Camping in San Francisco with campfires
Culture, history, and outdoor adventure await in the San Francisco Bay Area.
96% (2512 reviews)
- San Francisco
96% (2512 reviews)
Popular camping styles for San Francisco
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12 top campgrounds in San Francisco with campfires
96%
(125)
Up Shit Creek
7 sites · Lodging, Tents12 acres · Boulder Creek, CA
Disclaimer: this is not a state park campground or an Airbnb, this is an off grid Homestead and I have lots of junk lying around such as tools, materials, equipment, etc., if this is not your style, please do not book.
The directions provided by Hipcamp are not accurate. Please contact me the day before your listing and I will provide directions.
12 Acres in the Redwoods. Creekside. We have a private driveway with lots of secluded Space. lots of chickens usually an endless supply of eggs for breakfast. Small campfires available. Cabin renters have access to Hot showers, wood-burning stove, kitchen amenities and running water.
Porta potty only
The cabins are located Away from our living area. Main cabin is overlooking the creek and the tent sites, creekside cabin is down near the swimming hole and tent sites.
Tent sites are located next to the creek or up near the community fire pit.
This is our home, it is private, eclectic and filled with natural beauty. That being said, it is by no means pristine. We have the occasional junk pile like most off grid homesteaders do. We do not throw out some things that others would. We try to find a use for old and weathered equipment and materials. Our cabin is built completely with recycled and reclaimed materials. Like I said, we do not like to waste anything, so you may notice a few parts and pieces laying around.
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$61.75
/ night
97%
(514)
Redwood Retreat: Camping & Cooking
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Watsonville, CA
Located on 16 acres, Redwood Retreat is nestled among majestic redwood trees. It is a cool relief from hot temperatures elsewhere! We have a cottage, a tent cabin with a queen air mattress, and two camping sites for up to 4. Sites 1 & 2 combine nicely for a group of up to 8 and site 3 can accommodate a group of 6 (w/ host approval). Enjoy the owls, ravens, doves, hummingbirds, and salamanders and NO WIFI.
Our common area includes bbq's, propane burners, picnic tables, dish-washing area and all cooking must be done here during fire season which is NOW. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO USE ANYTHING THAT HAS AN OPEN FLAME IT WILL NEED TO BE DONE HERE where there is less danger and plenty of fire extinguishers. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO HALT ALL ACTIVITIES THAT INVOLVE FLAMES AT ABSOLUTELY ANY TIME.
The terrain on our property is NOT hikeable and you may NOT WALK OFF THE PROPERTY but we provide you with links to many trails as well as recommendations for lots to see and do in the area.
We are equi-distant between Monterey and Santa Cruz (also approximately 30 minutes but depends on traffic) for all of your more "touristy" desires. Under 2 hours to San Francisco.
PLUS, Chef Mima has a host of things to offer in terms of culinary temptations like a whole line of SENSATIONAL SKILLETS or the more upscale 3 COURSE DINNER. Menus are sent when you book. Why not line up a 3 hour COOKING WORKSHOP that includes DINING ON THE DECK with your new culinary creation? Mima spent 6 years at renowned Chez Panisse restaurant before starting a career as a caterer in the food industry. SEE EXTRAS!
Imagine a peaceful, serene neck of the woods with NO WIFI. Feel the restorative power of nature building resilience and buffering tomorrow’s stress. Welcome to Redwood Retreat. in the mountains above the sweet town of Corralitos, approximately a half hour to either Santa Cruz or Monterey and 20 minutes to nearest beach. If you are the type of camper that likes to play music or be loud, this is not the camp for you. This is a refuge from that. When multiple sites are reserved, this spot is perfect for family vacations, company retreats, small celebrations etc. It is strongly recommended that you book all three sites if you wish to entertain. No amplified noise. A noise curfew is in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. for anything but talking. Sound carries and we must respect neighbors and other campers.THX!
