Best Campgrounds near Pleasant Hill, CA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Pleasant Hill. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Pleasant Hill campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pleasant Hill, California (154)

    1. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    29 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $25 - $200 / night

    "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."

    2. Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Diablo, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (925) 837-2525

    $30 / night

    "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"

    3. Benicia State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Benicia, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 648-1911

    $12 / night

    "The area is beautiful and lots of people come here to walk and exercise, and once I took my dog on a walk I saw why nobody brings their dog - TICKS! So many!  "

    "Near the freeway so there was road noise almost all night.

    Great option for when you just need a cheap overnight."

    4. Skyline Wilderness Park

    29 Reviews
    Napa, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 252-0481

    "A ton of great hiking and horseback riding trails. Literally 5 mins outside of the town of Napa. Ate at an amazing Brazilian Steakhouse and came to camp in just a short drive."

    "Nice, clean place with beautiful hiking trails. The garden is very cute, perfect for a quiet walk or meditation. Sites are close to each other. This place is a good getaway into nature."

    5. Tilden Regional Park

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

    $75 - $120 / night

    "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!"

    6. Briones Regional Park

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

    $75 - $200 / night

    "Good parking and turn around. Lots of opportunities for horse riders in area. Pets on leash."

    7. Juniper Campground — Mount Diablo State Park

    2 Reviews
    Diablo, CA
    9 miles

    $30 / night

    "We didn’t have a reservation, but got 1 upon arrival around 2pm. Our site had nearby bathrooms, showers & trash. It included picnic table, fire pit, food storage boxes, & is very spacious."

    9. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

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

    $30 / night

    "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. "

    10. Tradewinds RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Crockett, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 643-4000

    $42 - $47 / night

    "Close to highway. Noise not a problem. Very friendly staff. Sites are close together but easy entry. Level sites with FHU’s. Would stay here again."

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Recent Reviews near Pleasant Hill, CA

750 Reviews of 154 Pleasant Hill Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

    Feels much more remote than it is

    Great campsite, awesome staff. Tucked away off highway 12 in wine country it feels much more remote than it actually is. It's a great fast getaway from the northbay, but it can be hard to reserve a site ahead of time but they do have first-come first serve sites too. Excellent hiking with both fairly flat trails, to challenging trails with lots of elevation change. It's often very hot in the summer, and there can be lots of rattle snakes sunning themselves on the rocks. This is one of my favorite camping spots.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Lovely site, really close to San Francisco!

    On visiting San Francisco we were looking for a site that wasn’t a car park. This really met the mark! Beautiful place with great sites. Nice picnic tables & fire pits! Was very quiet

  • S
    Aug. 28, 2025

    smittle creek

    Hidden Gem

    This sweet little spot is a paddle boarding and fishing dream. Primitive site where Smittle Creek flows into Lake Berryessa.

  • T
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Nice location and activities, but a bit cramped

    I just needed/wanted a short getaway without driving hours from home. Since I'm used to this place for mountain biking, I figured I'd try camping here for a couple nights. 

    I did a recon ride previously on my mountain bike, so knew which spots I'd prefer and booked site 35 for a Thursday and Friday night. 

    Arrived at about 5PM and found my spot. The ranger booth was closed, but I didn't feel the need to chat with them anyway. The place was largely unoccupied at this point. Maybe a dozen or so spots appeared taken. 

    The weather, though hot in the Bay Area at this point, was quite nice. The breeze and shade of the park made for a very comfortable setting. I believe it was 88 in Castro Valley, but felt about 78 at the campground. I don't have AC for the van, but didn't feel I needed any. 

    I got setup and then headed out for a short ride, followed by a warm shower, cold beer and dinner. It was quiet that evening and I slept well. 

    I worked through the morning Friday, though the Starlink suffered some interruptions due to the tree cover. Early afternoon more people started to show up, as I expected. I went for a long ride and when I returned the place was much more occupied and people were setting up tents, starting their bbq's, etc. Though a bit close to the neighbors, none of them were obnoxious. 

