This article about Oakland camping is brought to you by Wenzel. Their reliable camping tents & accessories will have you prepared to explore these gorgeous California campgrounds.
Are you looking for the best Oakland camping spots? You’re in luck. Oakland is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, coastal ranges, and rugged mountaintops. In every direction, you’ll find destinations for all kinds of adventurers. No matter what you’re looking for, these six Oakland camping spots will fill your heart and renew your soul.
The Best Spots for Oakland Camping
1. Samuel Taylor State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Joseph F.
The Samuel P. Taylor State Park campground is 30 miles northeast of Oakland, in the redwoods. The campground has sites for tents and RVs, including hike-in and equestrian sites. Amenities include fire rings, flush toilets, and showers. Camping in Samuel P. Taylor State Park is like stepping back in time. You’re right in the middle of a gorgeous redwood forest with shaded canopies. There are miles of hiking trails featuring old growths, rolling hills, and panoramic views. You may also spot black-tailed deer or gray foxes. For a leisurely stroll, check out the campground’s multi-use path along Lagunitas Creek.
“One of the most beautiful campgrounds in the state is literally just outside the city. Campsites are well maintained and under beautiful and huge trees. It was lovely to wake up in the morning and not have to go far to spend time in Point Reyes or Mt. Tamalpais. Being that it is so close to the city, I would avoid this spot on major weekends or holidays. Lots of hiking and biking usually but the bike trail is under construction now.” – Hayley K.
Campground Details:
- Price: $7-35
- Number of sites: 51
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Lori T.
The Anthony Chabot Regional Park campground is a mere 15 miles from the city, making it the perfect destination for a weekend retreat. The campground has standard tent sites, walk-in sites, and full-hookup RV sites. Amenities include fire rings, flush toilets, and showers. The campground overlooks Lake Chabot, with a short trail that leads to the lake’s shore. You can also hike or bike any of the campground’s several other trails. The lake is great for largemouth bass and rainbow trout. And the adjoining marina offers boat rentals. With more than 3,000 acres of natural scenery, you’ll never be bored.
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“Anthony Chabot Campgrounds sits high up on the Castro Valley Hills overlooking Lake Chabot. There are several awesome hiking trails going down to the lake as well as some equestrian trails. The hiking trails go around the lake. Lake Chabot has a marina that rents boats for recreational use and fishing. They have tent and RV campsites, but no RV hookups.” – Ed E.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25-45
- Number of sites: 75
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper John
The Sugarloaf Ridge State Park campground is 65 miles north of Oakland, at the headwaters of Sonoma Creek. The campground has sites for tents and RVs up to 28 feet, with Wi-Fi, flush toilets, and showers. If you can’t get a reservation, they have a first-come-first-served system. Every morning at 10 a.m., they hold 12 spots open for phone reservations. Hike the 25 miles of trails and enjoy the local wildlife. Take in the wide gorge, canyon, and hillside views, or take advantage of the scheduled events. No matter what you do, you’re going to love the peaceful atmosphere of Sugarloaf Ridge.
“The views to the front of us were amazing! Then right behind us there was an incredible never ending hill covered in ferns and tall trees, and grey fox dens! We had a ton of shade and enough sun to warm up. You can walk to a trail to check out a waterfall from there (pretty darn steep!) and you can walk to the Robert Ferguson Observatory as well! It is an amazing campground with gorgeous sites and hikes. They have everything you need for a great weekend!” – Syd D.
Campground Details:
- Price: $35-45
- Number of sites: 47
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Skyline Wilderness Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Rachael F.
The Skyline Wilderness Park campground is about an hour north of Oakland, in the foothills of Napa Valley. The campground has tent and RV sites, as well as equestrian sites. Amenities include electric and water hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a dog park. With more than 25 miles of trails, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to soak up the scenery of rolling hills and vineyards surrounding you. Check out the campground’s native habitat garden or take advantage of the archery and disc golf ranges. Skyline is a great place to pack up the family and enjoy a weekend of outdoor fun.
“We only stayed overnight the staff was very friendly, lots of stuff to do around the campsite from hiking, mtb, watch horses, frisbee golf and then you have napa where you can get wine, brewery, and restaurants that’s only 5 minutes away. Would definitely be back here again.” – Filipino Jack T.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25-35
- Number of sites: 39
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Sanborn County Park
If you drive an hour in the other direction, you’ll find the Sanborn County Park campground. There are seasonal hike-in tent sites and year-round drive-in sites for RVs up to 30 feet. Amenities include electric and water hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. The secluded 4,000-acre park is nestled in the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz mountains. There are more than 22 miles of hiking trails to enjoy and the campground features an amphitheater where the Silicon Valley Shakespeare festival is held every year. Sanborn County offers a quiet retreat where you can get away from the city bustle and unwind for a few days.
“Great walk-in campground so close to home in the South Bay Area (albeit walk is slightly uphill). Some campgrounds have tables and others don’t – some are too close to others but the higher up hill, you’re closer to the trail heads. The campground is just past a public park and sometimes on Saturday’s (like our trip was), there is an outdoor wedding at part of the park (you can only faintly hear the celebration). Overall, perfect for even just a 12 hour getaway.” – Ellice O.
Campground Details:
- Price: $18-44
- Number of sites: 33
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA
The San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA is 45 miles northwest of Oakland, within reach of Napa Valley. The campground has tent and RV sites with tons of amenities. You get full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry, a pool, a climbing wall, a dog park, and bike rentals. Take advantage of the scheduled games and events, or roam the beautiful grounds and enjoy the scenery. Just off the KOA grounds, you’ll find more things to do: breweries, vineyards, redwood forests, and sandy beaches. San Francisco KOA has so much to offer, you’ll never run out of things to do. It’s the perfect place to enjoy outdoor fun with the whole family.
“A nice KOA close to Petaluma with great facilities. We took advantage of doing some laundry and having a hot shower. This KOA also offered all sorts of amenities for families including a small petting zoo, a pool, playground areas, and more. Sites were fairly close together and offered little privacy but overall it was a great place to recharge and get organized.” – Kelsey L.
Campground Details:
- Price: $54-126
- Number of sites: 307
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Whether you want a quiet weekend retreat or a rugged outdoor adventure, these Oakland camping spots will leave you feeling renewed for a long time to come.
This article about Oakland camping is brought to you by Wenzel. Wenzel’s gear is perfect for any budget-minded camper who wants to be ready to get out of the city.
