Pleasant Hill sits in California's Contra Costa County with average summer temperatures around 85°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 40°F. The area offers access to both inland waterways and coastal mountains within a short drive. Camping options near Pleasant Hill range from basic tent sites to fully-equipped yurts, with most campgrounds experiencing peak occupancy between May and September.
What to do
Hiking trails with ocean views: From Steep Ravine Campground, trails connect directly to the Matt Davis network where you can climb throughout Mount Tamalpais. "The hiking trails that join from the coast all the way to Mill Valley and central Marin are walking distance from this site. Be warned though, the hiking is steep, really good hiking but bring good shoes," notes one visitor.
Delta fishing spots: At Brannan Island State Recreation Area, camping sites provide direct access to prime fishing locations. "This is a big campground with everything you need for boating and fishing. They have a big boat launch for easy launching," explains a camper. The park offers both shoreline fishing and deeper water access points throughout its network of waterways.
Observatory visits: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park offers night sky programs at the Robert Ferguson Observatory. "You can walk to the Robert Ferguson Observatory as well! We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time!" shared one visitor. The observatory hosts regular public viewing nights and astronomy programs during summer months.
What campers like
Direct beach access: At Francis Beach Campground, some RV spaces back directly to the beach. "The atmosphere here is wonderful. It's quiet and right on the beach. Some RV spaces with hookups back right up to the sand/vegetation," reports one camper. The campground also features a 4-mile coastal walking trail connecting through the property.
Private tent areas: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers secluded tent camping under redwood trees. "Sites are close, but have some privacy. Stream is accessible shallow. Beautiful trees," explains a camper. The campground maintains several creek-side sites with greater separation from RV areas.
Year-round yurt options: Yurt camping near Pleasant Hill, California is available at multiple parks within driving distance. "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," notes one visitor about the Steep Ravine cabins. Most permanent yurt structures include wood-burning stoves for winter comfort.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds book up months in advance, especially for yurt camping. Pleasant Hill visitors often need to plan ahead. For Steep Ravine, "You need to be ready to click 'reserve' on the website at no less than 5 minutes before the window opens for your dates of interest, which was 6 months ahead of time."
Variable weather conditions: Coastal camping requires preparation for sudden weather changes. "Bring layers of functional clothes since the weather on the coast of the SF bay can be anything from roasting to foggy frigid cold during the day and night year round. Don't just look at weather online and go," advises a Steep Ravine camper.
Wildlife awareness: Skyline Wilderness Park maintains trail systems where wildlife encounters are common. "Wild turkey, deer, wood peckers regularly seen!" reports one visitor. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park hikers should note that "rattlesnakes on trails are not uncommon" during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible first-time sites: Samuel P. Taylor offers an introduction to camping for children. "For families who want a quick trip over Golden Gate Bridge to introduce their children to the great outdoors, their first camp, nowhere is more convenient and instantly gratifying," shares one experienced camper.
Educational programs: Multiple parks offer junior ranger activities and guided nature walks. "Ask about the free quest hike. They send you on an adventure hike and there is treasure at the end of it," recommends a Sugarloaf Ridge visitor.
Contained campground layouts: San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA provides family-friendly amenities within walking distance of all sites. "Great getaway in a great location. Clean simple and fun place with loads to do for the family. Swim, play and explore all the north bay has to offer," notes a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: Many campgrounds have mixed terrain for RV parking. "Sites are level with minimal need for blocks," notes a Skyline Wilderness Park visitor. Most RV sites are set in gravel lots, though some have partial shade depending on site selection.
Hookup limitations: While electricity is widely available, water and sewer connections vary between parks. At Sugar Barge RV Resort, "The water spigot is really close to the ground and really close to the sewer drain. Scrub with bleach before booking up your water and you'll be fine."
Site spacing considerations: For RVers seeking separation from neighbors, site selection matters. Brannan Island has options with more space: "We stayed right on the levee. Bonus bike trail!" Waterfront sites tend to have more space than interior locations.
