Best Camping near Walnut Creek, CA

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Walnut Creek, CA has a lot to offer. Walnut Creek is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Walnut Creek camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Walnut Creek, CA (151)

    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    1. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    25 Reviews
    63 Photos
    618 Saves
    Castro Valley, California

    Anthony Chabot Family Campground, overlooking Lake Chabot, is a year-round getaway only 35 minutes from downtown Oakland and Oakland International Airport. The campground features 53 drive-to tent campsites, 10 walk-to tent campsites, and 12 RV/trailer campsites with full hookups (sewer, water, and 30 amp electrical). All sites have a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Restrooms include hot showers. Firewood and charcoal are available for purchase. The campground provides access to miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, along with fishing at nearby Lake Chabot.

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park features seven group camps ranging in capacity from 35 to 300 campers, reservations required (a minimum of 9 people to use the group campsites). All group camps include picnic tables, BBQ, fire ring, water, and chemical/vault toilets. Equestrian camping is available by reservation at Bort Meadow Group Camp. For reservations, call 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2. Group campsites cannot be reserved online.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    3. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    154 Photos
    20 Saves
    Lagunitas, California

    Creekside Loop (sites 1-25)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Picnic Table
    • Showers
    • Toilets

    $225 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park

    4. Skyline Wilderness Park

    23 Reviews
    65 Photos
    327 Saves
    Napa, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    5. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    49 Photos
    764 Saves
    Sausalito, California

    Overview

    Kirby Cove is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge at historic Battery Kirby. Visitors are awarded breathtaking views of San Francisco, its famous Golden Gate Bridge, and the rugged Pacific Coast of northern California. Please note: The parking area for the campground is a short walk from the campsites, so RV or car camping is not allowed at Kirby Cove Campground.

    Recreation

    Hiking, picnicking and taking in the beautiful views from Kirby Cove are among the park's most popular activities. Visitors also enjoy exploring Battery Kirby, a historic army battery in use from 1898-1934. The Point Bonita Lighthouse and Nike Missile Site SF-88 are also close to the campsite.

    Natural Features

    Kirby Cove offers a coarse-sand beach with spectacular views - when it's not foggy - of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and northern San Francisco, including the historic Presidio. The cove is nestled at the foot of the craggy Marin Headlands and has beach access. A steep, mile-long trail to the cove begins at the parking area above Battery Spencer on Conzelman Road. The path descends through a stately grove of Monterey, cypress, pine and Blue Gum eucalyptus. Coastal sage and colorful Lupine dot the hillsides. Temperatures are mild year-round. Expect lows from 50-55 degrees and highs from 60-65. Fog is prevalent in the summer months from May-Sept. It is best to bring clothing that can be layered. Lightweight summer clothes are rarely comfortable to wear at Kirby Cove.

    Nearby Attractions

    The San Francisco Bay Area has no shortage of fun and interesting things to do and see. Awe-inspiring Muir Woods National Monument, with its old-growth coastal redwood forest and numerous hiking trails, is just a 20-minute drive from Kirby Cove. Mount Tamalpais State Park, with hiking and sweeping views of the Bay Area, is another 10 minutes past Muir Woods. Downtown San Francisco offers a myriad of restaurants, shops, museums and tourist attractions. Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island and Chinatown are popular destinations. Visitors love riding San Francisco's world famous cable cars up and down the city's hilly streets.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (415) 331-1540.

    Charges & Cancellations

    The Kirby Cove Day Use Site must be cancelled or modified more than 14 days before your check-in date otherwise it will be considered a late cancellation. You may also refer to Recreation.gov's Rules & Reservation Policies.__To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Del Valle Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Del Valle Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Del Valle Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Del Valle Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Del Valle Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Del Valle Regional Park

    6. Del Valle Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    57 Photos
    239 Saves
    Livermore, California

    Del Valle campgrounds will be closed until further notice, due to storm damage.

    Deep in a valley framed by oak-covered hills, with sailboats and sailboards skimming over its waters, Del Valle is like a lakeside resort only 10 miles south of Livermore.

    The centerpiece of the park is a lake five miles long with a variety of water-oriented recreation, from swimming to windsurfing and boating, surrounded by 4,395 acres of beautiful land for hiking, horseback riding, and nature study. Del Valle also is the eastern gateway to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, 28 miles of scenic back-country trail.

    Family Campground: The Del Valle Family Campground has 150 sites (two accessible), 21 of them with water and sewage, and electrical hook-ups (120 volt, 50 and 30 amp). The sites are served by centrally located toilets and shower facilities.

    Group camps: There are several group campsites for groups of 11 people or more.

