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Best Campgrounds near San Mateo, CA

767 Reviews

Camping areas near San Mateo give you several good spots to choose from on the San Francisco Peninsula. Taylor State Park Campground tends to get busy with campers who like its clean facilities, restrooms, and drinking water. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground has big redwood trees that keep tent sites shady and help you feel more secluded from other campers. The campground has basic restrooms and tables for eating. Both places have hiking trails that start right from the camping areas, so you can walk through the woods without driving anywhere. You might see chipmunks and lots of birds while camping here, but you'll need to store your food properly so animals don't get into it. The weather around San Mateo stays pretty mild all year, though finding an open spot gets harder in summer. It's smart to book ahead of time if you want to make sure you get a site. If you forget something, the El Dorado Outpost isn't far away and sells camping gear and supplies. San Mateo's camping spots work well whether you want to relax or spend your days hiking and exploring.

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Best Camping Sites Near San Mateo, California (134)

    1. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    27 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 726-8819

    $35 - $165 / night

    "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."

    2. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    25 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (510) 690-6676

    "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"

    "Always went here when we don't wanna drive too far. Staff is great and place is clean. Campsite #69 has the best view but is next to trail. Very nice trails and not super far from town to get food."

    3. San Francisco RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Pacifica, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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!"

    "Very nice park for an on the water location, I've been to some where you can't even turn without hitting someone."

    4. Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

    10 Reviews
    Newark, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $45 - $60 / night

    "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."

    5. Trailer Villa RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Redwood City, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 366-7880

    "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."

    6. Pillar Point RV Park

    6 Reviews
    El Granada, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 712-9277

    $95 / night

    "Walking distance to shops and restaurants, walking and bike trails, beach access, and friendly staff!"

    "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"

    7. San Mateo Memorial Park

    15 Reviews
    Loma Mar, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-0238

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."

    "Bathrooms are easily accessible but showers are a bit of a walk maybe 5 mins from your site."

    8. Half Moon Bay RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 726-7275

    "The site was a pull through as well as our friends who were able to face the opposite way to have a common camp side with us. Of course the utility sides were in great position for that."

    "From booking until leaving, we had a positive experience. Our site was a little tight, that would be the only thing I wish was better."

    9. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 338-8860

    $35 / night

    "Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site."

    "So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco."

    10. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 331-1540

    $40 - $75 / night

    "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"

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Recent Camping Photos near San Mateo, CA

263 Photos of 134 San Mateo Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near San Mateo, CA

767 Reviews of 134 San Mateo Campgrounds

Guide to San Mateo

Camping near San Mateo, California, offers a great mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Beach Access: Visit New Brighton State Beach Campground for a day at the beach. A camper shared, "Great views and easy access to the beach," highlighting the convenience of this location.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor noted, "We were harassed by cute little chipmunks and birds," adding a fun twist to your camping experience.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground said, "It’s a lovely campsite with most sites being under tree canopies."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park remarked, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families enjoy the activities available. A camper at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "This place is busy and expensive but great for kids," thanks to its many amenities.

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground said, "Always tough to get a reservation, but it never disappoints if you can get one."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. One visitor shared, "We had two new types of visitors... aggressive yellow jackets," so keep food secured.
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at New Brighton State Beach Campground noted, "Only one bar AT&T cell coverage," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One reviewer at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites. A family at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground found, "The sites themselves are a little close quarters, but all provide just about enough space."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food and snacks, as some campgrounds have limited markets. A camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground noted, "There is also no cell coverage for any of the major providers."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Dump Station Availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park said, "The dump station was in good working order."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Bring layers, as temperatures can drop at night. A reviewer at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground advised, "It gets very cold at night always better safe than sorry when it comes to layers."

Camping around San Mateo, CA, offers a variety of experiences, from beach days to forest hikes. With the right preparation, you can enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near San Mateo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Mateo, CA is Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 27 reviews.

What parks are near San Mateo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near San Mateo, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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