2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Mount Tamalpais State Park's Steep Ravine Campground houses rustic oceanfront cabins with wood-burning stoves, sleeping platforms, and panoramic Pacific Ocean views just 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. This exclusive glamping destination offers the perfect blend of primitive comfort and spectacular natural beauty, with each cabin featuring basic accommodations enhanced by million-dollar coastal vistas. For those seeking more luxurious glamping options, Treasure Island MH and RV Park provides cabin rentals with modern amenities including electric hookups, shower facilities, and easy access to San Francisco attractions. One reviewer highlighted, "The cabins are a fantasy experience with incredible views, and you can hear the waves crashing below while watching stars appear at night."
Hiking trails connect directly from the Steep Ravine cabins to Mount Tamalpais's extensive trail network, with the Steep Ravine and Matt Davis trails accessible right from the campground. The oceanfront location provides opportunities for beachcombing, wildlife viewing (including seals visible from the property), and spectacular sunset watching. Reservations for these coveted glamping accommodations must be made well in advance, with Steep Ravine cabins bookable six months ahead and requiring quick action when reservation windows open. According to a camper, "The views are epic and you can walk down past the cabins and down to the beach mostly during low tide." Winter visits benefit from the indoor wood stoves that keep the cabins warm during colder coastal nights, while summer visitors enjoy more moderate temperatures and calmer winds.
"Just a short drive from San Francisco lies Steep Ravine campground at the southern end of Stinson Beach. The campsite sits right on the Pacific Ocean and offers some of the best sunsets imaginable."
"The bathrooms are clean. There is running water and a small beach access for campers (if you're willing to climb over some rocks). I recommend going in August when there is less wind."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $100 / night
"It is amazing that you only have to drive an hour from San Francisco to truly feel like you are getting away from it all. The trees are spectacular, and there is running water near some of the sites."
"An excellent place to camp that's just minutes away from San Francisco. Trails are well kept and maintained."
from $35 - $225 / night
"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. you definitely want to reserve a space well in advance, especially during peak"
"All three sites here are next to each other and have no seperation, 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"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 / night
"So peaceful, easily accessible from San Francisco"
"No electric for tent camping but there is water. Safeway is just a mile away. Super cute town close by with fun shops and restaurants."
Available this weekend
from $35 - $165 / night
"With the campsites centered around a large communal campfire circle."
"Pitch tent on wood chips. Level. Fire pits, water. Nice and close, yet feels a ways away. Accessible to many trails."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $105 - $170 / night
"Bathrooms are clean. laundry room very large and has many washers and dryers. Subway close walk, MUNI is at the park entrance. A gas station and Grocery store are both across the street."
"Clean bathrooms/showers. Dirt sites mostly level. The sites across the back of the campground are beautiful. Most have nice space between them. Great laundry room!"
"We stay here for a few days while we dealt with some family flying in and out of San Francisco. It worked pretty well. Campground was noisy on the weekend but quiet during the week."
"It's a good distance from the bathroom and water (which is really a good thing). Very private compared to some of the other sites, although it's a little more exposed to cooler breezes than some. "
"most West part of it) You check in with the ranger, get your camping permit, then park at the trailhead, and the campsite awaits...Super spacious, gorgeous views, and really nice people await your arrival"
"Clean showers and bathrooms, some trees, close to Raley’s Grocery store. Easy drive to the wineries of Napa Valley, a little further to Sonoma but a nice drive."
"Staff was super friendly. Spots were pretty level, but close together. They gave free wifi but it was not consistent. It constantly dropped."
"Love the camp ground and the staff. The spaces are nice. Lots of things to keep kiddo’s busy. It’s not to far from San Francisco without having to go into town with your rig."
"Like most (if not all) KOAs, you can also tent camp or tent cabins. Good size dog park for the pets to run and be free, as well as plenty of fun activities to entertain the kiddos."
TravelerHenry in the office is amazing. Bathrooms are clean. laundry room very large and has many washers and dryers. Subway close walk, MUNI is at the park entrance. A gas station and Grocery store are both across the street.
ScoutHas hot showers & laundry room! A 5 min walk to the ocean as well. Super peaceful
GuideWe arrived and looked at our site and needed sun to recharge our batteries so the attendant let us pick one from the available list. A bit dusty but well worth it for the amenities.