    Equestrian camps: The Little Chaparral horse camp area has 4 small paddocks. The reservation of one paddock includes space for 1-2 horses, 4 people maximum, and parking for one trailer and rig only. Equestrian groups should reserve the Caballo Loco equestrian group camp as Little Chaparral is not designed for group use. Please note that horses are not allowed in developed areas of the park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Brannan Island State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brannan Island State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brannan Island State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brannan Island State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brannan Island State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brannan Island State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    8. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    26 Reviews
    92 Photos
    1057 Saves
    Half Moon Bay, California

    Francis Beach has a campground with 52 individual sites, some suitable for tent camping, others for trailers or recreational vehicles. Some campsites have electrical hookups. Water and sewer hookups are not available, but there is a dump station ($10 fee) and a water filling station. Rental RV’s are not allowed to be dropped off or picked up from the park. Coin-operated hot showers are also available. (approximately 2 minutes per quarter)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $165 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

    9. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

    9 Reviews
    21 Photos
    260 Saves
    Tiburon, California

    In the middle of San Francisco Bay sits Angel Island State Park, offering spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais. The island is also alive with history. Three thousand years ago the island was a fishing and hunting site for Coastal Miwok Indians. It was later a haven for Spanish explorer Juan de Ayala, a cattle ranch, and a U.S. Army post. From 1910 to 1940, the island processed thousands of immigrants. During World War II, Japanese and German POWs were held on the island, which was also used as a jumping-off point for American soldiers returning from the Pacific. In the '50s and '60s, the island was home to a Nike missile base. Today, there are two active Coast Guard stations - at Point Blunt and Point Stuart - on the island. Angel Island became a State Park in 1958.

    CAMPSITES

    11 environmental, including an ADA site (each site accommodating up to 8 people) and a kayak-accessible site (holds up to 20 people).

    For more information contact the rangers office: 415-435-5390

    Please check in with the park staff upon arrival on the island.

    Be prepared to carry and/or transport your equipment up to 2.5 miles. Some sections are uphill, total elevation gain may be over 300 feet. Tables, food-lockers, running water, pit-toilets, and a barbecue are located at each site.

    Bring charcoal or a stove as no wood fires are allowed. Raccoons are active making food-locker storage very important. Travel on the island after sunset is prohibited in some areas for park security and public safety.

    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Market

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    10. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    60 Photos
    489 Saves
    Stinson Beach, California

    S Rav Camp Area (sites E1-E7)

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $25 - $100 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 151 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Walnut Creek

Recent Reviews in Walnut Creek

680 Reviews of 151 Walnut Creek Campgrounds


  • Ben W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Juniper Campground — Mount Diablo State Park
    Nov. 28, 2024

    Juniper Campground — Mount Diablo State Park

    Hot as hell in the summer

    Insanely hot in the summer, I would recommend not going in July like we did. It was 104° or something and I was just drenching my clothes in water to stay cool.

    The hike is pretty nice to the summit from there.

    Lots of free water and there's free showers too which is awesome, but don't use the stinky toilet at the top there's way better ones around the bottom area.

    They have food lockers, not bear lockers, and ours was broken one time so have a solid backup plan, the raccoons are very intelligent and they come out at night so be prepared for that.

    BRING SHOWER SHOES AND SOAP UR GOING TO WANT IT

  • Michell C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
    Nov. 25, 2024

    Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    Very nice beach camping spot

    The atmosphere here is wonderful. It’s quiet and right on the beach. Some RV spaces with hookups back right up to the sand/vegetation. Bathrooms and showers on site. We stayed in a spot without hookups and it was $35 per night. Gate staff was friendly and helpful. No dogs allowed in the beach in the park but a short walk away there is a public beach that is dog friendly, so that was nice for our doggo.

  • michael D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
    Nov. 19, 2024

    Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

    We liked this extremely clean and well maintained Park.

    We stayed here for 12 days while visiting relatives in the Bay area. This campground, while in the heart of Fremont, feels remote and safe in spite of being close to town. Sites are not huge, but arranged in such a way as to feel private. It is in the Coyote hills regional Park. There are many many trails for hiking and biking, and wildlife is plentiful. Our RV is small and we used the showers and bathrooms quite a bit. They are cleaned daily and we're always in great shape. The laundry is run by an outside organization, and the change machine was always empty, but everything worked well.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
    Nov. 17, 2024

    H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    Good free overnight parking for our 30ft rv

    Good spot to spend the night. Rocked up at around 8pm, pretty busy at least 10 other vans and rvs there for the night. Couple of food vendors, great view of Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Weren’t hassled at all, left around 9am.

  • Luke D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco RV Resort
    Nov. 5, 2024

    San Francisco RV Resort

    Great Spot!!!!

    I’m very confused by the boojie negative reviews, what do you expect?

    This is an absolutely great spot! Restrooms and showers are clean and the staff is great. Will be back often.

