San Francisco isn’t just famous for its amazing landmarks and foggy mornings! It’s also the gateway to some of the most beautiful landscapes California has to offer, and whether you’re feeling the call of the mountains or have been craving a beachfront vacation, there are plenty of options in the area to choose from. Better yet, some are still close enough to the city for you to dip back into civilization whenever you need to!

But with so many fantastic options available, narrowing down your choices can feel like an overwhelming experience. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you! Below, you’ll find 10 of the best campgrounds and RV parks near San Francisco. Each has something unique to offer, too, so no matter what your style of camping is, you’re guaranteed to find a place that you love.

Are you ready? Let’s find your next camping spot!


San Francisco RV Resort

San Francisco RV Resort

San Francisco, California

Distance from San Francisco: 15 Miles

If you love the idea of waking up to some amazing ocean views and falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves, San Francisco RV Resort is the place for you. Located on a 60-foot bluff and just 15 minutes from downtown San Francisco, this RV Park overlooks the Pacific but still gives you easy access should you want to head into the city to visit Fisherman’s Wharf or take a ferry ride to Alcatraz. Basically, it offers you the best of both worlds: a beautiful, peaceful place to stay and close proximity to all the action!

The resort itself has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including full hookups for your RV, toilets, showers, laundry facilities, WiFi, picnic tables, a hot tub, a swimming pool, and even a small on-site store, which is ideal if you need to stock up on supplies. The sites here are also spacious and can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet, so big rigs are welcome. And, since it’s pet-friendly, your four-legged travel buddy can join in the adventure.

When you’re ready to explore the area, you’ll find no shortage of things to do. Head down to Pacifica State Beach, which is a 5-minute drive from the campgrounds, where you can break out the surfboard and catch some waves or go tide-pooling at Rockaway Beach. The Devil’s Slide Trail is another must-do if you’re into hiking, which is less than 10 minutes away, and if you’re in the mood for more of an urban adventure, remember you’re just 15 minutes away from San Francisco’s top attractions.


Olema Campground

Olema Campground

Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Distance from San Francisco: 37 Miles

Further out in the countryside near Point Reyes National Seashore, Olema Campground is a quiet, nature-filled retreat that is perfect for anyone looking to swap city noise for birdsong and rustling trees. It’s also only about an hour’s drive from San Francisco, making it a great choice if you’re looking to escape the city but not stray too far away.

The RV sites here come with full hookups, including water, electricity, and sewer, and there are also tent camping spots should you want to change things up a bit throughout your road trip. Each site also includes a picnic table and fire ring (roasted marshmallows under the stars, anyone?), and all guests are welcome to use the on-site restrooms, showers, dump station, and laundry facilities. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a small camp store, a kid’s playground, and a designated dog exercise area.

In terms of nearby activities, you’ll find yourself in a prime location for exploring hiking trails and hidden beaches. The Bear Valley Trail is a particularly popular attraction, which is a mostly flat path that winds through forests and meadows before ending with a beautiful ocean view. Or, if you’re up for some paddling, rent a kayak and head over to Tomales Bay, which is about 25 minutes away and is a great place to enjoy a day on the water and spot harbor seals in their natural habitat.


Moss Landing KOA Express

Moss Landing KOA Express

Monterey Bay, California

Distance from San Francisco: 95 Miles

If you’re a wildlife lover or traveling with anyone who loves nature, Moss Landing KOA Express is the place to go. This RV park is smack in the middle of Monterey Bay, which is famous for its wildlife and natural beauty, and from sea otters to migrating whales, it offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on the California coast.

It’s slightly smaller than some other RV parks in the area, but this actually adds to its appeal and makes it perfect if you’re keen to escape crowds or not feel cramped in with your fellow campers. It also has some fantastic amenities, including water, electricity, and sewer hookups, WiFi, propane fire pits, restrooms, showers, and a playground.

However, while these amenities are undoubtedly good, there are a couple of restrictions you should also be aware of. First, only self-contained vehicles are allowed here, and tent camping is not permitted. Second, dogs are allowed, but there are breed restrictions in place, and if you own a Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Chow, Doberman, or American Staffordshire Terrier, you won’t be allowed to camp here for insurance purposes.

Assuming none of the above are issues for you, once you’ve parked your rig, there’s plenty to explore. One of the top activities here is taking a boat tour of Elkhorn Slough, where you’ll spot various birds and marine animals. You’re also only 25 minutes from Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is considered one of the best in the country and offers even more opportunities to learn more about the natural world.

Note: If you book a campervan with Travellers Autobarn, you will receive a discount at any KOA you stay at during your campervan trip.


Pinnacles Campground

Pinnacles Campground

Pinnacles National Park, California

Distance from San Francisco: 125 Miles

This one is for the super-adventurous explorer! Pinnacles Campground, which is located within Pinnacles National Park, offers opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, bird watching, and anything else your heart desires, all while being just a couple of hours away from San Francisco.

Before we start looking at the specifics of what you can do when staying here, let’s see what the amenities are. Each RV site comes with electric hookups (there are also options for tent camping), and you’ll also find flush toilets, showers, a dump station, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire pits. There’s also a swimming pool (open from April through September), which is ideal for cooling off in the hot summer months, and WiFi access, so if you need to stay connected while you’re away, you still can.

Now for those activities! There are so many hiking trails to explore from here, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs, that you can head out and discover something new every single day. The Bear Gulch Caves Trail is a must, where you’ll scramble through narrow rock passages and come across hidden pools and waterfalls. Or, if you’re up for something even more challenging, take the High Peaks Trail, which results in jaw-dropping views of the surrounding landscape. Don’t forget your binoculars, either, especially if you love wildlife, as this is one of the best places to spot California condors out in the wild.


Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

Big Sur, California

Distance from San Francisco: 150 Miles

Right in the heart of Big Sur, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground is the place to stay if you’ve been dreaming of camping among giant redwoods and fully immersing yourself in nature. Don’t let the fact it’s about 150 miles south of San Francisco put you off staying here, as while it takes around three hours to get here, the drive itself is an adventure with amazing coastal views on offer as you travel along Highway 1.

There is a mix of RV and tent sites here, although RV campers should note that there are no hookups available. Each site is spacious and shaded, though, providing you with privacy and that back-to-nature experience you’ve been looking for. Also, there are restrooms, hot showers, and drinking water spots throughout the campground, so you’re not without the basic comforts.

As with most national park campgrounds, there are some rules you’ll need to follow when staying here. Firstly, there is a maximum of 6 people allowed per campsite, so if you’re with a group bigger than this, you’ll need to reserve more than one spot (which you can do up to six months in advance). There are also quiet hours enforced between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., and while dogs are allowed on the campground, they must be kept on a leash and are not allowed on the trails.

But what about your activity options? Well, since you’re in Big Sur, you’ll find countless hiking trails to explore. The Valley View Trail is one of the most popular and is the one to take if you want to take some awesome photos of the iconic Big Sur River Valley. The famous McWay Falls is also just 25 minutes away, where you can watch the water cascade down 80 feet directly onto the beach below.

Note – No hookups available, so you will need a campervan with solar power to stay here.


Francis Beach Campground

Francis Beach Campground

Half Moon Bay State Beach, California

Distance from San Francisco: 30 Miles

If you’d rather be closer to San Francisco and like the idea of camping in a spot with easy access to the beach, it’s worth considering Francis Beach Campground. Set right along the Pacific Ocean, you’ll be able to take in some incredible sunsets while being just 30 minutes away from the city, making it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway or the start of a longer road trip down the coast.

There are electric hookups for RVs available here, and spaces are large enough to accommodate campervans up to 40 feet in length. The amenities are pretty good, too, and include restrooms, showers, drinking water, and a dump station. So, while it may not be as feature-packed as some other campgrounds, it’s still got the basics covered. And, with direct access to the beach and a pet-friendly policy, you can bring your pup along for some seaside fun!

Once you’ve had your fill of relaxing on the beach and want to explore a little more, we recommend heading out on the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail. The start is only a 6-minute walk away from the campground, and it’s a flat path that stretches for miles along the coastline, so you’ll get plenty of opportunity to take some beautiful ocean-view photos. You’re also a short drive from Half Moon Bay town, where you can explore the visitor center or enjoy a meal at a delicious seafood restaurant.


Juniper Campground

Juniper Campground

Mount Diablo State Park

Distance from San Francisco: 42 Miles

Further inland and around an hour’s drive away from San Francisco, Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo State Park is like an escape into a whole new world that feels completely different from the busyness of the city. On clear days, you can even see as far as the Sierra Nevada from certain spots in the campground, so you just know you’ll be getting some truly amazing views.

There are only 36 sites here, so it’s smaller than some of the other campgrounds in the area, but this means you’ll get the peace and quiet you’ve been longing for. It’s also a bit more rustic in terms of its amenities, but it still has everything you need, including potable water, flush toilets, coin-operated showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills.

