Composed by Brad Lane Updated Mar 21, 2023 Excellent camping areas surround San Francisco, showcasing the Bay Area’s beautiful beach place. Couple of legal outdoor camping choices exist within the city, except the sought after Rob Hill group camping site in the Presidio, but the surrounding Bay Location is home to a varied amount of outdoor camping experiences.
Campgrounds are in every instructions from San Francisco. From walk-in websites in the Marin Headlands to family camping sites in the East Bay, these areas are available with less than an hour’s drive from the city, depending on traffic conditions. Other popular areas to camp near San Francisco consist of the Santa Cruz Mountains south of the city and numerous overnight alternatives up and down the coast.
Camping agencies likewise differ between camping sites, much like the scenery. City parks, regional parks, state parks, and the Golden Gate National Entertainment Location all have overnight choices near the city. Lodgings and logistics like bookings differ between these camping area operators. Nevertheless, one common quality in between all campgrounds is the sensation of escape from the pressure of the city.
For more concepts on how to escape the city, see our list of the best camping sites near San Francisco.
On This Page:
- 1. Kirby Cove Camping Area, Marin Headlands
- 2. Haypress Camping Site, Tennessee Valley
- 3. Back Ranch Meadows Camping Area, China Camp State Park
- 4. Francis Beach Camping Site, Half Moon Bay State Beach
- 5. Juniper Campground, Mount Diablo State Park Campground
- 6. Bootjack and Pantoll Campgrounds, Mount Tamalpais State Park
- 7. Rob Hill Camping Area, San Francisco Presidio
- 8. Anthony Chabot Household Camping Area, Anthony Chabot Regional Park
- 9. Angel Island Environmental Campsites, Angel Island State Park
- 10. Coast Camp, Point Reyes National Seaside
- 11. Samuel P. Taylor State Park
- 12. Portola Redwoods Camping Site, Portola Redwoods State Park
- 13. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
- 14. Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Map of Campgrounds near San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco, CA – Climate Chart
1. Kirby Cove Camping Area, Marin Headlands
Couple strolling on the beach in front of the Kirby Cove Campground This tucked-away camping area remains in the Marin Headlands at historic Battery Kirby, on the instant north side of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a relatively covert gem of a camping site, unidentified even by some locals of the city.
Kirby Cove belongs to the Golden Gate National Entertainment Area and its 5 offered sites are available from a service roadway leading straight down from the north side of the bridge. This proximity to the Golden Gate Bridge results in an unbeatable view spanning the bay, with the bridge prominently in focus.
The 5 sites at Kirby Cove can be reserved ahead of time, which is needed throughout the weekends between March and November. Each website accommodates up to 10 individuals, and each group requires to cram in their own water and materials. It’s a brief walk from the parking lot to the camping areas, and 3 cars are allowed per campsite.
An extra day-use picnic location at Kirby Cove can host as much as 35 people and must be reserved ahead of time.
To the west of Battery Kirby and Kirby Cove Camping area, closer to the Point Bonita Lighthouse, the Bicentennial Camping area offers three additional websites with similar lodgings. Both Kirby Cove and Bicentennial Camping area help with only tent outdoor camping.
Address: 948 Fort Barry, Sausalito, California
Official website: https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/kirby.htm
2. Haypress Camping Site, Tennessee Valley
Tennesee Valley near the Haypress Camping site|Photo Copyright: Brad Lane North of the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands, the Haypress Camping site has five
hike-in camping sites within the verdant Tennessee Valley. It’s a fairly flat, three-quarters-of-a-mile walking from the Tennessee Valley parking lot to reach the Haypress Campground. Each campsite accommodates four tents, and a single group can book the whole camping area. A vault toilet is available at the camping site, however every over night visitor needs to pack in their own water.
For a heartier hike-in campground in the Tennessee Valley, the Hawk Campground is also available from the parking lot with a three-mile walking. The Hawk Camping area has three sites with comparable lodgings. Both Haypress Camping Area and Hawk Camping area are complimentary to use and should be booked ahead of time.
