The San Lorenzo area sits within the East Bay region at elevations ranging from 50 to 800 feet across nearby parklands. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F with winter lows around 40-50°F. The Mediterranean climate creates distinct wet and dry seasons, with most rainfall occurring between November and April, making campsite drainage an important consideration during winter camping trips.
What to do
Trail riding access points: Nearby Morgan Territory Regional Preserve offers day-use equestrian trails through oak woodlands with trail connections to broader East Bay trail systems. "I've been coming here since in jr. High. Good hiking exploring is fun fishing too," notes a visitor to Sunol, another regional preserve with bridle paths.
Lakeside recreation: Lake Del Valle provides multiple water activities within 30 minutes of San Lorenzo. "The lake is also very picturesque. There is a swimming area, & there are picnic tables & nice-sized camp sites," shares a camper at Del Valle Campground, which offers connections to Ohlone Wilderness trails.
Nature observation: Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout regional parks near San Lorenzo. At Skyline Wilderness Park, approximately 60 minutes north, visitors report "Wild turkey, deer, wood peckers regularly seen!" The park's native garden area showcases local plant species and supports diverse bird populations.
What campers like
Urban proximity camping: Many East Bay parks provide quick escapes from urban settings. "Paradise an hour from the city. It is great for laid back camping! Karl the fog even likes it!" writes a reviewer about Anthony Chabot Regional Park, located just 20 minutes from San Lorenzo.
Trail system connectivity: The regional parks feature interconnected trail networks. At Tilden Regional Park, a camper notes, "It is a rather large park area that overlooks Berkeley. It is great for biking (but be weary of the hills). It also has a great lake/pond area for anyone to relax at."
Off-grid experiences: For those seeking more solitude, backpacking sites provide more remote options. At Morgan Territory, a visitor describes the experience as "Feels very off grid. Camp experience was smooth and the sun was shining." These sites typically require reservations through East Bay Regional Park District.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: During summer, grasslands throughout the area become dry. A visitor to Del Valle Campground observes, "As I went in late July the majority of the campground seemed a little drab. Mostly brown dried out and dead glass, from what I understand this is typical of summer in this part of CA."
Weekend crowding: Proximity to urban areas means weekends can get busy. "It can get crowded over the weekends. Looks like they recently increased the price for campsites, which makes it easier to find/reserve a site," reports a camper at Del Valle.
Limited amenities at wilderness sites: While established campgrounds offer facilities, backcountry sites have minimal services. At Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, a visitor describes, "This site is a nice hidden gem that many won't know even has a campground. While tiny and available only for a small number of campers, if you can get a spot booked well in advance, you'll have the place nearly all to yourself."
Tips for camping with families
Short-distance options: For families with young children, Anthony Chabot provides accessible camping. "Always went here when we don't wanna drive too far. Staff is great and place is clean. Campsite #69 has the best view but is next to trail," shares a visitor who appreciates the convenience.
Educational opportunities: Several parks feature interpretive displays and wildlife viewing. "We love Anthony Chabot! The eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.)," notes a family who appreciates the natural education aspects.
Wildlife awareness: Campers should prepare for encounters with local fauna. A review from Wildcat Campground at Point Reyes warns, "One thing to be aware of with Wildcat Camp is the small field mice that can get into the food storage boxes. Bring some steel wool or a critter-proof container to keep food safe, even inside the locker."
Tips from RVers
Site positioning: RV campers at Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park note site selection matters: "Our slot 170 was very narrow, other spots had more space. You could not see that on the onlinemap." At regional parks like Anthony Chabot, specific RV sites vary in privacy and layout.
Limited RV options near San Lorenzo: Most nearby wilderness areas cannot accommodate large RVs. A reviewer at Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park shares, "The Fairview RV Park is a great Bay Area location easy to find right off hwy 680, in the Alameda county fairgrounds. The staff are all pleasant to work with and the park and facilities are clean."
Hookup availability: Full-service options remain limited. At Anthony Chabot, "Not all sites were open during our visit likely due to the pandemic. As someone else mentioned, there is a $2 per day dog fee that caught us off guard." Most regional parks offer partial hookups if any, requiring RVers to plan accordingly.