san francisco

[mecanik1975]

anyone find any good camp grounds in or near san francisco? my wife and i would like to take our trailer out there to see alcatraz and a few other things. how bad is it to get in and out of?


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[livinthelife]

anyone find any good camp grounds in or near san francisco? my wife and i would like to take our trailer out there to see alcatraz and a few other things. how bad is it to get in and out of?


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I haven't done any research yet, but I did live in the Bay Area for a number of years. Personally, I wouldn't look for RV parks IN the city at all. Those streets there are not set up for trailers of any sort. Probably the same in the east bay.

I'd probably be looking in the Marin County area (north), and "commute" into the city to see the sights.

 

[TheLexx]

Word to the wise. Do NOT take your trailer into SF. Lots of one way streets, double parking everywhere, aggressive drivers, aggressiv meter maids, and mind numbing traffic. Do NOT stay at the RV park near Candlestick Point. That's where the old 49er stadium used to be. You take a wrong turn coming out of that place and you'll end up in the ghetto inside a one exit only low income drug infested housing development. I would stay well outside the city - somewhere south of South San Francisco. Then park your truck at a CalTrain parking lot and take the CalTrain into the city. It'll let you off at the 4th and King St, in the South of Market area of SF. From there you can Uber it to wherever you want to go, or you can take public transportation. Don't bother trying to drive and park in the city. The parking garages are super expensive. It's so much easier to just use Uber or a cab.

For the Alcatraz tour, you can get off the train at 4th & King. Then walk east on King right past the Giants baseball stadium, and then onto The Embarcadero. Just walk along the waterfront until you get to the Ferry Building. The Alcatraz Tours are right next door or right there at the Ferry Building. Be sure to spend some time noshing at the Ferry Building. There's a bunch of great eateries inside.

Bring warm clothes. The ride across the Bay is windy and can be chilly. It's best to layer your clothes because it can be cold to hot in the same day. If the fog rolls in, it'll happen sometime after about 4pm. But usually the waterfront area is pretty clear.

From the Ferry Building, it's an easy walk to the Fisherman's Wharf area.

Watch out for pick pockets if you wait for a cable car at the cable car turnaround.

If you have the time, it'd be fun to visit Golden Gate Park, the Steinhardt Aquarium, the DeYoung Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and it's always fun to stroll down Union Street between Fillmore and Gough.

If you're at Fisherman's Wharf and you want to get to North Beach, you can walk up Columbus Avenue or Uber it. Make sure you grab a cappuchino at Cafe Trieste.

If you happen to visit the Castro area, there's a restaurant on Market, about two long blocks west of Van Ness. Have the whole Roast Chicken with baked bread and currants. It's awesome. They have a beautiful copper lined bar. Be careful walking around Market St. It's a rough area, especially around the United Nations Plaza.

Have fun! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I grew up in SF.

 

[tortise]

anyone find any good camp grounds in or near san francisco? my wife and i would like to take our trailer out there to see alcatraz and a few other things. how bad is it to get in and out of?



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Campgrounds in the area are tight. The picture is a campground in Marin County North of the Golden Gate Bridge. We took the ferry into town.

 

[Second Chance]

Thread moved to "Campgrounds, Destinations, and RV Trip Planning" from "Tires."

Rob

 

[mecanik1975]

Word to the wise. Do NOT take your trailer into SF. Lots of one way streets, double parking everywhere, aggressive drivers, aggressiv meter maids, and mind numbing traffic. Do NOT stay at the RV park near Candlestick Point. That's where the old 49er stadium used to be. You take a wrong turn coming out of that place and you'll end up in the ghetto inside a one exit only low income drug infested housing development. I would stay well outside the city - somewhere south of South San Francisco. Then park your truck at a CalTrain parking lot and take the CalTrain into the city. It'll let you off at the 4th and King St, in the South of Market area of SF. From there you can Uber it to wherever you want to go, or you can take public transportation. Don't bother trying to drive and park in the city. The parking garages are super expensive. It's so much easier to just use Uber or a cab.

For the Alcatraz tour, you can get off the train at 4th & King. Then walk east on King right past the Giants baseball stadium, and then onto The Embarcadero. Just walk along the waterfront until you get to the Ferry Building. The Alcatraz Tours are right next door or right there at the Ferry Building. Be sure to spend some time noshing at the Ferry Building. There's a bunch of great eateries inside.

