Best Camping near Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Are you in need of a campground near Golden Gate National Recreation Area, CA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Golden Gate National Recreation Area, CA (135)

    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

    1. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    154 Photos
    16 Saves

    Creekside Loop (sites 1-25)

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

    $35 - $225 / night

    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

    2. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    49 Photos
    759 Saves

    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 Rocky Point Steep Ravine - Mt Tamalpais State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Steep Ravine - Mt Tamalpais State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Steep Ravine - Mt Tamalpais State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Steep Ravine - Mt Tamalpais State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Steep Ravine - Mt Tamalpais State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Steep Ravine - Mt Tamalpais State Park

    3. Rocky Point Steep Ravine - Mt Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    60 Photos
    486 Saves

    S Rav Camp Area (sites E1-E7)

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

    $25 - $100 / night

    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

    4. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    25 Reviews
    63 Photos
    610 Saves

    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 Olema Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground

    5. Olema Campground

    22 Reviews
    30 Photos
    337 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Pantoll Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pantoll Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pantoll Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pantoll Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pantoll Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pantoll Campground

    6. Pantoll Campground

    13 Reviews
    62 Photos
    335 Saves

    Enroute campsites are available to self-contained camping vehicles for 1 night only. Because these areas are used as parking you must enter after 6 p.m. and leave them by 9 a.m. the following morning.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Half Moon Bay State Beach - Francis
    Camper-submitted photo from Half Moon Bay State Beach - Francis
    Camper-submitted photo from Half Moon Bay State Beach - Francis
    Camper-submitted photo from Half Moon Bay State Beach - Francis
    Camper-submitted photo from Half Moon Bay State Beach - Francis
    Camper-submitted photo from Half Moon Bay State Beach - Francis

    7. Half Moon Bay State Beach - Francis

    25 Reviews
    87 Photos
    1042 Saves

    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

    $35 - $165 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Camp - Point Reyes NS
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Camp - Point Reyes NS
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Camp - Point Reyes NS
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Camp - Point Reyes NS
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Camp - Point Reyes NS
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Camp - Point Reyes NS

    8. Wildcat Camp - Point Reyes NS

    14 Reviews
    71 Photos
    216 Saves

    This recreation area is part of Eastman Lake

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    9. San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    28 Reviews
    33 Photos
    196 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise - Angel Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise - Angel Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise - Angel Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise - Angel Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise - Angel Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise - Angel Island State Park

    10. Sunrise - Angel Island State Park

    9 Reviews
    21 Photos
    259 Saves

    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.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $30 - $40 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 135 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Recent Reviews In Golden Gate National Recreation Area

829 Reviews of 135 Golden Gate National Recreation Area Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park
    Oct. 20, 2024

    Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park

    Good spot for power+shower+refresh.

    This was some “glamping” for us. We’re in a van with no consistent onboard power or water, so we do a night or two out and a night at a site with more amenities. This was a perfect stop driving south on the 1 after the previous night remote on the coast and a planned need for StarLink with power source. Park is clean and well-organized, if tight, and the bathrooms are super clean and door-coded, with included hot showers. Right on the marina, fun if you enjoy harbor/boating scenery, and good food within walking distance. No way - that I found - to reserve online, but a phone call at 9am on a Saturday was returned within 10 minutes and got it done. Range of big rigs to camper vans, easy access and enough room to negotiate into spots. Very welcoming, safe, laid back environment.

  • 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.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bodega Dunes Campground at Sonoma Coast State Park
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Bodega Dunes Campground at Sonoma Coast State Park

    Quiet Spot Along the Spectacular Sonoma Coast

    Have you been over to Bodega Bay?  I think you'd like it there.  Our friends sure know us well!  While the town doesn’t look much different than when it appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds”, the cafes in the village have definitely upped their game. 

    Bodega Dunes State Park is a great way to experience the area without the same activity and noise in the camp grounds down closer to the water. The campsite loops wind through the coastal Live Oak and Bishop Pine trees and provide some privacy in between sites in some areas, though some sites are right on top of each other.

