The best luxury RV camping near San Mateo

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On the bay side of the San Francisco Peninsula just 30 minutes south of San Francisco, San Mateo is just 30 minutes from Half Moon Bay and an hour to multiple deep forest preserves in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The mountains around San Mateo have sprawling trail systems for hiking and mountain biking, plus serene campgrounds nestled among giant trees. On the coast, some of NorCal’s best surfing is close to San Mateo at Pacifica and Santa Cruz. There are also otherworldly tide pools to explore, and the chance to spot seals and whales.

98% (381)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Secret Gardens by the Bay

3. The Secret Gardens by the Bay

98%
(314)
49mi from San Mateo · 35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Watsonville, CA
✨ The Secret Gardens ✨ Once upon a time, hidden just beyond the whispers of the ocean breeze, there was a secret place where roses stretched toward the sky, dahlias painted the land with color, and lavender cascaded like purple waterfalls. No one quite knew how to find it—until they stumbled upon it. Here, hearts opened with ease, carried by birdsong, the sway of ancient oaks, the fragrance of woodsmoke, and the laughter that seemed to live in the very air. The Secret Gardens unfurls across 11 acres of enchanted redwoods and noble oaks, where each campsite bears a name drawn straight from the pages of Alice in Wonderland. Guests often tell us: “One night is never enough.” And indeed, when you step out of your car, words and pictures fail—there is only the Wow. In true secret-garden spirit, we share just enough glimpses to spark curiosity. The real magic is revealed only when you arrive. Just one mile from Seascape Beach and a short stroll to Seascape Village—with its quaint cafés, market, spa, and more—our haven balances wild wonder with simple comforts. 🌿 The Realms of the Secret Gardens 🌲 Tulgey Woods Nestled beneath towering redwoods, this woodland hosts RV and tent sites, along with Dodo’s Glamp and the Secret Wagon. Here you’ll find showers, bathrooms, a communal kitchen, a campfire circle, and outdoor dining spaces. It’s perfect for families, car campers, and adventurers with roomy tents. ♟️ Chessboard Land Where play and comfort intertwine: cabins, a communal lounge, a sprawling kitchen, living-wall showers, cozy firepits, and even a projector screen for starlit cinema nights. This is the social heart of the gardens. 🐇 Rabbit Holes (open late spring through summer) Two primitive hideaways—Tweedledee and Tweedledum—await in the wilder reaches of the land. Here, no cars intrude; instead, we whisk your belongings by ATV to these tucked-away forest nooks. 🌸 Private Group Groves Three secluded enclaves designed for gatherings, each with its own bathroom, shower, grill, and sink: • Cheshire Grove • The Horseshoe • Wonderland ⸻ 🌟 What Awaits You • Cozy cabins, Dodo’s Glamp, and the Secret Wagon—complete with bedding, heaters, and access to Chessboard Land’s wonders. • Communal spaces alive with warmth: kitchen, fire pits and trail
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$99
 / night
Masoods Lodge

4. Masoods Lodge

100%
(2)
32mi from San Mateo · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Boulder Creek, CA
Masoods Lodge, located in the beautiful redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains! Perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful spot to relax close to nature. The year-round ideal climate makes this charming, enchanted property the perfect weekend getaway. Enjoy peace and quiet with great views from furnished individual cottages surrounded by redwood trees and sparkling mountain stream providing a full nature experience. Sit out and enjoy the stars at night. This property offers an abundance of fern and wildflowers showcasing their natural beauty. Masoods lodge has a "log cabin feel", with a stylish flair, and features wood paneling, open beam ceilings, and cozy fireplaces. Imagine relaxing on your private deck, enjoying a BBQ with family and friends, surrounded by redwood trees, either in sunny summers or during cold winters. All large units – living room, bedroom, kitchen - that accommodate from two to four persons. All units come with a fireplace and electric heat, and are completely equipped for your every need. Also included are spacious single rooms with morning coffee, a microwave oven, and a small refrigerator, with complete privacy. Planning a wedding, retreat, family reunion, or another special event? Masoods lodge can host your next event. The possibilities are endless. If you have an idea to host your next event and would like to utilize the lodge, we would love to help coordinate and host your event! The lodge is a 30-minute drive away from Santa Cruz beaches, a 45-minute drive from Silicon Valley, and a one-hour drive from San Francisco. There are many hiking trails, parks, and attractions close by.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$149
 / night
Feel free to use the firepit, yard, propane bbq, and picnic table.

5. Airstream Glamping in Santa Cruz

100%
(4)
43mi from San Mateo · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Santa Cruz, CA
Escape to the Heart of Santa Cruz! Welcome to your home away from home! Nestled in a the charming and convenient midtown residential neighborhood, our 2017 22FB Airstream Bambi Sport offers a unique and cozy glamping experience on a multigenerational property. Perfect for families, couples, or friends, this stylish Airstream can comfortably sleep up to 4 guests, with additional tent space available for those who want to embrace the great outdoors. Your Space Includes: Airstream Comfort: Enjoy the modern amenities of our fully equipped Airstream, featuring a queen-sized bed and a convertible dinette for extra sleeping space. Outdoor Oasis: Relax on the lush turf lawn, gather around the high-quality fire-pit for evening s’mores, and enjoy meals at the picnic table. 2017 22’ Airstream Bambi Sport has a bathroom with separate toilet and shower (not a “wet bath”). Small kitchen, a full bed (54x84”), and a dining area that converts into a second twin bed (38x74”) if desired. You can store bikes in the secure garage, and park your vehicle off street (with a security camera). BBQ & Chill: Fire up the propane BBQ for a delicious outdoor cookout under the Santa Cruz sun. Parking: Off-street parking is available for your convenience, along with secure bike storage for cycling enthusiasts. Pet-Friendly Environment: Our friendly resident dogs are here to greet you, making it a perfect retreat for pet lovers. Just let us know if you’re bringing your furry friends along! Explore Santa Cruz: Located just a short drive from the beach, hiking trails, and local attractions, you’ll have easy access to all the best that Santa Cruz has to offer. Whether you’re looking to surf, hike, or simply unwind, our property is the ideal base for your adventures. Book Your Stay: Experience the charm of Santa Cruz from the comfort of our Airstream Bambi. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a fun trip with friends, you’ll create lasting memories in this unique setting. We can’t wait to host you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$125
 / night

On the bay side of the San Francisco Peninsula just 30 minutes south of San Francisco, San Mateo is just 30 minutes from Half Moon Bay and an hour to multiple deep forest preserves in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The mountains around San Mateo have sprawling trail systems for hiking and mountain biking, plus serene campgrounds nestled among giant trees. On the coast, some of NorCal’s best surfing is close to San Mateo at Pacifica and Santa Cruz. There are also otherworldly tide pools to explore, and the chance to spot seals and whales.

98% (381)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Secret Gardens by the Bay

3. The Secret Gardens by the Bay

98%
(314)
49mi from San Mateo · 35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Watsonville, CA
✨ The Secret Gardens ✨ Once upon a time, hidden just beyond the whispers of the ocean breeze, there was a secret place where roses stretched toward the sky, dahlias painted the land with color, and lavender cascaded like purple waterfalls. No one quite knew how to find it—until they stumbled upon it. Here, hearts opened with ease, carried by birdsong, the sway of ancient oaks, the fragrance of woodsmoke, and the laughter that seemed to live in the very air. The Secret Gardens unfurls across 11 acres of enchanted redwoods and noble oaks, where each campsite bears a name drawn straight from the pages of Alice in Wonderland. Guests often tell us: “One night is never enough.” And indeed, when you step out of your car, words and pictures fail—there is only the Wow. In true secret-garden spirit, we share just enough glimpses to spark curiosity. The real magic is revealed only when you arrive. Just one mile from Seascape Beach and a short stroll to Seascape Village—with its quaint cafés, market, spa, and more—our haven balances wild wonder with simple comforts. 🌿 The Realms of the Secret Gardens 🌲 Tulgey Woods Nestled beneath towering redwoods, this woodland hosts RV and tent sites, along with Dodo’s Glamp and the Secret Wagon. Here you’ll find showers, bathrooms, a communal kitchen, a campfire circle, and outdoor dining spaces. It’s perfect for families, car campers, and adventurers with roomy tents. ♟️ Chessboard Land Where play and comfort intertwine: cabins, a communal lounge, a sprawling kitchen, living-wall showers, cozy firepits, and even a projector screen for starlit cinema nights. This is the social heart of the gardens. 🐇 Rabbit Holes (open late spring through summer) Two primitive hideaways—Tweedledee and Tweedledum—await in the wilder reaches of the land. Here, no cars intrude; instead, we whisk your belongings by ATV to these tucked-away forest nooks. 🌸 Private Group Groves Three secluded enclaves designed for gatherings, each with its own bathroom, shower, grill, and sink: • Cheshire Grove • The Horseshoe • Wonderland ⸻ 🌟 What Awaits You • Cozy cabins, Dodo’s Glamp, and the Secret Wagon—complete with bedding, heaters, and access to Chessboard Land’s wonders. • Communal spaces alive with warmth: kitchen, fire pits and trail
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$99
 / night
Masoods Lodge

4. Masoods Lodge

100%
(2)
32mi from San Mateo · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Boulder Creek, CA
Masoods Lodge, located in the beautiful redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains! Perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful spot to relax close to nature. The year-round ideal climate makes this charming, enchanted property the perfect weekend getaway. Enjoy peace and quiet with great views from furnished individual cottages surrounded by redwood trees and sparkling mountain stream providing a full nature experience. Sit out and enjoy the stars at night. This property offers an abundance of fern and wildflowers showcasing their natural beauty. Masoods lodge has a "log cabin feel", with a stylish flair, and features wood paneling, open beam ceilings, and cozy fireplaces. Imagine relaxing on your private deck, enjoying a BBQ with family and friends, surrounded by redwood trees, either in sunny summers or during cold winters. All large units – living room, bedroom, kitchen - that accommodate from two to four persons. All units come with a fireplace and electric heat, and are completely equipped for your every need. Also included are spacious single rooms with morning coffee, a microwave oven, and a small refrigerator, with complete privacy. Planning a wedding, retreat, family reunion, or another special event? Masoods lodge can host your next event. The possibilities are endless. If you have an idea to host your next event and would like to utilize the lodge, we would love to help coordinate and host your event! The lodge is a 30-minute drive away from Santa Cruz beaches, a 45-minute drive from Silicon Valley, and a one-hour drive from San Francisco. There are many hiking trails, parks, and attractions close by.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$149
 / night
Feel free to use the firepit, yard, propane bbq, and picnic table.

5. Airstream Glamping in Santa Cruz

100%
(4)
43mi from San Mateo · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Santa Cruz, CA
Escape to the Heart of Santa Cruz! Welcome to your home away from home! Nestled in a the charming and convenient midtown residential neighborhood, our 2017 22FB Airstream Bambi Sport offers a unique and cozy glamping experience on a multigenerational property. Perfect for families, couples, or friends, this stylish Airstream can comfortably sleep up to 4 guests, with additional tent space available for those who want to embrace the great outdoors. Your Space Includes: Airstream Comfort: Enjoy the modern amenities of our fully equipped Airstream, featuring a queen-sized bed and a convertible dinette for extra sleeping space. Outdoor Oasis: Relax on the lush turf lawn, gather around the high-quality fire-pit for evening s’mores, and enjoy meals at the picnic table. 2017 22’ Airstream Bambi Sport has a bathroom with separate toilet and shower (not a “wet bath”). Small kitchen, a full bed (54x84”), and a dining area that converts into a second twin bed (38x74”) if desired. You can store bikes in the secure garage, and park your vehicle off street (with a security camera). BBQ & Chill: Fire up the propane BBQ for a delicious outdoor cookout under the Santa Cruz sun. Parking: Off-street parking is available for your convenience, along with secure bike storage for cycling enthusiasts. Pet-Friendly Environment: Our friendly resident dogs are here to greet you, making it a perfect retreat for pet lovers. Just let us know if you’re bringing your furry friends along! Explore Santa Cruz: Located just a short drive from the beach, hiking trails, and local attractions, you’ll have easy access to all the best that Santa Cruz has to offer. Whether you’re looking to surf, hike, or simply unwind, our property is the ideal base for your adventures. Book Your Stay: Experience the charm of Santa Cruz from the comfort of our Airstream Bambi. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a fun trip with friends, you’ll create lasting memories in this unique setting. We can’t wait to host you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$125
 / night

Stories from the community

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The best luxury RV camping near San Mateo guide

Where to go

San Mateo Surrounds

For Bay Area nature excursions, check out Seal Point Park of Bair Island State Marine Park, renowned for kayaking and birdwatching. The closest mountain parks outside of San Mateo are the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve and Huddart Park in Woodside, both of which offer miles of forested hiking and mountain biking trails. RV campers can find RV parks with full hookups around San Mateo, as well as in nearby Redwood City and San Jose.

Half Moon Bay

Just 30 minutes from San Mateo, Half Moon Bay State Beach has four miles of coastline. This beach is popular with surfers, swimmers, beachcombers, and tide-poolers, many of whom stay at the tent and RV sites in the park’s Francis Beach area campground. Another solid beach camping site is the Sunset State Beach campground in Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz Mountains

The Santa Cruz Mountains, to the east and southeast of San Mateo, are home to ancient redwoods and miles of peaceful forest trails with ferns, moss, and towering trees. Both Portola Redwoods State Park and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park have redwood groves to explore, while Memorial County Park and Butano State Park have campgrounds. Castle Rock State Park is another popular spot for hikers and rock climbers with its hike-in campsites.

When to go

Camping near San Mateo is possible year-round. Winter campers should prepare for rain and mildly cold temperatures, but this can also be a magical time to have parts of the beach or forest all to yourself. Summer is the busy season, so reserve well in advance. Spring visitors may be treated to powerful waterfalls and wildflowers in the area.