Camping in the Bay Area
From the fog-encased redwoods to the sandy shores along the Pacific Ocean, Bay Area camping has something special waiting for every camping enthusiast.
96% (3653 reviews)
- Bay Area
96% (3653 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Bay Area
Dog-friendly getaways
Top camping destinations
Available this weekend
12 top campgrounds in Bay Area
95%
(811)
The Meadow Grove of Hands Full Farm
8 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Valley Ford, CA
The Grove (5 total)
campsites are located near the historic Narrow Gauge Railroad bed on a family owned working ranch in coastal Northern California. The camp sites are nestled in a pasture and grove of mixed Eucalyptus, willow and cypress trees. The sites are perfect for tents or camper vans, or small trailers. There are no hook-ups for RVs (the access to the camp sites also prohibits long vehicles).
There is access to a composting camp toilet. The ranch itself is 300 acres of rolling hills pasture, with hilltop views of the Estero Americano valley. The Grove is home to many varieties of raptors and other birds-providing excellent bird watching. Seasonally there are blackberries to fill your containers, and some hiking.
The sites are subject to some road noise, as we are right on Hwy 1. We are mere minutes from the quaint towns of Valley Ford, Tomales, and Dillon Beach, and a short drive from Bodega, Bodega Bay or Marshall, Pt. Reyes Station and Inverness. Nearby attractions include: Sonoma Coast beaches, Pt. Reyes National Seashore, coastal hiking trails, local farm-to-table eateries.
Inland attractions include: redwoods, wine tasting, Russian River activities and so much more. Specifics about these campsites are: They each come with a picnic table (#1,#2, has a checkerboard painted on it-bring checkers or chess!)The grounds are a working ranch, so there is variations of the soil- some lumps and bumps and general natural state of a pasture v. a groomed lawn.
There are certainly level places for tents and camper vans or trailers. The ranch borders Hwy 1, so there is some degree of road noise. Traffic usually dies down mid afternoon, and isn't too much of a disturbance. There can be however, some heavy weekend traffic during the day with car clubs and motorcycle riders enjoying the coastal highway.
The Grove Sites #1, #2, and #3 are on this listing Site 4 and Site 5 are their own listing.
*The Friendly Gray Cat's name is Boots!*
If you plan on attending
Outside Lands at Golden Gate Park, you've come to right place! Book your stay at
The Grove,
located 55 minutes from Golden Gate Park.
Our space offers an ideal way to relax and recharge after a day's fun enjoying the music and food
at Outside Lands.
Pets
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
97%
(58)
Up Shit Creek
7 sites · Lodging, Tents12 acres · Boulder Creek, CA
12 Acres in the Redwoods. Creekside. We have a private driveway with lots of secluded Space. lots of chickens usually an endless supply of eggs for breakfast. Small campfires available. Cabin renters have access to Hot showers, wood-burning stove, kitchen amenities and running water.
Porta potty only
The cabins are located Away from our living area. Main cabin is overlooking the creek and the tent sites, creekside cabin is down near the swimming hole and tent sites.
Tent sites are located next to the creek or up near the community fire pit.
This is our home, it is private, eclectic and filled with natural beauty. That being said, it is by no means pristine. We have the occasional junk pile like most off grid homesteaders do. We do not throw out some things that others would. We try to find a use for old and weathered equipment and materials. Our cabin is built completely with recycled and reclaimed materials. Like I said, we do not like to waste anything, so you may notice a few parts and pieces laying around.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$60
/ night
97%
(370)
The Ranch at Cross Road
11 sites · RVs, Tents84 acres · Livermore, CA
Welcome to the ranch at cross road! We are a family owned organic farm in the heart of Livermore wine country. We have 10 camp sites spread across the property for you to choose from. The property is minutes from Lake Del Valle and some of the best wineries and breweries California has to offer. Settle in and enjoy amazing sunsets every night with us!
We accommodate tents,Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars.
Our guests love us too! "I had a wonderful stay at Matt’s ranch! It was easy to find even as it was starting to get dark, and the campsites were well lit and easy to find. The ranch is beautiful. It was such a treat to stay here. I would definitely stay again."
