Summer is here, so get out and enjoy nature at a San Francisco campground. There are campgrounds around the Bay area where no reservation is required. All you need to do is get up early to these spots for first dibs on first-come, first-serve camping in the Bay Area. These campgrounds around the San Francisco Bay area are first come first serve. Get going and check these places out for some San Francisco camping. Let’s get the ball rolling on these no-reservation camping spots near San Francisco!

1. China Camp State Park

101 Peacock Gap Trl, San Rafael, CA 94901, USA
William Brown/Google
China Camp State Park features stunning panoramic views of San Pablo and San Francisco Bays and hiking trail. Also, you can if you're curious be close to wildlife. Come by unannounced and camp!

2. Half Moon Bay Campground

Half Moon Bay RV Park, 460 Wavecrest Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA
Laura Spehar/Google
Hop and skip away from the city, and gorgeous as well. Half Moon Bay also offers an RV park and plenty of room to explore. The nearby beach access is always a guaranteed winner as well.

3. Lawson's Landing

Lawson's Landing, 137 Marine View Dr, Dillon Beach, CA 94929, USA
Gerardo Bermudez/Google
If you're going towards Bodega Bay then you need to stop at Lawson's Landing to camp. No reservations are required either. Also, not many places let you camp so close to the water.

4. Castle Rocks State Campground

15000 Skyline Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 95033, USA
California State Parks/Gov
This park and campground only offers first-come, first-served trail camping only. The campground is at the north end of the park at Castle Rock Trail Camp. There's running water here as well as toilets, making it a very worthwhile camping spot.

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5. Carnegie SVRA Campground

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area, 18600 Corral Hollow Rd, Tracy, CA 95376, USA
Sfbaywalk/Flickr
There are lots of trails for hiking and biking and off roading at Carnegie SVRA Campground. There is a first come and first serve process to securing the night in the campground. Take to the trails during the day and gaze at the stars at night.

6. Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campsite

Stillwater Cove Regional Park, 22455 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450, USA
Tye Madelt/Google
There are reserved campsites and walk-up sites you can camp on as well at Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campsite. This NorCal campsite is a hidden gem for people who enjoy the serene, lush landscape and the abundant wildlife. You'll feel invigorated after camping here.

7. Austin Creek State Recreation Area

Austin Creek State Recreation Area, 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446, USA
Robin Brown/Google
Editor's note: Austin Creek State Recreation Area remains closed to the public until further notice. The Walbridge Fire (LNU Complex Fire) damaged significant portions of the park, impacting trails, signage, and facilities. This includes utility infrastructure and the Bullfrog Pond Campground. Repair work is underway as we work to identify a possible reopening date. Please refer to the Austin Creek State Recreation Area website for more information.

Austin Creek State Recreation Area is a memorable campsite on the bank of a deep green river. You're not too far from the Redwoods, so you have the added bonus of iconic California nature.

8. Schoolhouse Campground

Maryville Road, Maryville Rd, Maryville, IL 62062, USA
Mudar Bahri/Google
Schoolhouse Campground is also near a popular tubing spot. Also, this is a big, beautiful recreation facility known for excellent fishing. Come by and grab a spot before it's too late. The towering trees are such a majestic site and you'll love camping here.

Have you done some fun San Francisco camping at any of these places? Do you have any other favorite places to camp in the San Francisco area? Let us know about your experiences in the comments. If you’re looking for some more no-reservation campgrounds to set up your tent, check out these NorCal campgrounds:

11 Glorious Campgrounds In Northern California Where No Reservation Is Required

 

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More to Explore

No Reservation Campgrounds Near San Francisco

Sarah M. | April 10, 2023

What are the best campgrounds near San Francisco?

The San Francisco Bay area is absolutely magnificent, and one of our favorite ways to revel in its scenic splendor is camping. In terms of best campgrounds near San Francisco, all of the above no-reservation campsites certainly qualify, as do these two extraordinary camping spots. The best campgrounds near San Francisco include:

  • Kirby Cove. The Golden Gate Bridge is an American icon, and there's perhaps no better way to experience this wonder than Kirby Cove. Tucked away in a wooded setting, Kirby Cove campground boasts spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, and the Marin Headlands. The campground is located south of Sausalito at what was once Battery Kirby, an old military base. It consists of just five campsites and a day-use area. This campground is very popular and it's definitely not hard to see why: the campsites Kirby Cove are nice and large and come equipped with tent pads and picnic tables. Tent #1 is arguably the most favored due to its tucked-away setting along the bluff that affords breathtakingly beautiful views of the bridge. But no matter what campsite you find yourself stationed for the night, awe-inspiring views of the Golden Gate Bridge await at this NorCal campsite.
  • Treebones Resort. The beauty of Big Sur is something everyone must experience, and Treebones Resort is the very best way to revel in the resplendence of this paradise in Northern California. Treebones is located within the stunning Big Sur Coast, and it's the perfect place to set up camp while you explore -- or simply sit back, relax, and take in the views. This off-grid camping resort has traditional campsites, yurts, and even treehouses, making it unlike any camping experience you've ever had -- all in one of the most pristine and picturesque places in California.

Looking for more beautiful places to go camping in NorCal? Pitch a tent on the beach at one of these lovely campsites!

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