Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Castro Valley? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Castro Valley. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Castro Valley's most popular destinations.
In the middle of San Francisco Bay sits Angel Island State Park, offering spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais. The island is also alive with history. Three thousand years ago the island was a fishing and hunting site for Coastal Miwok Indians. It was later a haven for Spanish explorer Juan de Ayala, a cattle ranch, and a U.S. Army post. From 1910 to 1940, the island processed thousands of immigrants. During World War II, Japanese and German POWs were held on the island, which was also used as a jumping-off point for American soldiers returning from the Pacific. In the '50s and '60s, the island was home to a Nike missile base. Today, there are two active Coast Guard stations - at Point Blunt and Point Stuart - on the island. Angel Island became a State Park in 1958.
CAMPSITES
11 environmental, including an ADA site (each site accommodating up to 8 people) and a kayak-accessible site (holds up to 20 people).
For more information contact the rangers office: 415-435-5390
Please check in with the park staff upon arrival on the island.
Be prepared to carry and/or transport your equipment up to 2.5 miles. Some sections are uphill, total elevation gain may be over 300 feet. Tables, food-lockers, running water, pit-toilets, and a barbecue are located at each site.
Bring charcoal or a stove as no wood fires are allowed. Raccoons are active making food-locker storage very important. Travel on the island after sunset is prohibited in some areas for park security and public safety.
$30 / night
S Rav Camp Area (sites E1-E7)
$100 / night
BEN REIS CAMPINPGROUND is CLOSED as a result of fire-related damage to the park's water system.
Updated Nov 2022: This park unit is partially open. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=536
Due to the CZU Fire, areas of Butano State Park will remain closed. The fire has left many trees compromised and other trail hazards exist. Crews are continuing to work on repairs. For your safety, please stay out of closed areas.
$35 / night
Located half way up Mount Tamalpais' forested southern slopes, Pantoll Campground is one of two first-come, first-served walk-in campgrounds within Mount Tamalpais State Park (Bootjack being the other). With 16 historic campsites lying beneath a quiet Douglas fir forest, time spent next to the campfire here will quickly expunge thoughts of the big city that lies just a few miles to the south.
The campground has an assortment of sites that are distributed on the hill that extends from the Pantoll Day Use Area; sites located further uphill offer greater privacy and more room. All 16 sites are within a short, 100-yard walk from the car park. Each comes equipped with campfire pits and historic, stone-built campfire grills to accommodate all of your cooking and warming needs. Since advance reservations cannot be made for Pantoll, arriver earlier on weekend days to ensure you’ll have a site. You’ll likely have the campground to yourself if you are there mid-week.
$7 - $25 / night
Bicentennial Campground is in an ideal location in the Marin Headlands surrounded by a grove of cypress trees. The campground is a great location for those wanting to camp near the city. There is a moderate short hill to climb to/from the campground from the parking area, which means car or RV camping is not allowed. It is downhill to the site and uphill back to the parking area.__
The Marin Headlands is noted for its great hiking, and many trails with scenic views are close by. Rodeo Beach is about 1.5 miles away. Point Bonita Lighthouse and the historic Nike Site are within walking distance.
The Marin Headlands is noted for its great hiking, and many trails with scenic views are close by. Rodeo Beach is about 1.5 miles away. Point Bonita Lighthouse and the historic Nike Site are within walking distance.
The campground is secluded amongst a cypress tree grove and offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city of San Francisco.
Bicentennial Campground is a short walk from the Point Bonita Lighthouse and the Nike Missile Site. Also close by are some of the many 20th century coastal defense gun batteries and the city of San Francisco.
For facility specific information, please call (415) 331-1540.
Refer to Recreation.gov policy on changes and cancellations.__To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.
