Best Campgrounds near San Pablo, CA

San Pablo is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. San Pablo is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near San Pablo, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near San Pablo, California (148)

    1. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Lagunitas, CA
    22 miles

    $35 - $225 / night

    "This campground is less than an hours drive from San Francisco. It is along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard which takes you through a bunch of very cute tiny towns."

    "Beautiful trees and wonderful California charm. The campsites were decently located. Above the Mendocino coast the mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place"

    2. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    12 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"

    3. China Camp State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    San Rafael, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 456-0766

    $35 - $175 / night

    "You won't be able to drive up to your campsite. You have to carry your gear in a short distance from the parking lot."

    "Located on the west side of the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge, on San Francisco Bay, this park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. "

    4. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

    9 Reviews
    Tiburon, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 435-5390

    $30 / night

    "Angel Island is a California State Park, but it's surprising how many visitors do not know of the 10 campsites scattered around the island!"

    "Campsites are walk in throughout the island.  Remember there will be fog and there will be wind.

    We try to get what they call the "group" kayak site. "

    5. Marin RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Larkspur, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 461-5199

    $99 - $115 / night

    "30 mins away from the City. A bit pricy but that is to be expected in SF."

    "Great location to the city and Muir woods. Good stores near by. Narrow sites. No room for awning. Close to gather. Sites are gravel and level. Nice area for pets with view."

    6. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    11 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    "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."

    7. Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    14 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 388-2070

    $7 - $25 / night

    "Pantoll is a pretty campground located adjacent to the entrance to Mount Tamalpais.  You can hike to, bike to, take the bus to, or even drive to this campground.  "

    "This is an ada compliant walkup campground situated near the top of Mount Tamalpais. Featuring 13 sites ranging from standard campground style to a few more secluded areas."

    8. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 388-2070

    $25 - $100 / night

    "1 to get to the entrance, and then another steep, curvy ride down to the campground."

    "The entire Mount Tamalpais watershed is within 30 minutes drive from this location."

    9. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    25 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    21 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."

    10. Skyline Wilderness Park

    27 Reviews
    Napa, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 252-0481

    "A ton of great hiking and horseback riding trails. Literally 5 mins outside of the town of Napa. Ate at an amazing Brazilian Steakhouse and came to camp in just a short drive."

    "Nice, clean place with beautiful hiking trails. The garden is very cute, perfect for a quiet walk or meditation. Sites are close to each other. This place is a good getaway into nature."

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Showing results 1-10 of 148 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near San Pablo, CA

806 Reviews of 148 San Pablo Campgrounds



Guide to San Pablo

Camping near San Pablo, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking," making it a great spot for both novice and experienced hikers.
  • Beach Activities: Visit Bodega Dunes Campground for beach fun. A camper shared, "Beautiful sunsets just a short walk away in the dunes," perfect for evening strolls or picnics.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, keep an eye out for wild turkeys and other wildlife. One visitor noted, "We were able to take a closeup look at them," adding a unique touch to your camping experience.

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the stunning surroundings at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "It’s a lovely campsite with most sites being under tree canopies," providing a serene atmosphere.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers enjoy the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One visitor at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground mentioned, "Showers were clean and spacious with great pressure and warm water."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the amenities at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. A parent shared, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun," making it a hit with kids.

What you should know

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Big Basin Redwoods State Park advised, "Many sites but they book out fast."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at Lawson's Landing. One visitor warned, "The porta potties were very dirty and TP less," so it's good to come prepared.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Ritchey Creek Campground, lack certain amenities. A camper noted, "There are no hookups," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA that offer activities for kids. One reviewer said, "This place is busy and expensive," but the activities make it worth it for families.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of snacks. A camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground mentioned, "You might think, 'oh just one bad time,'" referring to the need for patience with other campers.
  • Plan for Quiet Time: With many families around, it’s good to have downtime. A visitor at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground said, "It was quiet and peaceful," which is perfect for relaxing after a busy day.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should be mindful of site sizes, especially at Bodega Dunes Campground. One reviewer noted, "Keep in mind, not all campsites at Sammy P. are the same size."
  • Bring a Lock for Food Storage: At campgrounds like Anthony Chabot Regional Park, securing food is essential. A camper advised, "Make sure you bring a pad lock as there is no locking mechanism on the door."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lawson's Landing mentioned, "Most people have RVs so the generators start early," which can be a consideration for light sleepers.

Camping around San Pablo, CA, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature walks to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Pablo, CA is Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 51 reviews.

What parks are near San Pablo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near San Pablo, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.