Del Valle Campground is situated approximately 10 miles south of Livermore in the East Bay region, with elevations ranging from 750 to 1,500 feet. The area features oak woodlands and grassland terrain that create diverse habitats for wildlife. Camping options around Alameda include both drive-in sites and backcountry locations with varying levels of amenities and regulations for equestrian access.
What to do
Hiking at Sunol Regional Wilderness: The park offers extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels. "I've been coming here since in jr. High.good hiking exploring is fun fishing too," notes Susie R. who frequents Sunol Regional Wilderness for its outdoor recreation opportunities.
Beach access and waterfall exploration: The coastal options provide unique natural features beyond the East Bay parks. At Wildcat Campground, "The six mile hike to reach the campground is stunning. The hike changes drastically over the course of the six miles ranging from lush forests to grassy fields to breathtaking coastal views," explains Michaela C. when describing the Wildcat Campground trails.
Volcanic landscape discovery: For geology enthusiasts, volcanic formations provide unusual terrain for exploration. "San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve," notes Elliott B., describing the unique geological features that differentiate this area from other horse campgrounds near Alameda.
What campers like
Quick access from urban areas: Proximity to Bay Area cities makes these sites practical for weekend getaways. Helen F. appreciated Anthony Chabot, writing: "Lovely site, really close to San Francisco! On visiting San Francisco we were looking for a site that wasn't a car park. This really met the mark!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to observe local fauna in natural settings. At Del Valle Campground, campers frequently spot "deer and turkeys roaming the campground," as mentioned by Uriel S., who adds: "This is nice little campground that is only about 15 minutes from downtown Livermore."
Solitude options at backcountry sites: For those seeking more isolated camping experiences with equestrian access. "Feels very off grid. Camp experience was smooth and the sun was shining," reports Tyler S. about the backcountry camping at Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, which permits horses on designated trails.
What you should know
Limited availability at prime locations: Popular sites require advance planning. "These are sites are in high demand, but totally worth the wait to experience," Sara S. explains about securing reservations at in-demand equestrian-accessible campgrounds.
Seasonal temperature variations: The East Bay experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. For Tilden Park, Stuart K. advises: "Tilden offers a lake in the middle to swim in and fish. The campsites have lots of fire pits. The weather is always great too!"
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. Uriel S. notes: "The lack of cell reception really helps the feeling of being away from the city life," when describing the Del Valle experience, which can affect planning when bringing horses.
Parking constraints: Some locations have limited vehicle capacity, particularly for horse trailers. At Skyline Wilderness Park, Lori H. mentions: "Easy drive to the wineries of Napa Valley, a little further to Sonoma but a nice drive," but access for equestrian transport requires advance planning.
Tips for camping with families
Lake recreation options: Water activities provide family-friendly alternatives to trail riding. "Del Valle is one of the most beautiful lakes in the east bay. The water is perfect temperature. Great hikes, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and beginner windsurfing," recommends Rosina A., though she cautions "the campground isn't really walking distance to swimming."
Educational wildlife experiences: Children can observe animals in natural habitats. At Anthony Chabot, Ryan W. reports: "Lots of birds and wildlife–beware says the sign...all the signs, but I mostly only saw turkeys and a few water birds," offering opportunities to combine equestrian activities with nature education.
Space considerations at campsites: Site selection affects privacy and comfort for family groups. "The sites are reasonably spaced," notes Gustav H. about Del Valle, adding that "the experience falls and rises with your neighbors," which is particularly important when planning horse camping near Alameda with children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability variations: Electric and water connections differ significantly between parks. At Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park, Pamela found: "The Fairview RV Park is a great Bay Area location easy to find right off hwy 680, in the Alameda county fairgrounds," making it convenient for RV campers with horses.
Site spacing and layout: Proximity to neighbors affects comfort and privacy. Nancy L. observed that Alameda County Fairgrounds was "Crowded" while Rich J. noted at Skyline Wilderness Park: "RV Campsites are nothing fancy and close together. But the park itself is nice...hiking trails, views, nature, and close to Napa."
Leveling requirements: Terrain varies across campgrounds, affecting setup needs. Stefan K. comments on Alameda County Fairgrounds: "Our slot 170 was very narrow, other spots had more space. You could not see that on the onlinemap," highlighting the importance of site selection research when traveling with RVs to horse-friendly campgrounds near Alameda.