$25 / night
As San Francisco's only group campground, Rob Hill offers a national park camping experience just minutes from the city. Here you will have access to all of the recreational opportunities the Presidio of San Francisco has to offer, including hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and so much more. The campground's spacious campsites make it a perfect choice for groups of all kinds, including multi-family gatherings, school field trips, and scout troops. We look forward to welcoming you to Rob Hill!
Located at the Golden Gate, the Presidio of San Francisco is a place to escape in nature and explore key moments in history. The park features San Francisco___s best hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and other top attractions. And the Presidio is home to more than two-dozen visitor-serving businesses , including multiple museums, a golf course, and hotels and venues for celebrations and meetings .__ There are a dozen major trails in the Presidio and eight scenic overlooks. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the Presidio has a trail for everyone. Learn more about hiking and biking trails on the Presidio Trust website .____ Visitors who wish to take advantage of the Presidio's many scenic bike routes can rent bikes through the Bay Wheels Bike Share program or at the Sports Basement on Crissy Field. Learn more about biking in the park on the Presidio Trust's biking page .__ In addition to the many hiking and biking trails, the Presidio is home to some of the best beaches in San Francisco. Whether you___re looking to dip your toes in the water and splash with the kids, toss a Frisbee near the Golden Gate Bridge, or watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, we___ve got great choices for you. Learn more about our beaches on the Presidio Trust's beach page .
Located at the Golden Gate, the Presidio of San Francisco is a place to escape in nature and explore key moments in history. The park features San Francisco___s best hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and other top attractions. And the Presidio is home to more than two-dozen visitor-serving businesses , including multiple museums, a golf course, and hotels and venues for celebrations and meetings .__ There are a dozen major trails in the Presidio and eight scenic overlooks. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the Presidio has a trail for everyone. Learn more about hiking and biking trails on the Presidio Trust website .____ Visitors who wish to take advantage of the Presidio's many scenic bike routes can rent bikes through the Bay Wheels Bike Share program or at the Sports Basement on Crissy Field. Learn more about biking in the park on the Presidio Trust's biking page .__ In addition to the many hiking and biking trails, the Presidio is home to some of the best beaches in San Francisco. Whether you___re looking to dip your toes in the water and splash with the kids, toss a Frisbee near the Golden Gate Bridge, or watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, we___ve got great choices for you. Learn more about our beaches on the Presidio Trust's beach page .
The Presidio is a natural oasis right next door to a big city ___ a place where you can experience wildflowers, watersheds, and wildlife on an afternoon hike. It is also a where important work is being done to revitalize natural areas and to show how people and the environment can thrive in harmony. At the Presidio, you can explore habitats that have been lost in the urban Bay Area; see a fox or a hawk hunt for their next meal; or stroll around a natural lake that has been brought back to life.______ Mountain Lake, one of San Francisco's last surviving natural lakes, is located less than two miles south of Rob Hill on the southern edge of the Presidio. Since 2013 the Presidio Trust has been working with scientists, academic institutions, and volunteers to help revitalize the lake. Polluted soil and invasive species were removed from the lake, and native plant and animal species, such as the Western Pond Turtle and Pacific Chorus Frog are being reestablished. In addition to the many resident species that call Mountain Lake home, 65 migratory bird species have been document visiting the lake on their journey along the Pacific Flyway.____ Experienced and newer birders alike will also want to visit Crissy Marsh and Quartermaster Reach Marsh , located about two miles northwest of Rob Hill. The fresh water that flows through the Presidio's largest watershed, the Tennessee Hollow Watershed ultimately meets the salty waters of San Francisco Bay here, creating a vibrant destination for more than 100 bird species, including those stopping for rest as they make their long journey along the Pacific Flyway.__ Campers interested in learning more about some of the unique plant life that can be found in the Presidio are encouraged to visit the Ecology Trail . A little over one mile in length, this trail passes through lush restored serpentine grasslands where, from spring to early summer, you may see the endangered Presidio Clarkia and other native wildflowers in bloom. You'll also find yourself amid towering redwoods, oaks, eucalyptus, Monterey pine, and Monterey cypress at various points along the trail.__ To learn more about the natural history of the Presidio, visit the Nature and Sustainability page on our website.____
