The East Bay hills around Oakley, California offer diverse camping experiences with elevation ranges from 300 to 2,000 feet. Trail systems feature varied terrain including oak woodlands and grassy slopes. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during day, dropping to 55-65°F at night, making early morning rides most comfortable for equestrians.
What to Do
Trail riding at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness: Equestrians share pathways with cows and wildlife on established trails. According to a visitor, "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."
Fishing opportunities: Woodward Reservoir provides options for anglers. As one camper noted, "Bring your boat, jet ski, canoe, kayak etc...lots to do on the lake as well as swimming. Evenings can get kinda breezy so you might want to have a light jacket on hand."
Volcanic exploration: Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve features unique geological formations. A visitor shared, "San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. Originally called Round Top Park, Sibley shares with Temescal and Tilden Parks the distinction of being one of the East Bay Regional Park District's original parks."
What Campers Like
Quiet camping close to urban areas: Anthony Chabot Regional Park provides accessible wilderness. One camper reported, "Paradise an hour from the city. It is great for laid back camping! Karl the fog even likes it!" Another mentioned, "The eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.)."
Natural surroundings and wildlife viewing: Tilden Regional Park offers encounters with local fauna. A visitor observed, "There are lots of turkeys, and watch out for poison oak on the trails. We camped in one of the group camp sites, which had a large covered pavilion which was nice. Tall eucalyptus trees surrounding the open grassy area of the campsite."
Lakeside camping: Del Valle Campground provides water access. According to a reviewer, "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."
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds need advance booking, especially during summer. For Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, "Reservation must be completed at least 5 days in advance by calling 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2."
Facility limitations: Not all horse-friendly campgrounds offer extensive amenities. At Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, camping "Feels very off grid. Camp experience was smooth and the sun was shining."
Environmental hazards: Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions. As one Tilden Park visitor warned, "watch out for poison oak on the trails." Another camper at Del Valle noted, "It's pretty hot in the summer and it has a rocky ground so it will be hard to get stakes on the ground."
Tips for Camping with Families
Educational opportunities: Tilden Regional Park offers child-friendly activities. A visitor recommended, "taking the kids to Tilden's Little Farm (bring your own carrots, kale and lettuce)."
Shallow water swimming: Woodward Reservoir features accessible water recreation. A camper noted, "Shallow and warm water great for swimming and water sports. Has paved looped campgrounds and has all necessary hook ups for rv/motorhome camping."
Wildlife viewing with children: Equestrian campgrounds often provide animal sightings. An Anthony Chabot visitor shared, "Lots of birds and wildlife–beware says the sign...all the signs, but I mostly only saw turkeys and a few water birds."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup options: Skyline Wilderness Park provides services for larger vehicles. A visitor noted, "RV campsites are close together and semi-level. Bathrooms could use some TLC. But the park is nice with lots of hiking, views and close to Napa."
RV parking considerations: Alameda County Fairgrounds offers designated RV spaces. According to a visitor, "Sites are grassy, some with trees, and pretty close together. If the Alameda Fairgrounds are having an event, you can't beat this location, it's on the property."
Generator restrictions: Not all equestrian campgrounds allow generators. At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, one visitor mentioned that "No generators are allowed which isn't an issue since there are full hookups at all 12 RV sites. All sites seemed relatively level."