    My advice would be to know the spot you're selecting and know that in the summer months the grass isn't green :) 

    I'd score the individual aspects as follows (1-5):

    Bathrooms: 4

    Location: 5

    Activities: 5

    Privacy: 3

    Cleanliness: 4

  • g
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Olema Campground

    Nice spot, little privacy

    Lovely large meadow with scattered trees. RC/van spots are arranged in cul de sacs, tent spots on the edges of fields.

    Somewhat noisy - kids, dogs, radios - but settled down by 9. Friendly vibe. Expensive at $83/nt but good showers. Wifi was slow when I stayed.

    Decent backup option for the area if Samuel Taylor is booked.

  • g
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    Small and lovely

    Lovely site in redwoods. Sites are close, but have some privacy. Stream is accessible shallow. Beautiful trees.

  • James C.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Thousand Trails Turtle Beach

    Still a 4-star park worth the trip

    This may not be the park it once was, but it's still far better than most in the area. Showers and clubhouse activities are still limited, but the nearby delta offers its own attraction. Day use, tents, and every class of RV are easily accommodated. No shopping or supplies nearby, but anything you may want or need is within 5 miles. It is very relaxing and one of the first sites I try to book if I'm in the area. Hands down better than the county parks.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    Best KOA

    Paid a premium price for a Saturday one nighter, but it certainly is a great VIP campsite. The host says they will come around in the morning and empty our tanks! No need to hook up our sewer hose!

  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    Great for Families and groups, but not for just one night.

    Check in was fine. Got wrong direction how to get to the site. After looping around to approach the site, I found the streets all very tight for RV maneuvering. The place was packed. Had a pull through FHU site. Pretty narrow. Seems like a common theme. Great things for kids to be entertained by and enjoy for sure. We were passing through and I think we would have been better served elsewhere. Our site was patches of grass and looked like it needed some TLC. Tested the water-Water tested as acceptable tap water after running it through an external filter. 21 elements checked, all within range. Dissolved solids were 251...pretty high. The worst water in our 6 week trip. Must be a California thing.


Guide to Pleasant Hill

Camping near Pleasant Hill, California, offers a great mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground appreciate the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer said, "It’s a lovely campsite with most sites being under tree canopies."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers enjoy the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "The staff was very kind and the amenities were good and clean."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the activities at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. One parent noted, "This place is busy and expensive... but great for kids," highlighting the fun atmosphere.

What you should know:

  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings, especially at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. A camper shared, "We were able to take a closeup look at wild turkeys," which can be a fun experience.
  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A reviewer at Lawson's Landing mentioned, "The camp sites that are very close to each other," so be ready for a more communal experience.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park noted, "The bathrooms could be updated/cleaner," so manage your expectations.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with plenty of activities. One parent at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground said, "More good people who know how to camp SHOULD camp here," emphasizing the importance of a good camping community.
  • Check Amenities: Before booking, check what amenities are available. A camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground mentioned, "Restrooms are clean," which is a plus for families.
  • Bring Snacks: Stock up on snacks and drinks. A visitor at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground recommended, "Riding your bike, or walking along the path toward town for a well-earned brunch," which can be a fun family outing.

Tips from RVers:

  • Choose the Right Site: Look for pull-through sites for easier access. A reviewer at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA noted, "Most spots are pull-through and ours was super clean."
  • Check for Hookups: Make sure your campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Skyline Wilderness Park mentioned, "They gave free wifi but it was not consistent," so plan accordingly.
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during holidays. A visitor at Lawson's Landing said, "Most people have RVs so the generators start early," which might be something to consider if you prefer a quieter experience.

Camping near Pleasant Hill, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pleasant Hill, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pleasant Hill, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 154 campgrounds and RV parks near Pleasant Hill, CA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Pleasant Hill, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pleasant Hill, CA is Anthony Chabot Regional Park with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pleasant Hill, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Pleasant Hill, CA.

What parks are near Pleasant Hill, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Pleasant Hill, CA that allow camping, notably Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore.