My Top 7 Camping Spots Near San Francisco

I didn’t plan on becoming obsessed with camping near San Francisco. But after one foggy night under the trees at Portola Redwoods and a sunrise at Angel Island, I was hooked. The variety here is wild—you’ve got beach sites, redwood forests, mountaintop views, and even a campground with Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

These are my top 7.

All of them close enough to escape on a whim, and each one worth the trip:

Steep Ravine

Camp Style: Half-Backpacking Spot / Car Camping

This place doesn’t feel real.

Steep Ravine clings to the side of a bluff, a few minutes south of Stinson Beach. Below you—waves smashing into rock. Above you—cypress trees twisting in the wind. And in front of you—nothing but Pacific.

I camped at Environmental Site #1. It sits just high enough for full ocean views but tucked back for a bit of wind shelter. You’re near the cabins, but far enough to pretend you aren’t.

At night, the sound of surf never stops. Neither do the raccoons. One tried to roll off with my ice chest. Didn’t win. Whales breaching, deer sprinting through camp, owls calling. It’s not quiet here—it’s alive.

Facilities | Steep Ravine

Picnic Table: Yes

Water: Yes, spigots throughout

Food Locker: Yes, use it or lose your snacks

Fire Pit: Yes

BBQ Grill: Cabins only

Toilets: Flush and vault options

Shower: Nope

Lighting/Electricity: None—bring headlamps and lanterns

Wheelbarrows: Yes, and you’ll need them

Accessibility: Campsite #7 and Cabin #1 are ADA-accessible

Parking: One car per site or cabin, strictly enforced

Reservations | Steep Ravine

It’s brutal.
Reservations open six months out on Reserve California. They vanish in seconds. The cabins are mythical—some folks win them in the state lottery (yes, really). Campsites are slightly more forgiving but still a challenge.

Your best shot? A weeknight. Watch for last-minute cancellations and pounce.

• Gate Code: Sent by email 1–2 days before your stay

• No early arrivals: Seriously. They don’t like it.

What I Learned | Steep Ravine

• Wind: Feels calm at sunset. Then 5 AM hits and your tent’s trying to fly. Stake deep.

• Cabin Hack: Bring curtain fabric and clips. The big windows need it.

• Firewood: $8 at the parking lot. Grab it before sundown.

• Beach Access: A hidden cove’s nearby, only during low tide. Bring shoes.

• Wildlife: Raccoons are fearless. Deer wander between campsites like locals.

• Privacy: Sites are spaced out. Site 1 feels remote. Sites 2 and 3 are wind-sheltered

One Last Thought (Steep Ravine):

If this spot opens up—grab it. No hesitation. Bring layers, brace for wind, and stash your snacks like you’re hiding them from a raccoon with a crowbar.

Rob Hill Campground

Camp Style: Urban Walk-In Group Camping

Rob Hill sits up high—above the streets, above the noise. Tucked into a thicket of eucalyptus, it’s easy to forget you’re still in San Francisco.

No traffic. No neighbors. Just wind in the trees and fog rolling through like it owns the place.

You hear birds, fog horns, and ocean wind through the trees. Not car alarms.

There are only four sites here. All of them are group-only and built for gatherings—friends, families, or community groups who want a forested retreat without crossing a bridge.

You won’t park next to your tent. The lot’s nearby, and wheelbarrows are provided. I loaded up mine and followed a paved path to our campsite, marked by a small plaque.

Ours was called Huya. Each one has its own name—check your confirmation email so you don’t end up wandering in circles.

Facilities | Rob Hill

Picnic Tables: 4 per site

Water: Yes, potable and plentiful

Food Lockers: 2 per site

Fire Pit: Yes (bring your own firewood)

BBQ Grill: Charcoal grill at each site

Restrooms: Indoor with running water (no showers)

Utility Sinks: Near restrooms for washing dishes

Lighting: None—bring lanterns or headlamps

Trash/Recycling: Yes

Bike Racks: Yes

Parking: 4 permits per reservation (extra cars must find public parking)

Accessibility: Path to sites is paved and ADA-friendly

Reservations | Rob Hill

You’ll need to book through Recreation.gov—and early. The season runs from April 1 to October 31, and spots go fast.

Group Only: Up to 30 people per site

Tent Camping Only: No vans, no trailers, no RVs

Cost: $92–$140 per night, depending on the day (military discount available)

Permit Printout Required: A paper copy goes on your car dash

Gate Access Code: Sent with your confirmation

What I Learned | Rob Hill Campground

• No Pets, No Alcohol: Rules here are strict. Even wine’s a no-go.

• No Early Birds: Don’t try to sneak in early—they’ll notice, and they won’t love it.

• Don’t Forget Charcoal: There’s a grill, but it’s BYO everything.

• Dish Washing Station: It’s called a scullery. It works, but bring your own soap.

• Sunsets: A short walk west and you’re staring at the Pacific. Totally worth it.

• Bike-Friendly: You’re near some of the best trails in the city. Bring one if you can.

One Last Thought (Rob Hill):

This is the only group campground in San Francisco. Use it for what it’s meant for—shared fires, shared meals, and slow mornings with good company. Bring layers. Fog moves fast up here.

Angel Island Campground

Camp Style: Short-Haul Backpacking with Bay Views

Camping on Angel Island feels like cheating. You get all the rewards of a backpacking trip—views, solitude, wildlife—without hiking twenty miles or disappearing off the map. It’s an island in the middle of the Bay, ringed by ferry routes and city lights, but once you step off the boat, it’s a whole different world.

I camped on the east side. It was a two-mile walk from Ayala Cove, mostly paved, mostly uphill. I passed shuttered buildings, open hillsides, and the occasional deer. The trail forks near the old immigration station—keep going uphill. You’ll know you’re close when the trees thin and the wind picks up.

Set your tent on a slope. Almost every site here is tilted, rugged, and a little awkward. No manicured lawns. Just space carved out of wild scrub with views that hit harder than expected. City skyline to one side, open ocean to the other.

Facilities | Angel Island

Picnic Table: Yes, one per site

Water: Yes, though some spigots are a hike away

Food Locker: Yes—absolutely necessary (raccoons are clever)

Fire Pit: No

Barbecue Grill: Charcoal only (bring your own)

Toilets: Vault toilets near each site; some areas have flush options

Showers: None

Trash Bins: None—pack it all out

Lighting: None—bring a headlamp

Cell Reception: Surprisingly solid

Accessibility: One ADA-accessible site

Reservations | Angel Island

Book through Reserve California up to six months in advance. And don’t wait. These sites vanish fast, especially the ridge and group camps.

• Ferry Required: From Tiburon or San Francisco. Check schedules closely.

• No Pets, No Fires, No Exceptions

• Site Options:

  • East Bay Sites (1–3) – calmer, more sheltered

  • Ridge Sites (4–6) – exposed, epic views

  • Sunrise Sites (7–9) – great light, group-ready

  • Site 10 / Kayak Camp – for boat-in or beachside adventurers

What I Learned | Angel Island

• Pack Light but Smart: The hike isn’t long, but it’s uphill. Every ounce counts.

• Test Your Gear First: My sleeping pad claimed to be the size of a football. It lied.

• Water Spigot May Not Work: Ours didn’t. The backup was a quarter-mile away.

• Wind is Real: Especially at night. Stake everything and bring earplugs.

• No Fires Allowed: Only charcoal or camp stoves. No flickering flames here.

• Best Hike: Mount Livermore for sunrise. You’ll see the whole Bay wake up.

• Traffic Noise: Oddly present—faint hum of planes and cars at night. Not awful, just surprising.

• Tent Size Matters: Many spots are too sloped for anything bigger than a 2–3 person tent

My Advice (Angel Island):

It’s not quite backcountry. Not quite city. Somewhere in between. Pack the stuff that makes you happy. Real food. A real pillow. Maybe that bottle you’ve been saving. You won’t regret the extra weight when the sky turns orange behind the Bay Bridge. Ridge Site 4 lives rent-free in my head.

Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

Camp Style: RV & Car Camping

This is as close as you’ll get to oceanfront camping without pitching your tent in the sand. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground, specifically the Francis Beach section, lets you sleep steps from the Pacific.

You’ll hear the waves, feel the salt in the air, and maybe even get sand in your morning coffee.

It’s not remote. It’s not quiet. But that’s not the point. You’re here because you want the ocean in your backyard and a taqueria five minutes away.

I’ve camped here with both fog and sunshine—and honestly, I’ll take either. Even with a full campground, it feels chill. You’re not escaping civilization here. You’re merging with it—just with a better view.

Facilities | Half Moon Bay State Beach

Picnic Table: Yes

Water: Yes, spigots throughout campground

Food Locker: No

Fire Pit: Yes (at every site)

Barbecue Grill: Bring your own

Toilets: Flush toilets

Showers: Coin-operated hot showers (bring quarters)

Dump Station: Yes (extra fee)

Electric Hookups: Some sites (30 or 50 amp)

Sewer Hookups: No

Tent-Only Sites: A few, but most support RVs and cars

Beach Access: Walkable from every site

Dog-Friendly: Yes, but not on the beach

Sweetwood Group Camp: Tent-only, no water, pit toilets only

Reservations | Half Moon Bay State Beach

Book through Reserve California up to six months in advance. The place fills fast—especially weekends, summer, or anything near a holiday.

Rates: Vary based on site type (standard or hookup)

Max Stay: 7 consecutive nights

Check-In: 2 PM

Check-Out: Noon

Fires: Allowed in rings only—no beach fires

Rules: Leash your dogs, pack out your trash, don’t collect driftwood or shells

What I Learned | Half Moon Bay State Beach

• Expect Crowds: You’ll hear your neighbors. Maybe even their playlist.

• Watch the Fog: One day it’s sunny, the next it’s a cloud with sand.

• RV Life: Even tent campers can enjoy the amenities—just walk over.

• No Fires on the Beach: Don’t try it. Rangers are quick.

• Coin Showers: Keep a stash of quarters or you’ll be drying off salty.

• Town’s Close: Forgot something? You’re a five-minute drive from civilization.

My Advice (Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground):

This one’s easy. Pack your hoodie, grab your favorite snacks, and let the ocean do what it does. Walk the bluffs at sunrise. Breathe the salt. End the day with a burrito and sand in your shoes. That’s the whole story.

Anthony Chabot Regional Park Campground

Camp Style: Drive-Up Tent & RV Camping with a Forested Twist

This one’s tucked into the eucalyptus hills just above Oakland—quiet, green, and weirdly close to the city.

I could drive from downtown to my campsite in under 40 minutes. But once you’re in the woods, it feels like you’ve jumped zip codes.

The campground wraps around the hills above Lake Chabot. It’s forested, but not isolated. Think “retreat with cell service” vibes.

And while the road in is a little sketchy—tight turns and a few potholes—it’s worth it. Especially if you score one of the lakeside sites in the upper 60s.

I camped with friends and a couple of mountain bikes. From our site, we hit singletrack trails, watched the sun drop behind eucalyptus branches, and saw more deer than people.

Just watch your step—poison oak is lurking, and if it’s rained recently, ticks are out too.

Facilities | Anthony Chabot Regional Park Campground

Picnic Table: Yes

Water: Yes (spigots throughout main campground)

Food Locker: Likely at each site

Fire Pit: Yes (with grill grate)

BBQ Grill: Group sites only

Toilets: Flush in main campground, chemical at group sites

Showers: Coin-operated, bring quarters

RV Hookups: Full hookups at 12 RV sites (electric, water, sewer)

Dump Station: Yes

Tent-Only Sites: 10 hike-in, plus drive-up tent sites

Group Sites: Both developed and primitive, up to 300 people

Dog-Friendly: Yes ($2/day), leashed only

Accessibility: Puma Point group site is ADA-accessible

Quiet Hours: Enforced. Gates lock from 10 PM–8 AM

Reservations | Anthony Chabot Regional Park Campground

Book through the East Bay Regional Park District. It’s not the easiest system to navigate, and there are quirks. You’ll either need to book several days in advance or renew daily once you’re there.

• Best Sites: 69–73 for lake views

• Fees: Vary by site type and season

• Pet Fee: $2 per dog, per day

• Second Vehicle Fee: Applies

• Fire Restrictions: Check before booking—rules can shift

What I Learned | Anthony Chabot Regional Park Campground

• Close But Feels Far: You’re near Oakland, but you’d never guess it once you’re in camp.

• Kids Love It: Ranger programs, open space, and easy trails. Perfect for beginners.

• Poison Oak Is Everywhere: Stay on trail and keep an eye on your dog.

• Ticks After Rain: Wear long pants and bring tweezers.

• Showers Exist: But they eat quarters fast. Bring extras.

• Some Sites Closed: A few favorites were shut down post-2016. Check the map first.

• Beginner-Friendly: Forgot your headlamp? You’re 20 minutes from a Target.

My Advice (Anthony Chabot Regional Park Campground):

New to camping? Bring them here. It’s wild enough to feel like you’ve gone somewhere—and close enough to bail if things go sideways.

Chabot’s got trees, trails, and views that stretch over the lake. Site 70 – Gold. And yeah, toss in an extra pair of socks. Those eucalyptus hills will sneak up on you.

Portola Redwoods State Park Campground

Camp Style: Wooded Tent & Trailer Camping with Zero Distractions

Tucked into the folds of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Portola Redwoods feels like the woods are closing in—in the best possible way.

This isn’t beach camping. There’s no breeze. No horizon. Just trees taller than your apartment building and trails that wind through silence. The road in is steep, winding, and weirdly quiet.

And when you get there? Zero cell signal. It’s like a hard reset for your nervous system.

