Tom T.
Scout
ScoutDumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Open sky great starlink users.
Very quiet campground at night. See stars clearly. Use the fire pit after 730pm when the wind has calmed down.
Camping near San Lorenzo, CA
178 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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San Lorenzo, California offers campgrounds ranging from developed RV sites with full hookups to tent camping in redwood groves, within the greater Bay Area region. Camping near San Lorenzo spans wooded hillside sites, waterfront campgrounds on the Bay, and river-adjacent campsites along the San Lorenzo River. Anthony Chabot Regional Park offers tent and RV sites with full hookups in a wooded setting approximately 10 miles east of San Lorenzo. Nearby Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay provides waterfront camping with electric and water hookups. The area includes mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several parks featuring redwood groves and waterfront locations along the San Lorenzo River and nearby coastal areas.
Reservations are essential at most established campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months and weekends. Many campgrounds in the Santa Cruz Mountains and coastal areas fill months in advance. The climate varies significantly between inland and coastal locations, with coastal sites experiencing fog and cooler temperatures even during summer. Inland campgrounds like Del Valle can become extremely hot with significant mosquito activity during warmer months. Cell service is limited in canyon areas and redwood forests, though most established campgrounds maintain good access roads suitable for passenger vehicles. A camper noted, "We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance."
The redwood forests near San Lorenzo provide distinctive camping experiences with tall trees creating natural shade and cooler temperatures. Several visitors highlighted the contrast between coastal and mountain camping options within a short drive. Campgrounds along the San Lorenzo River receive consistently positive reviews for their proximity to water activities and shade. Campers frequently mention the convenience of having both natural settings and urban amenities nearby, with one visitor noting that "it's a short nice hike to the state park and the train through the redwoods." Sites at Anthony Chabot Regional Park feature views of the surrounding hills and lake, though some campers report that sites can be close together with limited privacy. The region's campgrounds typically provide clean facilities with regular maintenance, making them popular destinations for Bay Area residents seeking weekend getaways.
Best Campgrounds near San Lorenzo (178)
1. Anthony Chabot Regional Park
"as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"
"Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty."
from $25 - $200 / night
Check Availability2. Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
"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."
"Since it's a new campground, the trees are young and don't supply much shade, but since it's close to the SF Bay, the bay breeze helps."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability3. Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
"This mountain has many of hiking trails for various levels of hikers."
"Live Oak is the closest to the entrance (and town), and features some cool rock formations to explore, but it's colder, has terrible cellular data service, and doesn't quite have the sunset / sunrise views"
from $30 / night
Check Availability4. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
"We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance."
"Beautiful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat. Short drive to many other areas. small but good size sites for where it is."
from $35 - $165 / night
Check Availability5. San Francisco RV Resort
"There’s a dog park close by if you want to go get down to the sandy beaches within walking distance great hookups water pressure is a little high."
"If you want a great little place with quick easy access to San Francisco that has a great view of the ocean this place is great! And affordable!"
6. Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park
"The Fairview RV Park is a great Bay Area location easy to find right off hwy 680, in the Alameda county fairgrounds. The staff are all pleasant to work with and the park and facilities are clean."
"If the Alameda Fairgrounds are having an event, you can't beat this location, it's on the property."
7. Trailer Villa RV Park
"Clean, has some views from far border of the hills but the spots are tight and there is not much to do but hook-up."
"After-hours check-in was a breeze, as the checkin instructions were taped to the main door of the office at the park entrance."
8. Coyote Hills Regional Park
"We walked through and enjoyed the nature areas so much. We continue to go back and spend time at Cayote Hills because it is so beautiful. We can't wait until thwe next time."
from $75 / night
Check Availability9. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
"I decided to stay here, because it was the right location for my road trip, it was free, and I thought the view of the city would be excellent."
"Reasonably quiet on the side away from the road. Very safe, police patrols throughout the day/night. Good hiking areas nearby. Bathrooms and trash cans. Highly recommend as it is also completely free."
10. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
"The walk to the beach was 60 seconds and the ocean can be seen from the site. Cool ww2 structures. You get a code to open the gate uptop and drive down to park for your stay."
"If you plan to leave your cooler outside of the bear box make sure it has a lock or secure latch. 3- you get a gate code and parking pass to drive down, but have to walk your gear the last 500-1,000 ft"
from $40 - $75 / night
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Drive Time
- 25 min from San Francisco, CA
- 29 min from San Jose, CA
- 40 min from Vallejo, CA
- 54 min from Napa, CA
Recent Camping Photos near San Lorenzo, CA
235 Photos of 178 San Lorenzo Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
SkyWanda Sanctuary
Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation AreaC
Hawk Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District
Haypress Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Recent Reviews near San Lorenzo, CA
939 Reviews of 178 San Lorenzo Campgrounds
KrystleScoutMineral Springs Trailhead
Overnight stays not allowed
I was woken up by law enforcement and asked to leave on my second night staying here. They will issue a citation (luckily they took mine away and gave me a warning) this needs to be removed as a dispersed site.
