Camping near San Rafael

Mountain views, coastal hikes, and nearby wine country make this North Bay hub the perfect home base.

96% (5960 reviews)
96% (5960 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds near San Rafael

99%
(1565)

Finley Camp

14 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Bodega Bay, CA
Finley Camp is nestled along Finley Creek in West Sonoma County. Campsites are located in open flats surrounded by Coast Doug Fir, Alder, and California Bay forests. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate, and access to a porta potty and hand washing station. The campsites are located past the end of the county road allowing for a quiet peaceful experience. Enjoy a quiet stroll on site, the surrounding communities of Bodega, Bodega Bay, Valley Ford, and Tomales, or just enjoy a quiet day in camp. Our sites are located approximately 20 minutes from Bodega Bay. The campsites are 2.5 miles from the coast and the weather can be unpredictable. As a general rule, it is very similar to that of San Francisco. All camp sites are situated in a valley that offers protection from the coastal winds. The have both morning and evening shade. Sites #2, #6, #7, and #11 have the most space, while sites #4, #7, #8, #9 and #11 offer the most privacy. Sites 1-3, any combination of 5-7, and 12-13 are well suited for groups. Other site groupings work well depending on the number of sites being reserved. Site #8 is unique in that it has a wood deck/platform for tents. There are also NO wood fires allowed at site #8 as it is under the tree canopy. A propane firepit is provided for your use. You can bring a 5 gallon propane tank from home, or a full one is available for rent on site. We have beef available for purchase from calves raised exclusively on our ranch. This beef is 100% grass fed and finished and never given grain of any kind. We have various cuts available such as steaks, ground, roasts, ribs, or other various specialty cuts. All beef is cut and wrapped by a USDA certified butcher. It is raised in an organic manner from cows that freely roam on the pastures of the coastal hills we call home. For further information or for a price sheet, please inquire with the camp host. Well behaved dogs are welcome at Finley Camp. All dogs must be kept on leash at all times while on the property. There are no exceptions to this. Finley Camp is located on an active cattle ranch and directly adjacent to a neighboring ranch with cattle. Also be sure to check out our orchard tours. The apples ripen from Late July thru late November. We'll take you to our family orchard where you can pick apples, pears, or blueberries in season and taste yummy treats out of our family garden.
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$85.50
 / night
98%
(336)

Blackberry Farm

6 sites · Lodging, Tents6 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. The pizza oven is not available for campground use. 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.
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from 
$66
 / night
95%
(901)

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.
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$45
 / night
97%
(3370)

Salmon Creek Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Bodega Bay, CA
Located within 45 minutes of the wine country and 2 miles from the coast, our property is 400 acres of rolling hills and redwood groves, with a creek running along its base. With miles of trails meandering through quiet woods and meadows, you will be able to revel in the tranquility of a private preserve, without sacrificing easy access to some of Sonoma County's most famous attractions. A hundred years ago, this land was used to graze sheep. Remnants of the old fence lines can still be seen in places, along with old cement troughs. Since then, the land has been left to its own devices, passing through many hands, most famously owned by two brothers in the 1980's who built a truly amazing tree house in the forest which has been featured in several magazine articles. It was revamped and updated in 2016 by a master craftsman, using fallen redwood logs found on the property and is now a unique structural work of art, available for overnight stays. We produce 100% grass fed, dry-aged beef on our certified organic pastures and have a store on site if you would like to purchase delicious steaks, ribs, ground beef for hamburgers or some roasts to take home. Our cattle graze on the native grasses, never grain, and drink only water produced from our own springs. We also raise Kiko meat goats and produce pastured, certified organic duck eggs on a commercial basis. Whether it's surfing at sandy beaches, award-winning clam chowder, a wine tour, horseback riding or a hot air balloon ride you're after, you won't have far to drive if you make our ranch your base camp. You may see a family of deer appear suddenly, or a few Scottish Highland cows which we allow to roam freely over the property. There are over twenty species of wild birds that grace this protected spot, so bring your binoculars! A portion of your fee goes towards protecting native flora and fauna as part of our private wildlife preservation program. A limited number of private, widely spaced camp spots are available for visitors. The Eagles' Nest Treehouse (mentioned above) is very isolated and you may or may not even be aware that there are other people within miles of you. For those who value nature, seclusion, quiet and the artistry of old growth redwood, this is the place for you.
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$96
 / night
98%
(600)

Estero San Antonio Wonderland

14 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.
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$63
 / night
100%
(11)

