The Sacramento River Delta provides a unique camping environment near Oakley, California, with a network of waterways across 1,000 square miles. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with strong delta winds that can make camping challenging. Winter camping brings temperatures between 45-65°F with occasional foggy conditions common throughout the delta region.
What to do
Boating excursions: Brannan Island State Recreation Area offers excellent water access with "a big boat launch for easy launching" according to Ed S., making it convenient for day trips on the Sacramento River. Campers note it's "close to the Sacramento River for a nice cruise" and serves as a "gateway to the Delta" for water activities.
Fishing opportunities: Fishing enthusiasts can access prime spots from Turner Cut Resort where you can fish directly from camp. The resort features "good for camping on the delta with green grass and close to the boat spots" as noted by Nando 5., providing convenient water access for anglers without needing to travel elsewhere.
Ship watching: Unique to this area, Riverpoint Landing Marina Resort offers the unusual opportunity to watch commercial shipping. As one camper described, it's "a unique rv park right on the Stockton deep water channel where you can sit next to your rv and watch huge oceangoing ships come into port."
What campers like
Delta views: The changing scenery of the waterways ranks high with visitors. One camper at Turner Cut Resort mentioned "beautiful views of river and mt Diablo" while another noted the resort has "taco Tuesday, a place to check out for sure!" These specific local experiences create memorable stays.
Spacious sites: Sugar Barge RV Resort & Marina receives praise for its generous camping areas. Larry W. noted the tent sites are "GENEROUSLY spaced" and "backed up to the levee" which creates a buffer from the main campground. The tent area's positioning means "car traffic was MINIMUM — and NO generators were heard."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms despite high traffic. At Riverpoint Landing Marina Resort, one visitor reported "clean facilities and grounds" with "level, roomy" sites positioned right on the river, while another appreciated that "from booking to checkout we enjoyed our stay."
What you should know
Weather challenges: The delta region experiences significant wind. At Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground, campers warn "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." The exposed locations of many delta campgrounds mean limited wind protection.
Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds require careful driving. Rio Viento RV Park receives consistent comments about poor road conditions with one camper noting "the road leading into the park is extremely [rough]" while another advises "the road in is very bumpy, so take your time."
Variable staff interactions: Camp personnel quality varies widely between properties. Some resorts receive excellent reviews for service while others like Santiago Island Village have reports of challenging encounters where staff were "very rude" according to multiple reviewers, affecting the overall experience.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-specific activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Tower Park caters specifically to families with young children. One visitor explains they "go with several families with kids 5-13 and they all have a blast" with amenities including "outdoor movies, pool, lazy river, water park, bumper boats, laser tag" and seasonal events like "Christmas in July" with Santa visits.
Safety planning: Delta water access requires vigilance with children. Multiple campgrounds feature unfenced water access points directly from camping areas, making constant supervision necessary. Pack life jackets even for older children as delta currents can be unpredictable.
Temperature management: The delta region experiences extreme heat during summer months. Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or evening, and seek campgrounds with shade trees. Mount Diablo State Park campers warn that "it was very hot. The camp ground did not have much shade" so prepare accordingly with cooling supplies.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Many delta campgrounds feature well-maintained, level parking areas. At Riverpoint Landing Marina Resort, campers appreciate the "level gravel pads for the rv" that reduce setup time and eliminate the need for extensive leveling equipment.
Hookup considerations: Water spigot placement can create challenges at some parks. At Sugar Barge RV Resort, one camper noted "the water spigot is really close to the ground and really close to the sewer drain. Scrub with bleach before hooking up your water and you'll be fine." Always inspect connections before hooking up your systems.
Generator restrictions: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Oakley prohibit generators, making them quieter but requiring battery or solar alternatives. Sugar Barge RV Resort positions tents away from RV areas, which one camper noted meant "NO generators were heard," creating a more peaceful experience for tent campers sensitive to noise.
