Tent camping near San Leandro, California ranges from sea level sites to those at elevations up to 2,000 feet in the Berkeley Hills and Mount Tamalpais areas. Summer fog frequently blankets coastal campgrounds while inland sites experience temperature swings of 30°F between day and night. Most tent sites require advance reservations six months ahead, particularly for weekend dates between April and October.
What to do
Hike through volcanic formations: Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve offers multiple hiking trails with connections to the 31-mile East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail. "There are several trails providing tons of access throughout the preserve," notes one Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve visitor.
Explore immigration history: Angel Island State Park contains historic sites documenting its past as a West Coast immigration station. "It used to be intake for immigration and even had some military presence on the island back in the day. Lots of old buildings to explore," shares a camper from Sunrise Campground.
Mountain biking: Tilden Regional Park provides excellent mountain biking terrain with challenging hills. "It is a rather large park area that overlooks Berkeley. It is great for biking (but be weary of the hills)," advises one visitor to Tilden Regional Park.
What campers like
360-degree bay views: Campsites on higher elevations offer panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. "Try to get a campsite towards east ridge so you can get a view of Alcatraz and both the Bay and Golden gate bridge," recommends a visitor to Steep Ravine Campground.
Island solitude after ferry departures: Angel Island campers enjoy exceptional privacy after day visitors leave. "Once the last ferry leaves, you have the island practically to yourself. It is pretty awesome," explains one camper at Sunrise Campground.
Urban proximity with nature immersion: Rob Hill Campground claims the title of the only overnight campsite within San Francisco city limits. "It was quite the hidden gem set amidst a stunning cypress and eucalyptus grove," notes a visitor to Rob Hill Campground.
What you should know
Weather preparation requirements: Coastal sites experience significant temperature swings and wind. "Be aware that it gets very windy and chilly at night, so come prepared with a sturdy tent and warm clothing," warns a camper at Bicentennial Campground.
Water availability varies: Some campgrounds have intermittent water service. "We were surprised to find that the water spigot at Sunrise was not working when we arrived, and this was not mentioned anywhere during the reservation process," reports a camper.
Mouse prevention needed: Cabins at Steep Ravine require mouse management. "There were several brand new mouse traps provided at the entrance to my cabin. You'll need them," advises a visitor to Steep Ravine Campground.
Reservation timing critical: Competition for sites is extreme, requiring planning 6 months in advance. "You need to be ready to click 'reserve' on the website at no less than 5 minutes before the window opens for your dates of interest," shares a Steep Ravine camper.
Tips for camping with families
Farm animal experiences: Children enjoy interacting with animals at nearby parks. "Taking the kids to Tilden's Little Farm (bring your own carrots, kale and lettuce)," suggests a camper at Tilden Regional Park.
Accessible interpretive programs: Angel Island offers educational opportunities for youth. "We camped on Angel Island with a large organized group of 200+ campers at Fort McDowell," mentions a visitor who participated in the Camping at the Presidio program.
Sheltered options for unpredictable weather: Consider cabin camping for family comfort. "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," notes a camper at Steep Ravine regarding the cabin accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most campgrounds near San Leandro restrict or prohibit RV camping. "RV, pop-up and camper-truck camping is not allowed in the Presidio. No hook-ups available," notes a Rob Hill Campground visitor.
Parking restrictions: Sites requiring equipment hauls have strict parking limitations. "Campsite permits come with four parking passes. Please park in the designated parking area; illegally parked vehicles are subject to ticketing and towing," warns a Rob Hill Campground reviewer.
Ferry transport requirements: Islands requiring ferry transport prohibit vehicle access. "You have to take a boat to get out to Angel Island so you have to drive up to Tiburon and park your car and get onto one of the Ferry Boats," explains a camper at Sunrise Campground.
