Best Campgrounds near San Carlos, CA

Searching for the best camping near San Carlos, CA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—San Carlos is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near San Carlos, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near San Carlos, California (139)

    1. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    27 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    10 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."

    2. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    25 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    18 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"

    "Always went here when we don't wanna drive too far. Staff is great and place is clean. Campsite #69 has the best view but is next to trail. Very nice trails and not super far from town to get food."

    3. Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

    10 Reviews
    Newark, CA
    11 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."

    4. San Mateo Memorial Park

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

    $35 - $50 / night

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

    "Bathrooms are easily accessible but showers are a bit of a walk maybe 5 mins from your site."

    5. Trailer Villa RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Redwood City, CA
    4 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."

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

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    23 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."

    7. San Francisco RV Resort

    15 Reviews
    Pacifica, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "If you want a great little place with quick easy access to San Francisco that has a great view of the ocean this place is great! And affordable!"

    "Very nice park for an on the water location, I've been to some where you can't even turn without hitting someone."

    8. Pillar Point RV Park

    6 Reviews
    El Granada, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 712-9277

    $95 / night

    "Walking distance to shops and restaurants, walking and bike trails, beach access, and friendly staff!"

    "Great spot right off the highway and on the beach. Lots of activities and places to eat within walking distance. Surfing, walking/bike trails, kayaking….Pet friendly"

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

    18 Reviews
    Pescadero, CA
    20 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."

    10. Half Moon Bay RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 726-7275

    "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."

    "From booking until leaving, we had a positive experience. Our site was a little tight, that would be the only thing I wish was better."

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Showing results 1-10 of 139 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near San Carlos, CA

826 Reviews of 139 San Carlos Campgrounds



Guide to San Carlos

Camping near San Carlos, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking," making it a great spot for both novice and experienced hikers.
  • Beach Access: Visit New Brighton State Beach Campground for easy access to the beach. A camper shared, "Great views and easy access to the beach," perfect for a day of sun and surf.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor noted, "We were able to take a closeup look at wild turkeys," adding a fun twist to your camping experience.

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. A review for Mount Madonna County Park highlighted, "The views were fantastic and the trails were beautiful."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at New Brighton State Beach Campground said, "Bathrooms are clean for camping standards," which is always a plus.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA are great for families. One review stated, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun," making it a hit with kids.

What you should know

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during weekends. A camper at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground noted, "We rarely make reservations... but we happened upon an open site," highlighting the importance of checking availability.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, one camper mentioned, "We had two new types of visitors... wild turkeys," which can be fun but also requires caution with food.
  • Variable Amenities: Not all campgrounds have the same facilities. A review for Skyline Wilderness Park mentioned, "The bathrooms were pretty clean with nice hot water," but also noted that some amenities might not be as reliable.

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan Activities: Choose campgrounds with activities for kids. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, one parent shared, "I have great stories... but I’d never go back as an experienced camper," suggesting that families should be prepared for a mix of experiences.
  • Check for Pet Policies: If you're bringing pets, make sure to check the campground's pet policy. A review for New Brighton State Beach Campground mentioned, "Pets allowed," which is great for families traveling with furry friends.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy to avoid hungry kids during hikes. A camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground noted, "We were harassed by cute little chipmunks," indicating that wildlife might be interested in your food!

Tips from RVers

  • Choose Big Rig Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA is noted as "big rig friendly," making it a solid choice for RV travelers.
  • Check Hookup Availability: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. A review for Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups," which is essential for a comfortable stay.
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. A camper at Skyline Wilderness Park said, "Spots were pretty level, but close together," so plan accordingly to avoid feeling cramped.

Camping around San Carlos, CA, offers a variety of experiences, from beach days to forest hikes. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near San Carlos, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Carlos, CA is Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 27 reviews.

What parks are near San Carlos, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near San Carlos, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.