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$72.25
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(197)
Hidden Spring Ranch
6 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Santa Cruz, CA
Magical 6 acre permaculture ranch just a few minutes to town, beaches and restaurants. Take a bath under a clear night sky, enjoy the morning birdsong and take a stroll on or off the property. We have free ranging chickens, a hidden spring surrounded by two creeks and wild plums. Happy Valley is a secret little gem of Santa Cruz. Plenty of space for relaxing, and amazing location for both convenience and adventures. (2 of the 3 sites have the tubs please read individual descriptions to find out if the one you chose has one)
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$55
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(192)
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping
2 sites · Tents9 acres · Aptos, CA
Nestled in a canopy of redwoods, less than 10 miles from the beach sits a private and cozy campground. Fern Ridge Flats combines the best of Santa Cruz county. Abundant trees and misty mornings await you at our property in Aptos. Equipped with electricity, water, and a picnic table for your convenience. There are trails on the land for you to explore, animals, and nature to dive into.
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Smoking and the use of drugs are strictly prohibited. This is a safe and quiet neighborhood with many families including my own. Please do not request to book if you have the intention of partying or using illegal substances. If these rules are violated, local authorities will be called and you will be removed from the campsite.
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The campsite is less than a 5 minute walk from the parking spot but is relatively steep. Although it is paved it is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues.
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As an added precaution to protect the lush landscape, the firepit at the campsite utilizes clean burning propane. We chose a burner that closely replicates the size and heat of a wood to enhance our campers' experience.
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$65
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82%
(50)
#2 HMB Highway Overnight Rest Stop
2 sites · RVs1 acre · Half Moon Bay, CA
WELCOME PLEASE READ!
Overnight parking and Rest Stop on South Highway One.
One vehicle only, Car, Pickup Truck, Small Van, Motorcycle are Welcome.
Private road and shared picnic area for One of Two Parking Spots.
Walk to beach bluffs 10 minutes.
Potable water.
Bathrooms.
Fire pit and wood and picnic table (shared area)
Tents okay.
An abundance of seasonal wildflowers and wild berries
Year round.
Observe rare. Species of birds
Close walk to town for shopping and festivals.
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Next to FARM horses and chickens.
Ocean may be loud.
Highway may be heard.
No pets please.
No towable Trailers or RVs over 20 feet.
Noise curfew is sundown.
No parties in this location.
Check in after 2pm
Check out is noon.
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$47.70
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(4)
Kings Mountain Camp w/ ocean views
4 sites · Lodging10 acres · Woodside, CA
Breathe deep in nature on our 10-acre property on a hillside in Kings Mountain, California. Our generously sized Safari-style tents offer a unique blend of comfort and adventure. Each tent has beds, down comforters, crisp cotton linens, lights, and more. Outdoor and indoor furniture and lots of little touches will make your stay unique.
Each tent is perched on a sturdy wooden platform and features a fully furnished deck, providing a cozy space to relax and soak in the breathtaking ocean (Half Moon Bay views) and forest views (Kings Mountain).
All tents include a mini fridge and a stove, which are ideal for light cooking, intimate fireside storytelling, and warmth during cool mornings and evenings.
We suggest you bring easy-to-prep food, drinks, warm clothes, hiking shoes, and a beanie, as it can get chilly without notice. Your designated parking space is a 6-minute walk from the campsite (downhill on arrival, then back uphill (steep) in the forest), so we recommend traveling light.
Our campsite is nestled within the same property as our charming little farm. If you're interested in meeting our friendly farm animals, get in touch, and we'll be delighted to arrange a visit at a time that works best for you and them.
While our animals rest peacefully at night, our vigilant dog Messy stands guard, ensuring the safety of our chickens and goats from any potential predators. Her bark is a reassuring sign that our farm is well-protected.
You may also hear our chickens starting their day with the early morning egg-laying routine!
Our goats roam the land all day and may visit you for pets and nuzzles. They are gentle, but please do not feed or let them inside the tent.
Recharge from the day with a hot shower. Grab your fresh towels from your tent and go to your allocated bathhouses, where you’ll find an indoor shower and well-appointed restrooms. They are nicely lit and stocked with bath products.
Additionally, a sink area is available for dish clean-up.
Kings Mountain is famous for its hiking and biking trails nested amongst the redwoods. The closest is a 15-minute walk from our campsite, and dozens of others are within a 15-minute car ride.