Since you’re in a state park, there are some rules and restrictions, but nothing too complicated to worry about. Group camping isn’t allowed, but each campsite can accommodate up to 8 people, so as long as your party isn’t made up of more than this, you’ll be golden. Also, pets are allowed on certain parts of the campground but not on trails, in park buildings, or on fire roads.

As far as your nearby activities are concerned, Mount Diablo State Park is a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging summit climbs. If you’re after some incredible views, the Diablo Summit Trail is the one to take, while the trails in the Rock City Park area are better for kids, with sandstone formations and caves waiting to be discovered.

Note – No hookups available, so you will need a campervan with solar power to stay here.


Candlestick RV Park

Candlestick RV Park

San Francisco, California

Distance from San Francisco: 7 Miles

If you want to be as close to the action of downtown San Francisco as possible, Candlestick RV Park is the top choice. It’s just 7 miles away, so it’s ideally located for anyone who wants to explore all the top city attractions but still enjoy a campervan adventure or keep their budget in check by not splashing out on expensive inner-city hotels.

The park has some great facilities on offer, including full hookups for RVs, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and WiFi. And, while the sites here are more functional than scenic, there’s no denying that the convenience of being so close to the city more than makes up for it. The staff here are also super friendly and have a great knowledge of the local area, so they can offer advice on what to do and see and how to navigate San Francisco’s streets if you’ve never visited before.

You can’t stay here without hopping on the cable cars, visiting Alcatraz, or taking some photos of the Painted Ladies. But, when you’re done sightseeing in the city, a 40-minute drive will take you to Bay View Hill, where you can enjoy hiking in nature, or to Candlestick Point State Recreation Area for fishing opportunities.


Anthony Chabot Regional Park Campground

Anthony Chabot Regional Park Campground

Castro Valley, California

Distance from San Francisco: 25 Miles

Just 25 miles from San Francisco, Anthony Chabot Regional Park Campground is the place to go if you want to camp surrounded by oak woodlands and rolling hills but still stay relatively close to the city. Tent camping and RV camping sites are available here, too, so if you’re traveling with kids who want to experience a night under canvas, you’ve got the option to switch things up a bit.

There are full hookups available here, including water, sewer, and electricity, as well as restrooms and showers. There’s also a small camp store on-site where you can stock up on snacks or pick up some essential supplies. And, since you’re based in a forested area, you’ll get shade and a sense of privacy that some other sites can’t offer.

Lake Chabot is the main attraction here, which is just 25 minutes from the campground and offers you the opportunity to spend a day fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or swimming. Don’t worry if you’d rather stay dry, though – there are still plenty of activities to do, including the East Shore Trail or the more challenging Ten Hills Trail, both of which give you beautiful views of the area throughout.


Pelican Point RV Park

Pelican Point RV Park

Half Moon Bay, California

Distance from San Francisco: 35 Miles

Last but certainly not least, Pelican Point RV Park is another great choice if you want to stay close to the city but still enjoy a peaceful, oceanside setting. The sites here are spacious, too, and can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length, so it’s ideal if you’re traveling in a larger campervan.

This RV Park is pet-friendly, so your canine companion is welcome to join in on your adventures, and the amenities are basic but enough to make sure youre stay is comfortable. These include restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and full hookups. You can also access WiFi for a small fee (perfect if you need to check in with work or family), and fire pits and grills can be rented from the on-site office.

When you’ve settled in and are ready to go exploring, head to Half Moon Bay, which is less than 10 minutes away. Here, you’ll find restaurants offering farm-to-table dining, and if you’re traveling in the fall, you can enjoy seasonal festivals like the Pumpkin Festival. And, if you’re keen on learning more about the area’s wildlife, visit the J V Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, which is less than 20 minutes away and is home to tide pools teeming with marine life.


Final Thoughts

No matter what kind of camping experience you’re looking for, the campgrounds and RV Parks surrounding San Francisco have something for everyone. And, since each is within easy reach of the city, you can enjoy all the best attractions, but still rest assured you’ll be returning to a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle.

Ready to plan your camping vacation? At Travellers Autobarn, we’re here to help make your adventure truly unforgettable with reliable campervan rentals and unlimited miles. So, whether you’re sticking in San Francisco or checking out some of the other best campervan campgrounds in California, we’ve got an option that will suit your needs perfectly.

Here are a few other articles you may enjoy!

Guide to Free Camping in the USA

Guide to the Best Campgrounds for Campervans in the USA

Top 5 Road Trips to Take Your Campervan out of San Francisco

Ultimate National Parks Campervan Road Trip Adventure

San Francisco Campervan Road Trip

Best Beach Campgrounds & RV Parks in California

DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct at the time of publishing. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information.

About the Author

Bastian Graf

Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.

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