Dawn S.
GuideSan Francisco RV Resort
Great for visiting the City
There are many spot. It's a parking lot and the spots are very snug. The edge by the ocean lost a few.
Staff is kind, helpful and responsive. Area is clean and very peaceful. It's a bit pricey. Our standard spot was $150.
- TTwindaddyGuide
Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District
East Bay Parks - IYKYK
Like most/all east bay parks, this is well appointed for the masses. It’s also surrounded by rolling hills and close to suburbia. For many, these are positives. As an east bay resident they are for me as well. Del Valle is a bit more removed than many east bay parks. From my location in Fremont, it’s a one hour drive. A pleasant drive for the most part. I camp to get away for a bit and almost always to mountain bike. As such, I seek parks that have trails. Del Valle has a map of many trails. They also appear on many of the mapping services used by mountain bikers. Review those and digest them if this is also your intention - these are east bay parka style trails. In other words, mostly steep and loose fire roads, with many “social trails” sprinkled between. If you are compelled to stay legit/legal trails, bring an ebike. Now on to the camping. I picked a spot as far removed from any booked spot on the map. I triple checked this up until the day before I arrived. I want solitude! When I arrived Thursday afternoon, I was surprised to see the sites just 3 spaces away, on both sides, occupied. This is a fairly compact area. And while I’m sure they’re lovely folks, this isn’t what I expected on a Thursday. Saturday? Sure. Anyway… be aware that these reservation services aren’t completely reliable in that regard. The bathrooms and showers are amazing! Clean, smell good, cared for. Noteworthy is the hot showers in the camp grounds are free and your one push of the button provides water for two minutes I'd guess. Very nice! The space, 135 for me, is okay. A couple trees for shade, a nice table and fire pit. It’s now dark and the noise is minimal - mostly from the group campsite just down the hill. I’ll update this with more details in the coming days since it’s a 4 day visit.
Update 1: it’s my first morning here. Using starlink as there is no cell signal to be found. What I noticed last night was that this park is directly below the flight path to the local airports. Every couple minutes last night, a plane would fly overhead. According to flight aware, they’re at about 10,000 feet. If this will ruin your getaway, you’ve been warned.
Update 2: On Friday night, the majority of the spots were filled. Many large groups of people with varying degrees of consideration, but to their credit almost all (except the barking German Shepard) were quiet by 10PM. It was a bit more crowded come Saturday morning. Some friends came to visit for a mountain bike ride, and we set off at about noon. I had been complimentary of the facilities and bragged that I'd be taking a nice shower after our ride. Unfortunately, upon our return, there was no hot water and no lighting in the showers. And, sadly, someone decided to remove the tags and hangers from their TJ Maxx haul and leave them all over the floor of two of the showers.
Verdict: I'd only come back here in the springtime when it's likely to be green and have some water in the arroyo and only during the week. The density and composition of the people here was akin to being at Costco on a Saturday, and I only did that once.
C. K.
TravelerSan Mateo Memorial Park
Under the Redwoods
Nothing like camping under the redwoods with sounds of streams nearby. Restrooms and facilities are clean and well maintained. Park Rangers are extremely nice and helpful.
- Dawn S.Guide
Marin RV Park
Great to see the City
We came in around 9pm. There's a board with names and site numbers on the office building. These are snug spots but we have enough room to put the slide out. It is a level gravel parking lot. There's not alot of places in San Fran to even day park. This is just fine. They do fill up fast. Called the next day to extend through Sat, they are booked solid.
Dog walk is through the gate at the back of the lot where abandoned railroad tracks are. There's a pond with some ducks and a walking path.
- DDon E.Traveler
Sherman Island Regional Park
Sherman island is about the wind and the beach and the launch
This is a fun place for you and the fam either to camp or for the day.
The tide comes in and out here as it’s a low level island and the approach to access sometimes will be under water from the tide. It is just like that, not poorly maintained, just one short section that can get 6inches deep and is not an issue for anybody.
I stayed in a tent camper fold-out. I hugged the hedge next to a teardrop. Everyone was nice and it was a relaxing stay. Can launch boat/kayak or do all the wind surfing type sports they talk about.
- C. K.Traveler
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
Your average camp site
It’s quite large compared to to other campsites. It was pleasant and have no complaints. Nothing special but hiking trails are fantastic.