Tent 01 (180sqft) accommodates two people in a queen-size bed, and an additional cot can be rented.
Tent 02 (210sqft) accommodates four people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a bunk bed
Tent 03 (210sqft) accommodates four people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a twin bed + daybed
Shower/bathroom (Distance from tent 1 40 feet).
Shower and bathroom (Distance from tent 02 30 feet, tent 03 25 feet)
List of complimentary amenities:
We offer a few additional amenities (not listed above) in each tent for your enjoyment such as board games, books... Please put them back in their places before leaving so that others can enjoy them after you.
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- One parking spot per tent (inquire about additional parking when necessary)
- Wifi
- Additional garbage bags
- Fresh eggs from our farm (you can purchase more at our farm stand)
- Tea (Shangri LA tea), coffee (Grand Coffee SF)
- Firewood for stove (heating and cooking)
- Comforters, pillows, wool blankets, and cotton linens
- Plates, bowls, cups, salt, pepper, minimal cookware, coffee maker, hot water kettle, radio, board games,
-Playing cards, hot water bottles, books, a flashlight, a harmonica, and a first aid kit.
- Hammocks, swings.
- Tap water (drinkable)
- Electricity
- Camping stove + one extra gas
- Stove, wood, and fire starter
- Hot water (limited, use mindfully), hand towel (1 per stay per pers), bath towel (1 per stay per pers),, body wash, shower gel, hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
- Evening campfire upon demand (in the common area), otherwise called “The Lookout”. Please note in the event of “high fire danger,” fires are not permitted. Fires are managed by us; guests are not allowed to light the fire in the lookout area by themselves.
Children: Kids under the age of 10 are not allowed. An adult must accompany minors under 21 YO.
Quiet Hours: For the enjoyment of all guests, we ask for quiet time all day and do not allow loud music at any time of day, and the same goes for loud discussions and partying. Think of it as a whispering experience. Please remember that our tents are made of canvas, and sound travels through the canyon. If we receive any noise complaints, you will be asked to leave.
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$140
/ night
98%
(326)
Blackberry Farm
6 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Bolinas, CA
Blackberry Farm sits on the western side of Mount Tamalpais, tucked in the Gospel Flat area of Bolinas. The family farm and residence were established during the late 1970s on the site of the historic Peter’s Dairy Ranch. The original farmhouse dates back to the late 19th century and survived the great 1906 earthquake. Today, the 7-acre farm is being restored to sustainably support fruit orchards, cottage flower and kitchen gardens, honey bees, a boisterous flock of chickens, and naughty shetland sheep. Our self-serve farmstand attached to our barn has seasonal flowers, organic eggs, heirloom fruit, and local goods from the farm.
Our property is the perfect rustic getaway for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll be surrounded by farm/ranch life: chickens clucking, roosters crowing, bees buzzing, and sheep bleating. We also have active nighttime wildlife: coyotes howling, raccoons foraging, owls hooting, etc. Bring earplugs if nature sounds are too much for you.
We offer 4 walk-in tent sites that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. We welcome well-behaved pets ON LEASH that won’t harass the chickens, cats, sheep, other campers, or residents. Unruly pets and their campers will be asked to leave. No refund. Limit: 1 dog per site.
Pitch your tent in a meadow shared by:
Campsite 1 - left side of the meadow, closest to the common area and hot tub.
Campsite 2 - middle of the meadow, closest to our fenced apiary and bee garden.
Campsite 3 - right side of the meadow, near the orchard. (sites 1 and 3 are next to each other)
Campsite 4 - front of the pasture, closest to the parking area (best for car/van campers wanting space to lounge near their parked vehicle.)
Multiple sites may be booked for group camping. Sites 1 and 3 are next to each other under the Cypress Trees. Add site 2 if you would like the entire back half of the campground. Add site 4 if you'd like to have a maximum number of 16 total campers and 2 tents/per site.
The common area has an outdoor shower, hot tub, covered bbq/cook area, tented (weather-protected) hangout space, and a place to stash your surfboard. The pizza oven is not available for campground use. Redwood Grove hangout areas have seating and tree swings. Please pack out your trash. We offer a recycling bin for glass bottles, cans, and clean paper.
