RV camping near Pinole, California offers visitors convenient Bay Area access within driving distance to both San Francisco and wine country. The area sits along the eastern shore of San Pablo Bay at elevations ranging from sea level to about 500 feet in the surrounding hills. Coastal fog often rolls in during summer mornings, typically burning off by midday, while winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall.
What to do
Beach access opportunities: Bodega Bay RV Park provides outdoor enthusiasts with access to coastal paths. "There are nearby paths which I didn't get to explore too much, but I believe bay and beach access isn't far away," notes one visitor. The park's location puts campers within walking distance of several beaches.
Farmers market shopping: Weekend visitors can find local produce and goods without driving. "On Saturdays there is a farmer's market on the property adjacent to the park," reports a camper about Bodega Bay RV Park. This convenient access to fresh food makes meal planning easier.
City exploration: Marin RV Park serves as a strategic base for San Francisco visits. "A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco," explains one visitor. Campers can avoid driving and parking challenges in the city by using public transportation.
What campers like
Access to local businesses: Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park provides convenient proximity to dining options. "3 minute walk to restaurant and deli," notes one reviewer. Another adds, "There is a coffee/breakfast place, and a wine/beer/restaurant at the edge of the property. Very good and convenient!"
Waterfront views: Marina views create atmosphere at several parks. "We had a dry spot right on the marina side so the view was nice," explains a camper at Porto Bodega. Others appreciate the nighttime ambiance: "You can see the Milky Way at night while listening to the soft foghorn and every now and then a soft bark of a seal."
Public transit options: Campers staying at Candlestick RV Park appreciate transportation access despite urban challenges. "Lyft/Uber 25 minutes to Fishers Wharf ~25-30$. Or Muni which takes about double the time including walk to the station," reports one visitor. This makes city exploration possible without moving your RV.
What you should know
Site spacing variations: Site proximity differs between parks. "Spots are tight. Staff is great! Laundry hot tub pool are always clean. Right on the ocean (on a cliff)!" reports a camper about San Francisco RV Resort. Similar concerns arise at other locations: "The sites are a bit close together, and there's not a view other than the trees."
Road quality concerns: Access roads to some parks require caution. At Rio Viento RV Park, campers warn: "The road to get into the park is rough but take your time, it's worth the drive." Another reviewer confirms: "The road in is very bumpy, so take your time."
Varying internet options: WiFi quality ranges dramatically between parks. "Great WiFi," notes a Candlestick RV Park camper, while others warn about additional costs: "They charge for internet! It's a little deceiving, the package tells you which wifi to choose, you choose it and then prices pop up for plans you can buy."
Tips for camping with families
Activity restrictions: Some parks limit children's recreational options. "No bike riding or scooting, so we had to walk them to the walking path. They also mention a few times about well behaved children," reports a visitor to Bodega Bay RV Park. Parents should check park rules before arriving.
Wildlife encounters: Sonoma County Fairgrounds RV Park and similar facilities often have early-rising neighbors. "They host a lot of contract workers from outside the area who are firing up their diesels at 5:30 in the morning," warns one camper. At other parks, wildlife creates interest: "They have raccoons but don't tell you that, we didn't leave anything out but had muddy footprints all over our table in the morning!"
Space considerations: Families should research site dimensions carefully. "The spaces for RVs are unpaved and additional cars are on cement," notes a Treasure Island MH and RV Park visitor. Another camper warns: "Our group stayed here in early August of 2017. 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!"
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Some parks have uneven sites requiring equipment. "Very nice large sites with large grass areas pet friendly, amazing helpful and friendly staff," notes a Rio Viento RV Park visitor, while others warn about terrain: "Sites are gravel, not level and close together."
Slide-out clearance: Check space for your RV's extensions. "Our slide couldn't come out all the way or we'd hit the camper next to us. His slide was touching meter box," reports a Tradewinds RV Park visitor. Similar issues arise at other parks: "If you have slide outs, careful to not hit your neighbor!"
Utility placement: Hook-up locations can require extensions at some parks. "Hookups are pretty far away and needed my sewer extension," explains a Treasure Island camper. This practical detail helps RVers prepare properly for their stay near Pinole.