Kings Mountain Camp w/ ocean views

4 sites · Lodging10 acres · Woodside, CA
Breathe deep in nature on our 10-acre property on a hillside in Kings Mountain, California. Our generously sized Safari-style tents offer a unique blend of comfort and adventure. Each tent has beds, down comforters, crisp cotton linens, lights, and more. Outdoor and indoor furniture and lots of little touches will make your stay unique. Each tent is perched on a sturdy wooden platform and features a fully furnished deck, providing a cozy space to relax and soak in the breathtaking ocean (Half Moon Bay views) and forest views (Kings Mountain). All tents include a mini fridge and a stove, which are ideal for light cooking, intimate fireside storytelling, and warmth during cool mornings and evenings. We suggest you bring easy-to-prep food, drinks, warm clothes, hiking shoes, and a beanie, as it can get chilly without notice. Your designated parking space is a 6-minute walk from the campsite (downhill on arrival, then back uphill (steep) in the forest), so we recommend traveling light. Our campsite is nestled within the same property as our charming little farm. If you're interested in meeting our friendly farm animals, get in touch, and we'll be delighted to arrange a visit at a time that works best for you and them. While our animals rest peacefully at night, our vigilant dog Messy stands guard, ensuring the safety of our chickens and goats from any potential predators. Her bark is a reassuring sign that our farm is well-protected. You may also hear our chickens starting their day with the early morning egg-laying routine! Our goats roam the land all day and may visit you for pets and nuzzles. They are gentle, but please do not feed or let them inside the tent. Recharge from the day with a hot shower. Grab your fresh towels from your tent and go to your allocated bathhouses, where you’ll find an indoor shower and well-appointed restrooms. They are nicely lit and stocked with bath products. Additionally, a sink area is available for dish clean-up. Kings Mountain is famous for its hiking and biking trails nested amongst the redwoods. The closest is a 15-minute walk from our campsite, and dozens of others are within a 15-minute car ride. Tent 01 (180sqft) accommodates two people in a queen-size bed, and an additional cot can be rented. Tent 02 (210sqft) accommodates four people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a bunk bed Tent 03 (210sqft) accommodates four people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a twin bed + daybed Shower/bathroom (Distance from tent 1 40 feet). Shower and bathroom (Distance from tent 02 30 feet, tent 03 25 feet) List of complimentary amenities PER TENT: -Board games (uno / chess / playing cards / monopoly / scrable) -Books -Binoculars -Radio -Harmonica -Hand fans -Hot water bottle -First aid kit -Fresh eggs from our farm (you can purchase more at our farm stand) -Tea (Shangri LA tea) -Coffee (Grand Coffee SF) -Wifi (starlink) -Indoor and outdoor furniture (ie: chairs, beds, closet, containers) -Hot water kettle -Coffee maker -Mini fridge -Camping stove: one extra gas canister -Bedding: Comforters (1 per person) -Pillows (1 per person) -Wool blanket (1 per tent) -Cotton linens -Food utensils: Plates -Bowls -Cups -Mugs -Salt -Pepper and Minimal cookware -Tap water (drinkable) -Electricity (solar / limited use mindfully) -Wood Stove: Firewood for stove (heating and cooking) -Fire starter -Lighter - One parking spot per tent (inquire about additional parking when necessary) Outdoor Bath house: -Towels: hand towel (1 per stay per person), bath towel (1 per stay per person) -Hot water (limited, use mindfully), -Amenities: body wash, shower gel, hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner -Toilet - Evening campfire upon demand (in the common area), otherwise called “The Lookout”. Please note in the event of “high fire danger,” fires are not permitted. Fires are managed by us; guests are not allowed to light the fire in the lookout area by themselves. Children: Kids under the age of 10 are not allowed. An adult must accompany minors under 21 YO. Quiet Hours: For the enjoyment of all guests, we ask for quiet time all day and do not allow loud music at any time of day, and the same goes for loud discussions and partying. Think of it as a whispering experience. Please remember that our tents are made of canvas, and sound travels through the canyon. If we receive any noise complaints, you will be asked to leave.
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$127.50
 / night
99%
(83)

Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping

122 sites · Lodging10 acres · Healdsburg, CA
[20% DISCOUNT: Use code UECFZ4RN on 2-night Sunday-Thursday stays through March 2025. Enjoy the solitude and lower rates of wine country this off-season] Wildhaven Sonoma is the top-rated glamping spot in the Bay Area. Our glamping experience was designed to provide guests with comfort, warmth, and cleanliness, while still maintaining a close connection to Sonoma County’s stunning natural beauty. Guests check in to extra-large, safari-style tents or cozy cabins, both with comfortable beds (with linens and heated mattress pads), electricity and heaters, WiFi, and all the furnishings needed for a memorable night outdoors. Outside, guests have a personal fire pit, a covered porch with patio furniture, and a large picnic table. Those seeking a tent with more comfort and features can book our Riverside tents with 2-person hammocks, festive string lights, and improved nature views, just a few steps from the Russian River. Then there are the amenities, which are not typically found at traditional campgrounds. These include a clean, central bathroom building, hot showers, an outdoor kitchen with dish-washing sinks and gas BBQs, a store with local treats, and summer activities such as yoga classes, wine tastings, and live music. The highlight of the 10-acre property is the private river access for guests. Wildhaven’s section of the Russian River is calm yet clean and perfect for innertubes from May-Oct. Wildhaven is surrounded by vineyards on 3 sides and is in the middle of the famous Alexander Valley wine-growing region. When it's time to venture out, Wildhaven is just 5 miles from the charming small town of Healdsburg, with its picture-perfect town plaza filled with palm and redwood trees and surrounded by 30+ tasting rooms, book and cooking stores, and ice cream shops. We hope you'll consider trying out a unique night of wine country glamping with us on the Russian River. We're dog friendly! There is a limit of 2 dogs per tent. Please be sure to add the dog fee in extras upon check out.
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$99
 / night
98%
(113)