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from
$55
/ night
98%
(508)
Estero San Antonio Wonderland
13 sites · Lodging, Tents120 acres · Tomales, CA
Camp with sweeping views of beautiful pastureland in West Marin. Enjoy privacy, birds singing, cows, chickens, food from the farm, and hiking our gorgeous land that is on the Estero San Antonio. The campsites are spaced far apart from one another to ensure some privacy. It is very quiet out here at night. If there are other campers you might hear them in the distance. All campsite are located overlooking the Estero and close to the grass road to enter and exit the property.
You will have access to some of our pastures for picnics and leisurely walks.
When you check in we will give you directions to a few special places around the surrounding area and see if you would like some grassland finished beef, lamb, pork, eggs, or vegetables all grown or made on our ranch. We offer other care packages, ask us when you arrive (include, home made focaccia, sourdough bread, local cheeses, etc...)
A liability waiver will be needed to be signed. This is primitive camping, There is water but it is not potable. so bring your own drinking water.
It can get very windy out here in Spring and Summer. Come prepared. We have situated the campsites to be on the leeward side and as protected as possible.
We try to leave the land better off than we found it and hope that you will share the same respect for the pristine beauty of this place. We are 10 minutes away from the quaint town of Tomale and 15 minutes from the town of Valley Ford. Dillon Beach is only 3.5 miles away. Bring your own kayak or canoe and paddle to the ocean down the Estero San Antonio!
You can learn more about our land and practices check out True Grass Farms online.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Cooking equipment
from
$70
/ night
92%
(36)
Bella Foret (beautiful forest)
8 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Portola Valley, CA
Bella Foret, “beautiful forest” A Gem Nestled along La Honda creek between San Francisco and Half Moon Bay . Dog and other friendly, attached hiking trails to waterfalls, creek from property. Owner lives on site. some sites allow fires in permitted fire pits. (local wood only!) All inclusive campsites including toilet, outdoor shower and kitchen. Electricity and potable water provided. Sites limited to 2-3 person tent and quiet hours are strictly adhered.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$85
/ night
82%
(11)
Slide Ranch
17 sites · Tents134 acres · Muir Beach, CA
Discover the magic of Slide Ranch spending the night overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Slide Ranch offers camping so we can offer full scholarships to students for summer camps and other programs throughout the year. We really appreciate your support!
Upon your arrival, we will provide roomy wheelbarrows to easily bring your personal items to our Dome Campsite area which overlooks the Pacific Ocean (about 10 minutes, mostly-flat hike).
Check in 2pm / Check out 10am
Tents and gear are not included; please bring and pitch your own tents. Food is not included in but often there is a nearby dining option. Let us know if you would like more information.
Please note that we do not have showering facilities or flush toilets. Porta-potties or composting toilets are available around the property.
Water in all Slide Ranch taps is potable.
Camp fires and open flames of any kind are not allowed in the Dome Campsite area.
Slide Ranch is located on the Marin coast, on land that has a rich history in connecting people to food. The Miwok once fished and foraged for food at this site, and in the late 19th century Portuguese dairy farmers purchased the land and produced milk and butter for residents of San Francisco. In 1969, 134 acres of this fertile coastline were rescued from commercial development and purchased by the Nature Conservancy. The Slide Ranch nonprofit organization was established in 1970, becoming one of the first Park Partners in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Potable water
Toilets
Cooking equipment
from
$60
/ night
98%
(270)
Blackberry Farm
5 sites · Tents7 acres · Bolinas, CA
Blackberry Farm sits on the western side of Mount Tamalpais, tucked in the Gospel Flat area of Bolinas. The family farm and residence were established during the late 1970s on the site of the historic Peter’s Dairy Ranch. The original farmhouse dates back to the late 19th century and survived the great 1906 earthquake. Today, the 7-acre farm is being restored to sustainably support fruit orchards, cottage flower and kitchen gardens, honey bees, a boisterous flock of chickens, and naughty shetland sheep. Our self-serve farmstand attached to our barn has seasonal flowers, organic eggs, heirloom fruit, and local goods from the farm.
Our property is the perfect rustic getaway for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll be surrounded by farm/ranch life: chickens clucking, roosters crowing, bees buzzing, and sheep bleating. We also have active nighttime wildlife: coyotes howling, raccoons foraging, owls hooting, etc. Bring earplugs if nature sounds are too much for you.