We booked a last-minute site and somehow ended up with a gem. Shaded, soft ground, and plenty of space. The site tilted a bit, and leveling our rig was a pain, but once we settled in, the redwoods did their thing.

Cool mornings, filtered light, and enough mosquitoes to remind you that nature’s alive and well.

Facilities | Portola Redwoods

Picnic Table: Yes

Water: Yes (potable, scattered spigots)

Food Locker: Yes (per site, plus bear box—even though bears aren’t common)

Fire Pit: Yes, with grill

Toilets: Flush in main loop, older buildings

Showers: Coin-operated, and honestly… sketchy

RV Access: Max length 24 ft, no hookups

Dump Station: No

Group Sites: Available, with pit toilets and no power

Hike-in Sites: Yes—4 walk-in spots for more seclusion

Trail Camp: Slate Creek (primitive, backpacking only)

Dog-Friendly: On leash in camp, not on trails

Reservations | Portola Redwoods

Book through Reserve California. These fill up slower than beach sites, but weekends and holidays still disappear fast.

• Fees: ~$35 per night

• Max Stay: 7 days

• Check-In: 2 PM

• Check-Out: Noon

• Firewood: Usually for sale, but bring your own just in case

• No Cell Service: At all. No texts, no calls, no scrolling under the sleeping bag

What I Learned

• Shade is a Gift: Summer can still be warm, but the trees keep it cool

• Bring Leveling Blocks: Many sites tilt—especially in the upper loop

• Expect Bugs: Mosquitoes mean business from dusk to dawn

• Bathrooms are Rough: Older buildings, dim lighting, and kind of grimy

• Hiking is the Main Event: If your crew isn’t into trails, this might not be their thing

• No Gas, No Groceries: Get your supplies before you drive up

• Noise Carries: Some sites are more stacked than others—aim for creek-adjacent if you want quiet

• Zero Distractions: For families with sensory-sensitive kids, this place is gold

My Advice (Portola Redwoods):

This one’s not flashy. It’s not loud. It’s still. It’s green. It smells like pine needles and wet dirt. Pack the bug spray that stings your eyes. Skip the sandals. Bring the book you’ve been pretending to read for a year. No bars. No lattes. Just redwoods, fog, and the sound of water moving somewhere nearby.

Kirby Cove Campground

Camp Style: Hike-In Coastal Tent Camping with a View You Won’t Believe

You don’t just camp at Kirby Cove. You earn it.

A mile downhill from the Marin Headlands, just behind Battery Spencer and a stream of camera-toting tourists, you’ll find five campsites tucked into a foggy canyon—each one staring straight at the Golden Gate.

I’ve stayed here on a clear night, and it felt unreal. San Francisco lit up across the bay. The bridge glowing. Waves rolling in below the cliffs.

But don’t be fooled—this place has teeth. Fog horns, wind, and raccoons that make eye contact as they unzip your gear.

Facilities | Kirby Cove

Picnic Table: Yes, multiple at each site

Water: No—bring all you need

Food Locker: Yes (essential—raccoons are relentless)

Fire Pit: Yes, with grill

BBQ Grill: Yes (charcoal only)

Toilets: Vault toilets only

Showers: Nope

Tent Pads: Yes (2–3 per site)

Parking: Max 3 vehicles per reservation, at top of trail

ADA Sites: Yes—sites 2 & 5

No Pets: Not allowed

No Wheelbarrows: Bring a wagon if you’ve got one

Views: Absurd

Reservations | Kirby Cove

Book through Recreation.gov, and good luck.

Limited Sites: Only 5 campsites, plus a day-use picnic area

Booking Window: Opens 6 months in advance

Max Stay: Usually 3 nights per season

Season: Typically March–November

Gate Code: Sent after booking—don’t lose it

No Walk-Ins: Reservation required

What I Learned | Kirby Cove

• Site 1 is Gold: It’s set apart and has its own bluff-top perch

• Don’t Count on Wheelbarrows: They’re gone. Pack light or bring your own wagon

• Fog Horn = Sleep Assassin: Bring earplugs. No, serious earplugs

• The Fog is Moody: Sunny one minute, ghost town the next

• Raccoons are Bold: They will unzip your tent. Not kidding

• Bring All Water: There is none on-site—not even a drip

• Beach Vibe Without the Beach Crowd: No lifeguards, no swimming, but the view makes up for it

My Advice (Kirby Cove):

Skip the coolers. Bring dry food, a flask, and something warm. Site 1 has the best view in the Bay Area—yes, better than your rooftop bar. Just don’t leave your granola unattended unless you want raccoons to write a Yelp review of your campsite.