Joseph D Grant County Park offers equestrian camping near Livermore, California, approximately 20 miles south. The 51-mile trail system traverses oak woodland and grassland terrain, with elevations ranging between 1,600-2,900 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F, while spring and fall maintain comfortable 65-75°F conditions with occasional fog rolling through the canyons.
What to do
Hike through diverse ecosystems: At Del Valle Campground, trails accommodate various skill levels. "Wonderful place to go hiking & trail running. The hills are pretty intense, but they're beautiful! The lake is also very picturesque," notes Emmy, who found the varied terrain excellent for both casual walks and more challenging treks.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning provides optimal wildlife spotting at most parks. "I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground," reports Uriel S. from Del Valle, who observed wildlife activity was highest at dawn. The parks around Livermore support diverse habitats for local fauna.
Lake activities: Anthony Chabot Regional Park offers water recreation options. "It's a great natural area that is so conveniently located in the Bay Area. There is an extensive network of trails accessible from the campground," shares Amanda P. Though swimming isn't permitted in Lake Chabot, fishing remains popular with catch-and-release options for bass.
What campers like
Proximity to urban centers: Livermore-area campgrounds provide quick escapes from city life. "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," notes Uriel S. about Del Valle Campground, appreciating its accessibility.
Natural diversity: The area's varied landscapes allow multiple outdoor experiences in close proximity. At Joseph D. Grant County Park, "The hiking is quite beautiful and the woodpeckers were busy storing acorns," observed Sophie S., highlighting the park's natural features.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "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 Maybe a bit outdated, but I don't see that as a negative considering everything works.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," according to Uriel S. at Del Valle Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat affects trail comfort. "It can get hot during summer but close to the lake to swim and paddle board," notes Erica K. about Del Valle. Spring offers moderate temperatures with wildflowers, while fall provides cooler hiking conditions.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking. "The campground is clean and quiet. No generators are allowed which isn't an issue since there are full hookups at all 12 RV sites," mentions Lori T. regarding camping at Anthony Chabot, emphasizing preparation needs.
Limited privacy: Sites at many campgrounds offer minimal separation. "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," Uriel S. observed about Del Valle, noting potential crowding on weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Trail selection for children: Choose appropriate difficulty levels based on age and experience. "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," recommends Rosina A. from Del Valle Campground.
Wildlife education opportunities: Use camping trips to teach children about local ecosystems. "Lots of birds and wildlife–beware says the sign...all the signs, but I mostly only saw turkeys and a few water birds," Ryan W. from Anthony Chabot shares, suggesting opportunities for nature observation with children.
Site selection for comfort: Reserve shaded sites during summer months. "The sites are fairly close to each other, which matters because one of the other campers is right next to mine (46) and doesn't understand basic camp etiquettes," Ryan W. cautions about campsite proximity at Anthony Chabot, suggesting families select sites carefully.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Some equestrian facilities have limited large rig capacity. At Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park, "Sites are grassy, some with trees, and pretty close together," reports N.V., noting the spatial constraints common at area campgrounds.
Hookup availability: Verify utilities before arrival. "Our slot 170 was very narrow, other spots had more space. You could not see that on the onlinemap," warns Stefan K. about Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park, highlighting the importance of researching specific site dimensions.
Local supply planning: Stock necessities before arrival as on-site stores are limited. "If you need anything, it's close to an hour long commitment to drive into Livermore, buy what you need, and drive back," Uriel S. from Anthony Chabot notes, suggesting RVers should arrive prepared with supplies.