In addition to the many places to visit within the Presidio, there is so much to explore in San Francisco itself. You can visit the Golden Gate Bridge, explore endless dining opportunities, visit a museum, and so much more. Visit the SF Travel website for tips to help you plan your visit to the city.__ Located just over one mile from the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center , the campground makes for an excellent base camp for groups wanting to walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. Check with the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District for tips to make the most of your visit to this beloved International Orange icon.__ Campers looking for more national park experiences can explore the other units of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), including Fort Point National Historic Site , Muir Woods National Monument , and Alcatraz Island . Stretched across 80,000 acres north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge, the 37 parks sites of the GGNRA constitute one of the world___s largest national parks in an urban setting. In total, the GGNRA has more than 130 miles of trails, and 1,200 historic structures, making it a wonderful place to explore for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Reservation holders may make up to two changes per reservation. A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Cancellations less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Please read Recreation.gov's Rules and Reservations Policies for more information.__
$92 - $140 / night
Cold. Foggy. No amenities. Don’t go there.
-Coastside Local
We love to camp here for barbecuing, mountain biking and hiking. We always do it during 7/4 holidays except for this year when the park canceled our reservation due to high heat. So we booked for the Labor Day weekend. Temperature was perfect and biking and hiking were enjoyable as usual. This year we had two new types of visitors to the the site. A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground. We were able to take a closeup look at them and they were beautiful birds with big eyes spotting tiny bits of crumbs. They come and go from one site to the next quietly and gently. Very cute and we took pictures with their presence. Then came the aggressive yellow jackets. We never had yellow jackets in our previous 7/4 outings here. Oh boy, they fought for the meat relentlessly. At the end of the outing, both my finger and my wife’s were stung. We reported the experience to the attendant at the gate when leaving. She said the park is looking for a solution. In the meantime, she suggested contacting them early on so they might be able to provide another site. Hopefully, next year, we won’t encounter so many nasties.
Ok, I was originally hoping for a cabin, which is included in my search, but this CG is either tent or RV only. Luckily, I also brought a tent.
I was there 2 weeks ago. It's a fairly large area and flat. Lots of space for kids to play including a play area.
Sheep roam freely in one area towards the back.
It's a great place for families. Showers are great. Includes a small shop for goodies.
I love it there. Only negative is there are only portapotties. Except for a couple that are constantly in use.
Doggy Gyh
Brennan Island State Park is an absolute gem nestled in the heart of the California Delta. From the moment you arrive, you're greeted by friendly staff who make you feel right at home. The park's natural beauty is simply breathtaking, with expansive views of the Delta's sparkling waters and lush landscapes.
The park offers a variety of activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're into boating, fishing, hiking, or simply relaxing by the water, there's something here for everyone. The well-maintained trails provide the perfect opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna, and the picnic areas are ideal for a leisurely lunch with family and friends.
One of the highlights of Brennan Island State Park is its sense of community. The other visitors are always warm and welcoming, creating a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere. It's a great place to meet new people who share a love for the great outdoors.
Overall, Brennan Island State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and friendly vibes of the California Delta. It's a perfect spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway, offering a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
This is a gorgeous campground! It's big and it's busy, but the sites are mostly very private and lush and green. Each site has a different configuration, but this place books up fast, so you have to look at photos online and the dimensions of the site and hope it works out.
We were a little worried when we arrived in our 26ft class c, we worried that we wouldn't make it through the narrow roads and overhanging trees, but we were ok. Not sure that this place would be good for giant rigs though. Getting into our spot was a bit tricky, and when coming out a ranger truck was blocking our road (he was cleaning the bathrooms, I believe), which made leaving very tricky as well.
