Best RV Parks Close to Home

With COVID-19 still on everyone’s mind, many families are opting to travel in a recreational vehicle (RV). Most RVs have their own bathroom, sleeping area and kitchen, allowing travelers to avoid public restrooms, hotels and restaurants. If you want to play it safe and get away but still stay close to home, the Bay Area has plenty of spots that will feel like vacation.
North Bay
River Bend – This RV park and campground next to the Russian River has a private beach for guests, a general store, children’s play structures, an old-fashioned gaming arcade, horseshoe pits and more. It offers full and partial hook-ups. $95-115 per night. 11820 River Road, Forestville. 707-887-7662. 
East Bay
Anthony Chabot Regional Park – Located near Lake Chabot, this campground has 12 RV/trailer sites with full hook-ups. All sites have a picnic table, a fire ring and restrooms that include showers. Lake Chabot offers plenty of hiking, biking trails and fishing. It’s a 20 minute drive to Oakland. COVID restrictions allow the park to operate at 50% capacity. Reservations are required. $45 per night. 9999 Redwoood Road, Castro Valley. 888-327-2757, option 2. 
Peninsula
Half Moon Bay State Beach – This popular campground near the beach offers RV sites with full hook-ups. Campers are treated to scenic views of the ocean. There are restrooms and showers. Pets are allowed but not on the beach. Note: This park fills up fast. 95 Kelly Ave., Half Moon Bay. 800-444-7275. 
Pillar Point Harbor RV Park – This first-come, first-served RV park in Half Moon Bay offers beautiful views of the ocean. It has 49 RV sites with full hook-ups, free WiFi and cable TV, a six-mile walking and biking trail near the park and more. Pets are allowed. Ocean view sites are $100 per night and partial view sites are $75. 4000 Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay. 650-712-9227. 
San Francisco RV Resort – If you’re looking for amazing sunset views and beach access, this RV resort sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s close to San Francisco and offers many amenities including restrooms and showers, clubhouse, picnic and barbecue area, playground, laundry facilities, swimming pool and hot tub, WiFi hotspot, store and more. Pets are allowed. It’s open year-round and has 150 sites. Prices range from $91-130 per night. 700 Palmetto Ave., Pacifica. 877-570-2267.
Silicon Valley
Mt. Madonna County Park – This nearly 4,000-acre park nestled in a redwood forest has RV sites with hook-ups. Two pets are allowed per site and must be kept on a maximum six-foot leash during the day and a confined area at night. Leashed dogs are allowed on trails. $44 per night. 7850 Pole Line Road, Watsonville. 408-355-2201.