    They are generally smaller pull-in sites geared more toward tents, vans, and small travel trailers. There are just a handful of sites that can accommodate bigger RVs.  Many of the sites have decent open sky resources for solar power and satellite internet, though many in the lower areas had standing water and torn up asphalt pads from the heavy rains the last couple of years.

    The bathrooms were clean and comfortable with flush toilets and warm showers (coin operated). My only complaint about the bathrooms is that there weren’t quite enough for the demand, in my opinion, but a few port-o-potties might help offset that during the busy season. 

    Hiking among the sand dunes and along the beach provide some really stunning scenery. Reaching the beach, you’ll find as much coastal sand as you can handle with miles and miles of it to yourself. The water, which is normally pretty cold year round, can also be pretty rough for swimming.

    A short drive away is the gorgeous Bodega Head Trail which winds up along the headland and offers amazing scenery. It’s sort of like a small Point Reyes National Seashore, but much easier to get to.

    Bodega Bay has a couple of small grocery stores, gas stations, and more than a few restaurants to meet nearly any craving.  The area is known for its Dungeness Crab Harvest, so be sure to check that out when it's in season!

  • 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

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bodega Dunes Campground at Sonoma Coast State Park
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Bodega Dunes Campground at Sonoma Coast State Park

    Clean campground

    There is upward of 90 sites, many are for just tents and are on sand with fire pit. I have our travel trailer there and are the site # in the 70's and are on a asphalt pad, which makes it cleaner and level. Down side would be close to a road and traffic during day, but at night very quiet except for fog horn which is no big deal. The beach walks and adventuring the coast and local fair makes it all worth it. Water and dump station available, not at campsites but at entry of park

  • Emma R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

    Close to wine country

    Lovely campsite with very sweet camp hosts. Always waved when they drove by.

    Chose site 17 because of the beautiful tree seen in another review but was felled prior to our arrival, so no big tree. We did however get a beautiful view of the stars.

    Two things to note, some of the sites (didn’t look like all of them had this issue) have an incredibly fine dusty dirt that gets on absolutely everything, it made our feet, legs and sandals completely beige from the dust and we had to wipe them with wet wipes before going into our tent and tracked a fair amount into our car upon leaving.

    The other thing we were disappointed with was that we had to pay for showers on top of already paying over $50 for our site for one night, we felt that was a pretty big con and that it should be included in the fees.

    Overall, you can’t get closer to the wineries and it was an otherwise lovely site.

  • 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.

  • Brandon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bodega Bay RV Park
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Bodega Bay RV Park

    Quiet place to work during the week

    Very enjoyable stay. The park is clean,quiet and there’s a few trails that take you to the Beach. It’s about a 30 min walk but an easy one. Theres electric, cable and water at the pole. The sewer is up near the entrance. All in all a nice peaceful retreat. I work remote and have had meetings all week. No issues with Verizon or T mobile Hot spots.

  • 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.

  • Tyler S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Camp - Point Reyes NS
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Wildcat Camp - Point Reyes NS

    Hike-in Costal Camping

    This is an awesome spot, the hike out was absolutely gorgeous. We accessed it from the Palomarin trailhead. Beware, the costal weather can be volatile and you could get flash rain. Also, I highly recommend planning your visit with the sunny weather because it’s easy to pick a day that has endless overcast here, and it’s just not quite as much fun.

    Also be careful what campsite you reserve. Some are absolute gems off on the ocean bluff. Others are more inland and packed in

  • 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!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from La Bohemia
    Aug. 28, 2024

    La Bohemia

    Amazing Place

    Full Disclosure: I know the owner of the property and stayed at La Bohemia for free. 

    Nevertheless, this is an amazing spot.  The owner and his young daughter have done an amazing job restoring the forest and making a special place over the past few years.  It is a great getaway from everything.  No sign of any building insight.  

    I must admit, my favorite part was watching football on the large outdoor screen and eating BBQ by the campfire.  It was an amazing experience in an amazing place.