There are beautiful hiking trails all over this campground, but there is so much poison oak - everywhere. All over the camp sites, trails to the bathroom, hiking trails, etc, it was everywhere.
Showers and toilets looked clean, showers are coin operated, $0.50 for 2 min.
If you arrive before checkin they will have you wait at the day use area several miles away - heads up.
I had a very different take on this place than the others. The RV spot was a fair distance from the neighboring spots, it was low-density, quite, all good qualities, but there was very little see or do near the loop. There were no hikes suitable for young kids as far as I could tell. There was a little store for ice cream and camping supplies and dump station on the loop. HOWEVER, WARNING: the road around the campground looks wide but there are boulders every 10 feet or so making it insanely hard to back into our spot - and we had only a 22ft trailer! I can't see myself coming back here. The maps do accurately depict the relatively narrow space you have for back in spots. Once we were in, it was fine. The pedestal and sewer set-up was just fine. No issues there. It's just not worth the hassle.
As for the park/water part of the park, well, it was covered in garbage from the day-trippers. It was packed and only accessible by driving to it. Truly not a place I wanted to BBQ or picnic at. Cars, people, dogs, loud music, and garbage. A gross diaper on the shore. We took a very nice hike starting at the dog run. That was beautiful, but not worth the trip.
I didn't bother to photograph our site. There were all adequate, just avoid back in site here. There are so many better places to visit. I checked this off the list, no reason to return. I don't believe there was reception either from the campsite.
Last thing, we peaked in on the cabins in our loop. They looks very nice and maintained.
We stayed 1 night and it was perfect. The staff was very nice and the place was clean and quiet. There are toilets and showers on the campground and it only cost 10$!
the campsite is perfect for traveling through and getting a night's sleep.
Membership park will accept outsiders — on the delta with marina for boaters and fishing
Had to walk all the way down to get to the camp site with all the gear, it was to windy to put up our tent
This is nice little campground that is only about 15 minutes from downtown Livermore. It’s a great escape from the craziness of the Bay Area without having to drive too far. The lack of cell reception really helps the feeling of being away from the city life. There was quite a bit of wildlife roaming through the park mainly in the early morning. I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground.
The restrooms and showers were clean and functional. Maybe a bit outdated, but I don’t see that as a negative considering everything works. It’s also nice that the showers are free, no need to bring your roll of quarters.
The close proximity to the lake and all the hiking trails is a huge plus.
The only negatives I can mention are the camp store and the lack of privacy at each site. It seems like the camp store is only open on Saturdays which means if you need anything, it’s close to an hour long commitment to drive into Livermore, buy what you need, and drive back. I’m not sure if that’s always the case but when I visited in April that was what the sign had posted. As far as the lack of privacy, I don’t think it’s a deal breaker since there is a good amount of space between sites but they are all fully exposed. I can see these being a bit of a problem especially on a crowded weekend.
Overall a nice campground in a good location with plenty to do in the area.
Big Basin is unfortunately closed to camping. You can't even bring a trailer in for day use as parking is very limited. This is due to a fire a few years back that devastated the park and completely burned down all structures, including ranger station, store, and all restrooms.
It is a shame because it is/was a fantastic place.
122 US$ for one night
Just left here with a group of 33 3rd graders. We stayed in the meadow area. It was wet as it had just rained, but overall it was a nice place. Small store, full hookups in places (will bring our trailer back), tables, fire rings. Not much privacy but at least this weekend it was quiet (except for our group 🤣)
My family and I spent two nights at campsite #5. We had a really great experience here!
We visited Kirby in March 2024 and the weather was not as bad as I thought it would be. The temperature was in the 50's for the most part. There was decent amount of wind but not enough to make a stink about. I was comfortable in pants and a sweatshirt the whole time, never had to break out my jacket. During the day, it was warm enough to wear a t-shirt. It rained a little bit overnight both nights we were there but we were equipped to deal with the conditions.
