I am looking for a place no more than a 3 hour drive to take the kids camping that also has fishing for my husband. My children are 11 and 7. A place that has something for the kids and the adults.
Lake Chabot has some very nice camp grounds in the hills behind Castro Valley.
Anchor Bay Campgrounds. www.abcamp.com It's exactly 3 hours from Oakland. (We've been doing the drive each year for 15 years now.) There is fishing, ab diving, crabbing and boating at the camp site itself. Golfing and kayaking are nearby. The beach is beautiful and because it's a in a cove, it's safe for the kids to play in the water. The water is cold though...bring wetsuits! It's VERY family friendly and you're guaranteed to have a great time.
I've been to Olema Ranch and had a great time there.
We like to camp at "Evergreen Lodge " or in the neighborhood. It's about 3 hours ( without traffic) drive from Burlingame. The lodge is about 30 minutes west of Yosemite. They have great activities. Also, you can purchase a day pass for "Camp Mather" which is within walking distance. Great way to check out Hetch Hetchy reservoir if you haven't done that yet.
They have a website as well.
Best wishes
i have never been but have heard great things about campjellystone.com
lake del valle is great and about an hour away.
Try Petaluma KOA. It is only 45 minutes or so, it is a family campground with a weekly theme, kids activities (scavenger hunts, ice cream socials every evening,etc.), has a petting zoo, bike and quad rentals, swimming pool,laundry facilities, showers, family kitchens, etc.
My kids had a great time and it was great camping.
