The best private sites RV parks near Novato, California

Set in the North Bay just north of San Francisco, Novato offers a wide range of cultural options for its size. Walk around the historic Old Town, sample wine, and enjoy a vibrant food scene before heading out into nature. Outdoor lovers can enjoy plenty of open spaces, wildlife parks, and three golf courses. Campers are spoiled for choice, with a wide range of public parks and beaches offering campsites along the coast, in wine country, among the redwoods, and in the bay area, in addition to the Novato Park.

99% (74) • 4 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Novato

1. The Olive Farm

99%

(367)

2mi from Novato · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Excellent Group Site! We only host one group at a time so you can be with your family and friends in a large, flat and private space. We listed the site for up to 12 campers but feel free to reach out if your group is bigger. Please check out the newest addition of our cabin bunkhouse. Take a look at the pictures - you can add it to your stay as an extra when you book! The land was originally purchased in the 1980's. Since then, it has been used by four generations of the family as a place to gather, relax, camp and even celebrate. I had my wedding on the property in 2010. For a few years we held an annual music festival with the very inventive name of Samapalooza. Up to 400 people would attend the day filled with live music, food and drinks. You will still find the stage and bar we built as an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Around 2008, my father and I planted our first olive trees. Many have been planted since which has gifted the land the timeless sense of purpose it deserves. My father dedicated his last years to tending the young trees and now I have taken the mantle to carry the farm forward. 'The Property', as it is known amongst family and friends has always been a place to camp. I have sat around the same fire ring for decades, rain or shine. I hope that fellow hipcampers can find the joy that my family and I have experienced here. This is a very private camp on a small olive farm. Geographically close to highways and the town of Novato, Sonoma and Napa wine country, this camp feels remote and secluded. Only one camp on the property to keep it private and special. You basically have your run of the land. We have just updated the land and made some nice improvements. Located on ten acres, you will drive past a small olive grove before reaching the spacious and open campground. Just up the hill from the camp is a private pond where you can fish, take out a small boat or just sit and watch the birds. It can be great swimming on hot summer days. This spot has been used by the family for decades and is now open to share with fellow nature lovers. Just a note: While the majority of the time you can expect complete privacy, this is a working olive farm. From time to time you may run into me (Sam) or someone else associated with the land. We will always do our best to respect your space.

2. Magical Forbes Island Large Groups!

100%

(6)

49mi from Novato · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Book our floating Forbes Island for your OffBeat, Off-Grid Experience! This private, historic event venue accommodates 2 to 125 people with a few special on-board bedrooms, and plenty of camping at adjoining Willow Grove Ranch. *This property appeals to the adventurous - guests must pay attention to transportation instructions and prepare to be off-grid during their stay.* *DISCLAIMER* Forbes Island is a ferry and boat-accessible destination! To drive, you must catch the Car Ferry in Oakley to transport you to the Island. A Midday Car-Ferry Boat or Pre-Booked Passenger Boat is Required! - Please Call Before Booking - *This property has unique logistics. Please send a message to call and iron out all your details, before booking!* --- The Forbes Island off-grid event venue and campground are at Bradford Island in the Sacramento River Delta. The floating barge is moored next to our private ranch, utilized for tent and RV camping for larger groups. We limit rentals to single groups for ultimate privacy in a natural setting. You and your guests enjoy the remote Sacramento River Delta wetlands while being only a short drive from the Bay Area. Guests have direct access to water sports and private docks. *Note: Forbes Island requires passage via the Bradford Island car ferry (see schedule below), a personal watercraft, or a captained passenger ferry boat that must be booked in advance. Boat dock space is included. History: Forbes Thor Kiddoo came to San Francisco in 1959 after a stint in the Coast Guard. A carpenter and engineer, he developed a business constructing houseboats in Sausalito. Then, inspired by Jules Verne’s Captain Nemo and the movie version of “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea”, Forbes Kiddoo built himself an underwater home, complete with portholes for watching the fish swim past, a diving hatch and a grand bedroom suite fit for a captain of his private world. In the ’90s, Forbes added a 40-foot lighthouse and a white picket fence. Today, a small group of committed friends has preserved and kept Forbes Island afloat for community events, opening it for all to experience and enjoy. Your rental helps us to maintain this totally unique, fabulous find into the future. FAQ Are day campers included in the total guest count, or does it only apply to overnight guests? All campers, whether they are staying overnight or not, must be included in the reservation. Can additional guests be added after the initial booking? Yes, you can modify your trip to add more guests through the Hipcamp app, but you cannot exceed the maximum capacity. --- Forbes Island is a historic architectural folly built on a floating barge, with indoor spaces above and below its deck. The venue is adjacent to private land available to add-on to your booking, for camping and RV parking. Guests may sleep in any of the following places on the property: 1. Top Deck: Open-Air Camping 2. Top Deck Tiki Room: Indoor room, no furnishings 3. Below Deck Bedroom 1: Full Bed with attached bathroom 4. Below Deck Bedroom 2: Queen Bed 5. Below Deck "Living Room" and Bar: Indoor room, no furnishings 6. Adjacent field available for tent and RV camping. *Note: the barge has two functional bathrooms with toilet and sink that uses non-potable water, no showers onboard. Provided Aboard: Refrigerator Grill on Deck Electrical Power Starlink Wifi BYO: Drinking Water Provisions Musical Instruments Sunscreen --- BRADFORD ISLAND FERRY: https://bradfordisland.com/wp-... Round-Trip (car) Ferry Ticket $15.50: Purchase ferry tickets at this Oakley Valero Station https://goo.gl/maps/FHpr8VUvj8... Ferry Schedule: MONDAY – FRIDAY RUNS: 9 am to 5 pm (RUNS ON THE HOUR EXCEPT AT 12 NOON) SATURDAY RUNS: 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 11 am & 12 NOON SUNDAY RUNS: 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm Be sure to be there at least 5 minutes early because Delta Time has its own way of doing things! *NOTE: if you miss the last ferry of the day, you are staying for another night!

Set in the North Bay just north of San Francisco, Novato offers a wide range of cultural options for its size. Walk around the historic Old Town, sample wine, and enjoy a vibrant food scene before heading out into nature. Outdoor lovers can enjoy plenty of open spaces, wildlife parks, and three golf courses. Campers are spoiled for choice, with a wide range of public parks and beaches offering campsites along the coast, in wine country, among the redwoods, and in the bay area, in addition to the Novato Park.

99% (74) • 4 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Novato

1. The Olive Farm

99%

(367)

2mi from Novato · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Excellent Group Site! We only host one group at a time so you can be with your family and friends in a large, flat and private space. We listed the site for up to 12 campers but feel free to reach out if your group is bigger. Please check out the newest addition of our cabin bunkhouse. Take a look at the pictures - you can add it to your stay as an extra when you book! The land was originally purchased in the 1980's. Since then, it has been used by four generations of the family as a place to gather, relax, camp and even celebrate. I had my wedding on the property in 2010. For a few years we held an annual music festival with the very inventive name of Samapalooza. Up to 400 people would attend the day filled with live music, food and drinks. You will still find the stage and bar we built as an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Around 2008, my father and I planted our first olive trees. Many have been planted since which has gifted the land the timeless sense of purpose it deserves. My father dedicated his last years to tending the young trees and now I have taken the mantle to carry the farm forward. 'The Property', as it is known amongst family and friends has always been a place to camp. I have sat around the same fire ring for decades, rain or shine. I hope that fellow hipcampers can find the joy that my family and I have experienced here. This is a very private camp on a small olive farm. Geographically close to highways and the town of Novato, Sonoma and Napa wine country, this camp feels remote and secluded. Only one camp on the property to keep it private and special. You basically have your run of the land. We have just updated the land and made some nice improvements. Located on ten acres, you will drive past a small olive grove before reaching the spacious and open campground. Just up the hill from the camp is a private pond where you can fish, take out a small boat or just sit and watch the birds. It can be great swimming on hot summer days. This spot has been used by the family for decades and is now open to share with fellow nature lovers. Just a note: While the majority of the time you can expect complete privacy, this is a working olive farm. From time to time you may run into me (Sam) or someone else associated with the land. We will always do our best to respect your space.

2. Magical Forbes Island Large Groups!

100%

(6)

49mi from Novato · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Book our floating Forbes Island for your OffBeat, Off-Grid Experience! This private, historic event venue accommodates 2 to 125 people with a few special on-board bedrooms, and plenty of camping at adjoining Willow Grove Ranch. *This property appeals to the adventurous - guests must pay attention to transportation instructions and prepare to be off-grid during their stay.* *DISCLAIMER* Forbes Island is a ferry and boat-accessible destination! To drive, you must catch the Car Ferry in Oakley to transport you to the Island. A Midday Car-Ferry Boat or Pre-Booked Passenger Boat is Required! - Please Call Before Booking - *This property has unique logistics. Please send a message to call and iron out all your details, before booking!* --- The Forbes Island off-grid event venue and campground are at Bradford Island in the Sacramento River Delta. The floating barge is moored next to our private ranch, utilized for tent and RV camping for larger groups. We limit rentals to single groups for ultimate privacy in a natural setting. You and your guests enjoy the remote Sacramento River Delta wetlands while being only a short drive from the Bay Area. Guests have direct access to water sports and private docks. *Note: Forbes Island requires passage via the Bradford Island car ferry (see schedule below), a personal watercraft, or a captained passenger ferry boat that must be booked in advance. Boat dock space is included. History: Forbes Thor Kiddoo came to San Francisco in 1959 after a stint in the Coast Guard. A carpenter and engineer, he developed a business constructing houseboats in Sausalito. Then, inspired by Jules Verne’s Captain Nemo and the movie version of “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea”, Forbes Kiddoo built himself an underwater home, complete with portholes for watching the fish swim past, a diving hatch and a grand bedroom suite fit for a captain of his private world. In the ’90s, Forbes added a 40-foot lighthouse and a white picket fence. Today, a small group of committed friends has preserved and kept Forbes Island afloat for community events, opening it for all to experience and enjoy. Your rental helps us to maintain this totally unique, fabulous find into the future. FAQ Are day campers included in the total guest count, or does it only apply to overnight guests? All campers, whether they are staying overnight or not, must be included in the reservation. Can additional guests be added after the initial booking? Yes, you can modify your trip to add more guests through the Hipcamp app, but you cannot exceed the maximum capacity. --- Forbes Island is a historic architectural folly built on a floating barge, with indoor spaces above and below its deck. The venue is adjacent to private land available to add-on to your booking, for camping and RV parking. Guests may sleep in any of the following places on the property: 1. Top Deck: Open-Air Camping 2. Top Deck Tiki Room: Indoor room, no furnishings 3. Below Deck Bedroom 1: Full Bed with attached bathroom 4. Below Deck Bedroom 2: Queen Bed 5. Below Deck "Living Room" and Bar: Indoor room, no furnishings 6. Adjacent field available for tent and RV camping. *Note: the barge has two functional bathrooms with toilet and sink that uses non-potable water, no showers onboard. Provided Aboard: Refrigerator Grill on Deck Electrical Power Starlink Wifi BYO: Drinking Water Provisions Musical Instruments Sunscreen --- BRADFORD ISLAND FERRY: https://bradfordisland.com/wp-... Round-Trip (car) Ferry Ticket $15.50: Purchase ferry tickets at this Oakley Valero Station https://goo.gl/maps/FHpr8VUvj8... Ferry Schedule: MONDAY – FRIDAY RUNS: 9 am to 5 pm (RUNS ON THE HOUR EXCEPT AT 12 NOON) SATURDAY RUNS: 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 11 am & 12 NOON SUNDAY RUNS: 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm Be sure to be there at least 5 minutes early because Delta Time has its own way of doing things! *NOTE: if you miss the last ferry of the day, you are staying for another night!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

John

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at The Olive Farm

Everything was exactly what the host said it was, and that’s a good thing!

Ben

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

Really cozy and private area but not too far from shopping and food. Plenty of space for multiple tents and lots of seating as well. The outdoor toilets were clean and didn't smell bad. The cabin was also very nice and included some board games. Sam was an excellent host and answered our questions quickly.

Cindy

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

We came with a group and our dogs! It was nice to have the pond to paddleboard in. And the string lights and fire pit to enjoy night time activities. Sam was quick to communicate with us and the site was secluded enough but still close to town to grab supplies and eat out if you wanted to. Winter camping is chilly so come prepared! The amount of picnic tables were great and the port a potties were clean. If with furry friends make sure they’re on flea and tick, as with any outdoor adventure some hitchhikers are bound to jump on. We had no problems when on the gravel and wood chips, just keep an eye out if your dog likes to roam into brush (tall brush is always fair game for ticks most anywhere in the Bay Area) 😉

S

Sarah

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

This place was perfect for our group, very private and large; we had plenty of room for our four tents to spread out. The photos and description are accurate. No surprises! This is an easy drive from SF, which makes this a place we will definitely come back to.

P

Patrick

November 2025

19 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at The Olive Farm

Perfect camp, with lots of cool features. Great for kids, dogs and large gatherings. Outstanding and super responsive host.

Rachel

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

Such a great spot! Will definitely be back. Really enjoyed the fire pit and plenty of room & picnic tables for games and hanging out. So fun for our pup as well. Weekend couldn’t have gone better.

Julian

November 2025

1 night at The Olive Farm

I loved my quick overnight trip to the Olive Farm! The Hipcamp is super private and setup with everything you need (multiple picnic tables, big fire pit, plenty of eating, toilet, etc.!) I will definitely be back!

R

Rebecca

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

The olive camo was perfect! Sam was super nice and responsive. It is very private and had very well kept ports potties, convenient lights on solar, a great outdoor kitchen setup and a cute lake. We added the cottage and it was great! I would highly recommend this site for groups. We loved it.

E

Elena

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at The Olive Farm

We had a great stay on the olive farm! It felt so open and serene. So nice to have the whole area to ourselves! Having the sink area to wash dishes was nice. The ground was nice and soft too which made pitching our tent easier. We would definitely stay again.

W

Wesley

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

Second time staying at Olive Farm Camp with a group of 8-10, mix of adults, kids, and dogs. We always rent the cabin. Love this site because it's close to SF/Oakland, private, and well-maintained. We will be back next year.

Sherri

October 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at The Olive Farm

As soon as we exited onto Atherton, our dog stuck his head out the window and started sniffing non-stop. The Olive Farm is his favorite place, and he ran and ran and ran during our stay. It’s so much fun to watch him. Mother Nature made this visit more challenging than usual, but our tarp and tent pulled us through. Sam’s property is truly amazing, and we feel very lucky to be able to visit it.

K

Kenneth

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at The Olive Farm

Great experience. The place was quiet, peaceful and easy to find. Absolutely enjoyed staying here. If you have dogs, you’ll love it here. Lots of open space for them to roam. Just make sure you bring extra poop bags! Will definitely stay here again in future.

K

Kasey

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

Great camping spot! Spacious, private, beautiful. Very well serviced porta potty.

Parris

October 2025

Tent

1 night at The Olive Farm

The Olive Farm is a hidden gem! It's a perfect getaway destination for us as we are locals, so we don't have to drive too far for a nice, relaxing getaway. The flexibility of the camping area (lots of space to set up tables etc.) and cute little stage/ prep area is perfect for just two or small groups. Definitely would book again!

d

deBorjaOliver

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

We love it, this is our second time booking and have made it our tradition to come at least once a year. It’s a beautiful space to enjoy time with your family and also your furry friends without having to worry about others. We love the privacy to enjoy nature in peace.

A

Andrea

September 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at The Olive Farm

Good spot for a quick overnight. I felt safe even as a solo camper with no one around. The trees and pond were lovely.

R

Riley

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

The Olive Farm was perfect for our needs. We had a large gathering that needed a lot of private space which is very hard to find in the Bay Area, so discovering this Hipcamp was finding a gem. Tons of parking, lots of space for tents, picnic benches, and even a small cabin for a lucky few. Not to mention it’s also really pretty being surrounded by the hills and oak trees with a very refreshing pond to dip into. The host was responsive with questions too.

K

Kai

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

Wonderful stay in late September! Big flat space to pitch tents and shade to hang out. The little pond was beautiful for a late summer/early fall swim and paddle. Sam was responsive and accommodating.

Yen

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

The host was incredibly friendly and easy to communicate with. He was always happy to help with any issues we had. The campsite was very well maintained, and we really enjoyed the sense of privacy being surrounded by the valley. We highly recommend this campsite!

G

Gladys

September 2025

16 ft pop-up camper

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

I really enjoyed having the space to ourselves for my group of 6. Appreciate that the main area is mostly level and spacious for us to fit 3 cars and to spread out with our respective campsites. The camp tables was under a beautiful oak tree, providing ample shade. Not sure if this is a seasonal thing, but there were few wasps circling in the camp area, so just make sure to store / clean food appropriately.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best private sites RV parks near Novato guide

Where to go

North Bay

Head to the coast to camp at Point Reyes National Seashore, where options include a boat-in campground and several hike-in sites. Just inland, camp along the Russian River at Austin Creek State Recreation Area. Camp among the redwoods at Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Explore Muir Woods, or choose from walk-in tent sites and rustic bluffside cabins at Mount Tamalpais State Park. There are four campgrounds on the Marin Headlands in Marin county, including three free, primitive backpacking campgrounds. China Camp State Park offers a scenic campground in the woodlands.

Wine Country

Head to wine country for tastings and scenic camping, often with access to cabins and full hookups. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Sonoma County offers a family-friendly campground, while the Skyline Wilderness Park near Napa offers tent, RV, and equestrian sites. Enjoy lakeside campsites with mountain views at Spring Lake Regional Park near Santa Rosa. Further north, you can camp near redwoods and a pretty stream at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, or choose from tent, RV, walk-in, and boat-in sites at Lake Sonoma. Near Lake Berryessa, options include campsites around the lake, Lake Solano Park and Lower Hunting Creek on BLM land.

San Francisco and South Bay

In San Francisco, groups can stay at walk-in campsites at the Presidio. Further south, camp near the beach at pretty Half Moon Bay State Beach. For solitude and hike-in campsites, head to Pescadero Creek County Park. There are also plenty of options for camping among the redwoods, including at Butano Redwoods State Park, Memorial County Park, Portola Redwoods State Park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

East Bay

In the East Bay, head to Mount Diablo State Park to enjoy sweeping views and three different campgrounds. At Del Valle Regional Park, enjoy water play, a variety of outdoor recreation. Overnight options include both cabins and campsites, including some RV sites with full hookups. Camp on the hillside at Anthony Chabot Regional Park with lake views or backpack into the Sunol Regional Wilderness for solitude, hikes, and wildflowers.

When to go

Spring to fall offers the most pleasant weather in Novato. From May to September, a popular farmer’s market is held weekly. Summer also sees a series of outdoor concerts and several car races. In the fall, outdoor movies are popular. Visit in the winter to forage for mushrooms. Special family-friendly events are held near the Christmas holidays.

Know before you go

There is some public transportation in and around Novato, but a car will make it easier to visit other areas in the region.
Reservations are required for certain campgrounds, and it’s best to book ahead, especially over the summer.
Permits may be required for mushroom foraging and some parks do not permit it.
Many parts of the northern California coast are not safe for swimming and there are very few lifeguards on duty.