TravelerHad a late check in after scheduling in the same day, but the staff were so welcoming and helpful over the phone! The campsite is so clean you could walk around barefoot. the scenery is so beautiful with sheep, cattle, mountains and a stream surrounding/on the property. Would definitely recommend
GuideWe stayed at Francis Beach Campground, we snagged a spot the week of since they release a few throughout the week. I’m so glad they do that for locals!
Campground is well maintained, there was an individual picking through the trash though so we made sure to lock up some stuff.
Sites are easy to get in and out of, pretty spacious. The middle sites aren’t too great, but the ones bordering the beach and the bike trail are very nice. We loved our spot, we had a trail right behind our trailer onto the beach!
Dump station is $10. Fresh water smelled a bit off, but we filled up and just used it for washing up.
GuideWe have stayed here a few times. I have a sister that lives here and this place is only about 3 miles from us! $80 for a back in space.
TravelerStayed one night at site 5 over the Fourth of July weekend. Great site at the top of the hill. It's a good distance from the bathroom and water (which is really a good thing). Very private compared to some of the other sites, although it's a little more exposed to cooler breezes than some. I used Sky as the intermediary camp between Glen and Coast. The fog rolled in the morning I packed up, and my tent was soaked. Careful if you have a single wall tent :)
Rabbits, quail, and deer seen around the campsite
LegendGeneral: 52 RV/tent sites, four walk-in oceanfront tent sites, and a hiker/biker camp. 28 sites have electric hookups. No sewer (there is a dump station) and shared water spigots.
Site Quality: Sites are paved with room for an additional vehicle and are level. Some sites have decent spacing between them, but others have no privacy/separation (the internal sites with electric have less privacy). IMO, sites 48 and 16 are the best sites.
Bath/shower: Two bathhouses each with all-in-one toilet/sink combos. They could use a little TLC. Showers are standard CA state park requiring tokens to use. Did not use them.
Activities/Amenities: There are three trails for easy ocean access. Beach is long and ok for walking, but in the springtime, the beach is littered with “blue sailfish”. Dogs are not allowed. Walking north is better than south. The 7.5-mile Half Moon Bay Coastal multi-use trail is easily accessible from the campground. Little Free Library. There is a host on site who sells firewood for $15 from 4:30-9:30 pm daily.
There are not many camping options in this area, and the campground was fully booked during the week in mid-May. We had to make reservations several months in advance and could only get two nights, and we had to move sites. Four stars due to the lack of privacy between many of the sites.
GuideI loved my stay here! I had a lot of tasks and couldn't have asked for a better place to accomplish them. I particularly appreciated the close coastal access, the birds and the clean, comfortable surroundings. Staff was welcoming and friendly throughout my stay. Highly recommend this gem!
Mount Tamalpais State Park's Steep Ravine Campground requires careful planning for an optimal experience. Reservations must be confirmed 24 hours in advance to get the gate code, or you'll face access issues, especially for late arrivals. The 10 primitive cabins are positioned along the hillside, with sites closer to the parking area offering easier access. A dedicated host lives on-site year-round, maintaining the facilities and providing firewood for purchase through an honor system.
Trail exploration after rain: In winter months after rainfall, the area's natural hot springs become visible during extremely low tides. According to a visitor at Steep Ravine Campground, "I've seen deer in the seaside vernal pools, wild miniature ocean bunnies boxing in the morning sunshine, and a great white shark off the cliffs one fine day."
Beach access at lower elevations: Visitors at cabins closer to the beach can easily walk down to access the shoreline. A camper notes, "My second childhood home and one of the most sacred places I have had the blessings to be apart of, know my own children's second home. The campgrounds are amazing and a world unto themselves."
Wildlife observation: Coast Campground in Point Reyes National Seashore offers excellent opportunities for tidepooling and animal watching. "The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed). There are two routes to hike in. I prefer the longer Coast Trail (about half a mile longer) rather than the fireroad for its scenic beauty."
Varied sleeping arrangements: The cabins at Steep Ravine offer flexible accommodations. One visitor mentioned, "There is a separate bedroom, you could sleep 2 couples on beds easily with extra floor space and a small individual bunk for larger families."
Proximity to attractions: Skyline Wilderness Park provides convenient glamping near San Francisco with access to Napa Valley. A camper explains, "Easy drive to the wineries of Napa Valley, a little further to Sonoma but a nice drive. Picnic table, some full hook-ups and some partial."
Accessibility of walk-in sites: Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground offers walk-in sites with ocean proximity. "Lucky to have good weather and limited wind. Beautiful walk in site (about 200 feet from car). Other sites were crowded (more of a parking lot) but amazing location with access to beach. If you can get sites 36-38 go for it!"