Above the Clouds RV Park

3 sites · RVs23 acres · Glen Ellen, CA
23 beautiful acres at the top of the mountain overlooking the valley below and the mountains on the other side. We are often Above the Clouds in the mornings. You will need to come up a windy country road to get to us but it will be well worth it. Learn more about this land: Welcome to our Above the Clouds RV spot, tucked away in between Napa and Sonoma Valleys - right in the middle of wine country! This is the perfect peaceful getaway near great outdoor activities and some of the best wineries in California! About the Property: Above the Clouds campsite is surrounded by beautiful, stately trees and overlooks the Valley of the Moon with a stunning mountain view. We are just 11 miles from the city of Sonoma and only 8 miles from the Napa Valley - making both destinations really easy to get to. You can enjoy the California wineries, restaurants, and shops that you'd like! We are also ideally located near Jack London State Park - which is a really pretty and historic place to go! The opportunities for hiking around our property are endless, and definitely head to the wineries if that's of interest to you. On our property you can enjoy exploring our more-than 20 acres of land, taking the row-boat (provided by Hosts) out on our pond, hiking or just relaxing in a serene setting and watching a great variety of birds. Formerly utilized as a bed and breakfast, when we moved to the property we definitely wanted to continue sharing the land and views with guests. As hosts, we are around and enjoy getting to know the our visitors if you are up for that, otherwise we are also happy to respect total privacy. There are 3 sites next to the pond, we have one that is there all the time in the summer but those folks only come a couple of times each month. The 2 others are right next to each other near the pond. We haven't started having more than one rented at a time yet but do expect to start that soon. You may have a neighbor or 2. We hope you enjoy the beautiful sunsets and being literally above the clouds as much as we do! About the Listing: Come park your RV on our property and set up camp at a beautiful spot right next to the pond. You should expect to see us on the property, though your site is well away from the house We have minimal electrical and we do have water hookups available for your RV, we do allow generators. There is a BBQ grill that you are welcome to use for cooking some wonderful meals if you'd like! You can enjoy a bite to eat at the picnic table near your campsite. There is also potable water from our natural spring available onsite for guests. You can enjoy watching the birds, turkeys and deer that meander through the meadow, and feel free to roam around the property taking in the fresh outdoor air! Additional Details to Note: - Check-in is after 2pm and check-out is before 12pm - Things to bring: Everything you need to camp comfortably! Think: toilet paper, cookware, bathing suits if you like, etc. - We do not have wifi available on site and cell reception is spotty, especially for certain carriers. Please prepare accordingly for your travels and your stay. - There is a fire ban in effect, so please no campfires, but we do allow you to use a propane fire pit if you bring it yourself. - We welcome your pets! They can be off leash if they are friendly and if they don't run off - we do not have a fence. - You can contact us if you'd like to check in early - if nobody needs to check out, we are happy to accommodate you! Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay!
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from 
$99
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near San Rafael guide

Overview

Set amid the rolling hills of the North Bay Area, San Rafael has an undeniable charm. Sprawling bays, wine country, and the roaring Pacific coastline surround he Marin County seat. When you camp here, some of the best outdoor playgrounds of Northern California are at your fingertips.

Just 15 miles from San Francisco, San Rafael offers plenty of spots to pitch a tent or park your camper. China Camp State Park is perched right on the bay. Big draws include the fishing dock, a sandy beach, and trails for hiking and horseback riding. Want to get out on the water? Set sail for San Francisco Bay to enjoy boating, fishing, or kayaking.

For a wilderness adventure, head to the coast to explore Point Reyes National Seashore. It's hard not to get psyched about the 150+ trails and secluded backpacking sites. Mt. Tamalpais is another spot with rugged mountain trails and jaw-dropping views.

McNear's Beach is a local favorite in San Rafael. The county park has a sandy bay beach and a public pool that opens in the summer. A short drive north brings you to Sonoma wine country. Enjoy scenic drives, or stop by a few vineyards for good old-fashioned California wine tasting.

Outside the state parks, you find a number of private campgrounds and RV parks near San Rafael. These spots offer picnic tables, fire pits, hookups—the works. You can also find tipis, historic cabins, and yurts nestled in the hills.

The mild climate on the California Coast allows for year-round camping in San Rafael. If you're traveling during the summer and fall, camp responsibly—this is the peak of wildfire season. Follow your campground's fire regulations, and keep an ear on the radio for fire notices.

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