Address: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California
Main website: https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/camping.htm
3. Back Ranch Meadows Campground, China Camp State Park
China Camp Town|Image Copyright: Brad Lane China Camp State Park is on the Marin County shoreline surrounding to the city of San Rafael. It lures beachgoers, history enthusiasts, and overnight campers. Indigenous cultures of the region very first settled here and this seaside site later became a major Chinese fishing village following the California Gold Rush. Visitors today can see remnants of this once-bustling period at the historical China Camp Village within park limits.
The Back Ranch Meadows Campground at China Camp State Park includes 33 developed websites that visitors should walk up to 300 yards to gain access to. Wheelbarrows are available to carry gear from the parking lot to the campsites. Drinkable water and flushing toilets are available at the camping site.
Hiking is a popular activity at the state park, and campers can reach the China Camp Town and China Camp Beach with a six-mile hike on the Shoreline Path from the campground. The park’s roadways also tend to be a popular thoroughfare for bicyclists taking pleasure in the shoreline views.
Address: 100 China Camp Town Roadway, San Rafael, California
Main site: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=466
4. Francis Beach Camping Area, Half Moon Bay State Beach
Camping on the seaside bluffs of Francis Beach Camping Site Half Moon Bay State Beach is 45 minutes south of San Francisco on Highway 1, and it provides an excellent reminder of why it’s nice to live near the Pacific Ocean. The seaside atmosphere at this state beach spreads out over 5 white, sandy beaches with calm browse and the feeling of a tropical vacation.
On the south end of the state beach, the Francis Beach Campground features 52 camping areas just steps away from the shore. Many of the websites support RV and motorhome parking, though no hookups are available. 3 grassy websites closest to the ocean are scheduled for camping tents. Drinkable water, flushing toilets, and coin-operated showers are available for all over night visitors.
Half Moon Bay Coastal Path|Image Copyright: Brad Lane The city of Half Moon Bay has many seaside tourist attractions to check out from the camping site, including the big wave surfing at Mavericks situated four miles north on the coast
. Address: Kelly Opportunity, Half Moon Bay, California
Official website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=531
5. Juniper Camping Site, Mount Diablo State Park Campground
Mount Diablo State Park|Picture Copyright: Brad Lane The top of Mount Diablo is home to among the best walkings near San Francisco and features a view that stretches for hundreds of miles throughout the East Bay. And the Juniper Campground, near the Top Visitor Center, has 32 campgrounds that make it much easier to delight in the sunset from this sensational perspective.
It’s a long and winding increase to Mount Diablo and the Juniper Campground, not advised for large trucks and/or trailers. The path is also a licensed favorite for Bay Location cyclists, and visitors must pay attention to the many signs denoting bike passing lanes.
Campsites can be booked ahead of time at Mount Diablo, and reservations are recommended on hectic summer weekends. All over night visitors have access to flushing toilets, safe and clean water, and coin-operated showers.
Mount Diablo State Park The other camping area at Mount Diablo State Park, Live Oak Campground, includes 22 additional sites with comparable lodgings. 5 group campsites are likewise available at Mount Diablo State Park with sites that can host as much as 50 people.
The Summit Visitor Center is a great location to head for historical details about the park, as well as access to the one-mile Mary Bowerman Interpretive Trail that causes the 3,849-foot top of Mount Diablo.
Main website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517
6. Bootjack and Pantoll Campgrounds, Mount Tamalpais State Park
Flowers in Mount Tamalpais State Park Including over 6,000 acres in Marin County north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais State Park permits visitors to genuinely escape the city. The park is popular for its redwood grove hiking routes, like the Steep Gorge Path, as well as Muir Woods National Monument within its borders.
Mount Tamalpais likewise provides 2 first-come, first-served campgrounds, each with 15 sites available. They both are on Scenic Highway, less than 6 miles from Muir Woods. Over night visitors must make a brief walk from the parking lot to either camping site. Drinkable water and flushing toilets are readily available, and fire wood is likewise available for purchase.
At the coastal end of the Steep Ravine Trail, the state park also uses eight rustic seaside cabins at the Steep Gorge Cabins and Environmental Campground. These cabins are located within vicinity to Stinson Beach and cater to a remote experience.