Parking is 100 yds or less from the campsites. We have a large wheelbarrow to help you cart your camping gear across the pasture to your campsite. No driving onto or parking in the meadow.
Due to the narrow driveway and parking area (lack of turnaround), the site cannot accommodate RVs, trailers, or oversize vehicles beyond 16ft in length, 7ft in width, or 10 ft in height. 1 car per campsite, please.
15-minute walk to the beach and downtown.
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$66
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Fern Ridge Camper
1 site · Lodging9 acres · Aptos, CA
Come and camp like its 1949 in our retro Boles Aero trailer at Fern Ridge Camper. Much like Airstream, Boles Aero was building top of the line campers out of aircraft grade aluminum; providing chill vibes and highly functional spaces. Come enjoy our blast from the past in our completely original Boles Aero trailer. Apart from the camper itself, which sleeps two comfortably, our site comes equipped with outdoor dining, string lights, and a fire pit to enjoy the stars. Situated at the front of our property, the camper provides a private feel, while still being conveniently located. 10 minutes from town, 15 minutes from the closest beach, and 30 minutes from the beach boardwalk our site is close enough to all Santa Cruz has to offer, while secluded enough to enjoy the natural spaces unique to the Santa Cruz mountains.
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$90
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87%
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Shiima koh
3 sites · Tents3 acres · Aptos Hills Larkin Valley, CA
Shííma koh is a beautiful space nestled in the Aptos hills. We are 15 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from town, all whilst being surrounded by redwoods. It’s a quiet place with a beautiful view of the valley and natural spring water. We are a family with a few dogs and livestock who live here. And welcome you to our home.
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$45
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(40)
Gro 4 Gold Plant Studio
2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Pescadero, CA
Come visit a magical agricultural space enriched by our most precious natural resources: land, animals, love and beauty. Situated in the most desirable mild Mediterranean climate of Pescadero, where the Pacific Ocean breezes moderate temperatures, and nestled in a valley of the Santa Cruz Mountains, we're under an hour from Silicon Valley, San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Level pasture land, creek access, majestic trees. RV parking, tent or hammock camping, and lots of room for spreading out. Bike into Downtown Pescadero, walk to Harley Farms and visit the goats, hike Butano Canyon, and you are only 3.334 miles from Pescadero State Beach.
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$75
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Private Sunny Redwoods Retreat
1 site · RV, Tent70 acres · Boulder Creek, CA
Blooming Echo is a very private, beautifully wooded and wild land. She has a few springs, seasonal creeks, huge trees and a big sunny meadow where we grow our corn. We have a dome for ceremonies and chilling, an outdoor kitchen, two compost toilets, many swings, a trampoline and a slack line. Lots of land to walk and explore, many many wild and native medicinal herbs. This property is totally off grid. You can track wild boar, deer, wild turkeys and mountain lions, and listen to hermit thrush sing in the morning, hawks call during the day and owls hoot at night.
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$97
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(104)
Redwood Basin
1 site · Lodging10 acres · Soquel, CA
Family-owned since the 1960's my parents chose this ridgetop location on 10 acres for its beauty, serenity, bio-diversity, and amazing peaceful healing
energy. The main house is called Rainbow Ridge where a double rainbow appears across the skyline on occasion. We have decided to share this land with conscious folks who want to retreat to the woods
from the hustle and bustle but be close to all the action and have all the creature comforts of home with a camping vibe.
We have one private site with a glamorous A Frame cabin and a modern tiny home and a tiny retro trailer. The site comes as one single package and is exclusive to you and your group!
Nestled on its own private 3-acre redwood and oak forest, leading down to a creek. The site is located just 4 miles (10 min drive ) from Soquel Village and just 5 miles from the beach at Capitola.
The site offers:
- A 20ft modern container home with one queen sofa bed, large screen with
Apple TV, kitchen, patio, fridge, microwave, cooktop,
shower, and toilet.
- A custom, outdoor kitchen, and bar for entertaining with gas BBQ, fridge freezer, sink with hot and cold filtered water, Sonos sound system.
- Large gas fire pit and seating area.
