162 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Piedmont, California range from tent and RV camping in urban-adjacent parks to primitive campsites in more secluded natural settings. Anthony Chabot Regional Park offers tent and RV camping within 30 minutes of the city, while Tilden Regional Park provides primitive camping options in a eucalyptus forest environment. These campgrounds serve as alternatives to more distant wilderness experiences, with most sites offering basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, though amenity levels vary significantly across locations.
The East Bay Regional Park District manages several campgrounds in the region, with most requiring advance reservations through their online system or by phone. "The campground is beautiful and at 50% of normal capacity even better! The campground is set among a grove of eucalyptus trees that offer shade, which would be really nice during summer, and a calming aroma," noted one visitor to Anthony Chabot. Access roads to many sites are winding and narrow, presenting challenges for larger RVs. Weather remains mild year-round, though summer fog and winter rains affect camping conditions. Many campgrounds operate year-round but may have seasonal closures for specific sites or areas during winter months.
Proximity to urban amenities distinguishes camping near Piedmont, with most campsites located within 20-30 minutes of towns and services. Several visitors mentioned appreciating the balance between natural settings and accessibility. According to one camper, "We love to camp here for barbecuing, mountain biking and hiking." Trails for hiking and mountain biking connect many campgrounds to surrounding parklands, with Lake Chabot and Briones Regional Park offering additional recreational opportunities. Wildlife viewing includes wild turkeys, deer, and various bird species common throughout the area. Campsite spacing and privacy vary substantially between locations, with some sites closely grouped while others, particularly in Anthony Chabot and Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, offer more separation and natural screening. Cell service is generally available but can be spotty in canyon areas or more remote sections of parkland.
"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."
from $25 - $200 / night
Check Availability"The walk to the beach was 60 seconds and the ocean can be seen from the site. Cool ww2 structures. You get a code to open the gate uptop and drive down to park for your stay."
"If you plan to leave your cooler outside of the bear box make sure it has a lock or secure latch. 3- you get a gate code and parking pass to drive down, but have to walk your gear the last 500-1,000 ft"
from $40 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"Campsites are walk in throughout the island. Remember there will be fog and there will be wind. We try to get what they call the "group" kayak site. "
from $30 / night
Check Availability"This mountain has many of hiking trails for various levels of hikers."
"Live Oak is the closest to the entrance (and town), and features some cool rock formations to explore, but it's colder, has terrible cellular data service, and doesn't quite have the sunset / sunrise views"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"I decided to stay here, because it was the right location for my road trip, it was free, and I thought the view of the city would be excellent."
"Reasonably quiet on the side away from the road. Very safe, police patrols throughout the day/night. Good hiking areas nearby. Bathrooms and trash cans. Highly recommend as it is also completely free."
"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."
"Tilden offers a lake in the middle to swim in and fish. The campsites have lots of fire pits. The weather is always great too!"
from $75 - $120 / night
Check Availability"If you want a great little place with quick easy access to San Francisco that has a great view of the ocean this place is great! And affordable!"
"Very nice park for an on the water location, I've been to some where you can't even turn without hitting someone."
"Beautiful trees and wonderful California charm. The campsites were decently located. Above the Mendocino coast the mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place"
"This campground is less than an hours drive from San Francisco. It is along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard which takes you through a bunch of very cute tiny towns."
from $35 - $225 / night
Check Availability"30 mins away from the City. A bit pricy but that is to be expected in SF."
"Great location to the city and Muir woods. Good stores near by. Narrow sites. No room for awning. Close to gather. Sites are gravel and level. Nice area for pets with view."
from $99 - $115 / night
Check Availability"Magical :) I feel at Peace at Such a Beautiful Location. Its a Must see."
from $75 / night
Check Availability
RangerNo tents, no rest room, no dump, must arrive after 4pm and leave by 9 am, MUST have your own bathroom…. But it’s like $12, and if you need to be in Benecia it’s great.
ScoutWe don't have kids, but this is a great place with a petting zoo, pool and hayride.
GuideThis campground is okay (3.5/5 stars) - the sites are close together and it seems to be very popular spot with a lot of families. Our section was fairly quiet but other areas were quite loud.
The campground is dog friendly and dogs are allowed on the paved roads. The bathrooms were pretty nice and the showers had hot water. You need to purchase a token for $1 from the park ranger when checking in and that will get you 5 minutes of hot water.
We stayed at site 49 and couldn't figure out where other folks put their tents. There was a slightly elevated area in the back left site of the campsite but it didn't look used, was on a slight hill, and looked directly into the campsite next to us so we opted to put our tent on the flat area right by the driveway.
ScoutStayed here for 2 nights. Staff was very nice and the restrooms looked great and worked perfectly fine. Very quiet.
ScoutObviously a long term lot with a very “wrong turn” kind of vibe. Website on apple is blocked for deceptive practices . There was but link from here works. Never got confirmation e,ail so I called.. 800 number, no answer.. local number answered said I wouldn’t get confirmation until noon tomorrow. Then told me to come on as a walk in. We pulled up, pulled through, left quickly.. bad decisions unless you are on hard times.
ScoutMy review of this place is it's a very good place to come stay if you need a place to pull your rig.And be overnight.
ScoutThe campgrounds was well kept - grass was mowed - trashes empty. Beautiful little spot if you like to fish the delta. But they have a sign as you enter the property that says “Pay Here” but don’t do that because the prices on the sign are not correct, and the instructions are also incorrect… I guess. I know this because I was told that I got it wrong and if you argue about it, they will threaten to call the sheriff. I like sheriffs.
