Camping near San Francisco, California, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2023

94%

(151)

Santa Cruz's Rudy Ranch

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Boulder Creek, CAIf you're looking for an ADULTS ONLY, beautiful and quiet place to camp, rest, kick back and hear the birds and wind in the trees, you've found it! While we do enjoy the energy of young children, we live in a very quiet neighborhood and have made the decision to exclusively host mature guests looking for a restful retreat. We have also decided that we will not make exceptions to this decision and invite those looking for a family experience to continue their search on the Hipcamp platform. There are many family friendly hosts excited to accept children of all ages! We ask those interested in enjoying our property with us to read through all of the information we provide prior to requesting to book. Happy HipCamping!

from

$80

/ night

Short hike down to the creek on the property, our pup loved it here!

89%

(1126)

The Enchanted Forest Retreat

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents45 acres · CAWelcome to the Enchanted Forest Retreat!We are a meditation retreat center with 45 acres of some of the most gorgeous redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains to enjoy hiking, creeks and small water fall exploration, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, star gazing, relaxation, meditation and more.Our campground has running water from a natural spring, Men and Women's Restrooms each with 2 toilets and 1 hot water shower and plugs for charging phones, laundry shed with sink and hot water, one BBQ grill by the fence up above the creek, and an outdoor amphitheater. We have meditation teaching at the amphitheater and campers are welcomed to attend for free.25 minutes to Silicon Valley - 25 minutes to Santa Cruz Boardwalk we're centrally located in the south bay. Dogs and kids are welcome - dogs must be picked up after and kept on a leash if other campers are present.Please note: This is camping - there may be bugs, critters, dirt, unpredictable weather (pack for the cold, just in case - we get surprise fog often!), early sunrise, no cell data, etc etc. It's not the Hilton - but it is gorgeous. ;)Shopping such as Safeway, Costco and the big box stores are 20 minutes away in Soquel; however, we have a charming little market (Summit Center) 3.5 miles away that has a great selection of groceries, drinks and hot foods, etc.Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we'll help however we can!

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$70

/ night

97%

(382)

Estero San Antonio Wonderland

11 sites · Lodging, TentsCACamp 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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$65

/ night

95%

(50)

Whaleback Ranch Camp and Tub

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents34 acres · CA*See @whalebackranch on IG for updated photos and videos. Welcome to our land, "the Ranch" as I've known it growing up, which has been in my family for 4 generations now. We've recently made many fun improvements for our own use, including the camp, bathtubs, shower, and trails - and we're excited to offer them. We do this for fun and a little extra income as a teacher (Dan) and army vet, artist (Mariah). Mariah is also the gardener; I have built most of the camp out of recycled redwood. The treehouse is a peaceful and safe relaxation haven; feel free to sleep up there, but at your own risk:) In the MAIN CAMP, there are plenty of tables and chairs to help you decide which view is most beautiful, behind newly installed privacy shades between our house (for two of the campsites that share the hilltop with our house). In that camp is the main outdoor shower and bathtub which you fill with our mineral-rich well water (yep, iron-rich water which gets filtered out once before all taps). There is a full kitchen with sink, cutting boards and utensils, and a gas grill, along with an outlet (NOT FOR LARGE APPLIANCES), hot pot and coffee fixins for the morning, and access to a mini-fridge and microwave in the shed if needed. You're welcome to explore any parts of the property north of the driveway, depending on other campers being there; we generally hang out on our deck or opposite side of the house south of the driveway and enjoy our own space. *For hiking, you can get to "The Whaleback" by walking down past the Safari Tent and toilet, taking your first left and following the main trails which will cover the edges of our 34 acres, about 30 min. hike to the top of the ridge. *The camp is near our main residence, but separated by a communal shed and privacy shades/fences. You may see/hear cars come and go, but we are a quiet and friendly couple (and Mariah's here only half time, splitting custody of her kids). *There is an outdoor compost toilet. You cover your biz with leaves and it starts breaking down, eliminates odor, and will be regenerated into new soil (eventually) to grow flowers. Generally please pee in a bush, or use the commode and dump it in the bushes if you prefer. We generally provide TP, but please bring a roll of toilet paper to be sure it is available and dry. *We have two old dogs! Both are super friendly, but the husky ("Beautiful") will bark at first. She's an alpha for our hilltop but makes friends quickly; feel free to meet her and show you're friendly, then ignore her and/or give her a treat if available in the camp. If you bring pets, please just introduce them slowly at first, and then they should get along famously. Owen, the golden retriever, is just a big lover - and they're both beggars, so if you give either of them food they might never leave you alone :) Throwing a toy or stick should work, or if available, give them treats from the camp to leave you alone. We let them out in the morning and evening but try to keep them out of your hair most of the time. *There are five options to rent: The (private lower) Wedding Spot Safari Tent 6x10 ft. ($95/night with sep. shower/toilet/camp), the larger hilltop Safari Tent 10x12 ft. ($105/night), the Hilltop Campsite ($65/night), the Shelf Campsite ($55/night), and the RV-only spot ($40/night with no amenities). As much as I am able, I try to limit renting both the hilltop Safari Tent and Hilltop Campsite, but you may share the kitchen facilities with the Shelf campers, who have their own space. The (private lower) Wedding Spot Safari Tent has all its own amenities and RV-only spot has no amenities. *This is a beautiful, serene, and peaceful spot! We invite you to come contribute to that energy.

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$40

/ night

91%

(87)

SMR Carmel Camping

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents89 acres · Carmel By The Sea, CAWelcome to Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV and Campground! We are located on 89 acres of forest land off Carmel Valley Road, just 5 miles from HWY 1. Nestled within oaks, Monterey pines, and redwoods, Saddle Mountain offers a great peaceful getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life. On site seasonally heated pool (Mid May through Oct). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: *Please continue reviewing/monitoring California Travel guidelines as they may change and affect your reservation* On site seasonally heated pool (seasonally), private hiking trail, playground, Foosball table and more. No refund for inclement weather during the Winter months. We provide complementary Wi-Fi in designated areas of the park. We ask that there is no streaming at the Park so we can share Wi-Fi with all our guests. Thank you!

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$36

/ night

90%

(87)

Golden Rocks Permaculture Farm

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Lower Lake, CAOur farm is facing southeast towards the Barriessa Ridge and BLM land. We have vast open space and a swooping view for days! Beautiful sunrises and moonrises, and the cleanest air California! Stars so bright you will never forget them! We are also a working permaculture farm with beautiful organic market gardens, free-range organic chickens, a young orchard, and interesting natural building projects in progress. We also cultivate and sell medicinal and culinary herbs and herbal formulas, cannabis products if you are over 21 and amazing teas. You will be able to purchase farm-fresh produce and organic eggs! Amenities include outdoor shower and bath (private forest setting), a shared outhouse and an outdoor community kitchen for you to use! Campfires only allowed during the months when California's Burn Ban is not in place. There is a shared refrigerator and a safe kitchen for you to set up your cooking stove. ABSOLUTELY NO FIRES OR FLAMES IN THE CAMP GROUND AREA as we are very fire-prone during the summer months.

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$40

/ night

95%

(305)

Pine Grove Cobb Resort

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Cobb, CA The historic Pine Grove Cobb Resort offers a unique lodging and event location in the beautiful Northern California Mountains, 30 minutes from California’s wine country. Ideal for family reunions, group retreats and relaxing private getaways, we offer sleeping accommodations for up to 30 people and room for many more to camp, gather and celebrate. Commune with nature at Pine Grove Cobb Resort, nestled in 30 acres of the Northern California Mayacamas Mountain Range. Take a walk through the property, cool off in the year-round Cobb Creek or take a dip in the Mountain Spring water, non-chlorinated pool. Get ready to enjoy wood fired pizza and other delectable treats from our Cob Pizza Oven which is the perfect spot to enjoy a cozy evening with family and friends. You may also want to get your hands dirty in our organic garden and food forest, or learn about the permaculture and stream bank projects happening, as we work to be conscious stewards of the land. The property also offers a large chlorinated swimming pool with diving board, water slide and kiddy pools. In summer season a poolside grill serves up yummy food. We have cabins, glamping and group tent camping available - as well as our Sanctuary Treehouse, a Hipcamp favorite.

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$150

/ night

99%

(237)

RockNWater Cove Camping

7 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Lotus, CAIf you’re looking for a quiet getaway with a few close friends or your family, this option is for you. Tucked in along the South Fork of the American River, this beautiful campsite features picnic benches, a propane fire pit with propane included (fire pits help prevent wildfires), and a prep table for fixing up those tasty fireside meals. Guests also have access to shared bathroom facilities (and yes, there are showers!), volleyball, ping pong, communal benches, a sink and dishwashing station, and a common swimming area along the river.Most sites are within a very short walking distance to the banks of the South Fork of the American River, this place is ideal for anyone interested in experiencing the beauty of the foothills and the rush of the river. We offer both tent and RV sites. Each RV site includes its own picnic table, water and (30Amp) power hookups. Guests will also have access to our volleyball court, ping pong, communal benches, and a common area with a sink and dishwashing station. Additionally, you can access the swim area and go for a dip to cool off on a hot day. If you're looking to steal some time away to reconnect and camp, this is the place for you. People of all ages can camp out, swim, and play. We offer toilets, showers, trash disposal, potable water, campfire rings, and more depending on the site you chose. Pets are allowed as well. Enjoy biking, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, paddling, climbing, swimming, whitewater rafting, and wildlife watching all nearby, or on site.

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$85

/ night

88%

(190)

Yosemite's Ferretti Farm

13 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Groveland, CANestled at the end of a back street in downtown Groveland is this little gem of a property. We are loving a mistreated 1.3 acre parcel back to health and enjoying meeting some wonderful people in the process. Check out our different listings to see what fits your needs best. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU TAKE THE TIME TO READ THE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROPERTY BEFORE REQUESTING TO BOOK. *There is a sneaky question we ask you to give us the answer to when you request to book.* We are a Hipcamp that caters to SELF-SUFFICIENT campers who have experience and realize that this is a step above what camping REALLY means. If you need a camp host available at all times, this is not the Hipcamp for you, as our host lives on-site and keeps an eye on things, but is not always there. We are a peaceful place in historic downtown Groveland to enjoy in your own tent, or in your RV under the same pines and oaks that fill Yosemite National Park. We are an ever-evolving, 4 year venture on a property that has been mistreated for years and we are loving it back to health on a very limited budget. We are a place that has a super cool, vintage, outdoor kitchen with cold water, and a small propane bbq. **BRING YOUR OWN PROPANE CYLINDERS, COOK/SERVING/DRINKWARE*** We are a 3-5 minute walk from the public transit system into Yosemite. Check out YARTS dot com online for schedules. WHAT WE ARE: We are a Hipcamp that caters to SELF-SUFFICIENT campers who have some experience and realize that this is a step above what camping REALLY means. ;) If you need a camp host available at all times, this is not the Hipcamp for you, as our host lives on-site and keeps an eye on things, but is not always there. We are a peaceful place in historic downtown Groveland to enjoy an experience in your own tent or RV under the same pines and oaks that fill Yosemite National Park that is a short walk from dining/drinking establishments and shopping. We are a place that has a super cool, vintage, outdoor kitchen with cold water, and a small propane bbq available. Campers must supply their own propane cylinders and bbq tools. We are a 3-5 minute walk from the public transit system into Yosemite. Check out YARTS dot com online for schedules. YARTS Service Update for Spring 2022 Beginning May 16, 2022, service will resume from Sonora, Jamestown, and Groveland in Tuolumne County (Hwy 120 West) assuming that Tioga Road is open. Service will continue into September and October. For more information, please visit yarts dot com on the web. *Please note* Passengers are required to sign a liability and personal injury forms that acknowledges risks of infection during the present pandemic, whether or not a mask is worn. These waivers are required regardless, and are intended to document that passengers are aware of the risk to personal health before riding YARTS buses. We are nestled in the residential area above downtown Groveland and can hear live music when businesses offer it, as well as occasional events that our neighbors host. We are a 4 year old venture on a property that has been mistreated for years and we are loving it back to health on a very limited budget. Main Street Groveland is just a quick walk down the back streets of the Gold Rush Town. Enjoy dinner and drinks at The Iron Door Saloon, self-proclaimed as the oldest continuously operating saloon this side of the Mississippi. Enjoy the high-end Bourbon Bar and small bites at the Groveland Hotel's Provisions, espresso drinks, smoothies, and treats at Mountain Sage, or authentic Mexican food at Cocina Michiocana. We also encourage guests to take a little drive down Highway 120 to have a cold, craft beer at Around the Horn Brewery and look for our barstool! WE ARE AN AWESOME PLACE TO BE!!!WE ARE AN AWESOME PLACE TO BE!!! WHAT WE ARE NOT: We are not a high-end, generously funded campground with brand new furniture, a pristine campfire ring, manicured sites, and marble showers. (Although, we are people who love to visit those places!) Please let me know you've read this far by telling me how many cigarette smokers are in your group when you send your booking request. We are not associated with Yosemite National Park and, therefore do not have up to the minute details about what they require or have going on. You can find this information on the National Parks website; nps dot gov. We are not available at all times to answer questions about each site's specifics but have taken a great deal of time putting all of the information into the platform. We ask our campers to read through the details on each of our sites to find what will best suit your needs. Happy Hipcamping!!! Roni Lynn

from

$50

/ night

Afternoon light makes this glamping tent feel homey and welcoming

98%

(780)

Camp Nauvoo

23 sites · Lodging, Tents86 acres · Placerville, CACamp Nauvoo was originally bought by the LDS church in the 1960's for a girl's camp. The camp was owned by the Boy Scouts from 2011-2015. The Rose family bought the property in 2016 with the intent to continue the tradition of tent camping as well as creating opportunities for exclusive events i.e., group/family reunions, weddings and corporate events. We are a small privately owned small campground (19 sites only) located on the outskirts of Placerville. The property features 86.5 secluded Tahoe like acres with beautiful year-round Weber Creek. The camp sites are placed along the creek or the bluff overlooking the creek. We have traditional dirt camping, canvas tents on platforms, teepees and glamping tents for those that want the comforts of home. We are tent camping only with only one site that allows a small travel trailer or van. (#14) . We are dog friendly and allow dogs in all but 5 glamping sites. We do enforce camp rules especially our quiet time between 10 PM and 7 AM (please review). We’ve been told that we have a “family camp” vibe. We are a great place for families wanting a safe environment for their kids but also several group sites for those that want to hang out together with multiple families. We are also a great base site for those wilderness enthusiasts with access to all the El Dorado National Forest including Desolation but want a hot shower at the end of the day. We have a lodge that is stocked with games and a ping pong table. The lodge has a microwave, Keurig machine and a hot water kettle for those hot drinks (BYO Cups).We have several tables set up for those that want to eat inside as well as multiple picnic tables along the side of the lodge with overhead protection. We have electricity at the at the lodge for small appliances and charging phones. We have a compressor on site to blow up your air mattresses or float toys. We’ve been told that our bathrooms are the “cleanest” ever and have changing tables and diaper pails. We offer nice flushing toilets and hot showers! For outdoor activities we have basketball, volleyball, pickleball and cornhole not to mention the playground with swing sets, seesaw and tractor play. We have hiking trails throughout the property. Our highlight is a camp fire bowl with bench seating with a stage to display camper talent which is perfect for the evening fire and roasting s’mores (bring the fixings). The creek starts out in spring looking like a rushing river featuring many fishing and swimming holes. As the summer progresses the water level falls but is still great for water play and fishing. We have propane BBQs (we provide the propane for BBQs) located throughout the property. We also have a propane grill and charcoal BBQ located in the common area for all to use. There is a dutch oven pit also in the fire bowl area. We do not allow wood fires at the individual sites but each site has a propane firepit for ambiance (not cooking) that requires you to purchase a 20 lb. propane cannister on site (add in extras) or pay cash on site. We require a 3 night minimum for the major holidays - Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. We do not do checkins on Sunday but do allow camping over Sunday night. We do exclusive events so you may need to explore multiple weekends to find the right reservation. We are located in the foothills so we are a short hop to many local attractions that include river rafting, gold mines, wineries and historical towns with great eating establishments. Tahoe is less than an hour away and there a many hiking trails within 20-30 minutes. We have a limited number of items to rent i.e, tents, cots, camp stoves, etc. We also have a small store on site for those items you forgot and a good selection of ice cream. We take venmo or cash. CHECKIN IS BETWEEN 4 AND 8. IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE BAY ALLOW 4 HOURS - YOU MUST LEAVE BY 3:00 IN ORDER TO ARRIVE DURING CHECKIN. IF YOU GET DELAYED, FOR THE CONSIDERAITON OF THE OTHER CAMPERS YOU MAY CONSIDER WAITING AND ARRIVING THE NEXT MORNING. THERE ARE NO CHECKINS AFTER 9:00.

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$80

/ night

95%

(1100)

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

38 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CAWelcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area! Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese flies in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website. Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, Frank's Diner. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay. Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s. PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVS/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions. Please see our website: finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions. NO FIREWORKS ALLOWED. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.

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$30

/ night

94%

(16)

Yosemite Westlake Camp

35 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Coulterville, CALocated on the John Muir Historic route to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park is convenient to all things Yosemite. Between here and the park is Rainbow Pool, a well-known swimming hole that campers here often visit on their way back to the campground for a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Coulterville was started as a gold-rush town. You can visit the museum and visitor center even try your hand at panning for gold.

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$48

/ night

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