Each site has three square shaped wood-framed plots to pitch your tent on. Two of them are covered in a bed of rocks and one of them was raised about two feet off the ground. The third plot on our site did not have rocks. I would recommend bringing a tent footprint to prevent the rocks from damaging the bottom of your tent. Our site's fire ring was equipped with a thick steel BBQ grate that swivels laterally over the fire ring. Our fire ring's grate covered a good portion of the fire ring so it was useful for cooking. I'd like to note that not all campsites are equipped with the same style of fire ring as our site had. Campsite #5 also had three picnic tables (two of them were bolted to the ground, one of them was not) and a bearproof storage container.
The campgrounds itself is relatively small (only 5 overnight sites). You will receive a gate code emailed to you upon reservation which you will need to unlock a gate that leads you down a long dirt road to the bottom of a valley where the campgrounds are located. The parking lot is sort of small but finding a spot wasn't an issue. The parking lot is sitting on top of a hill, overlooking the entire campgrounds. The sites themselves aren't too far away from the parking lot, but hauling your gear back uphill to your vehicle after camping a couple nights can be tiresome. There are a few pit toilets scattered throughout the campgrounds that were relatively clean. There is no running water at Kirby, so make sure you bring enough water! The old military ruins (I believe from the late 1800's) were also cool to explore. The views of the Golden Gate and the city are breathtaking. We got to watch between 10-12 large shipping vessels float in and out of the bay, very cool!
All in all, we loved our stay at Kirby and will definitely be camping there again during the warmer months!
Great lake and fishy, clean sites, bathrooms are great. All around awesome camping
Stayed at one of the hookup sites with my son for a night in our 21ft trailer. We had a great time. With much of the campground closed we had lots of places to hike right near our site. Sites were well spaced apart and even though our loop was full it did not feel crowded. Would go back.
Commissary and PX within walking distance. Plenty of available sites, both h/u and dry.
Dispersed camping outside the campground perimeters. Very quiet and this is the place if solitude is your thing. Bring lots of water. Walk in or 4wd accessible. Never have seen another human here.
Has a small store river access and BbQ areas with efficient staff
Amazing
Me and my family went there and had a ball everything was perfect
This place is awesome! Has a cute restaurant on the water too. Very clean facilities, it’s right on the water- the California delta river. They have paddle boards you can rent and go out on the water in the morning. They have cute little cottages people can rent too. Very peaceful and fun atmosphere. They had live music on the Saturday we were there. Highly recommend!
Just a warning that apparently this is a franchise KOA and by "owner decision" no rooftop tents are allowed. So if you go there with a rooftop tent on your rig, I guess you will need to bring a ground tent too
We arrived on Sunday and left on Tuesday, so we didn't get to experience the weekend activities. We will be back for that! We got to camp about 6, so it was dark. It was a little confusing as we couldn't see exactly where the camp check in was as compared to the resort check-in. Once we figured it out, the late check in paperwork was detailed on how to find our space. The spaces are tight - (I'm a reformed back Packer and tent camper) but ample for Stella (our 26-foot type C RV) The grounds are IMMACULATE! Plenty of bathrooms, back-in spots had cute little decks nearby, a fire ring, and moveable picnic table. People were courteous. Sunset was amazing. Took a short hike to the beach. Had dinner at the Castanoa restaurant. Beware of the kid's pizza, it is huge! Grandkids wanted to ride the bikes before we left, kiosk wasn't open yet, but the gentleman at the camp kiosk helped us. They are harder than they look. Overall a great visit. Recommended to friends already.
I am so lucky to stay here one night! Thanks, Bob! Welcome to BC !
Gravel lot 30 minutes from Golden Gate Bridge and 10 minutes to Ferry. Clean bathrooms with decent showers and security. Public laundromat on premises has vending machine for incidentals. Trader Joe’s and Chevron a few blocks away. Except for traffic noice, park is very quiet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Castro Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Castro Valley, CA is Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Castro Valley, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Castro Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