Bring warm clothes. The ride across the Bay is windy and can be chilly. It's best to layer your clothes because it can be cold to hot in the same day. If the fog rolls in, it'll happen sometime after about 4pm. But usually the waterfront area is pretty clear.

From the Ferry Building, it's an easy walk to the Fisherman's Wharf area.

Watch out for pick pockets if you wait for a cable car at the cable car turnaround.

If you have the time, it'd be fun to visit Golden Gate Park, the Steinhardt Aquarium, the DeYoung Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and it's always fun to stroll down Union Street between Fillmore and Gough.

If you're at Fisherman's Wharf and you want to get to North Beach, you can walk up Columbus Avenue or Uber it. Make sure you grab a cappuchino at Cafe Trieste.

If you happen to visit the Castro area, there's a restaurant on Market, about two long blocks west of Van Ness. Have the whole Roast Chicken with baked bread and currants. It's awesome. They have a beautiful copper lined bar. Be careful walking around Market St. It's a rough area, especially around the United Nations Plaza.

Have fun! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I grew up in SF.

tons of great info. thank you!


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[ktnissen]

I only know the north side since my daughter lives there.

Olema Campground North of San Fran. It may be a drive in to the city but you are camping in the country. There is a KOA in Petaluma that is nice. If you are retired military the cost guard base has a small RV Park. Farther out is Santa Rosa Fairgrounds but last time I was there it was overran with FEMA evacuees from the fires.

Pickings are slim, I go see me daughter a couple a times a year and am glad she lives on the north side. We don't go in to the city but have towed through on 101, highly recommend not doing that.

 

[TheLexx]

We don't know what kind of truck the OP has since it's not listed in his/her sig. It's a bigger truck, the OP is not going to want to take it in to SF. It won't fit into the covered city lots, and depending on the outside lot, they may get charged up to double to park. Maybe if they get lucky and find street parking (really tough) or somehow find a lot that has spaces big enough (rare), then they could bring the truck to the city. But if the OP is not used to driving in really really tight environs then it's going to be a real PITA.

Also the North Bay doesn't have any good public transportation into SF unless you take Golden Gate Transit (bus) or the Ferry from Larkspur. Again, parking at Larkspur might be an issue as well.

That's why I suggested staying south of SF. Alternatively if they find some place in the East Bay near BART, they could just as easily ride BART into the city as well.

One other alternative is to just Uber it from whatever campground they're at to the nearest BART or CalTrain station.

I only know the north side since my daughter lives there.

Olema Campground North of San Fran. It may be a drive in to the city but you are camping in the country. There is a KOA in Petaluma that is nice. If you are retired military the cost guard base has a small RV Park. Farther out is Santa Rosa Fairgrounds but last time I was there it was overran with FEMA evacuees from the fires.

Pickings are slim, I go see me daughter a couple a times a year and am glad she lives on the north side. We don't go in to the city but have towed through on 101, highly recommend not doing that.

 

[mecanik1975]

We don't know what kind of truck the OP has since it's not listed in his/her sig. It's a bigger truck, the OP is not going to want to take it in to SF. It won't fit into the covered city lots, and depending on the outside lot, they may get charged up to double to park. Maybe if they get lucky and find street parking (really tough) or somehow find a lot that has spaces big enough (rare), then they could bring the truck to the city. But if the OP is not used to driving in really really tight environs then it's going to be a real PITA.

Also the North Bay doesn't have any good public transportation into SF unless you take Golden Gate Transit (bus) or the Ferry from Larkspur. Again, parking at Larkspur might be an issue as well.

That's why I suggested staying south of SF. Alternatively if they find some place in the East Bay near BART, they could just as easily ride BART into the city as well.

One other alternative is to just Uber it from whatever campground they're at to the nearest BART or CalTrain station.

i drive a 2021 F250 crew cab lariat. i dont know how to add that info to my signature.


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[[email protected]]

anyone find any good camp grounds in or near san francisco? my wife and i would like to take our trailer out there to see alcatraz and a few other things. how bad is it to get in and out of?


