Best Campgrounds near Rodeo, CA

Camping near Rodeo, California sits at the intersection of urban convenience and natural beauty, with options spanning from San Francisco Bay shorelines to inland parks. The area includes established campgrounds like Benicia State Recreation Area just 5 miles east of Rodeo, and Tradewinds RV Park in nearby Vallejo. Mount Diablo State Park, located about 20 miles east, offers tent and RV camping with panoramic views of the Bay Area. For those seeking coastal experiences, Point Reyes National Seashore provides multiple campgrounds approximately 40 miles west, while Marin Headlands features the highly sought-after Kirby Cove Campground with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline.

Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. Coastal areas experience cool, foggy mornings year-round, while inland locations like Mount Diablo can reach high temperatures in summer. Fire restrictions are common throughout the region during dry seasons, typically May through October. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage at urban-adjacent sites like Anthony Chabot Regional Park and limited connectivity in more remote areas. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter camping may bring rain and cooler temperatures, especially along the coast where fog horns can be heard throughout the night.

The camping experience varies dramatically between coastal and inland sites. As one camper noted about Kirby Cove, "You need to be on top of the reservation window because there are only 5 super popular spots." RV parks like Marin RV Park offer convenient access to San Francisco via nearby ferry terminals, making them practical bases for city exploration. Family-friendly options include Samuel P. Taylor State Park, which features creek-side sites and bike paths along Lagunitas Creek. Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region, with raccoons described as "vicious and fearless" at some coastal sites, requiring careful food storage in provided bear boxes.

Best Camping Sites Near Rodeo, California (145)

    1. Skyline Wilderness Park

    29 Reviews
    Napa, CA
    17 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."

    2. Benicia State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Benicia, CA
    4 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."

    3. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Lagunitas, CA
    26 miles

    $35 - $225 / night

    "This campground is less than an hours drive from San Francisco. It is along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard which takes you through a bunch of very cute tiny towns."

    "Beautiful trees and wonderful California charm. The campsites were decently located. Above the Mendocino coast the mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place"

    4. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

    9 Reviews
    Tiburon, CA
    15 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. "

    5. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 331-1540

    $40 - $75 / night

    "If you plan to leave your cooler outside of the bear box make sure it has a lock or secure latch. 3- you get a gate code and parking pass to drive down, but have to walk your gear the last 500-1,000 ft"

    "The walk to the beach was 60 seconds and the ocean can be seen from the site. Cool ww2 structures. You get a code to open the gate uptop and drive down to park for your stay."

    6. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    27 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    23 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."

    7. Tradewinds RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Crockett, CA
    4 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."

    8. Marin RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Larkspur, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 461-5199

    $99 - $115 / night

    "30 mins away from the City. A bit pricy but that is to be expected in SF."

    "Great location to the city and Muir woods. Good stores near by. Narrow sites. No room for awning. Close to gather. Sites are gravel and level. Nice area for pets with view."

    9. Tilden Regional Park

    4 Reviews
    Kensington, CA
    9 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!"

    10. Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Diablo, CA
    22 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"

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Showing results 1-10 of 145 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rodeo, CA

818 Reviews of 145 Rodeo Campgrounds



Guide to Rodeo

Camping near Rodeo, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're a family looking for a fun getaway or an RV enthusiast seeking a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

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.
  • Beach Activities: Head to Bodega Dunes Campground for a day at the beach. A reviewer noted, "Beautiful sunsets just a short walk away in the dunes," perfect for a relaxing evening.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Lawson's Landing, you can spot wild turkeys and other wildlife. One camper shared, "We were able to take a closeup look at them," highlighting the area's natural beauty.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground. A visitor said, "It’s a lovely campsite with most sites being under tree canopies," making it a peaceful escape.
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground mentioned, "Showers were clean and spacious with great pressure and warm water."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: The San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA is popular for its kid-friendly amenities. A camper noted, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun," making it ideal for families.

What you should know:

  • Crowded on Holidays: Many campgrounds can get busy during holiday weekends. A visitor at Lawson's Landing said, "Went on Veterans Day weekend so it was pretty busy," so plan accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bodega Dunes Campground, lack certain amenities like markets. A reviewer pointed out, "There is a foghorn that sounds off every 10 seconds or so," which might be a nuisance for some.
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at places like Anthony Chabot Regional Park. One camper mentioned, "We had two new types of visitors... aggressive yellow jackets," so keep your food secure.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA that offer activities for kids. A parent shared, "This place is busy and expensive... but great for kids."
  • Plan for Clean Facilities: Make sure to check the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A visitor at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground noted, "The bathrooms were not very clean," so be prepared.
  • Pack Entertainment: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids engaged. One camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground mentioned, "The campsite is only a few minutes from Kenwood and many wineries," so you can explore while the kids play.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have smaller sites, like Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. A reviewer warned, "Not much space to pitch a larger size tent."
  • Bring Your Own Supplies: Many campgrounds, such as Lawson's Landing, lack certain amenities. A camper advised, "Bring your own TP!" to avoid surprises.
  • Be Mindful of Noise: At busy campgrounds, noise can be an issue. One visitor at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "The firepits were so close to the RVs," so choose your spot wisely.

Camping near Rodeo, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Rodeo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rodeo, CA is Skyline Wilderness Park with a 4.2-star rating from 29 reviews.

What parks are near Rodeo, CA?

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