Skyline Wilderness Park covers more than 800 acres near Napa, California, approximately 40 miles west of Rio Vista. The terrain consists of grassy hills rising to 1,630 feet in elevation with oak woodland and chaparral vegetation communities. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F between June and September, while winter highs average 50-65°F with occasional frost.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Lake Amador Resort offers multiple disc golf courses with challenging terrain. "As disc golfers, of course we love camping here, having 3 courses to choose from. But there is something for everyone in the family here, there is amazing fishing, boating and swimming."
Horseback riding trails: The East Bay Regional Park system maintains several horse campgrounds near Rio Vista, California with trail access. At Del Valle Campground, one visitor noted, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Anthony Chabot Regional Park offers opportunities to observe local fauna. "We love Anthony Chabot! The eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.)."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Folsom Lake State Recreation Area earns positive reviews for its well-maintained amenities. "Nice services; clean bathrooms and coin op showers. Very green early in the season, lake extremely low, warm evenings already. GREAT cell service for working remotely. 5G with 5 bars."
Lakefront camping: Lake Amador Resort provides waterfront sites for direct lake access. "We stayed in the dry camping area which was right on the lake. We noted that the sites were very close together with no privacy, but that was ok since there were few people there."
Equestrian accommodations: Several equestrian campgrounds near Rio Vista provide facilities for horses, though reservations are recommended during peak seasons. Woodward Reservoir offers spacious sites, with one camper reporting, "Located just outside of oakdale, very similar to that of Modesto reservoir as it is managed by the same people. Shallow and warm water great for swimming and water sports."
What you should know
Gate closure times: Several campgrounds enforce strict entry rules. At Lake Amador Resort, "Note that there's a gate that closes so that you can't enter - we just barely made it by the 9pm Friday closing time (I think this time varies by day of the week)."
Seasonal water levels: Reservoir water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year. "The water levels drastically change due to it being a privately owned lake. The employees that work there are always really sweet and helpful."
Shower facilities: Bring quarters for pay showers at most campgrounds. One camper at Del Valle Campground mentioned, "Dyrt says that it has wifi but couldn't find one and the showers needs QUARTERS and we were out of coins. So remember to take quarters with you if you want to shower."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Woodward Reservoir offers child-friendly water activities. "Woodward is our family go to place to camp in the summer heat. Lots of campsites with room for tents or RVs. Fire pits and picnic tables at each site. Plenty of bathrooms, some with showers."
Playground facilities: Lake Amador provides dedicated play areas. "They have a water hole with a fun slide, which is all kept nice and clean with tables you can sit at. I would recommend a pop up tent for shade if you go to the water hole. There is also a old school playground for the kids."
Weather preparation: Temperatures vary significantly between day and night. A visitor to Skyline Wilderness Park advised, "The only reason we didn't extend one more night was the freezing cold at night (visited in late December)."
Tips from RVers
Site layout and privacy: RV sites at many campgrounds offer varying degrees of privacy and space. At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, one RVer observed, "Though a bit close to the neighbors, none of them were obnoxious."
Hookup availability: Dixon May Fair offers basic RV services with limitations. "We pulled in with a travel trailer and an suv with small cargo trailer. They made us rent 2 spots even tho we could have fit it one as the sites are HUGE. Full hookup, no wifi, cable connection but no cable, and NO BATHROOMS."
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds have uneven parking areas. At Woodward Reservoir, the sites are "paved looped campgrounds and has all necessary hook ups for rv/motorhome camping," while Lake Amador campers noted their "spots are a little tight for my 37' 5th wheel but it worked out pretty good. Back end of my trailer hung over a big hill."
