Tent campsites near San Bruno, California offer diverse wilderness experiences within a 45-minute drive. The coastal terrain creates microclimates where summer temperatures often range from 50-70°F with frequent fog and wind, especially at coastal locations. Evening temperatures frequently drop into the 40s even in summer months, requiring campers to pack additional warm layers.
What to do
Hike to ocean views: From Steep Ravine Campground, access trails connecting to Mount Tamalpais watershed. One visitor notes that "The entire Mount Tamalpais watershed is within 30 minutes drive from this location. The hiking trails that join from the coast all the way to Mill Valley and central Marin are walking distance from this site."
Explore eucalyptus groves: At Haypress Campground, campers can observe local wildlife. "There are owls perched in eucalyptus trees next to the campsite, and coyotes. Came across one on the way back from a sunset hike to the beach," reports one camper.
Visit beaches and tide pools: Many tent sites provide access to coastal beaches. The Ben Ries Campground, though currently closed indefinitely, provides reference for the coastal accessibility in the region: "The campground is very close to PCH/Highway 1 and the beaches are lovely. PCH is also dotted with farms and fruit stands, artisan pies, etc."
Night sky observation: Though challenging near coastal sites due to fog, some areas provide dark sky access. "Hard to find stars as you are canopied in trees but if you walk a little out, the night sky is dark and stars a plenty," explains a Ben Ries camper.
What campers like
Early morning solitude: Many campers appreciate the quiet after day visitors leave. At Angel Island State Park, "once the last ferry leaves, you have the island practically to yourself. It is pretty awesome," according to one camper.
Panoramic vistas: At Bicentennial Campground, "all three sites are next to each other and have no separation, but if you're okay with that it's a wonderful place to camp. Site 3 is closest to the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the trails connected to the campground but they all have easy access."
Surprising privacy: Despite proximity to urban areas, many sites offer reasonable seclusion. Haypress Campground provides "meadow sites against a row of trees. There is very little privacy between sites but the couple times I have been here it was not full. It can get windy - there is some shelter under the trees."
Access to multiple ecosystems: Some sites provide opportunities to explore diverse habitats. As one visitor noted about Bicentennial, "this is an excellent primitive campground with 3 sites. It has great hiking nearby and an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city, and is a short drive into the city."
What you should know
Wind protection essential: Coastal sites experience strong winds. At Angel Island, "you'll want to bring enough stakes to guy out your tent as there isn't any wind protection from trees or boulders (which also means an unobstructed view, so there's some give/take here)."
Water availability varies: Always confirm water status before arrival. At Angel Island, one camper was "surprised to find that the water spigot at Sunrise was not working when we arrived, and this was not mentioned anywhere during the reservation process, or mentioned by the ranger when we checked in."
Noise considerations: Urban proximity means various noise sources. Pantoll Campground has "noise from Panoramic Highway" and a "busy parking lot with lots of people potentially moving around the campground (especially the lower sites)."
Wildlife precautions: Local wildlife requires proper food storage. At Pantoll, "lots of raccoons at night, so lock everything away," reports a camper. Most established sites provide food lockers or bear boxes.
Tips for camping with families
Choose more accessible sites: For families with younger children, consider sites with shorter approaches. Rob Hill Campground has "4, 30 person, group sites. Pitch tent on wood chips. Level. Fire pits, water. Nice and close, yet feels a ways away. Accessible to many trails."
Educational opportunities: Several sites offer learning experiences for children. Alice Eastwood Group Camp provides "plenty of space to spread out and have some privacy between tents. The restrooms are well maintained. The area is gorgeous! So many trails. We visited during a rain storm so there were waterfalls everywhere."
Pack for variable conditions: Coastal weather changes rapidly. At Steep Ravine, "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."
Toilets and facilities: Bathroom access varies significantly. Bicentennial Campground has "one porta-potty for toilet" while others like Pantoll have "dishwashing sink, many water spigots, food storage lockers, fire pits, toilets that flush."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent sites near San Bruno don't accommodate RVs. Half Moon Bay RV Park provides full hookups but fills quickly. One visitor shared, "the site was a pull through as well as our friends who were able to face the opposite way to have a common camp side with us. Of course the utility sides were in great position for that. Full hook ups with 30 amp."
Community atmosphere: Many RV parks have permanent residents. At Half Moon Bay RV Park, "there are many full time residents that take pride in their community and it shows. From booking until leaving, we had a positive experience."
Coastal access: RV parks often provide good access to coastal trails. "From the park you can head about a quarter of a mile and walk or ride the coastal path all the way to the marina or south to the Ritz Carlton. Great ocean views."
