Camping options near San Leandro range from bayside locations to hillside retreats within a 45-minute drive. The region sits at the convergence of coastal influence and inland valley weather patterns, creating mild temperatures throughout most of the year but with significant microclimates. Campsites in the immediate area often fill completely during summer weekends, with midweek availability increasing dramatically from October through April.
What to do
Hiking at Coyote Hills: Dumbarton Quarry Campground connects to miles of trails along the bay shoreline. As one camper noted, "There are many trails for hiking and biking, and wildlife is plentiful. Our RV is small and we used the showers and bathrooms quite a bit. They are cleaned daily and we're always in great shape."
Mountain biking at Mount Diablo: Trails range from gentle grades to challenging technical routes with 3,000+ feet of elevation gain. A visitor to Live Oak Campground shared, "We had an excellent view of the city and the bridge. There were a lot of people, including a bunch of teenagers, hanging out at the rest area. Plus, quite a few people stopping just to take a quick photograph."
Beach day trips: Half Moon Bay beaches are accessible within 40 minutes. According to a Francis Beach Campground camper: "This has it all. Beautiful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat. Short drive to many other areas."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning offers the best opportunities for deer and bird sightings. "We saw a mix of wildlife. Deer, hawks, wild turkeys. We saw an amazing sunset too," reported a Mount Diablo visitor.
What campers like
Morning light and wildlife: The rolling hills around Anthony Chabot create ideal wildlife viewing at sunrise. One visitor commented, "Nice clean decent cell service. Lots of birds singing. The views of the lake are very nice. Would stay again."
Waterfront settings: Several campgrounds offer water views or direct beach access. A Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground visitor shared: "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."
Urban proximity with nature access: Campgrounds in the region balance accessibility with natural settings. According to one Angel Island State Park camper: "When I got an invite last minute from a friend I reconnected with, I had to go. I am so glad I did! The upside of being patient with how far out you make your reservation is that once the last ferry leaves, you have the island practically to yourself."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain better-than-average restrooms and common areas. A Dumbarton Quarry visitor noted: "This campground opened in August 2021, so the facilities are still brand-spanking new. They haven't yet installed the washer/dryer and haven't yet locked in a vendor to operate the camp store, but I'm told those things are coming."
What you should know
Reservation windows: Most campgrounds open reservations 6 months in advance and fill immediately for summer weekends. For Angel Island, "There are only 10 sites on the island and being so accessible from the San Francisco Bay Area, you can see why it is in so high demand."
Environmental conditions: Bay Area microclimates create variable camping conditions. At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, "The weather, though hot in the Bay Area at this point, was quite nice. The breeze and shade of the park made for a very comfortable setting. I believe it was 88 in Castro Valley, but felt about 78 at the campground."
Site privacy considerations: Most campgrounds feature relatively close spacing between sites. One visitor noted at Anthony Chabot, "Though a bit close to the neighbors, none of them were obnoxious."
Vehicle restrictions: Some parks limit vehicle size or access. At Mount Diablo, "plan on a 45 minute drive from town to the top, longer if you are doing it on a weekend when you'll be waiting to pass cyclists."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible trails: Multiple campgrounds offer flat or gently graded hiking options. A Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay visitor shared: "There's a great playground if you have small kids, and lots of gentle hiking trails. If you hate wind, you should know it can get windy here."
Wildlife education opportunities: Ranger programs and abundant wildlife viewing create learning experiences. "The park is so new that the laundry facility is not up and running yet. Bathrooms were spotless and backing into our site was a breeze. Best part about the campground is access to miles of trails by the side of the bay."
Weather preparation: Pack layers even in summer months. At H. Dana Bower Rest Area, one camper advised: "Also, cold here in the summer. Pack for fall weather."
Food storage precautions: Wildlife ranging from raccoons to small rodents actively target food. At Kirby Cove, "I've been camping my whole life and NEVER have I seen raccoons so persistent. Not aggressive. Just persistent. And fearless. They. Will. Not. Leave. You. Alone."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the area require blocks or leveling systems. At Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park, "Sites are grassy, some with trees, and pretty close together."
Hookup availability: Full hookups remain limited at most public campgrounds but common at private parks. One RVer at Dumbarton Quarry noted: "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."
Site spacing considerations: Proximity varies significantly between campgrounds. A San Francisco RV Resort visitor shared: "On visiting San Francisco we were looking for a site that wasn't a car park. This really met the mark! Beautiful place with great sites. Nice picnic tables & fire pits! Was very quiet."
Access and navigation challenges: Many San Leandro camping areas have narrow access roads. As one RVer at Mount Diablo cautioned, "If you are queasy about motion, plan on bringing a plastic bag to vomit in. There are no guard rails, so if your driver isn't paying attention off you go down the mountain."
