Best Campgrounds near San Francisco, CA

Camping near San Francisco offers a fantastic escape into nature, with beautiful parks and campgrounds just a short drive from the city. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the stunning 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 Activities: Visit Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground for beachcombing, sunbathing, and swimming. A camper shared, "Campsites are right by the beach... wonderful trail along the beach line."
• Wildlife Watching: At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, you might spot wild turkeys wandering through the campgrounds, as one visitor noted, "We were able to take a closeup look at them."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "It’s a lovely campsite with most sites being under tree canopies."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment at Bodega Dunes Campground. A camper remarked, "It was quiet and met some lovely people every now and then."
• Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a plus at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. One visitor mentioned, "The bathrooms and showers were really clean compared to other places."

What you should know:

• Crowded on Holidays: Expect busy campgrounds during holiday weekends. A camper at Lawson's Landing noted, "Went on Veterans Day weekend so it was pretty busy."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Ritchey Creek Campground, lack full hookups and markets. A visitor mentioned, "There are no hookups... but the sights are mostly shaded."
• Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. One camper warned about aggressive yellow jackets, saying, "We reported the experience... the park is looking for a solution."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like the San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, which offers a petting zoo and jumping pillows. One parent said, "This KOA offers a variety of activities that cater to children."
• Plan for Crowds: If you're camping during peak times, choose sites that offer some space between neighbors, like at Bodega Dunes Campground. A visitor noted, "The sites were distant enough to give each camper privacy."
• Pack Essentials: Bring your own supplies, especially for cooking and cleaning, as some campgrounds may not have markets nearby. A camper at Ritchey Creek Campground mentioned, "Bring lots of quarters for showers."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of RV sites at places like Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "Not much space to pitch a larger size tent."
• Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, such as Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "No cell coverage for any of the major providers."
• Plan for Dump Stations: If you're traveling in an RV, check for dump stations at campgrounds like Lawson's Landing. A camper noted, "The dump station was in good working order."

Camping near San Francisco, CA, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you're hiking through redwoods or enjoying a beach day, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.