Tent camping sites near Pinole, California range from primitive walk-in spots to established campgrounds with amenities. Most sites throughout the Bay Area require between 0.2 to 0.75 miles of hiking from parking areas to reach the camping locations. Winter campers should prepare for temperatures that typically drop to 45-50°F at night, with fog and wind being consistent factors at coastal locations.
What to do
Hike to Tennessee Beach: From Haypress Campground, take the Tennessee Valley Trail to the ocean. "There is very little privacy between sites but the couple times I have been here it was not full. It can get windy with some shelter under the trees," notes a camper who appreciates the location's access to regional trails.
Explore volcanic formations: Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve offers unique hiking on land that was once an active volcano. "San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve," explains a visitor who discovered the 0.2-mile hike-in campsite that allows up to 15 campers.
Visit Little Farm: Near Tilden Regional Park, families can bring carrots, kale and lettuce to feed the animals. "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!" shares one camper about this accessible location for tent camping near Pinole.
What campers like
Oceanfront cabins: Steep Ravine Campground provides rustic cabin options along with tent sites on the bluffs above the Pacific. "These cabins are well worth the cost. 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," reports a visitor who stayed in the cabin accommodations.
City skyline views: Bicentennial Campground has only three sites but offers unusual urban vistas. "There are only 3 sites here but it is very quiet! You get to park at the top of the hill and bring your stuff down which isn't very far. There are porta potties to use that aren't horrible," explains a camper who appreciated the proximity to San Francisco.
Small, secluded sites: Most of the best tent camping near Pinole features limited capacity. "Pantoll is a pretty campground located adjacent to the entrance to Mount Tamalpais. On a weekend night in March, only four of the 16 sites were taken so we had no problem nabbing a spot," mentions a camper who found availability during typically busy periods.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: The most popular campgrounds book months in advance. At Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park, "There are only 10 sites on Angel Island, so permits are limited! I had the flexibility to go during the week and luckily there were permits available. You have to take a boat to get out to Angel Island," explains a visitor who navigated the complex reservation system.
Fire restrictions: Many campgrounds prohibit open flames year-round or seasonally. At Haypress Campground, no fires are permitted at any time, with one visitor noting, "No fires. Bring your own water and a camp stove."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites have basic amenities only. One camper at Bicentennial noted, "Only 3 tent sites available... No drive in access, unloading our staff was very big work, Very nice views and a lot of hiking trails are available."
Tips for camping with families
Group accommodations: Alice Eastwood Group Camp offers dedicated sites for larger gatherings. "This campground is magic! It's also expensive so make sure you have a big group chipping in. There are two group spots. Group A holds 50 people. There is a kitchen area with a huge grill and a large canopy covering a dining area," shares a family who utilized the specialized facilities.
Weather preparation: Pack for variable conditions regardless of season. A camper at Angel Island warns, "Be aware that it gets very windy and chilly at night, so come prepared with a sturdy tent and warm clothing. Dogs are not allowed on the island."
Access considerations: Many sites require carrying gear from parking areas. At Pantoll Campground, one visitor advises, "Recommend packing light bc walk-in means you need to bring everything from the parking lot. We swooped up sites 10/11 with some privacy in the back and away from the rest of the camp, but alongside a trailhead."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Traditional RV sites are scarce near Pinole. For tent campers who also travel by RV, consider Rob Hill Campground in San Francisco. While technically RV-accessible, note the restrictions: "RV, pop-up and camper-truck camping is not allowed in the Presidio. No hook-ups available."
Alternative tent sites: Many RVers use these locations as tent camping alternatives when traveling without their rigs. "Pantoll is a pretty campground located adjacent to the entrance to Mount Tamalpais... Sites up the hill require a bit of a hike-in but are farther from the road noise and busy parking lot," explains a camper who normally travels by RV but opted for a tent site.
Seasonal access: Winter camping provides more availability but variable conditions. Experienced RVers suggest monitoring weather forecasts, with one noting at Rob Hill, "Heavy rains and high wind advisory cancels. Please call the weather hotline for updated information."
