Road Trips Starting from San Francisco, CA
Best National Parks Near San Francisco, CA
South of San Francisco 123 miles away, Pinnacles National Park was created 23 million years ago when multiple volcanoes erupted. You can explore the rare talus caves or the towering rock spires. This national park's campground has tent, group, and RV camping. Each RV site has electrical hookups, water, community tables, and BBQ pits. The area also offers showers, a dump station, and a swimming pool. While in the park, you can hike, rock climb, and go birdwatching.
Yosemite National Park is 167 miles east of San Francisco. While you can explore valleys, meadows, giant sequoias, and wilderness in this national park, it is best known for its magnificent waterfalls. The park offers guided tours year-round, and you can take advantage of the park's ranger and interpretive programs. Another main attraction is the 750 miles of trails, but you can also enjoy scenic drives, birdwatching, fishing, rock climbing, and much more. This national park has 10 sites that can accommodate RVs, but they do not offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups in the park.
North of San Francisco, about 236 miles away, Lassen Volcanic National Park includes numerous volcanoes, mountain lakes, wildflowers, meadows, and fumaroles. One of the most popular areas of this park is Sulphur Works. It is the easiest to access of the hydrothermal areas in the park. Other fun activities include driving along the scenic highway, hiking trails, boating, fishing, and ranger-led programs.
Popular State Parks Near San Francisco, CA
Half Moon Bay State Park sits close to the Pacific Ocean in Half Moon Bay 28 miles from San Francisco. It contains 4 miles of beaches perfect for picnicking, fishing, relaxing, and sunbathing. The park offers four beach day-use parking lots: Francis, Venice, Dunes, and Roosevelt. They have RV camping sites with electric hookups but no water or sewer hookups. Coastside Trail can be accessed from all four parking areas. It runs along the eastern edge of the four beaches.
Mount Diablo State Park is 41 miles from San Francisco. This state park is well-known for its summit view. When the weather cooperates, you can see almost 200 miles in any direction from the summit, which is only 3,849 feet high. The historic stone building at the top is the visitor center. Many visitors enjoy the observation deck. You can also hike or ride a horse in this park.
Portola Redwoods State Park is 51 miles south of San Francisco. The main draw for this 2,800-acre state park is the redwood forest. It also has 18 miles of high trails to explore the various creeks, ferns, huckleberries, and waterfalls. The visitor center was designed as a wilderness lodge with couches and fireplaces, making it worth a visit. This state park has 55 family campsites that can accommodate RVs, but none have hookups.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near San Francisco, CA
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park provides a vivid history of the Pacific Coast. You should start your visit at the visitor center. The center is across the street from Hyde Street Pier, focusing on information and exhibits. After the center, you have the option to visit the various historic ships, the Maritime Museum, the Maritime Research Center, or the Aquatic Park Historic District. This park is near Fisherman's Wharf and has no designated RV parking areas.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area is home to 19 different ecosystems and over 2,000 animal and plant species. The park displays California's rich history, including the Mexican Republic, Spanish colonialism, and the U.S. Military expansion. This area has been named a UNESCO Biosphere Region and is the only one in the United States where sea, land, and city meet. The area does have four campsites, but none of them allow RVs. However, there are other campsites nearby that do accept RVs.
In Richmond, CA, a little over 18 miles from San Francisco, Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park honors the sacrifices of American civilians during WWII. The visitor center has various educational and interactive exhibits and park films to learn about Rosie the Riveter and WWII. The park includes over 20 sites throughout Richmond, including the Ford Assembly Plant, Rosie the Riveter Memorial, and the SS Red Oak Victory Ship.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
Your view from the San Francisco RV Resort is the shore of the Pacific Ocean. This campground is only 15 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, Half Moon Bay, and Alcatraz. They offer a pool, hot tub, picnic tables, BBQ grills, full hookups, big rig access, a playground, and more.
Just 10 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Park is close to the Muir Woods National Monument. It is also close to various shopping outlets. Full hookups with 30- and 50-amp connections are available. Other amenities include a pool, hot tub, cell phone reception, and showers.
The County of San Mateo Parks Department runs Coyote Point Recreation Area. The park sits on the shores of the San Francisco Bay. This campground offers swimming, windsurfing, fishing, sailing, and hiking. Amenities at this campground include a playground, 30- and 50-amp connections, pull-through sites, big rig access, and Wi-Fi.
RV Dump Stations Near San Francisco, CA
Some of the best dump stations in California are in or near San Francisco. One of these sites is Novato RV Park near Novato, CA. This RV Park, just 29 miles from San Francisco, has a convenience store and deli, so you can take a break while using the dump station. It also has a laundry room if needed. The dump station is open year-round.
Located close to Half Moon Bay about 30 miles away, Pelican Point RV Park is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Besides a dump station, this site offers Wi-Fi, propane, showers, restrooms, a laundry room, a dog area, and a convenience store.
ABBA Self and RV Storage is 32 miles from San Francisco in Concord, CA. This site is open every day except holidays. They offer a service island and a rinse-off area. The dump station is free for RV clients or $25 for non-clients.
