Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

500 Hunters Point Expressway, San Francisco, CA 94124

Perched on the edge of San Francisco Bay, Sunrise Point Campground beckons group adventurers with six spacious campsites designed for gatherings of 20 to 40 people. Wake up to the gentle lapping of bay waters just steps from your tent, where each thoughtfully appointed site comes complete with sturdy picnic tables for communal meals, sizzling BBQ grills for evening cookouts, secure food storage lockers to keep wildlife at bay, and fresh potable water. This hidden gem within Candlestick Point State Recreation Area puts you at the intersection of urban convenience and natural serenity, offering direct shoreline access that transforms every sunrise and sunset into a spectacular show.

1475 Central Magazine Rd, San Francisco, CA 94129

Discover a remarkable urban oasis at Rob Hill Group Campground, where the wilderness meets the city in San Francisco's historic Presidio. This extraordinary campground transforms group adventures into unforgettable experiences, whether you're organizing a scout expedition, planning a school outdoor education program, or gathering friends and family for a unique camping retreat. Miles of winding trails beckon from your tent flap, leading to breathtaking overlooks and hidden natural treasures that reveal why this is one of California's most distinctive camping destinations.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Fort Mason Center, Building E, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA

Drop anchor in one of San Francisco's most spectacular hidden gems, where your sailboat becomes your floating basecamp in the heart of the city. Aquatic Park Cove welcomes sailors to a protected anchorage where the urban meets the maritime, offering front-row seats to some of America's most iconic landmarks. Wake to the sight of Alcatraz Island catching the morning light, spend your days exploring the Maritime Museum's treasures, and watch the Golden Gate Bridge transform into a glowing sculpture at sunset. Just steps from your anchorage, the historic ships of Hyde Street Pier tell tales of San Francisco's seafaring past, while the city's vibrant neighborhoods beckon with endless adventures.

Bicentennial Campground, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Perched among windswept cypress trees on the dramatic Marin Headlands, Bicentennial Campground offers an intimate tent-camping experience where the wilderness meets the city. This secluded haven rewards adventurers with breathtaking panoramas of the Golden Gate Bridge glowing against San Francisco's skyline, while Pacific waves crash against the rugged coastline below. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape without venturing far from urban comforts, this small campground serves as a tranquil basecamp for hikers exploring the headlands' extensive trail network.

The access gate is located on Conzelman Road next to the Battery Spencer overlook parking area, within the Marin Headlands.

Imagine waking up to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge framed perfectly outside your tent at Kirby Cove Campground, where five intimate tent-only sites offer an exclusive front-row seat to one of the world's most photographed landmarks. This hidden gem, tucked away at the base of the Marin Headlands, rewards adventurous souls who navigate the steep, winding dirt trail with an unforgettable camping experience just minutes from San Francisco. Each site provides a rare combination of wilderness solitude and urban skyline views, while a dedicated group picnic area makes this the perfect basecamp for small gatherings seeking something extraordinary.

Hawk Campground, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Sausalito, CA 94965

Perched high above Tennessee Valley in the rugged Marin Headlands, Hawk Campground rewards adventurous backpackers with an unforgettable wilderness experience. This primitive, hike-in sanctuary challenges visitors with steep trails that wind through coastal mountains before revealing a spectacular mountaintop refuge. From your tent, watch morning fog roll across black sand beaches far below while golden sunsets paint the entire Bay Area in breathtaking panoramic views. The journey here demands experience and determination, but those who make the climb discover one of California's most dramatic backcountry campsites.

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Perched high above the shimmering waters of San Francisco Bay, Ridge Campground offers an extraordinary island escape accessible only by ferry or private boat. This environmental campground invites adventurers to discover breathtaking panoramic vistas, winding trails that tell centuries of stories, and historical landmarks that whisper of California's complex past. Here, where city skylines meet wilderness, campers find themselves in a rare sanctuary just miles from urban life.

Haypress Campground, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Sausalito, CA, 94965

Tucked away in the rolling coastal scrub of Tennessee Valley, Haypress Campground offers an intimate escape into the wild heart of Marin Headlands. This secluded hike-in sanctuary features five individual campsites, each welcoming up to four adventurers, plus one spacious group site perfect for gatherings of up to 25 people. Your wilderness experience comes complete with tent pads nestled into the landscape, secure food lockers to protect your provisions from curious wildlife, and vault toilets discretely placed for convenience. The group site features picnic tables for communal meals under the stars. As a true backcountry experience, you'll need to carry in your own water and pack out all trash—a small price for the solitude and natural beauty that awaits. Leave your devices behind or embrace the digital detox, as cell service rarely reaches this peaceful hollow.

Angel Island SP

Perched on the slopes of Angel Island, Sunrise Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking an extraordinary escape just miles from urban civilization. This exclusive hike-in sanctuary, accessible only by ferry or private boat, rewards those who make the journey with breathtaking panoramic views stretching from the glittering towers of downtown San Francisco to the rolling hills of the East Bay. Here, where morning light first touches the bay, campers discover a tranquil retreat that feels worlds away from city life, yet remains tantalizingly close to one of America's most iconic metropolitan areas.