- One A Frame eco cabin with option for one king size day bed OR two singles, A twin mattress can also fit in the cabin when in the two singles configuration. The cabin has electricity, fan and heating for colder nights.
- One very cute retro airstream style 1950's trailer with a twin bed for a couple or one person.
- Space for 1-2 additional tents. For groups of 8 or more and special
events please contact us so we can discuss the possibilities.
- Onsite you should find all the basic amenities from home
including all bedding, towels, kitchenware, cooking utensils, dining ware, herbs and spices, cleaning products, gas for the BBQ and fire pit is included etc. There are a few things you should bring: Food, drinks,
ice and fun!
The site looks down into a private and secluded redwood and oak forest with trails for small hikes into the redwood fairy circles or all the way down to the creek.
The glamping site is on a sunny flat area surrounded by steep terrain up to a ridgeline and down to the creek. The creek is accessible although the final route requires a rope down so may not be suitable for everyone.
Within 15-20 min drive you will find almost all major attractions in the Santa Cruz area including The Mistery Spot, Nisene Marks State Forest, Capitola Pier, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and many famous surf breaks from Capitola to The Point, The Hook, Steamer Lane and many more., as well as many amazing mountain bike trails.
There are also several Santa Cruz Mountain wineries to explore in a 3- 5 mile radius. Further afield you will find Monterey Bay Aquarium and the coastal beaches north up to San Francisco Bay ( 1 hour 30 mins north) and down to Big Sur about 1 hour 20 mins south.
We ask all our visitors to be respectful of the environment, our wildlife, and our neighbors. Please drive slowly and respect the quiet times: between 9.30 pm and 8.30 am. We check all our guests in and provide a quick tour. We can offer a number of additional amenities and services including shopping, stocking up on your favorite supplies, catering, romantic packages and special picnics on the Rainbow Ridge, and much more, so please just ask about all the possibilities.
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$403.75
/ night
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Camping in San Francisco with campfires guide
Overview
One of California's most-visited cities, compact San Francisco has long drawn in visitors with its beautiful structures–from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the colorful Painted Lady rowhouses–and its famous cultural historic attractions. Here you’ll find historic sites such as Alcatraz Island and the oldest Chinatown in North America, along with hundreds of innovative restaurants and many of California’s most impressive museums. And while San Francisco has tons to see and do, it’s also a fantastic jumping-off point for exploring some of California’s most beautiful outdoor areas, many of which are just a short drive away.
Where to go
North Bay
Take the Golden Gate Bridge across the San Francisco Bay and you’ll find yourself in the North Bay, known for beautiful beaches, cute towns, and two of California’s most lauded wine regions: the Napa Valley and Sonoma County. You'll find fantastic camping options across the region, from the redwood forests of Mount Tamalpais State Park to secluded Angel Island State Park, which you can only reach by taking a boat or ferry across the San Francisco Bay.
East Bay
While many people associate the East Bay with Oakland, you won't need to go far to get out into beautiful natural areas, either for the day or for a few nights. Great options with campgrounds include Mount Diablo State Park, where you can take in beautiful views of the region, and Anthony Chabot Regional Park, just east of San Leandro.
Along the Pacific Ocean
Some of California's most inviting stretches of coastline are within a short jaunt of San Francisco, from the dramatic cliffs of Point Reyes National Seashore in the North Bay to the sandy shores of Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco. While many of the camping options in this area are on private land, some state-run parks, such as Salt Point State Park, have campgrounds.
Santa Cruz Mountains
Part of the longer Pacific Coast mountain range, the Santa Cruz Mountains are great for hiking and backpacking. Both Castle Rock State Park and Portola Redwoods State Park have backcountry trail camping options, and Portola also has a group drive-in family campground. Sanborn County State Park is another good option, with both RV and hike-in campgrounds.
When to go
San Francisco's weather is notoriously idiosyncratic, so no matter when you visit, it's good to wear layers and be prepared for the possibility of rainfall. While early summer can get a lot of fog, things usually clear up by late August and stay warm well into early October. If you’re planning to camp in the area, you’ll find pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds after the Labor Day weekend.
Top regions near San Francisco
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