Park & Campground

    Friendly and quiet

    Was able to book the night before and get the last full hookup spot. The man who checked us in was super friendly and answered all of my partners questions and even helped us with some basic RV knowledge as we’re new.

    Redwoods are super pretty. Area outside of the RV park isn’t super walkable though. Bathrooms are fine for the price and very clean.

    Situated near the people who live in the park and they were super friendly and quiet.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park

    Clean, safe place to park, fairly busy.

    Well maintained, friendly host. Clean, feels safe. Bridge construction at the mouth of the harbor, use the path next to the bridge (don’t let Apple Maps send you though miles of residential streets, just walk around the construction). Lots of things to do and see, e-bike rental racks all over the city (get the BCycle app). Best tacos at Las Palmas at the foot of the pier! It’s a University town UC Santa Cruz) so enjoy all that culture.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Lovely site, really close to San Francisco!

    On visiting San Francisco we were looking for a site that wasn’t a car park. This really met the mark! Beautiful place with great sites. Nice picnic tables & fire pits! Was very quiet

  • A
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Sunset State Beach Campground

    Nice campground

    It was my first time beach camping so i didnt know what to expect. Was a bit breezier than im use to with the mountains. Not a lot of trees around. It is nice not dealing with a lot of bugs since youre by the beach and all. The bathrooms and showers were well maintained.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Lovely RV site!

    Really lovely RV site. Nice toilets & showers. Lovely shady spots and really close to Santa Cruz

  • jay B.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Sunset State Beach Campground

    Not the Best Fit for RV Campers

    We’ve camped all along the coast and had high hopes for this spot, but it didn’t quite meet expectations. The sites feel very close together and are a bit awkwardly arranged, making it a tight fit—especially for anything larger than a small camper. We're in a 22’ van/motorhome crossover and were fortunate to find a level spot, though most sites we saw were not level. The beach trails could use some maintenance as they’re currently in rough shape. This campground might be a better option for tent campers, but for RVs, it’s not ideal.

  • T
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Nice location and activities, but a bit cramped

    I just needed/wanted a short getaway without driving hours from home. Since I'm used to this place for mountain biking, I figured I'd try camping here for a couple nights. 

    I did a recon ride previously on my mountain bike, so knew which spots I'd prefer and booked site 35 for a Thursday and Friday night. 

    Arrived at about 5PM and found my spot. The ranger booth was closed, but I didn't feel the need to chat with them anyway. The place was largely unoccupied at this point. Maybe a dozen or so spots appeared taken. 

    The weather, though hot in the Bay Area at this point, was quite nice. The breeze and shade of the park made for a very comfortable setting. I believe it was 88 in Castro Valley, but felt about 78 at the campground. I don't have AC for the van, but didn't feel I needed any. 

    I got setup and then headed out for a short ride, followed by a warm shower, cold beer and dinner. It was quiet that evening and I slept well. 

    I worked through the morning Friday, though the Starlink suffered some interruptions due to the tree cover. Early afternoon more people started to show up, as I expected. I went for a long ride and when I returned the place was much more occupied and people were setting up tents, starting their bbq's, etc. Though a bit close to the neighbors, none of them were obnoxious. 

    My advice would be to know the spot you're selecting and know that in the summer months the grass isn't green :) 

    I'd score the individual aspects as follows (1-5):

    Bathrooms: 4

    Location: 5

    Activities: 5

    Privacy: 3

    Cleanliness: 4


Guide to Newark

Camping near Newark, CA, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning scenery at Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park. A reviewer shared, "Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site," highlighting the natural beauty.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the spacious areas at Olema Campground. One family noted, "It’s a great place for families," thanks to the play area and open spaces.
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Mount Madonna County Park are appreciated for their cleanliness. A camper mentioned, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds, such as Francis Beach Campground, have sites that are close together. A reviewer pointed out, "Not much privacy but at least this weekend it was quiet."
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground noted, "It rained during our trip which we knew about beforehand."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Expect some wildlife interactions, especially at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. A camper shared their experience with "aggressive yellow jackets" that showed up during their stay.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like New Brighton State Beach Campground where families can enjoy activities together. One reviewer said, "Lots of families and lots of kids."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "Hiking through the forest felt like you were walking through a scene from Fern Gully."
  • Check Amenities: Make sure to check the amenities available at your chosen campground. A family at Olema Campground appreciated the "showers and a small shop for goodies."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Campgrounds: Campgrounds like Mount Madonna County Park are suitable for larger RVs. One reviewer noted, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Dump Stations: Ensure your campground has a dump station. A camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park mentioned, "The dump station was in good working order."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots can fill up quickly, so it’s wise to book in advance. A camper at New Brighton State Beach Campground shared, "Despite the website showing every site booked, we drove in about 4 pm to a decent number of sites."

Camping near Newark, CA, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great choice for your next outdoor getaway!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Newark, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Newark, CA is Anthony Chabot Regional Park with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.