801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Nestled along the scenic Panoramic Highway near the historic Mountain Home Inn, Alice Eastwood Group Campground serves as an ideal basecamp for adventures with your favorite people. Two spacious group sites—GAEA and GAEB—welcome organized gatherings of 25 to 50 campers, each thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, grills, and generous tent spaces that encourage both community connection and comfortable camping. Whether you're planning a family reunion, scout expedition, or outdoor education retreat, these sites offer the perfect blend of wilderness immersion and practical amenities.

3801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Perched dramatically on a cliffside where ancient redwoods meet the endless Pacific, Steep Ravine Campground beckons with seven intimate walk-in environmental campsites and nine charming rustic cabins. Here, you'll fall asleep to the rhythmic crash of waves below and wake to panoramic ocean views that stretch to the horizon, creating an unforgettable escape where mountain meets sea.

801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Tucked away in the enchanting forests of Mount Tamalpais State Park, Pantoll Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience just north of San Francisco. This intimate retreat features 16 first-come, first-served walk-in sites, each one a secluded haven approximately 100 yards from the parking area. Dense canopies of ancient trees create natural cathedral ceilings above your campsite, where you'll find everything needed for a memorable stay: sturdy picnic tables for evening meals, crackling fire pits for storytelling sessions, convenient grills for outdoor cooking, plus modern flush toilets and fresh potable water to keep you comfortable under the stars.

3000 Atlas Road, Richmond, California, 94806, United States

Where rolling meadows meet the sparkling waters of San Pablo Bay, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline beckons adventurers to explore its 2,315 acres of coastal wilderness. This hidden gem near Richmond, California, invites you to wander through fragrant eucalyptus groves, traverse windswept bluffs, and follow winding trails that culminate at an impressive 1,250-foot fishing pier stretching into the bay. The primitive campground, tucked near the pier, offers an authentic back-to-nature experience where the rhythmic sounds of the bay lull you to sleep under star-filled skies.

730 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 94901

Escape the ordinary at Back Ranch Meadows Campground, where adventure begins with a scenic walk from your car. This unique walk-in campground features 33 thoughtfully placed sites, including two dedicated hike-and-bike spots perfect for cycling enthusiasts. Your journey starts at the parking area, where you'll transport your gear along peaceful paths ranging from 50 to 300 yards—a small trek that rewards you with enhanced privacy and a deeper connection to nature. Each tent-only site comes equipped with essential comforts: a fire pit for evening gatherings, a sturdy picnic table for outdoor dining, and access to modern restrooms and refreshing showers. It's camping that strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and practical amenities.

8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Lagunitas, CA 94938

Nestled in the heart of Marin County's countryside, Devil Gulch Group Campground offers an intimate escape for groups seeking connection with nature and each other. Choose from two tent-only sites perfect for gatherings of up to 10 friends and family, or opt for the equestrian site where up to 20 riders can camp alongside their horses (up to 12). Each thoughtfully designed site comes equipped with everything you need for memorable evenings under the stars: crackling fire rings for storytelling sessions, barbecue grills for feast preparations, and sturdy picnic tables that serve as the heart of your outdoor living space.

1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

Escape to the wild edge of California at Point Reyes National Seashore, where four secluded backcountry campgrounds await those seeking adventure on foot or by bike, plus a hidden boat-in gem nestled along the pristine waters of Tomales Bay. Here, you'll fall asleep to the rhythm of crashing waves and wake to the calls of seabirds, with only the essentials between you and nature—secure food lockers to protect your provisions from curious wildlife, clean vault toilets, and fresh drinking water at each site.

Doran Regional Park

Nestled along a stunning 2-mile stretch of sandy beach on Bodega Bay, Doran Regional Park Campground offers 112 year-round campsites where the Pacific Ocean meets coastal adventure. With five distinct camping zones ranging from harbor-side spots to tent-only areas, this family-friendly destination combines beach camping with exceptional access to fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Whether you're launching your kayak into the bay, exploring tide pools along the rock jetty, or simply enjoying soft sand and mellow surf, Doran delivers a quintessential California coastal camping experience.

Westside Regional Park

Westside Regional Park Campground offers straightforward waterfront camping on the scenic shores of Bodega Harbor, serving as an ideal base camp for anglers, kayakers, and coastal explorers. With 46 sites overlooking the bay, a three-lane boat launch, and easy access to Bodega Bay's attractions, this no-frills campground prioritizes water access and harbor views over resort-style amenities. The open, RV-friendly layout welcomes both tent campers and big rigs seeking a relaxed bayfront atmosphere away from crowded ocean beaches.

