Camping near San Francisco? (Oakland, San Mateo: RV park, rent, homes)

[3tulips]

We are heading out on a family trip with our tent trailer the first week of August and plan to go to both a Giants and an A's game. We would really like to camp down in the Santa Cruz area, however, my husband and boys really want to go to both ballparks. I'd rather not make that commute twice in a row (once may be fine, but not two days in a row!?, right?). Anyway, we can't stand camping in a "parking lot" (what's the point?), but love both state and private campgrounds that are clean and kid friendly. We are in the late stage of planning this (this is actually our "plan c" vacation for various reasons), so being familiar with reserving state beaches, I realize it may be very difficult to get a reservation at any of those.

With that being said, I'm wondering if anyone out there can help by advising any campgrounds close enough to the city for an easy enough commute, but still camping-esq? We love the beach, but it is also fun to have a pool, so we are pretty easy to please.

Also, we haven't camped in Santa Cruz area either, so in case we decide to do that, if any of you have any recommendations in that area too it would be so much appreciated!

I've been searching like crazy, but this site has so many helpful posters, I thought I'd try here! Thanks again.

[lexi]

Originally Posted by 3tulips

We are heading out on a family trip with our tent trailer the first week of August and plan to go to both a Giants and an A's game. We would really like to camp down in the Santa Cruz area, however, my husband and boys really want to go to both ballparks. I'd rather not make that commute twice in a row (once may be fine, but not two days in a row!?, right?). Anyway, we can't stand camping in a "parking lot" (what's the point?), but love both state and private campgrounds that are clean and kid friendly. We are in the late stage of planning this (this is actually our "plan c" vacation for various reasons), so being familiar with reserving state beaches, I realize it may be very difficult to get a reservation at any of those.

With that being said, I'm wondering if anyone out there can help by advising any campgrounds close enough to the city for an easy enough commute, but still camping-esq? We love the beach, but it is also fun to have a pool, so we are pretty easy to please.

Also, we haven't camped in Santa Cruz area either, so in case we decide to do that, if any of you have any recommendations in that area too it would be so much appreciated!

I've been searching like crazy, but this site has so many helpful posters, I thought I'd try here! Thanks again.

What about Half Moon Bay Beach up by San Francisco? I haven't been
there but have heard it's nice? Or Dillon Beach?

[greatbasinguide]

There are very nice state park Campgrounds in the Santa Cruz mountains, there is also a campground on Mt. Diablo in the East Bay. A caution, urban people camp in these places, sometimes they are noisy.

There is also, in Marin Headlands a fine youth hostel, you can rent family homes, they were the officers housing when the missile base was there, I have stayed there with my family, reasonable and pretty unique. real beds, and hot showers.

Marin Headlands Hostel - Welcome to the Marin Headlands Hostel

[3tulips]

Thank you so much for the info!! Do you have an idea of the "commute" to the city from Mt. Diablo or Dillon Beach?

I really appreciate your help as I did not find either of those in my online searches.

[lexi]

Originally Posted by 3tulips

Thank you so much for the info!! Do you have an idea of the "commute" to the city from Mt. Diablo or Dillon Beach?

I really appreciate your help as I did not find either of those in my online searches.

Oh, I mapquested Dillon Beach and it was 59 miles to San Francisco..
too far I would imagine. However Mt. Diablo which is next to Danville
and or Walnut Creek was only 17 miles to Oakland and like 30 minutes
or so to San Francisco... much better distance for you!

[humboldtrat]

There is Candelstick RV park near Candelstick Park (where the 49ers play). Candlestick RV Park, San Francisco. And I can't think of any camping places near urban stadiums. Near Santa Cruz, there are several redwood state parks such as Big Basin, Henry Cowell and Portola state park. Towing a trailer might be a little difficult on some of these mountain roads, but you should be able to do it. There is also Memorial Park (a San Mateo county park) which is in the redwoods.

[BeenAroundTheBlock]

Muir Woods State park, simply beautiful!

[3tulips]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'm going to look into them! If anyone has any others, I'd love to hear them!

[krudmonk]

Santa Cruz is not near San Francisco