Urban Camping
The opportunity to boost your health in the great outdoors is closer than you think.
There’s no better way to celebrate spring's warmer temps — and Mother Nature — than a family camping trip. Check the following compilation of some of Yelp’s highest rated Bay Area family campgrounds — then get packin’.
Park Presidio
Angel Island, San Francisco: After a short ferry ride, settle into one of 11 virtually untouched natural campsites. Offers breathtaking, 360-degree views of San Francisco and beyond. Starts at $30/night; 800.444.7275 for reservations; Angel Island Association.
Anthony Chabot Regional Park, Castro Valley: Only 20 minutes from downtown Oakland, this year-round camp is nestled beneath a eucalyptus grove overlooking Lake Chabot. Includes a marksmanship range and naturalist-led campfire programs, plus hiking trails, horseback riding and fishing. Starts at $22/night; 9999 Redwood Blvd.; 888.EBPARKS (option 2, then 1); East Bay Regional Park District - Anthony Chabot Regional Park.
Half Moon Bay State Beach, Half Moon Bay: A short access trail leading to the beach is less than 100 yards from anywhere in the campground. Other perks include bike trails, wildlife, horse trails, fishing and a visitor center. $35/night; 95 Kelly Ave.; 650.726.8819; Half Moon Bay State Beach.
Haypress Campsite, Mill Valley: Although located just a half hour outside the City, this campsite satisfies even the seasoned camper’s urge to get back to nature. Veteran campers suggest bringing a camp stove, warm clothes and good walking shoes. Open year-round, no fees; Tennessee Valley Road; 415.331.1540; Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Kirby Cove, Sausalito: Think course-sand beach and rare glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge. Best to bring an extra warm sleeping bag and earplugs for the loud, nightly foghorns. Campground, $25/night; picnic area, $35/day; Conzelman Road/Battery Spencer; 415.331.1540. For more info, Kirby Cove.
Memorial Park, San Mateo: Open year-round, Memorial Park’s 499 acres offer visitors stunning views of old-growth redwoods, picnic facilities and the option of staying up to two weeks. $32/night; 9500 Pescadero Creek Road, Loma Mar; 650.879.0238; Memorial Park.
Rob Hill Campground, San Francisco: Among the Presidio's eucalyptus trees, campers can gaze over Baker Beach and the Pacific Ocean while at the nightly community campfire. $100/night/site; Washington Blvd. and Central Magazine Road; 415.561.5444; Camping at Rob Hill.
