Best Tent Camping near Oakland, CA

State parks and regional preserves surrounding Oakland, California provide diverse tent camping options within an hour's drive of the city. Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve offers primitive tent camping with just a 0.2-mile walk from the parking area, featuring two tent pads with 360-degree views of Mount Diablo and the surrounding landscape. Pantoll Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park provides tent-only walk-in sites across a steep hillside, with access to extensive trail networks. Angel Island State Park's Sunrise Campground requires a ferry ride and hike to reach tent sites with panoramic Bay views. Point Reyes National Seashore, though slightly farther, offers multiple backcountry tent campgrounds accessible by hiking trails.

Most tent campsites in the region require advance planning, with many operating on reservation systems that open months ahead. Walk-in tent sites at Pantoll operate on a first-come, first-served basis, making weekday visits advisable. Tent pads vary from flat dirt surfaces to sandy areas surrounded by wood beams, as found at Haypress Campground in the Marin Headlands. Food storage lockers are common at established sites due to wildlife activity, particularly raccoons and mice. Fire regulations vary significantly by location and season, with complete bans common during dry summer months. Many primitive tent camping areas lack potable water, requiring campers to carry their own supply or use filtration systems.

Tent campers frequently comment on the contrast between proximity to urban areas and the sense of isolation at these sites. According to reviews, Haypress Campground offers "very quiet and peaceful" conditions with "beautiful stars with no artificial light." A visitor to Pantoll Campground noted that "sites up the hill require a bit of a hike-in but are farther from the road noise and busy parking lot." Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly at coastal tent sites where fog is common. One camper at Angel Island advised bringing "enough stakes to guy out your tent as there isn't any wind protection from trees or boulders," highlighting the exposed nature of some backcountry tent camping locations in the region.

Best Tent Sites Near Oakland, California (41)

    1. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

    9 Reviews
    Tiburon, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 435-5390

    $30 / night

    "Angel Island is a unique backpacking experience, one I'd gladly do again."

    "Angel Island is a California State Park, but it's surprising how many visitors do not know of the 10 campsites scattered around the island!"

    2. Tilden Regional Park

    4 Reviews
    Kensington, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $75 - $120 / night

    "Tilden Park is perfect for anyone whose interested in wildlife and hiking in perfect climates. Tilden offers a lake in the middle to swim in and fish. The campsites have lots of fire pits."

    "Tilden is great for anyone looking for a close park right outside of the Berkeley/San Fran area. It is a rather large park area that overlooks Berkeley."

    3. Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

    1 Review
    Piedmont, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $75 / night

    "Magical :) I feel at Peace at Such a Beautiful Location. Its a Must see."

    4. Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

    1 Review
    Orinda, CA
    4 miles
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    "The Sibley backpack camp is a small, primitive hike-in site for a maximum of 15 campers (although this would be super cramped in my opinion, unless it a bunch of small kids), a moderate 0.2 mile walk from"

    5. Rob Hill Campground

    4 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 561-5083

    $92 - $140 / night

    "Looked like there was easily room for at least a dozen small tents at each of the sites and nice restrooms accessible via combination punch pad."

    "Pitch tent on wood chips. Level. Fire pits, water. Nice and close, yet feels a ways away. Accessible to many trails."

    6. Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 331-1540

    $25 / night

    "this is an excellent primitive campground with 3 sites."

    "3 sites, very close to each other/nothing separating them. Sites were clean."

    7. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 388-2070

    $25 - $100 / night

    "There is a separate bedroom, you could sleep 2 couples on beds easily with extra floor space and a small individual bunk for larger families."

    "And charcoal grills outside each cabin. A couple general use picnic tables scattered about. So those are the basics you can read anywhere."

    8. Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 388-2070

    $7 - $25 / night

    "Pantoll is a pretty campground located adjacent to the entrance to Mount Tamalpais.  You can hike to, bike to, take the bus to, or even drive to this campground.  "

    "Pantoll would be one of my favorite campgrounds of all time if not for the noise levels. One would think that quiet time would be respected in a backpackers campground, but not here."

    9. Briones Regional Park

    1 Review
    Pleasant Hill, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $75 - $200 / night

    "A few low spots. Cleared 12' barely with minor scrapes. Good parking and turn around. Lots of opportunities for horse riders in area. Pets on leash."

    10. Haypress Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Muir Beach, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 331-1540

    $25 - $75 / night

    "Theses are limited  (5) hike in tent sites.  Not far in - less than a mile.  You are on your own here. Bring your own water.  No fires."

    "A hike-in campground in Tennessee Valley, a short 20 minute drive from the Golden Gate Bridge and the hustle and bustle of the City.  My family of three stayed here for one night in mid March.  "

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 41 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Oakland, CA

643 Reviews of 41 Oakland Campgrounds



Guide to Oakland

Nestled near Oakland, California, tent camping offers a perfect escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.

Local Attractions and Activities

  • Experience breathtaking views and hiking trails at Hawk Campground, where you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the Marin Headlands.
  • Explore the rich history and natural beauty of Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, featuring trails that showcase the area's volcanic past.
  • Enjoy a family-friendly outing at Tilden Regional Park, which offers a lake for swimming and a farm for kids to interact with animals.

Tent Camping Prices

  • Tent camping at Bootjack Campground typically costs around $25 per night, making it an affordable option for families and groups.
  • For a unique experience, Alice Eastwood Group Camp offers group sites that can accommodate larger gatherings, with prices varying based on the size of your group.
  • At Pantoll Campground, you can find well-maintained sites for approximately $25 per night, perfect for those looking to explore nearby hiking trails.

Tent Camper Amenities

  • Steep Ravine Campground features clean restrooms, picnic tables, and firewood for sale, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
  • Enjoy the convenience of flush toilets and water spigots at Haypress Campground, which also offers a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle.
  • Rob Hill Campground provides group sites with fire pits and easy access to trails, making it an ideal spot for gatherings and outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Oakland, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Oakland, CA is Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Oakland, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Oakland, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.