RV parks near San Francisco, California offer access to urban and coastal experiences with a significant range of prices reflecting the high-cost Bay Area market. Sites range from $90-150 per night with higher rates during peak seasons and weekends. Most campgrounds near San Francisco serve primarily as convenient bases for city exploration rather than nature destinations, with many featuring tight spacing between RVs to maximize capacity.
What to do
Coastal trails access: Near Pillar Point RV Park in Half Moon Bay, campers can walk directly to beach trails. "Walking distance to shops and restaurants, walking and bike trails, beach access, and friendly staff," notes one reviewer who stayed in 2023. The coastal path extends to the marina and south toward the Ritz Carlton.
Ferry access to downtown: Marin RV Park offers proximity to ferries that eliminate driving in city traffic. "A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco. We spent a week here and only drove when we wanted the experience driving down Lombard St," writes a camper who valued the transportation convenience.
Wildlife viewing: Several coastal parks provide opportunities to see marine mammals. At San Francisco RV Resort, one camper reported, "When it's clear you can see the farralon islands 30 miles offshore. Saw a couple whales too." The bluff location makes it possible to spot marine life from your campsite during migration seasons.
What campers like
Urban convenience: For city exploration, Candlestick RV Park offers the closest access to downtown. "It's expensive but gives you the opportunity to be in the city. Lyft/Uber 25 minutes to Fishers Wharf ~25-30$," reports one visitor who stayed in 2022. This can save significant time compared to commuting from more distant locations.
Level parking pads: Many campers appreciate the practical aspects of sites at Trailer Villa RV Park in Redwood City. "I really liked how our site was level and easy to get to," notes one reviewer. The park features concrete pads rather than gravel surfaces found at many other Bay Area RV parks.
Ocean views: Despite tight spacing, the coastal location of some parks provides scenic benefits. One camper at San Francisco RV Resort mentioned, "Spectacular sunsets over the pacific if the fog permits." The Pacific Ocean views partially compensate for the parking-lot style arrangement that many coastal RV parks feature.
What you should know
Site spacing challenges: Most SF area RV parks feature extremely tight sites compared to rural campgrounds. A reviewer at Half Moon Bay RV Park mentioned, "Our site was a little tight, that would be the only thing I wish was better." Plan for limited outdoor living space at most parks.
Advance reservations essential: Bay Area RV parks frequently book months ahead, especially during summer and holidays. Sites fill quickly due to limited capacity and high demand from both tourists and long-term residents.
Highway noise impacts: Several parks sit near major roads. At Tradewinds RV Park in Vallejo, a camper noted it's "close to highway. Noise not a problem," though others report differently: "it's noisy being right against the freeway."
Resident population: Many parks house long-term residents. A reviewer at Half Moon Bay RV Park observed, "The RV part is comprised of 80% permanent residents. All rigs look to be maintained and sites without clutter. I was impressed really."
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly options: For families with children, Marin RV Park provides access to safer riding areas. "30 mins away from the City. A bit pricy but that is to be expected in SF," mentions one reviewer who valued the location despite the cost. The proximity to bike paths allows children to ride away from traffic.
Limited recreational amenities: Most San Francisco area RV parks lack playground equipment or family recreation areas. One camper at San Francisco RV Resort noted, "There are a few picnic tables around, but nothing in terms of entertainment for kids. Thank goodness we brought the kids' bikes!!" Bring portable entertainment for children.
Swimming options: Few parks offer swimming facilities. One visitor to Marin RV Park observed, "We didn't use the pool, but it looked clean and comfortably, although quite small." Pools are typically small where available.
Tips from RVers
Slide-out space limitations: Many sites cannot accommodate full slide-out deployment. One camper at Marin RV Park reported, "Spots are a little tiny, and so is the pool. Well kept area and good community." At another park, a reviewer noted, "His slide was touching meter box."
Utility hookup extensions: Some parks require longer-than-standard connections. A camper at Candlestick RV Park mentioned, "Hookups are pretty far away and needed my sewer extension." Pack extra-length utility hoses and cables when visiting SF area parks.
Level site availability: Some parks offer reliably level sites while others don't. A camper at Novato RV Park observed, "Sites are gravel, not level and close together," while Trailer Villa RV Park received praise for concrete level sites.
