Urban Camping
The opportunity to boost your health in the Great Outdoors is closer than you think
There’s no better way to celebrate spring’s warmer temps—and Mother Nature—than a family camping trip. Check the following compilation of some of Yelp’s highest rated Bay Area family campgrounds—then get packin’.
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Angel Island, San Francisco: After a short ferry ride, settle into one of 11 virtually untouched natural campsites. Offers breathtaking, 360-degree views of San Francisco and beyond. 800.444.7275 for reservations; http://angelisland.org.
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Anthony Chabot Regional Park, Castro Valley: Only 20 minutes from downtown Oakland, this year-round camp is nestled beneath a eucalyptus grove overlooking Lake Chabot. Includes a marksmanship range and naturalist-led campfire programs, plus hiking trails, horseback riding and fishing. 9999 Redwood Blvd.; 888.EBPARKS (option 2, then 1); http://ebparks.org/parks/anthony_chabot.
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Half Moon Bay State Beach, Half Moon Bay: A short access trail leading to the beach is less than 100 yards from anywhere in the campground. Other perks include bike trails, wildlife, horse trails, fishing and a visitor center. 95 Kelly Ave.; 650.726.8819; www.parks.ca.gov.
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Haypress Campsite, Mill Valley: Although located just a half hour outside the City, this campsite satisfies even the seasoned camper’s urge to get back to nature. Veteran campers suggest bringing a camp stove, warm clothes and good walking shoes. Tennessee Valley Road; 415.331.1540; www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/outdooractivities.htm.
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Kirby Cove, Sausalito: Think course-sand beach and rare glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge. Best to bring an extra warm sleeping bag and earplugs for the loud, nightly foghorns. Conzelman Road/Battery Spencer; 415.331.1540. For more info, search for “Kirby Cove” on www.recreation.gov.
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Memorial Park, San Mateo: Open year-round, Memorial Park’s 499 acres offer visitors stunning views of old-growth redwoods, picnic facilities and the option of staying up to two weeks. 9500 Pescadero Creek Road, Loma Mar; 650.879.0238; www.co.sanmateo.ca.us.
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Rob Hill Campground, San Francisco: Among the Presidio’s eucalyptus trees, campers can gaze over Baker Beach and the Pacific Ocean while at the nightly community campfire. Washington Blvd. and Central Magazine Road; 415.561.5444; www.presidio.gov.