San Francisco is surrounded by numerous campgrounds, from great landscapes to beautiful mountains; these camping spots are to die for. Except for Rob Hill, there are other legal camping spots where you can enjoy your heart out with your friends, family, and loved ones.
So, check out our list and be ready to escape the city’s hustle-bustle and have the exquisite experiences of the camping spots in San Francisco.
Baker beach
Baker beach is one of the camping spots in San Francisco, whose beauty and breeze will blow your mind up. Every place has its backdrops, and when it’s about Baker Beach, no other place could be as better as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin headlands tucked away behind rock cliffs and perfectly surrounded by flowers and shrubs.
Interesting facts
- The sublime scenery is the place for photogenic people to take amazing pictures.
- The panoramic views, romantics, and sunsets are just breathtaking.
- Clothing is optional towards the north end of the beach.
Things to do
- Picnicking and Fishing
- Spot wildlife such as the harbor porpoises and the brown pelicans.
- Gaze at the breathtaking views of the sunsets
Nearby attractions
- Golden gate bridge and park
- Battery chamberlain
- Legion of honor
- Golden horizon tours
How to reach
- The best beaches in San Francisco are situated towards the northwest, on the shore of the Pacific ocean; the beach lies on the peninsula of San Francisco, California.
What to know
- If you want to get a decent parking spot, ensure to visit early, and if you are taking your dogs with you, make sure that they do not go towards the north of Lobos Creek and must be on the south of it only.
Ocean beach
The wild and powerful yet beautiful and scenic ocean beach is the most crowded beach among the camping spots in San Francisco, but it doesn’t seem like it because it’s extended for about 3.5 miles. The brisk weather of the beach will make you want to stay for a bit longer and walk along the promenade.
Interesting facts
- During winters, the plover birds make their homes in the dunes which the National Park Service protects.
- You are likely to see the seagulls soar overhead when the waves break against the shorelines.
- Due to its open exposure, the beach is one of the foggiest and the chilliest beaches.
Things to do
- Jog or walk your dogs.
- Enjoying the bonfire on the rare warm nights can be one of the inexpensive things to do in San Francisco.
- Make sandcastles.
Nearby attractions
- Golden gate zoo
- Ocean Beach pier
- Dog beach
- Gianni Buonomo Vintners
How to reach
- The ocean beach is towards the west coast of San Francisco, California.
What to know
- Swimming and wading are prohibited on the beach as the beach does not have lifeguards. Only experienced surfers who have the skills to handle rough waves are allowed to enter with wetsuits. Also, if you would like to enjoy tent camping in San Francisco, go for it.
Crissy field beach
The Crissy field beach can be your spot for free camping in San Francisco, as it is a perfect escape towards recreation and relaxation. The windsurfers and kite-boards couldn’t resist coming to the beach in windy weather as it provided the viewer with a scenic and iconic view of the sandy shoreline and sheltered waters. So, people be ready to glide across the waves on the third beach of the camping spots in San Francisco.
Interesting facts
- Crissy Field is a historic site of the 1920s which has been converted to a National park.
- The golden gate promenade begins at the Fort Mason of Crissy field.
- Crissy marsh along the way is home to different 135 species of birds, so enjoy.
Things to do
- Swimming/walking/biking paths.
- Boutique shopping and dining.
Nearby attractions
- Chestnut street
- Crissy field avenue trail
- Marina district
- Golden gate bridge
How to reach
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The Crissy field beach is located in San Francisco, California 94129, and camping can be considered the best camping near San Francisco.
- What to know
If you are not much of a wind-liking person, avoid going in the evenings and prefer the morning as the wind will occur around midday. Instead, head towards the cafes for warm snacks if the wind rolls in.
Marshall’s Beach
Among the camping spots in San Francisco, Marshall’s beach is the most secluded and less crowded. On the other hand, it’s a place for nudists, so clothing or no clothing is completely your choice. However, you will literally have to walk by foot on the batteries to bluff trails for about 15 minutes or so, but the views are worth every step, so why not just stop and enjoy.
Interesting facts
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- The spectacular views are something to die for, and that’s why people spend hours here.
- The beach is free to visit at any time of the day; it’s a win-win for all.
- The northern end is closer to the parking and can be a perfect start for moving towards the beach. Hiking and sunset gazing
Things to do
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- Watch birds
- Picnicking and camping
- Hiking and sunset gazing.
- The coastal setting of the Stinson beach and the wooded rolling hills is to die for.
