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big_whitey's avatar
big_whitey
Explorer
Jan 06, 2015

San Francisco

Planning a trip from NC to Frisco. Hoping to find a place in the burbs or a neighboring town to use as a home base. Not sure how many days we will be there but probably no more than 3. We are trying to avoid driving in the city with an RV and are open to various modes of transportation. Our plan is to do mostly the touristy stuff,Alkatraz, Fishermans Wharf,Golden Gate bridge,etc. We are also open to suggestions of other must sees. Thanks all for your tips and suggestions.

29 Replies

  • We did this tour beginning on the north bay at Larkspur. You could park your truck camper there easily. Our daughter, who lives in San Fran, did the tour with us and even she was highly impressed.

    We took the ferry from Larkspur to Fisherman's Wharf where we got on the tour van. It returned us to the wharf at the end of the day and we took the ferry back to our vehicle. The tour gave us all the major highlights of the city and included a lunch stop in Sausalito and the Golden Gate Bridge. We had time to walk through the Japanese Garden (May was perfect for blooms).

    San Francisco Small Van Tour
  • Pleasanton Fairgrounds have a decent park. It is in the East bay soa bit of a drive tot he city but you can hop on BART which is way better than driving and having to park anyway.
  • Wow Wayne what a treasure trove of info, very helpful.
    Yes we have a TC and not knowing assumed it might be better to commute to and from the city. You hinted that a trip to the city might be preferable or at least an option.
    Just guessing but I am assuming there is probably no opportunity for urban boondocking within commuting distance to the city. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
  • big whitey, if you provide more info on your RV/truck, I think there may be more for you to see. You hint in your post you have a TC, if so you have more options than most RV types. I can provide you with info on how to really see the Golden Gate, in your TC. With a TC, you can park at Fisherman's Wharf.

    It is also advantageous to see San Francisco during the week.

    Wayne
  • I have camped north of San Francisco many times. In my opinion, the following are as good as it gets:

    Marin Park

    Golden Gate Trailer Park

    I absolutely recommend Marin Park. Many times, I have camped at Marin Park, walked to the Larkspur Ferry. The ferry provides a very scenic ride (about 45 minutes) to Market street below the Bay Bridge. Walk a few blocks to the trolley cars and ride to Fisherman's Wharf. Sometimes we walk through China Town and Little Italy to Fisherman's Wharf. Then we ride the Trolley back to Market Street and the Ferry Terminal. We have rode the S.F. Muni System all over the city. This link (Public Transportation) will give you an idea on local transportation.

    From the wharf, you can catch a tour boat to Alcatraz. As I recall. there are other tours also. If you can work it in, the Morrison Planetarium is a must see.

    Personally, I have no problem with doing four nights at the Marin RV Park. That would allow three days four touring San Francisco. There is certainly more to see. But I only listed what I think are the must sees. If you are more interested, I can give you more information.

    The Marin RV Park is not a park with trees, and lots of entertainment. It is primarily a well maintained place to camp. I have always found the staff friendly, and eager to help in any way. I suggest you give them a call.


    Wayne
  • Just to clarify a bit. Not really looking a CG just somewhere to leave our TC during the day as we commute to the city. Basically we are looking for a smaller less congested town that has the easiest and closest access to Frisco. Sorry for being so vague.
  • As far as the west coast is concerned, Frisco has a great public transportation system.
  • We stayed at the Petaluma KOA last summer and found it to be very, very nice, especially for kids. However, it was much further from San Francisco than we thought it would be. You might check out the rv park in Pacifica. On the ocean, very near the BART, and pricey. I think it is now called the San Francisco RV Resort or Park. When we stayed there in the past it was a different name. Have a great trip.
  • Petaluma KOA. Located just north of the city. Then take the tours into the city. JMO