Delta camping near Oakley, California offers accessibility to waterways across 1,000 miles of channels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Most campgrounds sit at near sea level elevation with temperatures ranging 50-90°F depending on season. The region's location at the convergence of two major river systems creates unique camping conditions where water activities dominate recreational options.
What to do
Fishing access: Popular at Turner Cut Resort where "Nice helpful staff, clean bathrooms, well kept campground and beautiful views of river and Mt. Diablo. Bar and boat ramp, taco Tuesday, a place to check out for sure!"
Water recreation rentals: Available at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Tower Park where visitors enjoy "boat rentals on the delta, restaurants and quick bites. There is an ice cream shop, general store, and crafts some free some for purchase $7-$30."
Off-leash dog areas: Found at Flag City RV Resort which features a "HUGE fenced area to walk your dog OFF LEASH" and is located "close to several amenities and just off I5."
Mountain biking: Access from Mt. Diablo State Park with "plenty of roads to bike out/back" that provide exercise options away from the delta waters. One camper noted it's "a cycling destination" where you should "be very careful, do not pass on blind corners."
What campers like
Waterfront locations: Delta Bay RV Resort offers "great fishing" with a camper noting "spent the night at my usual fishing spot and had a great time. Staff is friendly and food is good."
Spacious sites: Turner Cut Resort provides "good for camping on the delta with green grass and close to the boat spots," creating comfortable spaces between neighboring campers.
Shade coverage: Available at Santiago Island Village, which is "located on a peaceful island in the California Delta" and "set amidst an 18 hole golf course." Campers appreciate the "rustling trees and large grassy areas" that provide relief from summer heat.
Swimming opportunities: Brannan Island State Recreation Area has "a small beach" and according to one camper it "has great area to run around and you can fish the bay area from the area or go fishing in boat."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Brannan Island State Recreation Area can be "hot and windy (seriously, it's like being in a super hot wind tunnel)" making appropriate gear essential in summer months.
Access road quality: Rio Viento RV Park has "very nice large sites with large grass areas" but "the road in is very bumpy, so take your time" as multiple reviewers mention this challenge.
Reservation requirements: Mt. Diablo State Park operates differently than other area campgrounds. "Register in advance, but it's first-come-first-serve once you get to the campground."
Gate closing times: Important at Mt. Diablo State Park where "they lock you in at sunset; if you want to leave you have to call the fire department to open the locked gate" which "significantly reduces flexibility."
Tips for camping with families
Family programming: Sugar Barge RV Resort & Marina is "right on the delta. They have a boat trailer parking lot and a boat ramp. The rv spots are very close together. The bathrooms have been recently remodeled and are very nice."
Kid-focused amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers "a nice playground, basketball court, volleyball, bouncy pillow, outdoor movies, pool, lazy river, water park, bumper boats, laser tag" providing extensive entertainment options for children.
Safety considerations: Flag City RV Resort features "security on patrol in golf carts" creating a safe environment for families, with one camper noting it's a "clean and safe overnight stop."
Seasonal activities: Jellystone Park offers special programming during holidays where "we go for Halloween and there is trick or treating through the whole place, a haunted house and a decor and costume contest."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Delta Shores Resort and Marina offers sites with "30 and 50amp campsite" options but visitors should check sewer hookups as "due to some problems with sewer systems, they have had to turn it off" during some periods.
Space considerations: Flag City RV Resort has "moderately sized paved and level sites" where "the cement pad was plenty long enough for our 40' fifth wheel and unhooked F450."
Water management: Important at locations with limited hookups where campers recommend "practicing good water management. Dish pans in sink to dump water out on grassy lawns. Only use toilet for middle of night bathroom call."
Connectivity: Flag City RV Resort provides WiFi but "you can upgrade for a price to streaming quality" while Rio Viento RV Park notes "internet wasn't the best there while at the park."