- The nearby cafes are worth visiting for Californian Gourmet cuisine.
- It is the only “real beach” in the San Francisco area.
Clipper cove beach
No matter whether it’s summer or winter, the ocean is always super cold, but the inland areas are just the opposite of it. And the warm air is what brings the beloved ashore. This is one of the best and the safest beaches among theand as the day progresses, the wind gets ferocious, but the temp of the ocean does not change.
Interesting facts
- The name “clipper cove” was named after the Pan American “Clipper ships” airplanes.
- The clipper cove is referred to as the “hidden gem of San Francisco Bay.”
- It’s the perfect place if you want to learn waylaying, paddle boarding, etc.
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Stinson Beach
Among the other camping spots in San Francisco, the route of this beach is half the fun, the marvelous ocean views, with the elegant beauty of the route delights, the way is exhilarating. So, if you are willing to spend your weekends and summers here, go for it. The six-mile drive alone is worth the effort.
Interesting facts
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- No alcohol, no restrooms, no food concessions, no fires or glass containers, no dogs, and yes, clothing is optional. So, just you and your people with a lot of food and beverages. Also, camping is allowed for the boat-in-visitors.
Nearby attractions
- Battery Boutelle
- Alcatraz island
- San Francisco Museum of modern art
- Sand ladder
How to reach
- Marshall’s beach is situated towards the north of baker beach, in San Francisco, California.
What to know
- No alcohol, no restrooms, no food concessions, no fires or glass containers, no dogs, and yes, clothing is optional. So, just you and your people with a lot of food and beverages. Also, camping is allowed for the boat-in-visitors.
- The coastal setting of the Stinson beach and the wooded rolling hills is to die for.
- The nearby cafes are worth visiting for Californian Gourmet cuisine.
- It is the only “real beach” in the San Francisco area.
Things to do
- Seaside walks/surfing
- fishing/picking
- Playing volleyball
Nearby attractions
- Parkside cafe
- Muir woods
- Dipsea trail
- Mount Tamalpais State Park
How to reach
- Stinson Beach is located in Marin County, in the state of California.
What to know
- If you want to get a place in the parking lot, arrive early as it is very crowded on the weekend and summer days.
Aquatic Park Cove
If you do not want to visit the beach when it’s foggy, visit in April, September, and October.
Fort Funston
Do not forget to check out the World War II ruins Battery Davis.
The second last beach among the other camping spots in San Francisco is a perfect getaway for your dogs. The dog-friendly beach is just perfect for your homie to meet other kinds of pups of all breeds, sizes running across the beach. So, if you do not want your cute little pet to be left behind at home, take him away with you.
Interesting facts
- The beach is heaven for the dogs.
- The former harbor defense installation is the most off-leash dog-friendly beach.
- For humans, it’s perfect for hang-gliding.
Things to do
- Hang-glide the cliffs
- Hike through the dunes
- Appreciate the plants.
Nearby attractions
- San Francisco Zoo
- De Young Museum
- Japanese Tea Garden
- Golden gate park
How to reach
- Fort Funston is situated in the southwestern corner of San Francisco, California.
What to know
- Do not forget to check out the World War II ruins Battery Davis.
Mountain lake beach
The best camping spot in San Francisco is Mountain lake beach. It is the last surviving lake with almost 1700-year-old freshwater. The animals are living their best life on the beach because the surrounding areas were recently restored for them. So, if you also want to get amazed by the beautiful creatures, here’s your chance.
Interesting facts
- The beach is one of the last surviving lakes of San Francisco.
- The beach is totally under the radar and provides you with serenity.
- Maybe you will want to bring your binoculars with you to catch the amazing views.
Things to do
- Picnicking/camping
- Watch water wildlife
- Enjoy the peaceful stroll
Nearby attractions
- Arion press
- Marine cemetery vista
- Lobos Valley overlook
- 1818 Wedemeyer street
How to reach
- The mountain lake beach is situated in San Francisco and is the only natural lake in the eighty thousand acres Golden Gate Recreation Area.
What to know
- You can visit the lake via walk, bus, or bike from the inner Richmond.
Final words
The camping spots in San Francisco are just as wonderful as you; the views, nearby attractions, food and beverages, and especially the cost are to die for. So, if you are looking out for the perfect camping site, choose one of these, pack your bags, move out and enjoy your heart out beside the waters, and of the mountains near San Francisco, because who in the world would miss a chance of itFort Funston