Mouse management: Bring or use provided mouse traps at Steep Ravine cabins. A camper advised, "You'll need them. You'd think staying in a cabin would elevate the camping experience a bit, but frankly, this brought things down a couple notches. In two days, I caught three and actually had to buy more traps."
Seasonal considerations: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground experiences significant temperature fluctuations. A visitor warned, "The night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers."
Pack-in necessities: For glamping comfort at Steep Ravine, bring specific items to enhance basic facilities. "Seating. Bring your camp chairs. The cabins have fixed sleeping platforms, a built-in table, and two hard wooden benches. If you want to sit close to the wood stove or just lounge comfortably inside or out, it's DIY."
Campground etiquette awareness: Samuel P. Taylor State Park attracts many first-time campers from the city. A repeat visitor observed, "For families who want a quick trip over Golden Gate Bridge to introduce their children (or adults!) to the great outdoors, their first camp, nowhere is more convenient and instantly gratifying."
Kid-friendly amenities: San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offers extensive activities for children. "Had a blast here. A lot of different areas for the kids. Swimming, giant bounce area, and mild weather. Coffee bar, large play grounds and near shopping for any needs."
Alternative tent options: Consider tent sites instead of cabins for shorter stays. "If you're a small party that just wants a couple days with the gorgeous oceanfront views and location, stay at the tent sites, not the cabins. You won't sleep with one eye open waiting for the mousetraps to pop."
RV site limitations: Olema Campground offers RV sites that are arranged in cul-de-sacs. A camper noted, "Lovely large meadow with scattered trees. RC/van spots are arranged in cul de sacs, tent spots on the edges of fields. Somewhat noisy - kids, dogs, radios - but settled down by 9. Friendly vibe."
Check-in timing: Arrive before gate closing hours at campgrounds near San Francisco. "Short drive to hwy 1 north to go eat oysters or seafood, very friendly staff and neighbors... would be back again."
Hookup accessibility: At many sites, prepare for challenging hookup access. One RVer at Steep Ravine mentioned, "Easier to keep clean, and I find cooking outside to be less of a hassle and easier to clean up than doing it inside the cabin where there isn't any water, sink, or spillage containment solution."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best glamping sites near San Francisco?
The Bay Area offers several exceptional glamping options within an hour's drive from San Francisco. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park is a premier destination sitting right on the Pacific Ocean with breathtaking sunset views. Just a short drive from the city, it provides a perfect escape into nature. For families seeking amenities, San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offers tent cabins and plenty of activities to keep children entertained, plus it's conveniently located near shopping options without having to navigate the city with your gear.
How much does glamping in the San Francisco Bay Area typically cost?
Glamping prices in the Bay Area vary widely based on accommodation type and location. At Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground, basic glamping options start around $50-75 per night, while offering peaceful coastal settings easily accessible from San Francisco. For more upscale experiences with additional amenities, Olema Campground and similar private facilities typically range from $100-200 per night. Luxury glamping with premium features and prime locations can exceed $250-350 nightly, especially during peak season. Most sites require advance reservations with deposits, and many have two-night minimum stays during weekends and holidays.
When is the best season for glamping in the San Francisco Bay Area?
Late summer through early fall (August-October) is ideal for Bay Area glamping, offering warm days and minimal fog, especially at Rob Hill Campground and other elevated sites. Spring (April-May) brings wildflower blooms and moderate temperatures at Skyline Wilderness Park. The region's moderate climate makes year-round glamping possible, though winter brings more rain and cooler temperatures. Coastal locations like Coast Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore experience summer fog that typically burns off by midday. Regardless of season, book well in advance as Bay Area glamping sites fill quickly, especially during weekends and holidays.
What types of glamping accommodations are available in San Francisco (yurts, cabins, etc.)?
The San Francisco Bay Area offers diverse glamping accommodations to suit various preferences. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground provides a redwood forest setting with enhanced tent camping options among spectacular trees and running creek water. For more substantial structures, several parks offer tent cabins, including those previously available at Big Basin Redwoods State Park that featured cozy, furnished wooden platforms with canvas coverings. Many glamping sites in the region also provide yurts, luxury safari tents with real beds and furniture, and tiny house rentals. Most locations include amenities like fire pits, access to restrooms with flush toilets, and some offer electricity and Wi-Fi.
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