Address: 3801 Scenic Highway, Mill Valley, California
Official website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471
7. Rob Hill Camping Area, San Francisco Presidio
Crissy Field, below the Rob Hill Campground Rob Hill Camping site is among the couple of camping sites in the city of San Francisco. It’s situated above Baker Beach and Crissy Field in a sensational location on the highest point in the Presidio on the city’s northern idea. Only group outdoor camping is available at the camping site
. 2 large group websites at Rob Hill accommodate as much as 30 people each, and both have different picnic and barbecue locations. RVs and trailers are not permitted at the Rob Hill Campground. Appointments are highly competitive and required for investing the night.
Address: 1475 Central Magazine Roadway, San Francisco, California
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
8. Anthony Chabot Family Camping Site, Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Golden hills at Anthony Chabot Regional Park Twenty miles from downtown Oakland in the East Bay, the household camping area at Anthony Chabot Regional Park includes 53 basic sites and 12 RV sites with full hookups. An extra 10 walk-in campgrounds are available solely for tents. The popular Honker Bay Path leads from the campground to Lake Chabot, which is frequently equipped for an excellent fishing opportunity. All overnight visitors to Anthony Chabot have access to flushing toilets, safe and clean water, and hot showers.
Northwest of Anthony Chabot and linked by a hiking trail, Redwood Regional Park is also run by the East Bay Regional Park District. With thick forests of giant trees, Redwood Regional Park features three various group sites to invest the night, offered by booking only. These group camping sites, like the Fern Dell Group Camping site, accommodate up to 50 people.
Farther east and beyond Fremont, Lake Del Valle Family Campground is also run by the East Bay Regional Park District. Lake Del Valley Campground includes 150 specific campsites that are just over an hour far from San Francisco.
Address: 9999 Redwood Roadway, Castro Valley, California
Main site: https://www.ebparks.org/parks/anthony_chabot/default.htm
9. Angel Island Environmental Campsites, Angel Island State Park
The Golden Gate Bridge seen from Angel Island Angel Island State Park includes the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay and is just available by ferry or personal boat. The island is sparsely inhabited and has 13 miles of trails, making for a day hiker’s dream. The routes consist of one approximately Mount Liverpool, the highest point on the island.
Along the island’s path system, three ecological campgrounds permit campers to have the whole place to themselves throughout the night. The ecological camping areas on Angel Island comprise three private camping sites, and campers require to trek in their own equipment to each spot. Water and vault toilets are available at the camping areas.
Angel Island State Park also features a little beach with an additional environmental campground reserved solely for those traveling by kayak.
Official website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=468
10. Coast Camp, Point Reyes National Seashore
Tent pitched at Coast Camp, Point Reyes Point Reyes is the only designated national seaside on the West Coast. It incorporates a vast seaside peninsula around an hour drive north of San Francisco. No cars and truck camping or recreational vehicle camping chances exist at Point Reyes National Seaside, however the park does use 4 hike-in campgrounds.
Found 1.8 miles from the nearby trailhead, the Coast Camp at Point Reyes is popular for its area to the beach and ocean. With 12 specific sites and 2 group sites available, Coast Camp provides a vault toilet and water faucet. Reservations are required to stay at any hike-in camp at Point Reyes.
Sky Camping Site, Point Reyes|Photo Copyright: Brad Lane The other hike-in camping sites at Point Reyes consist of Glen Camp, Sky Camp, and Wildcat Camp. Point Reyes likewise has a boat-in camp at Tomales Bay, where 20 allowed vessels can beach camp in designated areas.
Address: 1 Bear Valley Visitor Center Access Road, Point Reyes Station, California
11. Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Samuel P. Taylor State Park|Photo Copyright: Brad Lane On the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, the hills of Marin County provide a few of the fastest trips from the city. Samuel P. Taylor State Park is among lots of excellent camping areas in the area. It’s on the opposite of Highway 1 from Point Reyes National Seaside and accessible from San Francisco with around a 30-mile drive.
The camping area at Samuel P. Taylor has about 60 non-electric websites, accommodating both tents and larger recreational vehicles. All overnight guests have access to drinkable water and flushing toilet centers with coin-operated showers. Reservations are suggested throughout the summertime season, particularly on the weekends.
