Camping near Oakley, California provides options for outdoor recreation along the California Delta waterways. The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta region maintains year-round accessibility with elevation near sea level, though summer temperatures often exceed 90°F between June and September. Delta winds create challenging conditions for tent campers, particularly during spring months when gusts can reach 15-25 mph.
What to do
Boat-in camping access: Lake Camanche offers direct water access for boaters with specific camping areas. "We stayed right on the levee. Bonus bike trail!!" notes John and Trish N., who visited the south shore area.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple species can be caught throughout the Delta channels. "This is a big campground with everything you need for boating and fishing. They have a big boat launch for easy launching," explains Ed S. about Brannan Island State Recreation Area.
Family activities beyond water recreation: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive land-based amenities. "There is an ice cream shop, general store, and crafts some free some for purchase $7-$30. We went for Christmas in July and Santa was there for pictures, we go for Halloween and there is trick or treating through the whole place," reports Katie B.
What campers like
Spacious tent sites: Unlike RV parks, some locations provide generous spacing for tents. According to Larry W. at Sugar Barge, "Appears to be only 4 sites, which are defined by picnic tables, GENEROUSLY spaced."
Renovated facilities: Delta Shores Resort and Marina provides recently updated amenities. Joe & Isabel M. note it's "a nice mostly RV sight" with boat "slips available for needed."
Peaceful weekday visits: Many Delta campgrounds experience different atmospheres depending on timing. One visitor to Acorn Campground explains, "Weekends are filled up and busy, but during the week days it's nice and quiet."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Delta experiences significant seasonal changes. George A. from Brannan Island advises, "It good place to camp but remember the wind."
Boat accessibility varies: Marina services differ significantly between locations. Ko-Ket Resort offers "RV spot with private dock+deck" according to Lexi L., who adds they have "paddle boards you can rent and go out on the water in the morning."
Maintenance issues: Facilities can vary in upkeep. At Lake Camanche, one visitor noted, "This year has been very disappointing. The beaches are cluttered with tons of glass and garbage. Mostly bc the low water is exposing more."
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Several locations offer kid-friendly water features. At Jellystone Park, Jill P. shares, "Lots of activities for the kids all day besides the water park, we didn't end up doing most of them because we spent all day at the water park. Water park is open 11 to 7 but Lazy river closes at 5."
Pet-friendly areas: Many Delta campgrounds accommodate pets with designated spaces. "Area for dogs was nice for our dogs to run around and play with other dogs as long as all dogs are friendly," mentions Jill P. about Jellystone Park.
Age-appropriate considerations: Different campgrounds target specific age groups. One camper notes Jellystone is "Great for kids under 14" with activities including a "playground, basketball court, volleyball, bouncy pillow, outdoor movies, pool, lazy river, water park."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Positioning affects experience significantly at SacWest RV Park & Campground. David M. advises, "Yes, we did end up by the Maverick Truck Stop side of the park, but the noise was not too bad."
Hookup options: Utility access varies by location and site. Christine M. from Sugar Barge RV Resort cautions about water connections: "My only complaint, the water spigot is really close to the ground and really close to the sewer drain. Scrub with bleach before booking up your water and you'll be fine."
Seasonal pricing fluctuations: Delta glamping costs vary throughout the year. One reviewer noted about SacWest, "It was a bit too pricey though. We paid around 100 bucks for a normal site, nothing fancy."
