Lisa P.recommendsJanuary 9, 2023
Site C-5
Camping in History!
We loved our stay at Terminal 4 - San Pablo Bay View. We were traveling in the area when the state campground we booked suddenly closed (kicking everyone out) due to an impending storm.
We found Robert’s campsite and booked it immediately. Robert was a kind and gracious host, allowing us to check in early due to our sudden displaced circumstances.
We were able to safely shelter in the bay during the worst of the storm. It was peaceful and quiet, with beautiful oceanfront views out our window/backdoor.
We were the only ones there which also added to the peacefulness.
This place is a quaint, quirky spot…ripe with amazing history. It’s very secure, with a security gate and very kind, helpful security guard at entrance to direct you to your spot.
It was raining most of the time so we didn’t get to try the nearby Bbq restaurant or explore as much as we would’ve liked, but we’d definitely recommend this spot for the adventurous traveler.
Rebecca L.recommendsJanuary 1, 2023
Site A-1
Kooky and cool with amazing views!
Terminal 4 is a diamond in the rough! It was perfect for us - we were looking for somewhere close to SF to stay in our trailer that wasn’t an RV park, had some room to walk our dog and had some character (!) and this was it. Robert was easy and quick to communicate with and we had a smooth check in / out. Site and porta potty were clean and plenty of space for our 19 ft trailer.
You really can’t beat the views! We were there in NYE and even watched the fireworks from the Ferry Building in the distance.
This site is kooky, kitschy and kind of beautifully eerie. It’s character is similar to that of Joshua Tree, Burning Man, etc. So if you like that vibe you’ll love this. Amidst derelict structures is your little haven for the night!
The site felt safe to us. I understand other reviewers might associate industrial / junk yard areas with lack of safety, but this is a double gated plot of land. We felt just fine.
We weren’t bothered by the wind or noise. Perhaps because we were inside the trailer vs a tent, but it was just background noise.
The sauna place at the entrance looks so cool - we would have utilised but they were closed for the holidays when we were there. It’s called ‘The Good Hot’.
There’s also a little ceramics shop in a shipping container that’s nice. ‘Clay Birds’.
The loop trail offers spectacular views. Watch for ticks!
The harbor trail to San Pablo Harbor is wonderfully weird! Sculptures, a floating village, goats & more!
Laura F.recommendsDecember 30, 2022
Site C-2
We enjoyed the location by the water, there was nobody there but us a big plus there were a lot of interesting things to see, we like old rustic so it was a good fit.
Claudia M.recommendsDecember 15, 2022
Site A-1
City camping
If you need to stay close to the city this is the place to do it. It felt like the safest option as it’s a bit hidden and has a large locked gate and security. We left our camper there for long periods of time over several days and it wasn’t too far out of the way! In Addition the owner was kind and let us leave late in the day
Laura A.recommendsNovember 28, 2022
Site C-2
We have been here multiple times and are always happy to come back. It's a million dollar view! And an incredibly peaceful getaway, given that you are so close to such an urban environment. We got to be here for the last two nights of Black Star Pirate BBQ. It will be a shame to not have a restaurant within walking distance. But hopefully something else will open up. In the mean time, either bring your own food, or drive to nearby Pt. Richmond for great restaurants. We will definitely be back at Terminal 4!
Site C-1
Meh, not worth the price.
Not a great experience for my first hipcamp. As other reviews mention, this is a 'unique' spot. We knew that coming into it, and we decided to book it because it was on sale. We goofed on the booking and only booked 1 night instead of two, as soon as we did, the price jumped to 90$ and we couldn't extend our stay on the app. We reached out to the owner to ask for an extension and they refused. I wouldn't stay here for 90$, especially considering they don't have any hookups, and there is traffic zooming by day and night (Even on the so-called 'quiet' side), and you can pretty regularly hear gunshots. It's also in the middle of an industrial area, which means a lot of junk lying around. The vibe of the actual spot you stay in is nice, but walking around the area you just see a lot of trash, as well as old cars, boats on blocks, etc.
David B.November 27, 2022
Site C-5
DB
The highlight of our stay was the walk to the BBQ place near by, good food, folks and music. Be prepared for a gravel storage yard
Dayne B.recommendsNovember 25, 2022
Site C-1
It’s a beautiful place! Quiet, with a great view of the water, didn’t want to leave.
Thomas S.recommendsNovember 23, 2022
Site C-1
It was a better view than expected. The location is convenient for Bay Area activities.
Kristina R.recommendsNovember 22, 2022
Site C-5
Urban Camping at its FINEST
This was our second time camping out at Terminal 4, and we had a fantastic time! The only disappointment was learning that the BBQ place was closing down a couple of weeks after our visit. What a great scene and a good time. Otherwise you can't go wrong with this campground. Just be prepared to dry camp as there is no water. We love this place and will be back again soon!
Darnell N.November 16, 2022
Site C-4
Difficult to find no assistance fro
Signage is horrible, this is not an easy site to find and the host was not helpful. One of the park employees Israel is AWESOME ! He found me on the road lost and guided me to the site and help me park. The area is quite and has nice views. I think in the future I will stick to day trips instead of overnight camping. Kept hearing gun shots from a nearby range.
Frank C.November 14, 2022
Site C-3
Need more outlets.
This camp site was actually quite nice. Sitting right on the San Pablo bay. We lucked out with some clear skies and calm shores. We actually witness the big meteor fly over that landed in Nevada county. Which was quite epic.
I had site 3 and my buddy had site 2. Someone was in site 4.
So 3 snd 4 were sharing one duel plug outlet.
Number 2 had no access. Unless he had an long extension cord. But he still wouldn't be able to plug in due to being occupied. Spending a $100 for one night and can't access an outlet while your neighbour can would be my only complaint.
Having an outlets for each site would be a nice upgrade for this campground. It would only be fair that each site had its own electricity.
Erin M.recommendsNovember 13, 2022
Site A-5
Waterfront & city views!
What a cool and very unique camping experience!! We stayed on the SF Bay side which was amazing! We lucked out with very little wind and sunny days and clear nights! It was great for sight seeing! It was so cool to watch all the tankers, ferries, sailboats, and more go by! We explored around the property which is very interesting and hit up the very popular and busy BBQ spot at the end of the railroad trail.
Some takeaways, by the looks of it, SF bay side would always be our preferred side because of the view and surrounding property. But I imagine the wind could really be a buzz kill if it were present. Also, we were in a camper. The tent reviews seem to be accurate. It would be gravelly and probably pretty loud if you’re sensitive to cars/trucks going by. Since no fires are allowed, we were in the camper not long after dark but loved the million dollar views from the camper door! I’m sure we’ll go back in the future!!
Cheryl M.November 13, 2022
Site C-2
I knew what site was like before camping there. However, I think that $100 a night was pricey considering there was no water or electricity. Could not use our propane fire pit. I understand the reasons for all of the above. The price should have been reduced.
Suzanne D.recommendsNovember 12, 2022
Site C-3
Out of the way, By the Bay.
Getting to the campsite was adventurous. It’s amazing that such a camp site, with incredible views exist so close to an industrial area. Echos of time gone by and ports past. Terminal 4 has an incredible history.
It was a very quiet night and we were able to walk ( down an interesting trail by the abandoned train tacks) to the BBQ place at San Pablo harbor. Loved seeing all the unique houseboats.
The campsites were level and there was a communal power source. There were benches nearby so you could watch the ferries and other boats go by. There was even a trail down to the beach. An unobstructed shoreline view is hard to come by and Terminal 4 has great shoreline views.
Would I stay again, YES. I love unique places.
Joe M.recommendsNovember 8, 2022
Site A-1
The campground is maybe 50 feet from the San Francisco Bay. It's not tent friendly in my opinion, ad the spots are packed gravel parking places. The location is secure, and is a storage yard full of boats and RVs. Tha facility is former Navy fuel depot,
There is a hiking trail. And. On weekends, a BBQ restaurant is open. It's perfect for a small self contained RV visiting SF .. secure, great view. A fun visit!
PS there are a flock of turkeys that appear to have have final say on whether you stay. Be nice to them! and
Coline O.doesn't recommendOctober 31, 2022
Site C-1
Beautiful spot but strange
Nice spot near the water but it is very strange. We arrived when it was dark in a very strange place. We must pass by an industrial zone and barriers. I didn't dare to stay for the night.... We paid 65$ and we stayed one hour because it was too strange.
If you like adventure, go there. I like adventure but I also like to feel safe and this was not the case.
Harley W.recommendsOctober 31, 2022
Site C-3
Industrious Waterfront camping
Visited for a weekend, Stayed for about a month.
Love this location. Quiet, secluded and off the beaten path.
Made many friends with the business owners of the nearby establishments; Claybird (ceramics), SOS Toilets/VIP Lavatories, Black Star Pirate BBQ.
If you don’t mind a long drive In/Out,
this place is fantastic. It’s clean, private and safe.
Highly recommend for short term or extended period.
Wayne M.recommendsOctober 29, 2022
Site A-5
What a cool unique experience. Not sure I’d tent camp here unless you go to the little “hike in camp.”
It was a great experience with our truck camper. Hit the saunas and biked to black pirate bbq. Highly recommended! Go before they move locations Nov 23.
Des M.recommendsOctober 27, 2022
Site C-1
A whole Fam in a Van
Great communication, amazing views, and one of the cleanest portapottys I have ever been in.
Tracy R.recommendsOctober 23, 2022
Site C-1
Great urban camping
Welp, I read all the previous reviews and I wasn’t sure what to expect due to the industrial nature of the area. We had a great camp site (C-1) and we were easily able to back our 31ft class A into the space. On the way to the camp area, you will need to pass thru some historic areas, as well as industrial storage…but once you arrive it’s great. Flat, clean, quiet, with and amazing view.
Venita B.recommendsOctober 21, 2022
Site C-1
I really different and fun camping experience. Beautiful view.
Cathy G.recommendsOctober 11, 2022
Site C-1
Peaceful quiet night's camping!
Stett H.recommendsOctober 10, 2022
Site C-5
Terminal 4: One-of-a-kind find!
Terminal 4 was fantastic. It feels 1,000 miles away from the Bay Area but the views of the bay, Richmond bridge and Mt. Tam are right out front. Very quiet and serene in spite of the industrial uses. Love the eclectic finds nearby: Cool Hot sauna, Claybirds ceramics, San Pablo Bay Harbor and the excellent Black Star Pirate BBQ (go before this gem closes in Nov.)