- HHarold M.Guide
New Brighton State Beach Campground
Busy state beach campground
Very well run & clean. Mostly quiet. 20 minute walk to Capitola Village (north) or Seacliff (south). Some shady sites, some are exposed.
Guide to San Lorenzo
Camping options near San Lorenzo, California range from forested inland sites to coastal beach campgrounds, all within 20-30 miles of the city. The area transitions from San Lorenzo's 50-foot elevation to nearby peaks like Mount Diablo at 3,849 feet, creating varied camping microclimates. Overnight temperatures can drop below 50°F even in summer, particularly at coastal sites where dense fog regularly rolls in during evening hours.
What to do
Hiking near Mount Diablo: The mountain offers trails for all skill levels, approximately 25 miles east of San Lorenzo. "The campground is a good place to explore the rest of the summit areas, plus Rock City," notes a visitor at Mt. Diablo State Park. Trails connect to lookout points with sweeping views across the Bay Area.
Beach activities at Half Moon Bay: Located 30 miles west of San Lorenzo along Highway 92, the state beach provides sand and surf recreation. "Beautiful beaches, nice scenery, not a lot of vegetation," reports a camper about Francis Beach Campground. The 4-mile coastal trail runs directly through the camping area.
Urban wildlife watching: Coyote Hills Regional Park features extensive wetlands habitat for bird watching. A park visitor mentions, "There are many many trails for hiking and biking, and wildlife is plentiful." The marshes support over 100 bird species, particularly during spring and fall migrations.
What campers like
Convenient city proximity: Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park offers camping with all amenities just 15 miles from San Lorenzo. "If you are visiting and want to go to San Francisco, I think this is one of the closest RV parks to the city," explains a frequent camper. The park sits directly on fairgrounds property with easy freeway access.
Well-maintained facilities: Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "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," shares a visitor. The campground opened in 2021, so facilities remain in good condition.
Natural settings with urban convenience: Locations balance nature access with nearby services. "We appreciate how convenient it is for people who live in the Bay Area and if you want to visit the area from out of state or out of the Bay Area, it would be a great place to park your camper and explore," notes a camper at Dumbarton Quarry.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Competition for sites at the best places to camp near San Lorenzo is fierce. For Kirby Cove Campground, a camper advises: "Check the website for availability the SECOND the reservation window opens." Many campgrounds release sites 6 months in advance, booking completely within minutes.
Fog and wind conditions: Weather patterns affect comfort at many locations. "No matter how hot it is you'll never be able to escape the howling winds at night. Good tent stakes and warm gear is a must," warns a Mt. Diablo camper. Coastal fog can persist all day at oceanside campgrounds.
Site privacy concerns: Many campgrounds feature closely spaced sites. At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, a visitor notes: "The sites are fairly close to each other, which matters because one of the other campers is right next to mine and doesn't understand basic camp etiquettes." Research site maps before booking to find more secluded options.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Dumbarton Quarry Campground offers family-friendly facilities. "There's a great playground if you have small kids, and lots of gentle hiking trails," mentions a local camper. The park provides flat, paved walking paths suitable for strollers and beginning bicyclists.
Wildlife education opportunities: Look for ranger programs during peak seasons. At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, the setting offers natural learning opportunities: "There is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.). It's a great natural area that is so conveniently located in the Bay Area."
Temperature preparation: Pack additional layers regardless of season. The climate varies significantly from day to night. "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," explains a summer visitor to Anthony Chabot, noting the temperature felt 10 degrees cooler than nearby valley locations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At San Francisco RV Resort in Pacifica, location matters significantly. "Our group stayed here in early August. The better sites are #5-12 with #11 and #12 being the best," recommends an experienced visitor. Sites closer to facilities typically have less privacy but more convenience.
Hookup details: RV parks near San Lorenzo offer varying levels of services. At Trailer Villa RV Park, "The grounds are clean; parking pads are concrete and flat; and drive lanes AND parking spots are wide and spacious for maneuvering large RVs." Most dedicated RV parks provide full hookups, though amperage may vary between 30 and 50 depending on site.
Traffic considerations: Plan extra travel time during peak periods. An Anthony Chabot visitor warns: "Plan for 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." Mountain roads to several campgrounds feature tight turns and limited passing areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near San Lorenzo, CA?
What camping is available near San Lorenzo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, San Lorenzo, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 178 campgrounds and RV parks near San Lorenzo, CA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near San Lorenzo, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near San Lorenzo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Lorenzo, CA is Anthony Chabot Regional Park with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near San Lorenzo, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near San Lorenzo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near San Lorenzo, CA.
What parks are near San Lorenzo, CA?
What parks are near San Lorenzo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near San Lorenzo, CA that allow camping, notably Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore.
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