Tent campgrounds near Lafayette, California offer diverse hiking opportunities through native oak woodlands, eucalyptus groves, and volcanic formations. Most require reservations through either the East Bay Regional Park District or the California State Parks system. Summer temperatures at inland sites can reach above 100°F, while coastal campgrounds experience significant fog and wind, especially during summer evenings.
What to do
Hike Mount Diablo: Juniper Campground at Mount Diablo State Park serves as an excellent base for summit hikes. "The hike is pretty nice to the summit from there," notes camper Ben W., though he cautions about summer temperatures reaching 104°F.
Explore volcanic formations: At Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, campers can walk self-guided volcanic tours on former quarry roads. According to Elliott B., "Sibley backpack camp is a small, primitive hike-in site for a maximum of 15 campers, a moderate 0.2 mile walk from the parking lot with 360 degree views of Mount Diablo, Vollmer Peak and Tilden Park."
Visit Tilden's Little Farm: Families camping at Tilden Park can explore this popular children's attraction. "Bring your own carrots, kale and lettuce" for feeding animals, suggests Stuart K., who adds that the park includes "Lake Anza for a cool dip" and offers "an arduous bike up and down the Berkeley Hills."
What campers like
Solitude after dark: Angel Island campers appreciate the quiet after ferry departures. Camper Bryan R. explains, "The upside of being patient with how far out you make your reservation is that once the last ferry leaves, you have the island practically to yourself. It is pretty awesome."
Urban proximity with nature access: Redwood Regional Park offers a wilderness escape minutes from urban centers. Camper Tasha G. describes it as "Magical :) I feel at Peace at Such a Beautiful Location," making it perfect for overnight trips without long drives.
Coastal views: Steep Ravine Campground at Mount Tamalpais State Park offers dramatic oceanfront sites. "Incredible views, hiking, and hot springs," notes Patrick O., though he advises campers to "bring layers of functional clothes since the weather on the SF bay can be anything from roasting to foggy frigid cold during the day and night year round."
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Securing sites at popular campgrounds requires planning. For Angel Island State Park, camper Marion D. shares, "There are only 10 campgrounds on Angel Island, so permits are limited! I had the flexibility to go during the week and luckily there were permits available."
Weather variability: Coastal and inland campgrounds experience dramatically different conditions. At Bicentennial Campground, Nicole warns, "Pretty peaceful. Lapping sounds of the ocean below," but other reviewers note significant wind that can make tent setup difficult.
Wildlife concerns: Multiple campgrounds have measures for wildlife management. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness features a campground "encased in a barbed wire fence area playpen to keep the roaming cattle and other wildlife from coming near the area," according to Stuart K., who observed "deer, cattle, raccoons and many other four legged vermin running around."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Pantoll Campground offers accessible sites with modern facilities. Jay S. describes it as "an ada compliant walkup campground" featuring "13 sites ranging from standard campground style to a few more secluded areas," making it suitable for families with various needs.
Storage requirements: Bring proper food storage containers for wildlife protection. At Pantoll, Samantha T. warns, "Lots of raccoons at night, so lock everything away," highlighting the importance of secure food storage with children.
Transportation planning: Consider ferry schedules when visiting island campgrounds. Haley C. explains that at Angel Island, "To get to the island, you have to take a short ferry trip that leaves from Tiburon, CA. From there you will backpack with your gear until you reach the campground," requiring families to pack efficiently.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most campgrounds near Lafayette accommodate tents only, with few RV-friendly sites. At Briones Regional Park, Cococounty L. notes, "A few low spots. Cleared 12' barely with minor scrapes. Good parking and turn around," making it one of the few options for smaller RVs in the immediate area.
Elevation challenges: Access roads to many campgrounds involve significant grades and curves. For Mount Tamalpais campgrounds, campers often mention the "classic, twisty ride on Highway 1" followed by "another steep, curvy ride down to the campground," which can be challenging for larger vehicles and those sensitive to motion sickness.
