Top Tent Camping near Castro Valley, CA

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.

Best Tent Sites Near Castro Valley, CA (39)

Showing results 1-10 of 39 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Castro Valley

598 Reviews of 39 Castro Valley Campgrounds


  • Cloey J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Skyline Wilderness Park

    Beautiful location

    Beautiful view we were in campsite 40. A beautiful view of vineyards and the sunset and people riding their horses. So calm and beautiful and so many activities here to do. Also there is showers, bathrooms, and hookups, we love this place. Only 8 mins from downtown Napa

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Olema Campground

    Spacious and Accommodating

    We visited this park earlier this spring. Yes it was wet, but we didn't mind. Liked the spaces and layout so much...we are going back this fall. Plus we love that whole area.

    However, DYRT got some info wrong. While there are plenty of full hookup spaces for RVs, there are no pull thru sites. Only back in for trailers and drive-in for coaches. Many tent camping spaces and RV spaces w/just water and power. The folks are friendly and helpful.

    M.R.

  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Valley RV Resort
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Coyote Valley RV Resort

    Buttoned up, formal atmosphere RV resort

    High priced. Nice people at desk. Damon who helped us park was very friendly. Almost entirely high-priced big rigs, some of whom seem settled here but it's clean, 'orderly,' very quiet. Rigid rules keep the order; nice that no political flags/signs allowed. 2 dog parks and lots of grassy areas to take for a walk. Showers in locker-room/bldg, bathrooms nice and clean. Green grass. Also has laundry with 2.50 wash and.25 dry for 8 min. Skunk wandered by site in the night. Cool train sounds from nearby tracks at night. Was probably the most convenient to San Jose, otherwise we likely would've been in mtns. and too far away from town for our needs at the time. Would not be a regular choice for us.

  • Tyler S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Camp - Point Reyes NS
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Wildcat Camp - Point Reyes NS

    Hike-in Costal Camping

    This is an awesome spot, the hike out was absolutely gorgeous. We accessed it from the Palomarin trailhead. Beware, the costal weather can be volatile and you could get flash rain. Also, I highly recommend planning your visit with the sunny weather because it’s easy to pick a day that has endless overcast here, and it’s just not quite as much fun.

    Also be careful what campsite you reserve. Some are absolute gems off on the ocean bluff. Others are more inland and packed in

  • CJ S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat

    Not great for the price

    The pictures here are very deceiving. Driving in, the first 4 campsites are occupied by broken down trailers, an overturned couch and broken BBQ pits. We stayed in site #6 which was probably one of the best sites. Great shade and car was able to be parked nearby (you walk down non-maintained "stairs" with rotted tree branches as the steps).  

    Overall, I had high hopes based on the description here especially reading: "Our onsite staff will go around and enforce the rules." but this is clearly a non-maintained campground that was probably very nice 45 years ago. No hiking trails are maintained, the bathrooms are "rustic" which is fine--nice to have running water when you've got little ones to clean. But the floors were rotted and I was afraid we'd step through the floorboards. 

    If you are a true car camper who can lock your doors at night, this is probably the spot for you. Running water, showers and washing machine. If you are a tent camper with small kids like me, this is not where you want to stay. I'm disappointed I paid the price I did to stay here, I'd pay $25/night because this is essentially a parking space in a poorly maintained campground.

  • Sean Z.
    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Great time inconvenienced by yellow jackets

    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.

  • Martin L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Olema Campground

    Great getaway spot

    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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat

    This was an excellent getaway

    Booked this as a last minute escape from the heat where I live and it didn’t disappoint. Towering Coastal Redwoods provide for tons of shade and really nice campsites. Definitely a dry time of year but there were still some beautiful wildflowers to be seen. There’s a lovely easy trail that takes you to a stream along a mostly shaded path. I imagine that during the spring you’ll get a greater runoff but it was still really nice. Saturday was pretty bust with campers but Sunday was almost all vacant so it felt like I had the whole place to myself and the wildlife showed up. The hosts were communicative and descriptions and directions were great. Zero cell service with Verizon but it was nice to just unplug. I would definitely recommend this one. Happy camping!

  • Lori L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Snug Harbor RV Park & Marina
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Snug Harbor RV Park & Marina

    Loved it

    My husband and I stayed for two nights. It is difficult to get to when in an RV towing Two skis (still haven’t found out if the ferry can take vehicles that are towing) , but it was worth the drive. It is an older park, but the bathroom was clean (and free) , there is a fantastic beach, the managers were super friendly, and best of all….. our RV window looked out over our very own doc!

  • Alma L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Del Valle Regional Park
    May. 28, 2024

    Del Valle Regional Park

    Distance from home was the highlight

    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.

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
    May. 3, 2024

    Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area

    1 Night

    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.

  • Tony G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Basin Redwoods State Park (Temporarily Closed)
    Apr. 18, 2024

    Big Basin Redwoods State Park (Temporarily Closed)

    Closed to camping

    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.

  • Dustin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    Apr. 3, 2024

    Olema Campground

    Great CG close to Pt Reyes!

    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 🤣)

  • Joseph G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    Mar. 15, 2024

    Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    Great Location with AMAZING Views

    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!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from East Bay Regional Park District Del Valle Family Campground
    Feb. 25, 2024

    East Bay Regional Park District Del Valle Family Campground

    Great weekend

    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.



Guide to Castro Valley

Camping near Castro Valley, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for a weekend getaway or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Mount Madonna County Park. A reviewer stated, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
  • Privacy: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "Most sites being under tree canopies, with a large meadow in the center."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families love the activities at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. A parent mentioned, "This place is busy and expensive... but great for kids."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. One camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground said, "Always tough to get a reservation, but it never disappoints if you can get one."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. A visitor warned about yellow jackets, saying, "We reported the experience... the park is looking for a solution."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like New Brighton State Beach Campground, have poor cell reception. One camper noted, "Only one bar AT&T cell coverage."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with amenities for kids, like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. A reviewer said, "This place offers a variety of activities that cater to children."
  • Check Facilities: Before booking, check the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A camper at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground mentioned, "Showers were clean and spacious with great pressure and warm water."
  • Bring Snacks: Keep snacks handy to avoid hunger meltdowns. One camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground shared, "You might think, 'Oh just one bad time,' but it was a wild experience."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground noted, "Not sure that this place would be good for giant rigs."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with nearby dump stations, like the one at New Brighton State Beach Campground. A camper mentioned, "They now charge you $10 to use the dump station."
  • Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water, especially during hot months. One camper at Mount Madonna County Park said, "Almost all the sites were fully shaded by the big redwoods."

Camping around Castro Valley, CA, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone!

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 - 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 39 tent camping locations near Castro Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.