1. Angel Island State Park
Located on San Francisco Bay’s largest natural island, Angel Island State Park boasts unrivaled views and miles of scenic hiking trails. Weekend visitors ferrying into the park will enjoy activities like biking, fishing, beach swimming, snorkeling, boating, and more. Campsites include options for families and large groups. There are restrooms and a camp store on-site, as well as a café. The island has a richly diverse history involving the native Coast Miwok tribe, Spanish Invaders, Chinese immigrants, foreign WWI and WWII prisoners of war, and US military operations. Families can visit the museum or opt for one of the island’s several guided tours, including a tram tour.Ferries to Angel Island embark from San Francisco.
Angel Island State Park, Ayala Cove, Belvedere Tiburon, CA, Phone: 415-435-1915
2. Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Boasting over 70 miles of hiking, biking, and riding trails, this regional park sits just 20 minutes outside of downtown Oakland. A cool water lake, Eucalyptus groves, tall grass prairies, and local chaparral provide the scenery. The park’s Anthony Chabot Family Campground overlooks Lake Chabot and hosts a total of 63 drive-in and walk-in campsites. There are also 12 RV/trailer campsites fully equipped with water, sewage, and electrical hook-ups. Each site is furnished with a fire ring, a grill, and a picnic table. Campers enjoy the luxury of hot water showers. Firewood and coal may be purchased on the grounds.
Anthony Chabot Regional Park, 9999 Redwood Road, Castro Valley, CA, Phone: 888-327-2757
3. Sonoma Coast State Park, Bay Area
Seventeen miles of beach, secluded coves, and grassy headlands form Sonoma’s craggy coastline. Bodega Harbor is a popular park destination for crabbing along the rocky jetty. Atop the headland forming the harbor are hiking trails, where visitors can spot the migration of gray whales, or meander to hidden coves. There are several beaches along the Sonoma Coast State Park, each featuring a different attraction. Goat Rock beach is home to a colony of seals, Shell Beach is a fun place to explore tide pools and beachcomb, and Salmon Beach is popular for its lagoon, fishing, and great surf. There is a campground designated to hikers and bikers only, as well as three drive-in campgrounds equipped with primitive campsites.
Sonoma Coast State Park, CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA, Phone: 707-875-3483
Romantic Camping Ideas
4. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Del Valle Lake, the regional park’s central attraction, is nestled deep within a rolling green valley, surrounded by gorgeous oak trees. The lake hosts an abundance of water activities such as fishing, boating, windsurfing, and swimming. Lifeguards are on duty during high season. Boasting nearly 5,000 acres of land, the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is also home to the 28-mile Ohlone Wilderness Trail, horse trails, and biking trails. Family, group, and equestrian campgrounds are on-site. There is parking, concessions, restroom, and a visitors’ center. Kayak and boat rentals are available. Guided tours of the lake are a great way to learn about the natural history of the area.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA, Phone: 888-327-2757
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