We offer 4 walk-in tent sites that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. We welcome well-behaved pets ON LEASH that won’t harass the chickens, cats, sheep, other campers, or residents. Unruly pets and their campers will be asked to leave. No refund. Limit: 1 dog per site.
Pitch your tent in a meadow shared by:
Campsite 1 - left side of the meadow, closest to the common area and hot tub.
Campsite 2 - middle of the meadow, closest to our fenced apiary and bee garden.
Campsite 3 - right side of the meadow, near the orchard. (sites 1 and 3 are next to each other)
Campsite 4 - front of the pasture, closest to the parking area (best for car/van campers wanting space to lounge near their parked vehicle.)
Multiple sites may be booked for group camping. Sites 1 and 3 are next to each other under the Cypress Trees. Add site 2 if you would like the entire back half of the campground. Add site 4 if you'd like to have a maximum number of 16 total campers and 2 tents/per site.
The common area has an outdoor shower, hot tub, covered bbq/cook area, tented (weather-protected) hangout space, and a place to stash your surfboard. Redwood Grove hangout areas have seating and tree swings. Please pack out your trash. We offer a recycling bin for glass bottles, cans, and clean paper.
Parking is 100 yds or less from the campsites. We have a large wheelbarrow to help you cart your camping gear across the pasture to your campsite. No driving onto or parking in the meadow.
Due to the narrow driveway and parking area (lack of turnaround), the site cannot accommodate RVs, trailers, or oversize vehicles beyond 16ft in length, 7ft in width, or 10 ft in height. 1 car per campsite, please.
15-minute walk to the beach and downtown.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Cooking equipment
from
$75
/ night
100%
(11)
Gro 4 Goat Studio
2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Pescadero, CA
Come visit a magical agricultural space enriched by our most precious natural resources: land, animals, love and beauty. Situated in the most desirable mild Mediterranean climate of Pescadero, where the Pacific Ocean breezes moderate temperatures, and nestled in a valley of the Santa Cruz Mountains, we're under an hour from Silicon Valley, San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Level pasture land, creek access, majestic trees. RV parking, tent or hammock camping, and lots of room for spreading out. Bike into Downtown Pescadero, walk to Harley Farms and visit the goats, hike Butano Canyon, and you are only 3.334 miles from Pescadero State Beach.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$75
/ night
94%
(9)
Lawson's Landing
72 sites · RVs, Tents940 acres · Dillon Beach, CA
Lawson’s Landing is a fishing and boating resort and campground situated at the mouth of Tomales Bay, California. Generations of families have visited the area to rest along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Lawson's Landing is located about 50 miles north of San Francisco and 20 miles west of Petaluma at Dillon Beach. The Landing was first established in 1929 and the family-owned and operated campground has been running since 1957. From camping to clamming to boating, there are so many activities to enjoy. Come discover what generations of visitors have long enjoyed. Bring your family and friends to experience the great outdoors along the beautiful Pacific coast.
Hookups:
At this time we don't have hookups available at our campsites, but things have progressed significantly with our redevelopment permits, so in the future, more will be coming. At this time, we offer potable water throughout the campground for tank filling and dump stations available for your use during your stay. **There is no truck service to go to your campsite to pump waste from your tanks**
Cellular Coverage/Wifi:
Verizon has full cellular coverage in Dillon Beach, AT&T has spotty reception, and we are unsure as to the coverage provided by other services. We do offer free guest wifi from our camp store (the big red building near campsites 500 & 601), but the wifi will not reach the campsites.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$45.84
/ night
99%
(69)
Once Upon a Ranch
8 sites · Tents32 acres · Dixon, CA
The Once Upon a Ranch consists of 32 acre of flat land located approximately 30 minutes from Sacramento, 35 minutes from Napa, and 40 minutes from San Francisco. It has a beautiful sunset of view of the Vacaville hills. Once Upon a Ranch is our farm that we continue to add animals to it. The 32 acre Ranch has plenty of room for you and your family to enjoy.
Park your RV or pitch your tents throughout the designated sites on Once Upon a Ranch. You can choose to sit back, relax, and enjoy the country life. Once Upon a Ranch is located near lots of attractions, golf courses, wineries, and performing arts. From shopping at Vacaville Premium Outlets to entertainment at the Mondavi Center for Arts to the Dixon Fairgrounds, you'll find fun things to do in and around The Ranch.
