Camping sites near Moraga, California range from foggy coastal areas to warmer inland locations, with seasonal temperature variations of 30-40°F between day and night. Trail access from many sites often requires navigating steep terrain, making sturdy footwear essential. Most campgrounds maintain 10 pm to 6 am quiet hours with limited night entry options.
What to do
Explore volcanic formations: The Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve features unique geological formations from an ancient volcano. "There are several trails providing tons of access throughout the preserve. The 31-mile East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail, part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail system, traverses the preserve along the ridgeline between Wildcat Canyon and Anthony Chabot Parks," notes one camper about Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve.
Visit wildlife areas: Regional parks around Moraga provide opportunities to observe local wildlife in natural settings. "Amazing urban get-away...the eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.)," reports one visitor about Anthony Chabot Regional Park.
Summit Mount Diablo: For panoramic views, hike to the observation point at Mount Diablo's peak. "This is literally the best place to see a sunset of 'The Bay'. There are a lot of trails for hiking," shares a camper at Mount Diablo State Park. The summit provides visibility across much of Northern California on clear days.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The higher elevation campgrounds offer excellent stargazing when fog conditions permit. "The weather in May was really nice imo. Not too cold at night with layers, & starts warming up quick in the morning. Heard coyotes howling night and day which was neat," mentions a visitor at Juniper Campground.
Biking trails: The extensive trail networks accommodate cyclists of varying skill levels. "I just needed/wanted a short getaway without driving hours from home. Since I'm used to this place for mountain biking, I figured I'd try camping here for a couple nights," explains a mountain biker about Anthony Chabot Regional Park.
Water features: Several parks include lakes or ponds for additional recreation. "Nice clean decent cell service. Lots of birds singing. The views of the lake are very nice. Would stay again," comments a visitor about the lake views at Anthony Chabot.
What you should know
Variable weather conditions: Temperature fluctuations can be significant between day and night. "No matter how hot it is you'll never be able to escape the howling winds at night. Good tent stakes and warm gear is a must," advises a camper at Mount Diablo State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife can be persistent around campsites. "The raccoons are vicious and fearless. Store all food and ANYTHING with a scent in the bear box. If you plan to leave your cooler outside of the bear box make sure it has a lock or secure latch," warns a camper at Kirby Cove.
Site selection: Campground layout and features vary considerably between parks. "The sites in the teens have less overhead shade but more privacy than those of higher numbers. The sites closest to the driving road/entrance/overlook will have the potential to be downwind of the bathroom, unfortunately," advises a visitor about Juniper Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer historical sites and nature programs. "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," notes a visitor at Angel Island State Park, which features immigration and military history exhibits.
Heat management: Summer temperatures can be extreme in some locations. "Insanely hot in the summer, I would recommend not going in July like we did. It was 104° or something and I was just drenching my clothes in water to stay cool," cautions a camper about Juniper Campground.
Pet restrictions: Rules for pets vary between parks. "Dogs are allowed throughout this section of the park and in camp on leash but are not allowed on the adjacent Huckleberry trails," explains a visitor about Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, noting that policies differ even within the same park.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Many campgrounds have sloped parking areas challenging for RVs. "The better sites are #5-12 with #11 and #12 being the best. Not all sites were open during our visit likely due to the pandemic," recommends an RVer at Anthony Chabot Regional Park.
Access roads: The winding roads to many campgrounds can be difficult for larger vehicles. "If you are queasy about motion, plan on bringing a plastic bag to vomit in. There are no guard rails, so if your driver isn't paying attention off you go down the mountain," warns a camper about the drive to Mount Diablo State Park.
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections are limited to specific campgrounds. "A few low spots. Cleared 12' barely with minor scrapes. Good parking and turn around. Lots of opportunities for horse riders in area," notes a visitor about Briones Regional Park.
