Camping spots near San Bruno, California range from sea level beach locations to forested sites at elevations of 500-1000 feet. The region's Mediterranean climate creates warm, dry summers with daytime temperatures averaging 65-75°F, while winter brings most of the annual 20-25 inches of rainfall. Campgrounds within 30 miles of San Bruno typically experience morning fog, especially during summer months, which burns off by midday.
What to do
Beach exploration: Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground offers direct beach access with miles of shoreline to explore. A camper noted, "You can walk for miles on the beach or on the bluff trails. Everyone is laidback which makes for a peaceful experience. Great sunsets!!" Another reviewer mentioned the "beautiful walk in site (about 200 feet from car). Other sites were crowded (more of a parking lot) but amazing location with access to beach."
Urban hiking: Anthony Chabot Regional Park provides extensive trail networks just 30 miles from San Bruno. A recent visitor shared, "There are trails running throughout the park and around the lake that are a mix of wider open trails and narrower, through the woods, but groomed trails with plenty of up and down to make for a good hike." The park offers "lots of birds and wildlife" according to another camper.
Historical sites: The Golden Gate Recreation Area contains numerous military installations to explore. At Kirby Cove Campground, "Battery Kirby is right there at the campground and interesting to explore. Active from 1898 to 1934 the battery is quite interesting to walk through, despite the vandals that have clearly spent a lot of time there." Visitors can also "check out the Nike Missile site, Point Bonita Lighthouse, Rodeo Beach, and the endless miles of hiking and biking trails."
What campers like
Unique city views: Many campers appreciate the contrast between urban proximity and natural settings. At Bicentennial Campground, visitors enjoy "gorgeous sunset and sunrise from camp or even better up the closest hill which is a 6 minute walk tops." Another camper mentioned the "short hike down service road from car to sites (~200')" and "lapping sounds of the ocean below."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers abundant wildlife spotting opportunities. At Steep Ravine Campground, one camper reported, "The wildlife is off the hook...I've seen deer in the seaside vernal pools, wild miniature ocean bunnies boxing in the morning sunshine, and a great white shark off the cliffs one fine day." Anthony Chabot campers regularly spot "deer, turkeys, owls, etc."
Relative seclusion: Despite proximity to urban areas, several campgrounds provide quiet spaces. At Kirby Cove, "There are only five sites at this campground so you will be secluded. Carry in water and firewood." Another visitor noted it's "an incredible spot, if you can get a reservation. Worth hiking to for the day if you can't."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance planning. For Sunrise Campground on Angel Island, "There are only 10 sites on the island and being so accessible from the San Francisco Bay Area (only a ferry ride away from Pier 39), you can see why it is in so high demand." Another camper advised, "I had the flexibility to go during the week and luckily there were permits available."
Environmental conditions: Weather varies significantly between coastal and inland locations. At Steep Ravine Campground, a camper warned to "bring layers of functional clothes since the weather on 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."
Access challenges: Many campgrounds have unique access requirements. For Angel Island, "You have to take a boat to get out to Angel Island so you have to drive up to Tiburon and park your car and get onto one of the Ferry Boats!" Kirby Cove requires a "1-mile dirt road from Hwy. 1" and "You'll get a gate code when you make a reservation so you can access the road."
Tips for camping with families
Noise considerations: When camping with children, be prepared for varying noise levels. At Half Moon Bay, one family noted, "The hike and bike area is next to the RV hookup sites, and it can get a good bit of foot traffic. Restrooms/showers were dirty, but that seems to be from the day visitors to the beach."
Alternative lodging: Several locations offer cabins as family-friendly alternatives to tents. At Steep Ravine Campground, "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."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters. At Kirby Cove, "the raccoons are vicious and fearless. Store all food and ANYTHING with a scent in the bear box. If you plan to leave your cooler outside of the bear box make sure it has a lock or secure latch."
Tips from RVers
Space constraints: Many RV spots in the area are tightly spaced. At San Francisco RV Resort, "The spaces are fairly close to each other, which matters because one of the other campers is right next to mine and doesn't understand basic camp etiquettes." Another RVer noted it's "more like a parking lot than a campground, but everyone is friendly and the overall vibe is good."
Urban amenities: RVers appreciate the proximity to urban conveniences. Near Pillar Point RV Park, there are "lots of activities and places to eat within walking distance. Walking/bike trails, beach access, and friendly staff!" Another visitor mentioned, "Short drive to many other areas. Small but good size sites for where it is."
Overnight alternatives: For short stays, consider rest areas. At H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound, one RVer reported, "Rocked up at around 8pm, pretty busy at least 10 other vans and rvs there for the night. Couple of food vendors, great view of Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Weren't hassled at all, left around 9am."
