Camping spots near Pacheco, California cluster primarily around the foothills of East Bay mountains and near regional parks. This area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer high temperatures often exceeding 90°F and winter lows dipping into the 40s. Nighttime temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees below daytime highs, particularly at higher elevations where wind exposure increases.
What to do
Hiking trails with elevation views: Angel Island State Park offers unique bay views from multiple vantage points. "We hiked to the top of the mountain, to the lookout point, on a trail through the woods and brush. We come every year and will continue the tradition in years to come," reports Linda A., who noted fire restrictions during dry seasons.
Volcanic exploration: Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve features self-guided volcanic tours on former quarry roads. Elliott B. describes the experience: "San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. Volcanic Trail, once a quarry haul road, contains most of the stops on the self-guided volcanic tour."
Wildlife observation: Campgrounds throughout the region offer wildlife viewing opportunities. Sarah F. at Mount Diablo State Park shares: "We ended up taking a long hike around 4-5 pm when it started to cool food down. We saw a mix of wildlife. Deer, hawks, wild turkeys. We saw an amazing sunset too."
Overnight bay views: Angel Island State Park provides unique overnight access to panoramic bay views. "The three 'Ridge' sites giving campers views that stretch from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge with the city and Alcatraz in between!" according to Randy B., who notes that reservations are highly recommended due to limited site availability.
What campers like
Proximity to urban areas: Anthony Chabot Regional Park offers natural settings within short driving distance of urban centers. Amanda P. notes: "We love Anthony Chabot! The eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.). It's a great natural area that is so conveniently located in the Bay Area."
Sunset viewing spots: Juniper Campground at Mount Diablo provides exceptional sunset viewing opportunities. According to Blake H., "It is absolutely worth it for the views of the east bay, and on a clear day, all the way to SF and the pacific. Truly one of the best camping views I've had."
Hot showers at select locations: Some campgrounds offer shower facilities, adding comfort to the camping experience. Ryan W. at Anthony Chabot Regional Park reports: "The showers were great. Hot and FREE!"
Food storage options: Juniper Campground — Mount Diablo State Park provides food storage solutions to protect supplies from wildlife. Jay L. reports: "Food locker: 2x. We used the one beneath the tree—raccoon did not get inside."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to mountain campsites involves winding roads with potential traffic. Blake H. notes about Mount Diablo: "Plan for a 45 minute drive from town to the top, longer if you're doing it on a weekend when you'll be waiting to pass cyclists (be very careful, do not pass on blind corners, this is a cycling destination)."
Wind exposure: Higher elevation sites experience significant wind, requiring proper preparation. Ben W. from Juniper Campground reports: "Lots of wind up this high, and not a lot of shelter, so plan accordingly."
Water availability: Skyline Wilderness Park offers full hookup options for RVs but primitive sites may have limited facilities. Blake H. notes about Juniper Campground: "Water is off, probably forever as CA will be in perpetual drought, so plan for that as well."
Temperature fluctuations: Campers should prepare for significant temperature variations. Brittney L. from Juniper Campground advises: "The weather in May was really nice imo. Not too cold at night with layers, & starts warming up quick in the morning."
Tips for camping with families
Day use facilities: Several parks offer family-friendly activities beyond camping. According to Ethan K., "Tilden is great for anyone looking for a close park right outside of the Berkeley/San Fran area. It is a rather large park area that overlooks Berkeley. It also has a great lake/pond area for anyone to relax at."
Wildlife viewing times: Early evening offers prime wildlife watching opportunities. Sarah F. from Mount Diablo State Park recommends: "We ended up taking a long hike around 4-5 pm when it started to cool food down. We saw a mix of wildlife."
Campsite selection for privacy: Tilden Regional Park offers sites with varying levels of seclusion. Stuart K. notes: "Whether heading towards Lake Anza for a cool dip (beware the snapping turtles!), taking the kids to Tilden's Little Farm (bring your own carrots, kale and lettuce), an arduous bike up and down the Berkeley Hills or going for a stroll nearby Lake Jewel, you would be hard-pressed to find a better regional park near Oakland."
Tick awareness: Families should check for ticks after hiking, especially with pets. Lori T. at Anthony Chabot Regional Park warns: "Keep in mind that if you walk the single track trails with your dogs, you'll be spending some quality time with them later picking off ticks. Be aware of the poison oak as well."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Skyline Wilderness Park offers complete RV accommodations. Moriah M. notes: "The plus is friendly staff, amazing views, easy hookups, FREE showers and absolutely beautiful hikes that start right outside your door."
Site spacing considerations: Rich J. at Skyline Wilderness Park advises: "RV Campsites are nothing fancy and close together. But the park itself is nice...hiking trails, views, nature, and close to Napa."
RV site selection: Some sites offer better placement than others. Lori T. at Anthony Chabot Regional Park recommends: "All sites seemed relatively level. We stayed in site #5. Sites #1-4 back up to the Towhee Trail, so expect hikers to pass by close behind you. The better sites are #5-12 with #11 and #12 being the best."
Highway noise levels: When selecting RV parks near urban areas, noise can be a factor. Roxanna L. cautions about Tradewinds RV Park: "Full hookup but sites are very tight and it's noisy being right against the freeway. Other campers are noisy running their cars and motorcycles at night."