Nature abounds at Samuel P. Taylor, and particularly, a number of the campsites sit below towering redwood trees. The park’s many treking tracks offer exceptional views of these high surroundings. The park is also a terrific jumping-off point for exploring the rest of Marin County, consisting of the close-by Point Reyes.
12. Portola Redwoods Camping Area, Portola Redwoods State Park
Amphitheater in Portola Redwoods State Park|Picture Copyright: Brad Lane Portola Redwoods State Park is south of San Francisco within the Santa Cruz Mountains. The park is available with approximately a 55-mile drive and turnoff from Horizon Boulevard (Highway 35). The final six miles into Portola steeply came down a curved road leading into the park’s remote 2,800 acres.
In combination with the towering trees all around, the descent into the quiet forest produces a true getaway from the city. This serenity permeates the camping area, with more than 50 household campgrounds offered. These websites expanded near Peters Creek and use standard amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
All over night guests also have access to drinkable water and flushing washrooms. Coin-operated showers are likewise available. Since of the winding entrance road and skinny websites, Portola is best matched for camping tent outdoor camping or small rvs like camper vans.
Address: 9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, California
Main website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=539
13. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park|Image Copyright: Brad Lane For those in San Francisco wanting to camp in Sonoma County, head for Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. This 4,000-plus-acre park is home to the headwaters of Sonoma Creek and is just 20 miles up the road from the city of Sonoma. This makes it a popular campground for camping tents and Recreational vehicles aiming to check out the area.
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park has 49 websites offered by advance appointment. The websites are along one large loop and spur near Sonoma Creek. Each website has actually developed trees and shrubbery at its borders, including a great sense of personal privacy. No electric hookups are offered, however each over night visitor has access to flushing bathrooms and coin-operated showers.
The state park is an excellent basecamp for adventure. The park itself has 21 miles of tracks and other distinct visitor amenities like the Robert Ferguson Observatory with public stargazing readily available. Likewise nearby is Jack London State Historic Park, home to the ranch of the well-known author and his tomb.
14. Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Huge Basin Redwoods State Park|Picture Copyright: Brad Lane Huge Basin Redwoods State Park is the oldest state park in California and is under a two-hour drive south of San Francisco. It’s home to the largest grove of ancient redwood trees south of the Bay Location and has 4 various camping sites, with 146 overall campgrounds readily available.
Camping Areas at Big Basin accommodate both Recreational vehicles and camping tent and also has group websites, tent cabins, and backcountry hike-in camping sites spread throughout its massive forests.
Over night visitors to the four established camping areas at Big Basin have access to flushing toilets, drinkable water, and coin-operated showers. Two of the camping areas, Huckleberry Campground and Sequoia Campground, are open throughout the year.
Over 80 miles of hiking trails browse throughout the park, including the Horizon to the Sea Path, which spans from the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.
Editor’s Note: The 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire tore through Huge Basin Redwoods State Park. Much of the park is closed throughout 2022. Just small sections of the park’s coastal area have actually resumed to the public. The state park keeps current info concerning the park’s regrowth and rehabilitation.
Address: 21600 Huge Basin Way, Stone Creek, California
Official site: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540
Map of Campgrounds near San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA – Environment Chart
| Typical minimum and optimal temperature levels for San Francisco, CA in ° C | |||||||||||
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| 14 8 | 16 9 | 17 9 | 18 10 | 18 11 | 20 12 | 20 12 | 21 13 | 22 13 | 21 13 | 18 11 | 15 8 |
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| Average month-to-month rainfall overalls for San Francisco, CA in mm. | |||||||||||
| 120 | 105 | 86 | 32 | 14 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 30 | 84 | 81 |
| Average minimum and optimal temperature levels for San Francisco, CA in ° F | |||||||||||
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 58 46 | 61 49 | 62 49 | 65 50 | 65 51 | 68 53 | 68 54 | 69 56 | 71 56 | 70 55 | 64 51 | 59 47 |
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| Typical regular monthly precipitation totals for San Francisco, CA in inches. | |||||||||||
| 4.7 | 4.2 | 3.4 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 1.2 | 3.3 | 3.2 |