Bodega Dunes Campground, Sonoma Coast State Park, California

Discover your perfect coastal retreat at Bodega Dunes Campground, where 99 thoughtfully placed campsites weave through a mesmerizing landscape of windswept sandy dunes and ancient Cypress groves. This cherished gem within Sonoma Coast State Park offers an enchanting blend of beachside adventure and sheltered comfort, with sites ranging from intimate tent spots tucked beneath towering trees to spacious RV-friendly areas. Whether you're seeking a romantic weekend escape or a family basecamp for coastal exploration, you'll find the ideal spot among these ever-shifting dunes.

8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Lagunitas, CA 94938

1475 Central Magazine Rd, San Francisco, CA 94129

Hawk Campground, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Sausalito, CA 94965

3000 Atlas Road, Richmond, California, 94806, United States

801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941

3801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941

730 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 94901

Haypress Campground, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Sausalito, CA, 94965

Bicentennial Campground, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Angel Island SP

1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

The access gate is located on Conzelman Road next to the Battery Spencer overlook parking area, within the Marin Headlands.

801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941

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San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Fort Mason Center, Building E, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA

INYO, CA, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Canyon offers adventurers a gateway to some of California's most dramatic alpine wilderness. This stunning canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring ancient glaciers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and towering granite peaks that pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. Whether you're seeking challenging mountaineering routes or peaceful streamside camping, Big Pine Canyon delivers an authentic High Sierra experience that will leave you breathless—both from the altitude and the sheer beauty surrounding you.

1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541

Tucked into a scenic bend along the melodious Lee Vining Creek, Big Bend Campground invites adventurers to claim one of its 17 intimate campsites within the majestic Inyo National Forest. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for those drawn to both Yosemite's stunning Tuolumne Meadows entrance and the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Basin Scenic Area. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh potable water, and bear-proof food storage lockers to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety during your stay.

Modoc National Forest

Nestled at the gateway to the South Warner Wilderness, Pepperdine Campground offers three distinct camping experiences in one remarkable location. Equestrian enthusiasts will discover a dedicated horse camp complete with convenient stock water and pole stalls at select sites. The trailhead staging area beckons adventurers with ample parking and corrals, serving as your launching point into the wilderness. For those seeking a more intimate experience, a cozy family camping loop awaits beneath a canopy of ancient fir trees. As a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility, Pepperdine encourages visitors to embrace Leave No Trace principles while immersing themselves in this pristine mountain environment.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

Upper Soda Springs Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Nestled in the heart of Reds Meadow Valley, Upper Soda Springs Campground offers an intimate escape where the melodic San Joaquin River becomes your constant companion. This tranquil retreat features 28 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with bear-proof lockers, picnic tables, and access to pristine pit toilets and fresh potable water. Adventure beckons from every direction—cast a line into the crystal-clear river waters, set out on scenic trails that wind through ancient forests, or venture to the nearby geological wonder of Devil's Postpile National Monument and the breathtaking cascade of Rainbow Falls.

13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036

Saddle up for an unforgettable equestrian adventure at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern camping comfort. This specialized horse-friendly retreat beckons riders and their four-legged companions with direct access to the legendary California Riding and Hiking Trail. Well-appointed horse corrals ensure your equine partners rest as comfortably as you do, making this the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails that wind through California's stunning backcountry.

Doran Regional Park

Nestled along a stunning 2-mile stretch of sandy beach on Bodega Bay, Doran Regional Park Campground offers 112 year-round campsites where the Pacific Ocean meets coastal adventure. With five distinct camping zones ranging from harbor-side spots to tent-only areas, this family-friendly destination combines beach camping with exceptional access to fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Whether you're launching your kayak into the bay, exploring tide pools along the rock jetty, or simply enjoying soft sand and mellow surf, Doran delivers a quintessential California coastal camping experience.

Mendocino National Forest

Tucked into a peaceful inlet at Lake Pillsbury's northwestern corner, this campground offers the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and easy water access. Just a short stroll from your campsite, the shimmering waters of Mendocino National Forest's largest lake beckon with endless possibilities for adventure. Whether you're launching your boat from the nearby ramp at dawn, casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, or taking an afternoon swim, this scenic basecamp puts you at the heart of one of Northern California's most beloved recreational lakes.

17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott CA 95571

Escape into the cathedral-like sanctuary of Hamilton Barn Environmental Campground, where primitive hike-in campsites nestle beneath towering old-growth redwoods. This hidden gem rewards adventurous souls with unparalleled privacy and profound solitude, offering a rare chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's ancient rhythms.

CA-108, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, California

Nestled along the scenic Sonora Pass on CA-108, Sonora Bridge Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 22 tranquil sites carved into a landscape of towering Jeffrey pines and aromatic sagebrush. Here, where the melodious West Walker River flows just steps away, anglers cast their lines into pristine waters while hikers set off to explore the dramatic high country. This rustic mountain retreat offers the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventures, complete with firewood available on-site to fuel evening campfires under star-studded skies.