Best Campgrounds near San Francisco, CA
The area around San Francisco has numerous camping spots within a reasonable drive of the city. Angel Island State Park gives campers incredible views of the city skyline and the Bay, but you'll need to take a ferry to reach the campsites. About an hour north in Lagunitas, Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground sits among tall redwoods that provide good shade for tents and RVs. Ritchey Creek Campground in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park has larger sites and puts you close to hiking trails and natural hot springs. Along the Sonoma Coast, Bodega Dunes Campground lets you camp near the beach where you can fall asleep to wave sounds. Stargazing is particularly good at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, which sits near the Robert Ferguson Observatory. Most places have toilets and drinking water, though some more remote sites require bringing your own supplies. Reservations are necessary for many campgrounds, especially during summer weekends when they fill quickly. The roads to these camping areas are typically in good condition, but winter rains can change that fast. San Francisco's surrounding area works well for both basic and more developed camping experiences. Remember to check current fire rules before your trip, as California restrictions change frequently. These camping options make it easy to escape the city without driving too far.