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Avoid San Francisco at pretty much all costs. And that includes tourism. There Is a state beach campground in Half Moon Bay that you might be able to get into its a half-hour away and can hold about any size trailer. There is KOA down past pescadero on the coast that is nice but expensive also a rustic campground in pescadero, Memorial park, in the woods but you can only get about a 20 or 25' trailer in-and-out of that place. Also if you decide to go up into San Francisco Into the tourist areas such as the shopping district and the wharf or the Presidio keep in mind they average about 2000 car breakings A-day. There are so many that the police do not even respond or take reports for them anymore. Also you will want to download a couple of apps one is called the feci or Faecal matter app. And that will show where human crap has been spotted in the city, they actually pay people about a $100,000 a year to go out and count this, because They allow homeless people to Crap and pee in public now without any punishment, its quite the show sometimes. You will also want to download the hypo or The hypodermic needle app it shows where hypodermic needles are being found in the parks and on the streets. It has gotten so bad there, we lived there for over 20 years, that children and pets that go out and play in the parks have been coming home with hypodermic needle stuck in them. Be Very carefully there.

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[TheLexx]

The whole homeless and their refuse/garbage stuff is way overblown. If you stick to the tourist areas, it'll be just fine. Do not wear flip flops because yeah, there might be sharpies (not just needles) on the ground. It's a city with city issues. I would wear good walking shoes that have a fairly thick sole.

Car break-ins are a real issue. Ever since California passed proposition 47 that eliminates penalties for thefts amounting to $950 or less, petty crime has gone through the roof statewide. So leave NOTHING in your vehicle that looks valuable NO MATTER WHERE YOU PARK. Also guys, never put your wallet in your back pocket. Leave it in your front pocket where it's way more difficult for someone to pick. If you're really worried, keep $40 in bills wadded up so if you get accosted, give them that wad of money. But honestly that's really not likely to happen in broad daylight in a touristy area. Just don't go wandering down into some dark alley. Stay away from areas with public housing.

F250 crew cab is going to be too tall to fit in SF covered parking garages. OP might be able to find an outside lot with a space to accommodate his truck if he's lucky but that's a big chance to take. Again, I would prefer to leave the truck at the campsite, Uber it to public transportation, and take that into the city.

Avoid San Francisco at pretty much all costs. And that includes tourism. There Is a state beach campground in Half Moon Bay that you might be able to get into its a half-hour away and can hold about any size trailer. There is KOA down past pescadero on the coast that is nice but expensive also a rustic campground in pescadero, Memorial park, in the woods but you can only get about a 20 or 25' trailer in-and-out of that place. Also if you decide to go up into San Francisco Into the tourist areas such as the shopping district and the wharf or the Presidio keep in mind they average about 2000 car breakings A-day. There are so many that the police do not even respond or take reports for them anymore. Also you will want to download a couple of apps one is called the feci or Faecal matter app. And that will show where human crap has been spotted in the city, they actually pay people about a $100,000 a year to go out and count this, because They allow homeless people to Crap and pee in public now without any punishment, its quite the show sometimes. You will also want to download the hypo or The hypodermic needle app it shows where hypodermic needles are being found in the parks and on the streets. It has gotten so bad there, we lived there for over 20 years, that children and pets that go out and play in the parks have been coming home with hypodermic needle stuck in them. Be Very carefully there.

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[GregTheLeg]

I believe the Alameda Co. Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA has an RV park. Pleasanton is a great town with an interesting downtown, wineries nearby in Livermore, etc. The fairgrounds are easy access off of I-680 and the Bernal exit. Also, the BART train goes to Pleasanton, so you could take the train into San Francisco. Pleasanton is pretty pricey but safe and comparatively lighter traffic (which will still be heavy). Try to arrive/depart with the trailer on a weekend; I don't recommend attempting to get in or out around rush hour.

 

[PHMadness]

I believe the Alameda Co. Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA has an RV park. Pleasanton is a great town with an interesting downtown, wineries nearby in Livermore, etc. The fairgrounds are easy access off of I-680 and the Bernal exit. Also, the BART train goes to Pleasanton, so you could take the train into San Francisco. Pleasanton is pretty pricey but safe and comparatively lighter traffic (which will still be heavy). Try to arrive/depart with the trailer on a weekend; I don't recommend attempting to get in or out around rush hour.

