RV parks in the San Francisco Bay Area operate at high occupancy rates year-round due to limited space and consistent tourist demand. Most campgrounds within 30 miles of South San Francisco sit on premium coastal real estate or urban areas, resulting in paved sites with close neighbors. While summer sees peak demand, coastal fog moderates temperatures even during warmer months.
What to do
Explore coastal trails: San Francisco RV Resort offers access to a scenic coastal trail system. "Nice trail to walk along the water and cliff, nice restoration project going," notes one visitor, while another mentions "a little bike trail right on the water" that provides scenic recreation opportunities.
Visit downtown San Francisco: Marin RV Park serves as an excellent base for city exploration. "Drive in, park and then walk to all the sights you want to see in San Francisco. A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco," explains one camper who gave the location five stars.
Enjoy beach activities: Pillar Point RV Park in Half Moon Bay provides excellent beach access. "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," writes one reviewer who found the location worth the premium price.
What campers like
Convenient locations for commuting: Candlestick RV Park offers quick access to San Francisco. "It's expensive ($122.50 incl. tax), but gives you the opportunity to be in the city. Lyft/Uber 25 minutes to Fishers Wharf ~$25-30. Or Muni which takes about double the time including walk to the station," notes one camper.
Shopping and dining access: Trailer Villa RV Park offers practical amenities nearby. "This RV park is great! We did a same day drop-in reservation for an overnight stay over the phone. After-hours check-in was a breeze," writes one reviewer who appreciated the convenient location.
Oceanfront settings: Several coastal parks offer direct ocean views despite their urban settings. At San Francisco RV Resort, one camper noted, "This is an interesting rv park on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It has a ca beach town feel, but is just 20 minutes from San Francisco... Spectacular sunsets over the pacific if the fog permits. Saw a couple whales too."
What you should know
Cost expectations: RV camping near South San Francisco commands premium rates. "San Fran price though," notes a camper at Marin RV Park. Another visitor to a Santa Cruz area campground reported, "$122 US$ for one night," reflecting the regional pricing norm.
Space limitations: Most Bay Area RV parks feature compact sites. "The spaces are pretty close together," is a common refrain. One camper at San Francisco RV Resort observed, "It's more like a parking lot than a campground, but everyone is friendly and the overall vibe is good."
Neighborhood considerations: Half Moon Bay RV Park offers a safer, cleaner environment than some urban options. "We spent a comfortable night here on our way through the Bay Area. Very convenient location," reports one visitor, while another noted, "The RV Park is clean and secure. There are many full time residents that take pride in their community and it shows."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities. "Excellent little family camping site. Well maintained, super clean restrooms," writes one reviewer. Another notes, "Perfect woodsy campsite" with a "clubhouse 9 am - 9 pm (TV, couch, dining tables, fridge, microwave, board games) deck with public BBQ area."
Consider off-season stays: Summer crowds can make the camping experience challenging. "We went in mid March on a Thursday and the place was at capacity," reported one family at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, suggesting booking well ahead or visiting during shoulder seasons.
Bring bicycles: Limited space within parks makes bikes ideal for kids. One parent at San Francisco RV Resort mentioned, "Our group stayed here in early August of 2017. This RV resort gets packed!! Thank goodness we brought the kids' bikes!!"
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing matters: Cotillion Gardens RV Park can be challenging to navigate. "Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once you're at your site you can relax," notes one RVer. Arriving during daylight hours makes navigation easier.
Extension cords and hoses: Several RVers mentioned needing extra length for hookups. One camper at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort wrote, "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot."
Consider size restrictions: Most Bay Area parks have tight spacing between sites. "Sites can get a bit tight, but there are definitely some gems hidden in the redwoods," notes a camper at Cotillion Gardens RV Park, suggesting calling ahead to discuss your specific RV dimensions.