ScoutVery quiet and there's lots of trails to walk. Easy walking around the lake.
GuideFriendly staff, well run, clean bathrooms and showers. Bumpy narrow road on the levee on the road in but doable. It is windy due to the location, particularly at night. Really shook the RV.
Camping sites near Piedmont, California span from sea level locations along the bay shoreline to mountainous settings reaching elevations over 3,800 feet at Mt. Diablo. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate with summer high temperatures averaging 70-75°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 40°F. Seasonal variations include summer morning fog that typically burns off by afternoon, particularly at coastal camping locations.
Hiking ancient volcanic formations: At Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, visitors can explore unique geological features along multiple trails. "While you can check if it's already reserved online, reservation must be completed at least 5 days in advance by calling 1-888-EBPARKS," notes Elliott B., who adds that the site offers "360 degree views of Mount Diablo, Vollmer Peak and Tilden Park."
Beach camping beneath iconic landmarks: The shores below the Golden Gate Bridge provide rare urban camping opportunities at Kirby Cove Campground. "This is an incredible spot, if you can get a reservation. Worth hiking to for the day if you can't. Right at the base of the Golden Gate with an easily accessible beach. BRING EARPLUGS. The fog horn doesn't quite if its foggy. And its LOUD," advises Ashley S.
Island exploration with city views: A 10-minute ferry ride from Tiburon opens access to secluded camping on Angel Island State Park, where campers can hike the entire island perimeter in 3-4 hours. "There are only 10 sites on the island and being so accessible from the San Francisco Bay Area (only a ferry ride away from Pier 39), you can see why it is in so high demand," explains Bryan R., who appreciates that "once the last ferry leaves, you have the island practically to yourself."
Urban-adjacent night views: Camping at H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound provides free accommodations with memorable vistas. "We arrived around 5:30pm, and were able to park for the night. There are several parking spots. Several other campers soon pulled in around us. It's a very busy overlook for the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay," reports Reed G.
Eucalyptus forest environments: The distinctive scent and unique ecological setting draws campers to stands of non-native trees throughout the area. According to Stephanie, who hiked to Mt. Diablo State Park's Juniper campground, "The sites in the teens have less overhead shade but more privacy than those of higher numbers. The sites closest to the driving road/entrance/overlook will have the potential to be downwind of the bathroom, unfortunately."
Microclimate diversity: Temperatures can vary significantly across camping locations within 30 minutes of each other. At Tilden Regional Park, Stuart K. notes the "towering Eucalyptus with a splendid arbor scent that is unmatched in any forest" and emphasizes that "what this campground lacks in ambiance, grooming and amenities, this location makes up for by putting you smack dab in the middle of some very phenomenal hiking in all of the Eastbay."
Gate closure timing: Some parks lock entrance gates at sunset, potentially trapping campers inside. Blake H. explains that at Mt. Diablo State Park, "they lock you in at sunset; if you want to leave you have to call the fire department to open the locked gate, it's not like a tiger-teeth exit but no entry kind of situation. This significantly reduces flexibility."
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are consistently noted as particularly bold at certain camping areas. Daniel D. warns about Kirby Cove Campground: "I've been camping my whole life and NEVER have I seen raccoons so persistent. Not aggressive. Just persistent. And fearless. They. Will. Not. Leave. You. Alone. From like 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm they will stalk your site looking for ANY unsecured food."
Ferry logistics: Island camping requires planning around ferry schedules. For Angel Island State Park, Randy B. advises, "Regular campers probably appreciate this, though more and more people are learning of their existence. Campsites are all reservable on the reservecalifornia website and they are highly recommended due to the small number of sites available."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids can observe deer, turkeys, and marine life depending on location. "We love Anthony Chabot! The eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.). It's a great natural area that is so conveniently located in the Bay Area," reports Amanda P.
Educational experiences: Several camping areas feature historical sites suitable for family exploration. In describing Angel Island State Park, Haley C. notes that "the island is well equipped with various bathrooms that include flush toilets and sinks. This is a great place to visit to get views of the Bay that you cannot get anywhere else. There is plenty of hiking, beach access, paved roads for biking, and tours of the history of the island."
Day trips from campgrounds: Many camping locations serve as bases for exploring nearby attractions. At Tilden Regional Park, Nicholas M. reports that "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."
Limited maneuvering space: Most RV-friendly locations have tight spacing requiring careful planning. At San Francisco RV Resort, Rosie R. warns that "this RV resort gets packed!! RVs were super close together so it's a roll of the dice on what kind of neighbors you're gonna get!"
Public transit connections: Several RV campgrounds offer direct access to transportation into San Francisco. Jeff T. explains that at Marin RV Park, "A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco. We spent a week here and only drove when we wanted the experience driving down Lombard St and driving across the Golden Gate Bridge."
Reservation timing: Booking well in advance is essential for RV sites, especially during peak season. David M. acknowledges of Marin RV Park, "For what this RV park is designed to be, it is done very well. It's a parking lot with full hookups strategically located to public transit direct to San Francisco. It's surprisingly quiet for being in a semi industrial area right next to the 101."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Piedmont, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Piedmont, CA is Anthony Chabot Regional Park with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.
What parks are near Piedmont, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Piedmont, CA that allow camping, notably Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore.
Keep Exploring