The RV park at the fairgrounds is an EXCELLENT idea. I lived in Dublin/Pleasanton for a few years and stored my unit there. It's a good location to explore the area with a nice mountainous barrier shielding you from the yuck that is the bay area. The freeway south takes you to San Jose, the freeway west takes you to the East Bay and the bridges, the freeway north takes you to wine country. All nice day trips and has you sleeping in a much nicer and less stressful area.

2020 310GK - 2011 F350 SRW

 

[orbiker]

WOW
On our way back from our Colorado 2 week vacation on the Harley in 2009 we swung thru SF. My wife had never seen the Golden Gate Bridge. Even back then the traffic was HORID, even riding the motorcycle.
I spent 2 years of my Navy days in the Bay area (from '75 to late '77). It wasn't too bad then. Just tons of traffic.
This info you are sharing just confirms my thoughts to never go south of Redding, CA unless we are on 395. What has happened to this state is just beyond me. KEN

 

[fitzpatrick_ann]

We live in the Bay Area. I would also recommend the Alameda County Fair grounds. Take Bart to San Francisco during day light hours.


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[Big Blue]

The whole homeless and their refuse/garbage stuff is way overblown. If you stick to the tourist areas, it'll be just fine. Do not wear flip flops because yeah, there might be sharpies (not just needles) on the ground. It's a city with city issues. I would wear good walking shoes that have a fairly thick sole.

Car break-ins are a real issue. Ever since California passed proposition 47 that eliminates penalties for thefts amounting to $950 or less, petty crime has gone through the roof statewide. So leave NOTHING in your vehicle that looks valuable NO MATTER WHERE YOU PARK. Also guys, never put your wallet in your back pocket. Leave it in your front pocket where it's way more difficult for someone to pick. If you're really worried, keep $40 in bills wadded up so if you get accosted, give them that wad of money. But honestly that's really not likely to happen in broad daylight in a touristy area. Just don't go wandering down into some dark alley. Stay away from areas with public housing.

F250 crew cab is going to be too tall to fit in SF covered parking garages. OP might be able to find an outside lot with a space to accommodate his truck if he's lucky but that's a big chance to take. Again, I would prefer to leave the truck at the campsite, Uber it to public transportation, and take that into the city.

I worked for UAL @ SFO until 2007 don't remember these BIG CITY problems back then... Walking from BART station to Fishermans Warf and never felt in danger.... That said, I suggest anyone visiting San Fran read your comments carefully...

 

[TheLexx]

I worked for UAL @ SFO until 2007 don't remember these BIG CITY problems back then... Walking from BART station to Fishermans Warf and never felt in danger.... That said, I suggest anyone visiting San Fran read your comments carefully...

Unfortunately most folks don't perceive the danger that is lurking about. I remember going to a musical at the Orpheum Theater on Market St. My wife wanted to walk back east on Market to our hotel at 3rd. It was a pleasant evening. So she's got this humungous Luis Vuitton purse with her. I told her "honey you'd better put that thing under your arm and try and hide what it is. Keep it between us". She didn't understand why. Well, my parents had a restaurant in that area and I'd worked there and watched all sorts of robberies and assaults happen before my very eyes. So I knew better.

Also the cable car turnaround at 5th and Market is a HUGE area for pickpockets. We used to get little inner city kids come to our restaurant and order takeout. When they paid, they'd whip out designer wallets with hundred dollar bills. Gee I wonder where they got the wallets full of money? Likewise I'd be careful at the cable car turnaround at Powell/Mason cable car turnaround.

 

[Big Blue]

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=531 Half Moon Bay State Beach....

 

[Rugburn69]

anyone find any good camp grounds in or near san francisco? my wife and i would like to take our trailer out there to see alcatraz and a few other things. how bad is it to get in and out of?


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On the eastern edge of Oakland is Anthony Chabot regional park. I had reservations for last June for a 35’ Solitude. Then Covid hit. Looked like an excellent park in a eucalyptus forest. Near by freeway for getting in and out of San Francisco.

 

[John_Seckman]

Bay Area RV Park

We have stayed at the fairgrounds in Pleasanton several times. That is as close as you will get.

anyone find any good camp grounds in or near san francisco? my wife and i would like to take our trailer out there to see alcatraz and a few other things. how bad is it to get in and out of?


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