    Not a far drive to the city either. Price is higher than other places but this close to the city with all of the amenities a pretty good deal.

  • Günter S.
    Camper-submitted photo from French Camp Recreational Vehicle Park
    Oct. 25, 2024

    French Camp Recreational Vehicle Park

    Camp Site doesnt accsist!

    The coordinate given are Not valid. It is a residential area and not an RV nore an campsite! Reservation per phone with none refondable possibility. Be carefull! Dont book!

  • Adrian J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Solano County Park
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Lake Solano County Park

    Great County Park

    This is an excellent and straightforward country park. It feels like a state park.

    They have hookups and also dry camping. The better spots are near the water.

    Contrary to other posts, they take walkups. It is just on the website it requires 2 weeks out.

  • Cloey J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Skyline Wilderness Park

    Beautiful location

    Beautiful view we were in campsite 40. A beautiful view of vineyards and the sunset and people riding their horses. So calm and beautiful and so many activities here to do. Also there is showers, bathrooms, and hookups, we love this place. Only 8 mins from downtown Napa

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Olema Campground

    Spacious and Accommodating

    We visited this park earlier this spring. Yes it was wet, but we didn't mind. Liked the spaces and layout so much...we are going back this fall. Plus we love that whole area.

    However, DYRT got some info wrong. While there are plenty of full hookup spaces for RVs, there are no pull thru sites. Only back in for trailers and drive-in for coaches. Many tent camping spaces and RV spaces w/just water and power. The folks are friendly and helpful.

    M.R.

  • Carly C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
    Oct. 6, 2024

    H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    Great location

    Great location overlooking the city, has facilities like toilets and drinking fountains. Very busy when I was here on a Saturday night with locals, tourists and Mexican street vendors. Can’t complain because it’s free and close to the city

  • Izzy H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores)
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores)

    Overnight stay

    I got there after they closed (closes at 5pm.) But there's a number to call that was posted for after hours. A camper in front of me had already called and someone arrived within minutes. They were very helpful and friendly. I got a beautiful spot secluded from everyone. I loved it! Just me and nature. I played some music dance by myself as if nobody was watching.

  • Mouni The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
    Sep. 24, 2024

    H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    Rest Stop

    I’m not sure that this can be considered established or even legal camping since it is a rest stop. The location is awesome considering it’s right beside of the Golden State Bridge, but it also makes it a popular spot for a lot of people to hang out at and watch the sunset and other tourist attractions and even local activity.

  • Sean Z.
    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Great time inconvenienced by yellow jackets

    We love to camp here for barbecuing, mountain biking and hiking. We always do it during 7/4 holidays except for this year when the park canceled our reservation due to high heat. So we booked for the Labor Day weekend. Temperature was perfect and biking and hiking were enjoyable as usual. This year we had two new types of visitors to the the site. A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground. We were able to take a closeup look at them and they were beautiful birds with big eyes spotting tiny bits of crumbs. They come and go from one site to the next quietly and gently. Very cute and we took pictures with their presence. Then came the aggressive yellow jackets. We never had yellow jackets in our previous 7/4 outings here. Oh boy, they fought for the meat relentlessly. At the end of the outing, both my finger and my wife’s were stung. We reported the experience to the attendant at the gate when leaving. She said the park is looking for a solution. In the meantime, she suggested contacting them early on so they might be able to provide another site. Hopefully, next year, we won’t encounter so many nasties.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    Beloved Sam Taylor’s - Just Get Ready for Camping Virgins and Kooks

    Everything about the campground is GREAT. The location is CLASSIC. West Marin is BEAUTIFUL.

    And for families who want a quick trip over Golden Gate Bridge to introduce their children (or adults!) to the great outdoors, their first camp, nowhere is more convenient and instantly gratifying. 

    However! You are going to probably experience some of the most ridiculous first-time campers with no sense of camping etiquette you have ever met in your life. I put up with it, for kids—- and now I have great stories— but I’d never go back as an experienced camper. 

    Example A: Finally things quiet down and everyone is asleep, 2 or 3 am. A woman starts SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER, every single headlamp comes on, other people start screaming too, thinking it’s a bear attack. The ranger, where the F are they? 

    We literally WALKED OVER toward the screaming banshee, that went on for a few bloodcurdling minutes. Do you know what we found? This complete nincompoop was surprised when we stooped down to her tent and said, “What’s going on?”

    She was defiant, and her “companion” looked dazed. She said, “I just had a bad dream, what’s the big deal?” 

    I said, “Well, you can’t do that here, if that’s what it is. You’re going to have to stay up the rest of the night, to make sure you’re not screaming, or leave now. You just devastated  about 200 people, and children are crying everywhere, thinking there’s a bear.” (Not). 