Take a Travis Air Force Base tour, which has one of the largest collections of warbirds in the west. Explore the area's old historic towns and more than 50 wineries in scenic Solano County. Or visit the campus of UC Davis.
Food and Drink Package available: if you do not want to pack drinks and food, we have a food and drink package you can purchase. Reach out to us once you have book for selections and pricing.
Rules and Safety: no littering, remove and pack out your own trash and wastes, provide your own self contained black and gray waste system, pets are allowed however they have to be on a leash at all time and all pet wastes are to be removed and packed out at the end of your stay, no fire works or gun allow on Once Upon a Ranch, quiet hours are Mon-Sun 10pm-7am.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
91%
(11)
HMB Highway Overnight Rest Stop
2 sites · RVs1 acre · Half Moon Bay, CA
WELCOME PLEASE READ!
Overnight parking and Rest Stop on South Highway One.
Private road and picnic area.
Walk to beach bluffs 10 minutes.
Potable water.
Bathrooms.
Fire pit and wood.
Tents okay.
An abundance of seasonal wildflowers and wild berries
Year round.
Observe rare. Species of birds
Close walk to town for shopping and festivals.
*********************************************
Next to FARM horses and chickens.
Ocean may be loud.
Highway may be heard.
No pets please.
Noise curfew is sundown.
No parties in this location.
Check in after 2pm
Check out is noon.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$53
/ night
93%
(7)
Delta Shores Resort & Marina
16 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Isleton, CA
The Sacramento River Delta is a popular vacation destination, and Delta Shores Resort & Marina is a premier family resort on the Delta and close to an abundance of activities and attractions.
Stay in your own RV in one of our spacious sites, or choose one of our fully furnished cabins. Whichever you choose, your stay at Delta Shores will be full of fun.
23-Slip Marina and Dock
Spacious RV sites will full hookups
Newly renovated Restrooms with Showers
Boating and Fishing on the Delta
Family Lodge/Clubhouse
Swimming Pool and Spa
Miniature Golf
Children’s Playground
Children’s Activity Center
Laundry Facilities
24-hour Security
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$69
/ night
Star Hosts in Bay Area
Under $50
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping in the Bay Area guide
Overview
The San Francisco Bay Area may seem like an urban hub but don't be fooled. Beyond the Golden Gate Bridge, you find Pacific beaches, foggy shorelines, and dense Redwood groves. While many campers are making the long drive to Yosemite, savvy travelers explore a trove of Bay Area state parks.
Just an hour's drive south of the city, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is a hidden gem in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Pitch your tent among towering California redwood groves. Don't forget your cookware—the park has some nifty campground grills.
Want to see the Golden Gate Bridge from your tent? Kirby Cove is the park for you. Nestled right on the bay, it's one of the most popular parks in the region. It tends to book out months in advance, so get yourself on that guest list early.
If you're looking for beach camping, head to Point Reyes National Seashore. The hike-in and boat-in camping spots are secluded, and you can't beat catching the morning surf. While hiking the shore, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, elephant seals, and sea lions.
If you're traveling with kids, head to Samuel P. Taylor State Park, one of the oldest campgrounds in the country. The hiking trails are fairly easy, offering views of Lagunitas Creek, redwood forests, and rolling hills with wild turkeys. For more fun, bike the paved cycling path, or take your four-legged buddy on the Cross Marin trail.
On the continental side of San Francisco Bay, you come to East Bay, an outdoor haven at San Francisco's doorstep. Boat Lake Chabot, hike Wildcat Canyon, or camp at Redwood Regional Park for a taste of adventure.
From state parks with hike-in and bike-in sites to private campgrounds, Bay Area camping helps you connect with the great outdoors. If glamping is more your style, don't worry. You find plenty of seaside cottages, mountain yurts, and wilderness cabins in the region.
The mild climate of the Bay Area makes for great year-round camping. However, scoring a site during summer can be tough. To beat the crowds, pack your rain gear and travel during the winter wet season. Pro tip: If you're camping on the bay in any season, bring a rain jacket. The damp fog rolls in when you least expect it.
Top regions near Bay Area
Top cities in and near Bay Area
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.