Best Campgrounds near Portola Valley, CA

Portola Valley and its surrounding area has several good camping options for visitors. Taylor State Park Campground draws many campers with its green setting and clean facilities. The hiking trails here go through some beautiful natural areas. New Brighton State Beach Campground sits right on the coast with many campsites that look out at the water. Many people come here to enjoy beach activities and watch the sun go down over the ocean. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground lets you sleep among massive redwood trees. There are lots of trails for walking through this impressive forest. Most people camp here during summer when it's warm and sunny. Spring and fall are nice too, with better availability and fewer other campers. The campgrounds typically have bathrooms and drinking water available. New Brighton State Beach has some sites with electrical hookups if you need them. Some campsites give you more privacy than others depending on where you choose. You should book ahead of time, especially if you're planning a summer trip. When you're not at your campsite, you can visit nearby Capitola with its shops and places to eat. The Santa Cruz Mountains are also close by with plenty of outdoor activities. The camping options near Portola Valley work well for both beach lovers and forest campers.

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Best Camping Sites Near Portola Valley, California (133)

    1. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 338-8860

    $35 / night

    "Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site."

    "So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco."

    2. San Mateo Memorial Park

    16 Reviews
    Loma Mar, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-0238

    $35 - $50 / night

    "It's a great place to use as a basecamp for exploring the myriad of hiking trails that exist in the redwoods and nearby coastal hikes. 

             "

    "Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."

    3. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    27 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 726-8819

    $35 - $165 / night

    "We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance."

    "Beautiful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat. Short drive to many other areas. small but good size sites for where it is."

    4. Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    18 Reviews
    Pescadero, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-2040

    $35 / night

    "It is a smaller park than many of the other redwoods parks in Northern California, so it was very nice and peaceful. Butano is a bit off the beaten path to get to, but so worth it."

    "Large, user-friendly campsites surrounded by redwood trees. Great ferny hiking trails for every level of camper/hiker. Very easy access to campsites and near Pescadero and Highway One."

    5. Sanborn County Park

    19 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-9959

    $33 / night

    "This is a nice camping away from the car experience. It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites."

    "Great walk-in campground so close to home in the South Bay Area (albeit walk is slightly uphill)."

    6. Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA

    16 Reviews
    Pescadero, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-7302

    $100 - $200 / night

    "But for a quick weekend jaunt for RV campers, this location slightly more than an hour from the Bay Area is hard to beat."

    "There is a nice playground next to an equally nice café called the pinecone. The weather here is cold just a heads up be prepared for wind and overcast weather."

    7. Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    8 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-2952

    $8 / night

    "The parking lot for the trail head is just a bit further down Hwy 35. "

    "There is a nearby shooting range and you can hear the gunshots during the daylight hours."

    8. Trailer Villa RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Redwood City, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 366-7880

    "Clean, has some views from far border of the hills but the spots are tight and there is not much to do but hook-up."

    "After-hours check-in was a breeze, as the checkin instructions were taped to the main door of the office at the park entrance."

    9. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Mount Hermon, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 438-2396

    $7 - $35 / night

    "This is a nice campground in a great part of California with lots of hiking and beaches nearby. The bathrooms were clean and well kept."

    "There were bigger sites that would've suited us better but it was a nice little tucked in site. The poison oak is prolific. Our site was literally surrounded by it."

    10. Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

    10 Reviews
    Newark, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $45 - $65 / night

    "What they do have are scores of hookup sites for $60 / night and three tent / drive-in no hookup water-only sites for $45 / night."

    "Since it's a new campground, the trees are young and don't supply much shade, but since it's close to the SF Bay, the bay breeze helps."

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Recent Reviews near Portola Valley, CA

751 Reviews of 133 Portola Valley Campgrounds


  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Moss Landing KOA Express

    Beautiful beachside

    Easy access, level paved spots. Restrooms spotless. Check-in friendly and cookies a plus! Walk to the beach, feel the breeze.

  • 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

  • A
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Sunset State Beach Campground

    Nice campground

    It was my first time beach camping so i didnt know what to expect. Was a bit breezier than im use to with the mountains. Not a lot of trees around. It is nice not dealing with a lot of bugs since youre by the beach and all. The bathrooms and showers were well maintained.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Lovely RV site!

    Really lovely RV site. Nice toilets & showers. Lovely shady spots and really close to Santa Cruz

  • jay B.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Sunset State Beach Campground

    Not the Best Fit for RV Campers

    We’ve camped all along the coast and had high hopes for this spot, but it didn’t quite meet expectations. The sites feel very close together and are a bit awkwardly arranged, making it a tight fit—especially for anything larger than a small camper. We're in a 22’ van/motorhome crossover and were fortunate to find a level spot, though most sites we saw were not level. The beach trails could use some maintenance as they’re currently in rough shape. This campground might be a better option for tent campers, but for RVs, it’s not ideal.

  • 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

  • A
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Uvas Canyon County Park

    A ton of wasps near 25

    Second time at the campground. Love this campground still but im pretty sure there is a wasp next near 25. We were here about 2 weeks ago at a different site and didnt have any wasp issues. It probably didnt help that it looked like previous people left trash and food on the floor. We will be coming back soon to a different site. Campground is gorgeous. Bathrooms are super clean.

  • Brittany F.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Redwoods galore

    The camp host went above and beyond! Happily told us things to do with our kids and how close places were. Santa Cruz is only 10 miles away. The campground is all natural! Trees and nature all around. Viewing areas that allow all to enjoy the stream, at the back of the resort, and paths to take a closer look. A safe and quiet location. I felt safe, with my young kids, that everyone was driving slowly and respecting the rules.


Guide to Portola Valley

Camping near Portola Valley, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking," making it a great spot for both novice and experienced hikers.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground noted, "We were harassed by cute little chipmunks and birds that didn’t seem too intimidated by humans."
  • Beach Access: If you’re in the mood for some sun and sand, check out New Brighton State Beach Campground. One camper said, "Great views and easy access to the beach," perfect for a day of relaxation.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park said, "It’s one of the few campgrounds where they did not feel crowded together."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground mentioned, "Showers, restrooms, tables, and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Francis Beach Campground are popular with families. One camper noted, "Very very very safe. Lots of families but again, super safe and beautiful."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A visitor at Saddle Mountain Ranch said, "The sites are very close to each other," which might not be ideal for those seeking solitude.
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground advised, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at New Brighton State Beach Campground pointed out, "There is NO dump station or water for RVs anywhere at this campground."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Francis Beach Campground noted, "The sites themselves are a little close quarters, but all provide just about enough space for a long camper."
  • Bring a Lock for Food Storage: Wildlife can be a concern. A visitor at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground advised, "Make sure you bring a padlock as there is no locking mechanism on the door."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park mentioned, "The dump station was in good working order," which is helpful for RV travelers.

Camping near Portola Valley, California, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Portola Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Portola Valley, CA is Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED with a 4.7-star rating from 34 reviews.