  • Gina D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

    Beautiful

    This rv site was awesome.It's quiet beautiful, lush green. Be aware tho. It's full of poison oak!!!! But yiu can get around it.
    There are no hook ups. But the sights are mostly shaded, so it was a great help and I did not go in a hot time of the year. They have good hours for use of generators as well We Brought our electric bikes and rode to the geyser in Calistoga and to multiple wineries It was a great way to travel

  • 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.

  • Michael I.
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake Regional Park
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Spring Lake Regional Park

    Lots of recreation options, but that also means busy.

    This campground is nice with newer bathrooms and shower facilities, but it's also very open and exposed. Great access to Spring Lake's water-based activities and hiking trails, plus easy access to Trione-Annadel State Park for hiking and mountain biking. Howarth Park, a city park, also borders Spring Lake Regional Park and provides access to boating and fishing on Lake Ralphine, plus they have a small train, carousel, tennis courts, and a softball field. Overall a good campsite for families in need of lots of recreation options, but not the best for those wishing to "get away from it all."

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
    Jul. 25, 2024

    H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    Great spot and free but really dirty

    The rest area was surprisingly quiet given its location. There was ample parking, and thankfully, the parking spots weren’t illuminated by bright street lamps, which was a nice touch considering we stopped her to sleep. However, the bathrooms were filthy during our stop, which was quite disappointing. Another downside was the lack of vending services; if you’re in need of caffeine or snacks, be sure to bring them along.

    An important point to note is that you can only access this rest area when traveling northbound off the bridge. If you miss it, you’ll have to cross the bridge again, which costs $9-10 each time you head south into San Francisco. This is a significant consideration for those planning their stops carefully.

    Also, cold here in the summer. Pack for fall weather.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Jul. 4, 2024

    San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    Great pool, nice RV park

    The pool was great during the oven like temperatures, the staff was very kind and the amenities were good and clean. Movies night every night, and shop for groceries on site.



Guide to Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Camping near Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California, offers a unique blend of stunning views, diverse wildlife, and a variety of campgrounds to suit different preferences. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking. We hiked Pioneer Tree Trail which was the perfect length for a novice hiker" at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground.
  • Beach Activities: Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground. A visitor shared, "Campsites are right by the beach. Wonderful trail along the beach line."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park noted, "A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views. A review from Kirby Cove Campground highlights, "The views of the Golden Gate and the city are breathtaking."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. One camper at Steep Ravine Campground said, "It was quiet and peaceful."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families enjoy the amenities. A visitor at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "This place is busy and expensive but great for kids," highlighting the various activities available.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have basic facilities. A camper at Olema Campground pointed out, "Only portapotties... except for a couple that are constantly in use."
  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One reviewer at Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park noted, "Nights were bearable in the high 50s, and by late night... felt like low 40s."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Raccoons and other animals can be persistent. A camper at Kirby Cove Campground advised, "The raccoons are persistent... secure everything."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. A visitor at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun."
  • Safety First: Ensure kids understand camping etiquette. One camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground shared a story about noisy neighbors, emphasizing the need for awareness.
  • Plan for Rain: Be ready for wet weather. A camper at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground noted, "Showers were clean and spacious with great pressure and warm water," which can be a relief after a rainy day.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your site. A camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground mentioned, "Not much space to pitch a larger size tent."
  • Bring Your Own Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have firewood or other essentials. A visitor at Anthony Chabot Regional Park suggested, "Make sure you bring a pad lock as there is no locking mechanism on the door."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Respect your neighbors. A camper at Lawson's Landing noted, "Most people have RVs so the generators start early."

Camping near Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature while being close to the city. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near Golden Gate National Recreation Area?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Golden Gate National Recreation Area is Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 51 reviews.

  • What parks are near Golden Gate National Recreation Area?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Golden Gate National Recreation Area that allow camping, notably Point Reyes National Seashore and Lake Sonoma.