Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers luxury glamping near San Bruno, California with temperatures that range from 40-75°F throughout the year. Located 30 miles north of San Bruno in Marin County, the campground sits nestled among redwood groves where fog routinely rolls in during evenings, creating a cool, moist atmosphere that contrasts with warmer daytime temperatures. Tent sites are situated along a creek that's seasonally restricted for spawning from spring to mid-June.
What to do
Hike coastal trails with ocean views: At Bicentennial Campground, take a short 6-minute walk up the closest hill for spectacular views. "Gorgeous sunset and sunrise from camp or even better up the closest hill which is a 6 minute walk tops," notes august M., highlighting the accessible viewpoints.
Explore redwood groves: Big Basin Redwoods State Park offers unique hiking experiences through ancient forests. "We stayed here the summer before it burned down. It was 95 degrees in this redwood forest. I am grateful to have visited these big trees. We had a great trip," shares Jeannie B., who recommends exploring the "easy flat trails to walk."
Visit nearby beaches: From Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground, you can walk for miles along coastal paths. "Short walk to the beach. You can walk for miles on the beach or on the bluff trails. Everyone is laidback which makes for a peaceful experience," according to Jill F., who enjoyed the accessible shoreline.
What campers like
Proximity to San Francisco: Rob Hill Campground provides an urban camping experience while still feeling secluded. "The Rob Hill campground claims the title of the only overnight campsite in the city!" explains Elliott B., who discovered this "hidden gem set amidst a stunning cypress and eucalyptus grove."
Rustic cabin accommodations: The cabins at Steep Ravine Campground offer a unique glamping experience. "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," reports Amber D., who appreciates the practical sleeping arrangements.
Family-friendly amenities: Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA caters specifically to families seeking upscale glamping. "This is a great camp ground for families as well as seniors! We are seniors and stayed recently over a weekend when they have their most activities," shares Dave, who particularly enjoyed the organized hikes and presentations.
What you should know
Reservation difficulties: Securing a spot at popular glamping sites requires planning. "Extremely hard to get a reservation. Can get very windy! Georgeous spot to pitch your tent on the ocean cliffs," warns Kelly S. about Steep Ravine, indicating the need to book well in advance.
Weather variations: The coastal region has significant temperature swings. "It can get warm in the summer, but the cool moist ocean fog comes in and blankets the area in the evenings, which can really cool it down," explains Joseph F. about Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, recommending layers for comfortable camping.
Site privacy concerns: At many glamping locations, proximity to neighbors can be an issue. "All three sites here are next to each other and have no seperation, but if you're okay with that it's a wonderful place to camp," mentions august M. about Bicentennial Campground, highlighting the trade-off between views and privacy.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: "We nestled our Sprinter between to large pine trees and took the dog for a walk. Then headed down the road for our first dinner indoors since February!" shares Maureen F. about Olema Campground, which offers a fenced playground and dog park that families appreciate.
Choose sites with easy beach access: Half Moon Bay provides family-friendly shore exploration. "This has it all. Beautiful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat," notes Carina B., emphasizing the convenient location for families.
Pack for changing temperatures: When glamping with children, be prepared for fog and wind. "Remember to go to the market before arriving. It's relatively close…say approximately 10 miles away," advises Rowan B. about Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, suggesting families stock up on supplies before settling in.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: RV sites at luxury glamping destinations vary significantly in size. "The pull through spaces are extremely tight to the point that our slide out was hitting vegetation and our neighbors awning was about two feet from our Rv," cautions Andrea A. about Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA.
Consider seasonal availability: Some glamping locations have limited RV access during winter months. "We've been lucky enough to score one of these cabins twice by checking in every so often to see if someone cancelled a reservation," shares alana C. about Steep Ravine Campground, suggesting flexibility with dates.
Look for specialized amenities: Luxury RV sites often provide unique services. "We were expecting some kinda remote campsite with a great view, instead we found 3 campsites that were not very private with no fabulous view," warns Sara S. about Bicentennial Campground, highlighting the importance of researching specific site details.