    I think Sam T should have a big sign that says, “This is not Spring Break. This is not a place to work out your family trauma. This is not a garbage fight. This is not your narcissistic b.s.” 

    You might think, “oh just one bad time.” Well, that was the ultimate, but no, i went there dozens of times because the Kidds loved it, and we could live in SF and start camping in about a half hour. 

    Okay, now I feel like a curmudgeon. More good people who know how to camp SHOULD camp here, because peer pressure and good community is the only thing that works. I did my time ! now it’s up to you!

  • Martin L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Olema Campground

    Great getaway spot

    Ok, I was originally hoping for a cabin, which is included in my search, but this CG is either tent or RV only. Luckily, I also brought a tent.

    I was there 2 weeks ago. It's a fairly large area and flat. Lots of space for kids to play including a play area.

    Sheep roam freely in one area towards the back.

    It's a great place for families. Showers are great. Includes a small shop for goodies.

    I love it there. Only negative is there are only portapotties. Except for a couple that are constantly in use.

  • Denise G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Aug. 23, 2024

    San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    Busy and expensive but great for kids

    Wow! This place is busy and expensive. We stopped at this KOA because it was a good halfway point for us heading to the Redwoods. This KOA offers a variety of activities that cater to children, such as petting zoos, jumping pillows, climbing walls, and pools, which are excellent for keeping the young ones engaged and entertained. To me it was overcrowded and the firepits were so close to the RV’s I was afraid it would set my neighbors RV on fire, or our neighbor was going to set ours on fire. For those without children (like us), the bustling environment might be overwhelming, but it also provides an opportunity to enjoy the lively atmosphere.

  • Kim W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from French Camp RV Park and Golf Course
    Aug. 22, 2024

    French Camp RV Park and Golf Course

    Quiet, clean and great dog parks!

    I believe a lot of the people here are full-time. It’s a super sweet RV resort. It is very well-maintained, nicely landscaped, and they have some great dog parks. I came in after hours and the person managing the campground was kind enough to open up the office and get a space for me.

  • h
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanborn County Park
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Sanborn County Park

    Great hideaway for Saratoga

    Nothing fancy but very nice park for tent camping, RVs. Electric and water included in price. The park gates are locked at sundown but they give you the combination (the combo changed routinely). Free open WiFi is provided but recommend a security app just to be safe. The Mountain Winery is 2 miles from the park, fantastic views and they host concerts all the time.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Benicia State Recreation Area
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Benicia State Recreation Area

    Not a campground - enroute spot only

    This is just a perfect spot for when you just need a spot for the night. To be very clear, it's not a campground. It's just a safe and legal spot to sleep. We stayed here 3 years ago and nothing much has changed, including the $12 fee.

    The area is beautiful and lots of people come here to walk and exercise, and once I took my dog on a walk I saw why nobody brings their dog - TICKS! So many!  Just from walking along the path, not even going into the grass, my dog got 6 ticks once and 5 ticks another  walk. 

    My previous review is still accurate, except that now all 3 sites are open. Glad this place is under the radar, it's nice that there's been room here for us when we've needed it.


Drive Time


Guide to Walnut Creek

Camping near Walnut Creek, California, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. 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 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.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for wildlife at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "We were harassed by cute little chipmunks and birds that didn’t seem too intimidated by humans."
  • Beach Activities: Enjoy the sun and surf at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground. One camper noted, "Campsites are right by the beach," perfect for swimming and beachcombing.

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 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "Showers and toilets looked clean," which is always a plus.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families enjoy the amenities at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. One parent said, "This place is busy and expensive... but great for kids," highlighting the fun activities available.

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campsites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Lawson's Landing noted, "By the end of the week, the place fills with families and large groups."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. One camper at Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park mentioned, "There are no hookups," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. A visitor shared, "We had two new types of visitors... aggressive yellow jackets," so keep food secured.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities. One parent at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA said, "The pool was great during the oven-like temperatures," making it a hit for families.
  • Check Site Sizes: Some campsites can be small. A camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground mentioned, "Not much space to pitch a larger size tent," so plan accordingly.
  • Bring Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A reviewer at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground suggested, "Riding your bike or walking along the path toward town for a well-earned brunch should definitely reach the top of your to-do list."

Tips from RVers:

  • Choose the Right Site: Look for pull-through sites for easier access. A visitor at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "Most spots are pull-through and ours was super clean."
  • Check for Hookups: Make sure your campground has the necessary hookups. One camper at Skyline Wilderness Park noted, "It’s good for an RV park type setting."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during busy weekends. A reviewer at Lawson's Landing said, "Most people have RVs so the generators start early," so plan your stay accordingly.

Camping near Walnut Creek, California, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions