Best Campgrounds near Strawberry, CA

Join the fun near Strawberry. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Strawberry, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Strawberry, California (133)

    1. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Lagunitas, CA
    15 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
    4 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. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    7 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."

    4. Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    5 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.  "

    "Don't let the fact that it's behind a ranger station fool you-- they clock out by 10pm, and if you have an issue after that, good luck."

    5. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    11 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    4 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
    5 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. Marin RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Larkspur, CA
    4 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."

    8. Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 331-1540

    $25 / night

    "All three sites here are next to each other and have no seperation, but if you’re okay with that it’s a wonderful place to camp Site 3 is closest to the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the trails connected"

    "It has great hiking nearby and an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city, and is a short drive into the city. you definitely want to reserve a space well in advance, especially during peak"

    9. Olema Campground

    24 Reviews
    Olema, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 663-8106

    "Nice place to eat within walking distance but make reservations on a weekend. WiFi. Showers. Spots are close together but the drive here is amazing. Openings on a Saturday night."

    "Near Pt. Reyes National Seashore.  One complaint was they weed whipped the sites next to us rather then mow.  Very loud."

    10. Haypress Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Muir Beach, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 331-1540

    $25 - $75 / night

    "The tent pads (a flat sandy area surrounded by wood beams) were fairly small - maybe 10' x 10'.  Each site had a picnic table and a large metal food locker.  "

    "This campground is about a 0.75 mile hike from the Tennessee Valley trail head. Very limited number of sites, so you’ll definitely need a reservation. No fires."

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Showing results 1-10 of 133 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Strawberry, CA

846 Reviews of 133 Strawberry Campgrounds



Guide to Strawberry

Camping near Strawberry, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around the area. Many campers rave about the local hikes, with one reviewer from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground saying, "Hiking through the forest felt like you were walking through a scene from Fern Gully."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Anthony Chabot Regional Park mentioned, "We were able to take a closeup look at wild turkeys... very cute and we took pictures with their presence."
  • Beach Activities: If you're near the coast, enjoy beachcombing and swimming. A camper at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground shared, "The campsites are right by the beach... wonderful trail along the beach line."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the breathtaking views. One reviewer at Kirby Cove Campground said, "The views of the Golden Gate and the city are breathtaking."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment. A visitor at Steep Ravine Campground noted, "It is the quintessential California coastal campsite."
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Campgrounds like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offer activities for kids, with one parent mentioning, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun :)"

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have basic facilities. A camper at Olema Campground pointed out, "Only portapotties... except for a couple that are constantly in use."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A visitor at Lawson's Landing warned, "The site markers are on poles at the back of the sites... make sure you have the map oriented the correct way."
  • Weather Variability: The weather can change quickly. A camper at Mount Diablo State Park mentioned, "Nights were bearable in the high 50s... but felt like low 40s and slightly windy."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A reviewer at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA said, "This place is busy and expensive... but great for kids."
  • Pack Extra Supplies: Bring enough food and water, especially if facilities are limited. A camper at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground advised, "Showers were clean and spacious with great pressure and warm water."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone enjoys their stay. A visitor at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground mentioned, "You might experience some of the most ridiculous first-time campers... but I’d never go back as an experienced camper."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Anthony Chabot Regional Park noted, "Not all campsites at Sammy P. are the same size."
  • Bring a Lock for Food Storage: Secure your food to avoid wildlife encounters. A camper at Lawson's Landing said, "The food locker onsite is made of wood. Make sure you bring a pad lock."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A visitor at Mount Diablo State Park shared, "No power but water nearby."

Camping near Strawberry, California, can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Strawberry Campground located in California?

Strawberry Campground is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, in Tuolumne County. It's situated along Highway 108, approximately 4.5 miles east of Pinecrest Lake and about 30 minutes east of Sonora. The campground sits at an elevation of around 5,700 feet, nestled among pine trees and near the South Fork of the Stanislaus River. For comparison, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground in Sonoma County is at a lower elevation of around 1,200 feet, while Anthony Chabot Regional Park in the Bay Area sits at about 1,000 feet elevation.

When is the best season to go camping in Strawberry, California?

The prime camping season in Strawberry runs from late May through early October, with July and August offering the warmest temperatures and most reliable weather. Due to its 5,700-foot elevation, the area experiences significant seasonal changes. Snow typically closes the campground from November through April. Late spring brings wildflowers but can still have cool nights. Early fall offers beautiful colors with fewer crowds but cooler temperatures. This seasonal pattern differs from coastal locations like Westside Regional Park, which remains milder year-round. For those seeking year-round camping options, Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa offers accessibility during winter months when Strawberry is typically closed due to snow.

What amenities are available at Strawberry Campground in California?

Strawberry Campground offers basic but functional amenities for a comfortable camping experience. The campground features vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. There are no electric hookups or shower facilities available. Sites are spacious enough for tents and some can accommodate smaller RVs and trailers. Similar to Bodega Dunes Campground, the sites offer some privacy with natural vegetation between them. For campers seeking more amenities, Half Moon Bay RV Park offers full hookups, showers, and other conveniences, though with less of the natural forest setting that Strawberry Campground provides.

What recreational activities can you do near Strawberry, CA camping areas?

The Strawberry area offers abundant outdoor recreation options. Fishing is excellent in the nearby Stanislaus River and at Pinecrest Lake, which also allows swimming and boating. Hikers can explore numerous trails including the Strawberry Loop Trail and connections to the Pacific Crest Trail. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing opportunities abound in the surrounding Stanislaus National Forest. In winter, nearby Dodge Ridge offers skiing. Similar to activities at Spring Lake Regional Park, water recreation is popular during summer months. For coastal alternatives, Wright's Beach Campground offers beachcombing and tide pooling rather than the mountain activities found near Strawberry.