Best Campgrounds near South San Francisco, CA

Camping options around South San Francisco range from oceanfront RV resorts to state park campgrounds and urban RV parks. The San Francisco RV Resort in Pacifica offers cliffside views of the Pacific Ocean, while Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground provides beach access camping opportunities approximately 20 miles south of the city. Candlestick RV Park represents one of the closest options to San Francisco proper, situated in an urban setting. Most facilities accommodate RVs with full hookups, though tent camping is available at select locations including Anthony Chabot Regional Park east of the bay.

Reservations are strongly recommended throughout the region due to high demand and limited space. Many campgrounds operate year-round, though winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional coastal fog. Sites near the ocean typically command premium prices, with rates often exceeding $100 per night for RV spots with utilities. Public transportation access varies by location - Candlestick RV Park offers relatively convenient transit connections to downtown San Francisco, while coastal options require private transportation. A visitor noted, "If you want to explore San Francisco this is a great spot from which to base yourself and not really a destination in of itself."

Urban camping near San Francisco generally means relatively compact spaces with minimal privacy. Several reviews mention the tight arrangement at San Francisco RV Resort, with one camper describing it as "essentially a parking lot on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea." Sites closer to the city center like Candlestick RV Park feature utilitarian setups primarily serving as convenient basecamps for city exploration. Those seeking more natural surroundings might prefer the developed campgrounds at Angel Island State Park (accessible only by ferry) or Anthony Chabot Regional Park in the East Bay hills. According to feedback, many visitors choose these locations specifically for proximity to urban attractions rather than the camping experience itself, with one review stating "the location is the best, a quick walk to coffee, food and groceries."

Best Camping Sites Near South San Francisco, California (134)

    1. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    29 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $25 - $200 / night

    "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."

    2. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    27 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    14 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."

    3. San Francisco RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    Pacifica, CA
    8 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. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    15 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"

    5. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    13 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    14 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."

    6. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

    9 Reviews
    Tiburon, CA
    15 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. "

    7. Candlestick RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Brisbane, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 822-2299

    "Or Muni which takes about double the time including walk to the station. Great WiFi. It's a parking lot with close neighbors. Nice and clean facilities."

    8. Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

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

    $45 - $65 / 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."

    9. Pillar Point RV Park

    6 Reviews
    El Granada, CA
    12 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"

    10. Trailer Villa RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Redwood City, CA
    14 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."

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Recent Reviews near South San Francisco, CA

766 Reviews of 134 South San Francisco Campgrounds


  • OThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2025

    Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore

    GORGEOUS Experience! 10/10

    For my first west coast/pch camping experience, must say I’d HUGELY recommend it (especially with its close proximity to the LOVELY Alamere Falls!)

    Be sure to plan for at least 2-to-3 days if you’d like to soak up all the adventures!

    dive into safety tips for the region/season on YouTube university and of course nps.gov resources!

  • Lance L.
    Nov. 5, 2025

    Marin RV Park

    If you're in a pinch...

    Not sure how to justify $100 a night even after a good Sam discount but if you're in a pinch...sure. It's very tight spacing, no privacy in between lots so be prepared and skilled if you have a bigger rig. My 34 foot trailer took some time to get in. They don't have traditional posts where you would expect the water to be so bring extra hose. We got flooded out as well...

  • C
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Cotillion Gardens RV Park

    In the trees

    Some spaces are tight to back into. Marginal cell coverage. Camp WiFi is acceptable. Need to use WiFi to supplement cell service.

  • B
    Oct. 24, 2025

    H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    Really cool place to camp out.

    DO NOT eat or make food. My partner and I tried eating and got surrounded by a whole bunch of raccoons 😂

    Honestly, it’s so cool that you’re able to stay overnight by the golden gate. It was peaceful at night.

  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Our Second visit here

    This was our second visit, and by chance the same campsite. Prior, I had to change the dates and was rewarded a$35 change fee. I did it online, so it wasn't like I put anyone to any tedious task. With that, not sure I will be back just on principle. So now, moving on to the review. The sites are well marked. They are a bit narrow, so much of the camp side you will have a close look at your neighbors utilities. When the park is full, it is close. Go on weekdays, not as busy and more room is likely. Bring your sewer hose extension. Most other sites had them from what I could see. My Starlink was heavily obstructed by trees so worked at 40% speed.

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    San Francisco RV Resort

    Close to City

    We stayed here as we had baseball game tickets in SF during our RV trip. Close to city and in a safe area. Liked sleeping to the sounds of crashing waves and was able to use full hookups.

    Bathrooms were pretty dirty - not as pictured. Although I liked that the showers locked. Rec area was very run down. Laundry has mobile payment and was clean and accessible.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    Pantoll

    Very nice small campground on Mt Tam. All sites are a small walk up on a hill kind of steep. Ranger station at parking lot that sells firewood. Water faucets, bathrooms. No showers. Bear lockers.

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    Very quite/ beautiful sites

    We’re hoping to get a spot with less of a hill to climb but on the top it’s a nice flat terrain. Nice view some campsites are closer to watch other than others.

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Redwood Resort RV Park & Campground

    Friendly and quiet

    Was able to book the night before and get the last full hookup spot. The man who checked us in was super friendly and answered all of my partners questions and even helped us with some basic RV knowledge as we’re new.

    Redwoods are super pretty. Area outside of the RV park isn’t super walkable though. Bathrooms are fine for the price and very clean.

    Situated near the people who live in the park and they were super friendly and quiet.


Guide to South San Francisco

Camping options near South San Francisco are primarily developed RV and tent campgrounds, with limited public land for dispersed camping. The San Francisco RV Resort in Pacifica provides oceanfront parking for RVs on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, while Candlestick RV Park offers urban camping closer to downtown San Francisco. Both locations prioritize convenience for city exploration rather than natural immersion. Smaller campgrounds like Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground provide tent and RV sites with more traditional camping amenities approximately 20 miles south of the city.

Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during summer months when tourism peaks. Public transportation access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering reasonable connectivity to downtown attractions. Sites are typically close together with minimal privacy, reflecting the urban density of the Bay Area. Weather patterns include frequent coastal fog, particularly during summer mornings, with generally mild temperatures year-round. A visitor noted, "If the purpose of your visit is to explore San Francisco, this is a great spot from which to base yourself and not really a destination in of itself."

The camping experience in the South San Francisco area tends to be more utilitarian than recreational. RV parks frequently receive mixed reviews regarding value for money, with multiple campers citing high prices for what essentially amounts to parking lot camping. Urban proximity comes at a premium, with nightly rates often exceeding $100 for basic amenities. Several campgrounds feature ocean views as their primary natural amenity. As one camper described San Francisco RV Resort, "It's a parkinglot. Pool and hot tub space is cramped and tiny but clean. The location is the best, a quick walk to coffee, food and groceries." Noise from urban surroundings and limited space between sites are common themes in camper feedback, though most appreciate the convenient access to city attractions despite the compromises in camping quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near South San Francisco, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South San Francisco, CA is Anthony Chabot Regional Park with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.

What parks are near South San Francisco, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near South San Francisco, CA that allow camping, notably Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore.