93% (207)
Top-rated campgrounds near San Mateo
93% (207)
Top-rated campgrounds near San Mateo
Public campgrounds near San Mateo
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
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Fiona
November 2025
Group trip
We loved camping at Camp Cruz! We had a wonderful weekend in the peaceful woods and were able to spend amazing quality time together <3. This property was incredible in ways we couldn't have imagined! Thank you for having us for Renee's 30th birthday.
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Jess
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
We had a wonderful stay and would recommend anyone stay here!
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Amanda
November 2025
2 nights at Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
Bill’s land was one of the best hip camps I have ever stayed at! The Indonesian bedroom was so serene and I slept like a baby with the heated bed. The bathroom was so beautifully decorated with ornate paintings, little treasures, and the stained glass window was intricately stunning. The hot tub was a bonus and it was extremely close to the town of Petaluma and hiking trails. You definitely should stay here for a romantic getaway!
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Matt
October 2025
Tent
With pets
I camped here one night on a clear night and loved the sunset and star gazing. You'll definitely need a decent off road capable vehicle with some clearance as the access road is a bit rough. My stock Audi q3 made it but it felt close to it's limits (or mine as a driver, I'm not sure). The site is about 1500ft of elevation so mostly out of the marine layer, but not completely - my gear was very dewy for part of the night.
If you want a polished glamping site then this isn't for you, but if you want some excellent views and don't mind a mini adventure off-roading up past old weed farms, check it out. I'd go again.
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Alex
October 2025
Tent
Great little spot , we really enjoyed ourselves here. Josh was a big help with very detailed direction's on getting there .
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Samir
September 2025
Tent
With pets
The coolest hipcamp I have stayed at thus far. Joshua gave very clear directions and was very helpful. The property is massive and views are extraordinary. Definitely need 4x4 with higher clearance, but the top is so worth it. Will be coming back when I am in the area again.
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Noah
September 2025
1 night at Orion Observatory
Beautiful view and lots of privacy. Definitely need a high clearance 4x4/AWD vehicle to get to the spot. Perfect for a Jeep or something similar. Great host. Great communication. Truly a hidden gem.
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Cindy
August 2025
With kids
This is a really cool place and the kids had tons of fun. So much to explore for them - they loved the variety. It was a great joy to see them covered in mud and laughing loudly in the middle of the trees. The facilities are very functional and convenient. We don’t have to pack much and it is a very smooth camping experience. It is definitely on the pricier side; we will come back with a larger group to optimize the experience next time! Thank you for having us!
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Addie
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
Bill had the most beautiful property in the rolling hills of Petaluma. My friend and I felt we had everything we needed and more! I loved hearing about the history of the property and finding out about the art continuing to be made here. Such a magical place! Thank you.
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Shivata
August 2025
With kids
Our glamping stay was absolutely wonderful! The place was serene and peaceful, with the meditation area being my personal favorite spot to unwind. The host was amazing—warm, attentive, and thoughtful, with a personal touch to every detail. We felt so well taken care of and truly relaxed. We loved every moment of our stay and would definitely recommend it to friends and family.
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Lorena
August 2025
With pets
We had the most amazing stay! My son celebrated his 14 birthday with his closest friends. Our group of nine (plus a small dog) couldn’t have asked for a better setting. My son and his friends pitched a huge tent in the center of the property, my daughter and her friend stayed in and loved the adorable dome, and I enjoyed the cozy comfort of the yurt!
Ismael was a wonderful host - even uncovered his drum set for them in the geo-dome! The entire property was perfect for our group - teens played pool, ping pong, grilled up great food. The outdoor kitchen was fully stocked too!
It’s just a great place, but what really made the experience special was the way it brought everyone together - these young people got to hang out and make memories they’ll never forget. Ismael rocks, and we can’t wait to come back next year!
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Kaitlin
July 2025
With kids
Our two family group loved this site. The space was impeccable and had just the right amount of space for our little kids to play and explore. The propane fire pit was such a wonderful addition, that allowed adults some relaxing time after the kids went to bed, with enough proximity to feel comfortable. The creek was definitely the highlight of the stay — the shade, shallow running water, and abundance of banana slugs made it a trip we’ll never forget. Thank you for sharing your magical space with us! ♥️
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Jeff
July 2025
Group trip
Fantastic for our group of 13 + a small dog! We'd love to visit again in the future
The kitchen was fully stocked with everything we needed, we just had to bring the food. We comfortably fit multiple tents across the property while the folks who rented the yurt and dome felt very cozy as well.
Showers worked well with hot water, and bathroom was functional (between a port-o-potty and an outdoor toilet - a bit of a smell but you're out in the wild!)
Be sure to bring bug spray, though they have some as well. Host was super communitive before and during our stay - you're in great hands!
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Josiah
July 2025
1 night at Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
The art studio was an incredibly unique and enjoyable experience. At first glance at the listing and the communications it might feel like there’s a lot of instructions. But once you are in the space it all makes sense, and you want to protect and respect the beauty Bill has created. There were so many sweet, and special touches. Fresh cut flowers, coffee and treats in the morning. While the room you sleep is cold and uninsulated, the bed is one of the most comfortable ones I’ve slept in away from home with a heated mattress and the most luxurious linen sheets. We loved the hot tub, the grounds and all the unique decor and structures. You will not regret booking your stay.
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Angela
June 2025
1 night at Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
The Indonesian wood cabin was adorable and in amazing shape as a true antique building. It was a step back in time where people lived more simply. The bed was very comfortable. The hot tub was relaxing and clean with a scenic view off the deck. The artistic touches throughout were beautiful and interesting to look at. The host Bill was very sweet and accommodating. I would love to see what the other structures on the property are like inside. Very unique and salt of the earth experience. Close to town but rural enough to hear the owls and coyotes at night.
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Maggie
April 2025
1 night at Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
What a gorgeous and special place! The rooms are beautifully designed with endless interesting anrt and books to check out. The hot tub with a view is the perfect way to unwind, and I was lucky enough to hear great horned owls at night. Coffee and breakfast in the morning were an unexpected and lovely treat. Absolutely great place to stay!
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Juan
April 2025
1 night at Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
We had an amazing time! The place is peaceful with stunning views all around. The Antic Room is absolutely gorgeous, and the bathroom feels like its own little art gallery—such a unique and beautiful space where you can also just hang out and relax.
The hot tub is perfectly placed to soak in the surrounding nature, and at night, you can enjoy the stars from there—truly magical.
Bill was super helpful and kind, and waking up to delicious coffee, fresh fruits, and cake was such a lovely touch. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.
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Tommaso
March 2025
1 night at Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
Beautiful place, kind hosts. Would absolutely stay again!
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Jessica
February 2025
Weekend Trip to Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
Beautiful property, cozy and comfortable cabin, perfect hot tub situation. We ended up being there during an "atmospheric river" event and would have loved to have been able to enjoy the outdoors a bit more! We were glad to be in a hot tub during the rain but would have loved to hang out on the deck on a sunnier day. Also really appreciated the coffee and cake in the morning.
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Dahlia
January 2025
Weekend Trip to Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
Every morning we were Brought our choice of coffee or tea, mandarins, And applesauce bread! The cabin is very cold, but the Heated blankets were enough to keep us comfortable at night while sleeping. The wooden bathroom with a cozy seating nook is perfect for staying warm until hot tub time and it was so nice to start the cold brisk misty days in a hot pool of water with a view of the rolling hills. There is Wi-Fi thankfully, obviously you don’t have access to a kitchen so bring pre-prepped goodies or eat in nearby Petaluma. Acme burger is delicious! Thank you for a wonderful stay!
See moreNearby public parks
Browse national and state parks near San Mateo
The best waterfall 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.