Best Campgrounds near Oakland, CA

Camping near Oakland, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature without straying too far from the city. With a variety of campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy everything from hiking to beach activities.

What to do

• Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful trails nearby," making it a great spot for both novice and experienced hikers.
• 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," perfect for sunbathing or swimming.
• Wildlife Watching: At Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor noted, "We were harassed by cute little chipmunks and birds," adding a fun twist to your camping experience.

What campers like

• Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the stunning surroundings. A review for Bodega Dunes Campground highlighted, "Beautiful sunsets just a short walk away in the dunes."
• Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Mount Madonna County Park, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper said, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
• Family-Friendly Activities: Families enjoy the amenities at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. A reviewer mentioned, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun," making it a hit with kids.

What you should know

• Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground noted, "Always tough to get a reservation, but it never disappoints if you can get one."
• Limited Privacy: Some sites can be close together. A camper at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground mentioned, "The sites themselves are a little close quarters, but all provide just about enough space."
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park shared, "We had two new types of visitors... 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 review for New Brighton State Beach Campground mentioned, "Cool weather along the beach, can't ask for much more," making it a great spot for family outings.
• Check Amenities: Look for clean restrooms and showers. A camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground noted, "Showers and toilets looked clean," which is a plus for families.
• Bring Snacks: Keep food secure from wildlife. A visitor at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground advised, "Make sure you bring a padlock as there is no locking mechanism on the door."

Tips from RVers

• Space Considerations: Choose RV-friendly campgrounds. A reviewer at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "Most spots are pull-through and ours was super clean and had a good amount of space."
• Dump Station Availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park shared, "The dump station was in good working order."
• Check for Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park noted, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"

Camping around Oakland, CA, offers a mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly activities. Whether you're hiking through redwoods or relaxing by the beach, there's something for everyone.