Bay Area RV parks near San Lorenzo, California provide access to major attractions while serving as functional home bases. Several parks cluster along the coastline west of San Lorenzo, with inland options available in Redwood City and Vallejo. The mild climate allows for year-round camping, though summer months bring increased occupancy rates requiring advance bookings at most facilities.
What to do
Explore coastal trails: Half Moon Bay RV Park offers access to extensive coastal pathways. One visitor noted, "From the park you can head about a quarter of a mile and walk or ride the coastal path all the way to the marina or south to the Ritz Carlton. Great ocean views."
Visit San Francisco: Marin RV Park in Greenbrae positions campers for ferry access to San Francisco. A visitor explained, "30 mins away from the City. A bit pricy but that is to be expected in SF. Clean facilities but make no mistake about it... this is a parking lot with hook ups and the sites are in arms length in proximity to each other."
Beach activities: Near Pillar Point RV Park, campers can easily access coastal recreation. A reviewer states, "Great spot right off the highway and on the beach. Lots of activities and places to eat within walking distance. Surfing, walking/bike trails, kayaking... Pet friendly."
What campers like
Practical proximity: Trailer Villa RV Park in Redwood City receives praise for its accessibility. A visitor shared, "The grounds are clean; parking pads are concrete and flat; and drive lanes AND parking spots are wide and spacious for maneuvering large RVs."
Clean facilities: Many parks maintain well-kept amenities despite tight quarters. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, a camper reported, "Restrooms had 3 stalls and 4 free showers available. Cleaned and stocked daily."
Wildlife viewing: The coastal locations offer nature observation opportunities. At San Francisco RV Resort, a visitor mentioned, "When it's clear you can see the farralon islands 30 miles offshore. On the downside the 'campsites' are close together… it's more like a parking lot than a campground."
What you should know
Tight spacing: Nearly every RV park in the region features close-quarters camping. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, a visitor noted, "Cozy tight quarters but just enough room for a picnic bench, fire pit and hanging out area. This campground is covered entirely by redwoods with plenty of shade for a cool vacation."
Urban surroundings: Bay Area parks often occupy industrial or urban settings. Regarding Candlestick RV Park, a reviewer warned, "I camped here prior to Covid and there was already a lot of peeps camping up and down the streets outside the campground and I know that it has increased in numbers since."
Reservation challenges: Some parks use outdated booking systems. One camper observed about Treasure Island MH and RV Park, "Reservation was stressful and annoying!!! No person on site, but security drives around."
Tips for camping with families
Find shady spots: Santa Cruz Ranch Campground offers tree coverage for summer cooling. A camper noted, "Scotts Valley is lovely in summer, no high heat like the valley. Very nice campground, new tiled bath rooms. Not quiet though, lots of kids."
Seek campgrounds with recreation areas: Some parks offer communal spaces. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, a visitor described, "Clubhouse 9 am - 9 pm (Tv, couch, dinning tables, fridge, microwave, board games) deck with public BBQ area and plenty of seating that oversees the San Lorenzo River."
Prioritize safety: Select parks with regular security presence. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, a camper reported, "I felt safe, with my young kids, that everyone was driving slowly and respecting the rules."
Tips from RVers
Plan for limited space: RV sites throughout the region are notoriously tight. At Tradewinds RV Park, a visitor warned, "Sites are very tight and it's noisy being right against the freeway. Our slide couldn't come out all the way or we'd hit the camper next to us. His slide was touching meter box."
Secure advance reservations: Availability decreases significantly during summer months. At Half Moon Bay RV Park, a camper recommended, "Lisa was helpful when making this reservation a few months ago. It went the same way for check in. Prior to check in while enroute we appreciated her call assigning our site and the best way to enter it."
Consider transit options: Some parks offer alternatives to driving. At Marin RV Park, a reviewer advised, "The location is really convenient given that the ferry and bus bus stops are within walking distance (10 min walk or 5 min drive). We parked the RV at the ferry station and where able to enjoy a day of San Francisco without worrying about the RV."
