Tent camping spots near San Lorenzo, California range from primitive wilderness sites to developed campgrounds with amenities. The area sits within close proximity to the San Francisco Bay, with elevations varying from sea level to over 3,800 feet at Mount Diablo. Winter temperatures average 40-60°F while summer months can reach 90°F, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons for most visitors.
What to do
Hiking the volcanic landscape: At Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, campers can explore unique geological features on several trails. "San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. Originally called Round Top Park, Sibley shares with Temescal and Tilden Parks the distinction of being one of the East Bay Regional Park District's original parks," notes one visitor who appreciated the distinctive terrain.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings offer the best chances to spot native wildlife. "We saw deer, cattle, raccoons and many other four legged vermin running around the area," reports a camper at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, where the natural setting attracts various animals throughout the day.
Beach access from island camps: For a unique tent camping adventure, Sunrise Campground at Angel Island State Park provides water activities with spectacular views. "We try to get what they call the 'group' kayak site. There is ample room here and there is direct access to the water. It is on Racoon Straits side of the Island," shares a frequent visitor who enjoys combining camping with water activities.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet settings: Las Trampas Regional Wilderness offers a secluded experience with limited camping spots. "This site is a nice hidden gem that many won't know even has a campground. While tiny and available only for a small number of campers, if you can get a spot booked well in advance, you'll have the place nearly all to yourself," explains a reviewer who valued the privacy.
Unique bay views: Angel Island campers consistently mention the spectacular vistas as a highlight. "There's no better place to get views of the Bay! Angel Island is a unique backpacking experience, one I'd gladly do again," states one reviewer, highlighting the panoramic scenery that isn't available at mainland sites.
Urban accessibility with nature immersion: The best tent camping near San Lorenzo offers a balance between wilderness and convenience. "What this campground lacks in ambiance, grooming and amenities, this location makes up for by putting you smack dab in the middle of some very phenomenal hiking in all of the Eastbay," notes a camper about Tilden Regional Park, appreciating the proximity to urban areas while still experiencing nature.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most tent sites require advance planning. One Angel Island camper advises: "Campsites are all reservable on the reservecalifornia website and they are highly recommended due to the small number of sites available."
Weather preparedness: Coastal fog and wind affect camping comfort substantially. "It's worth knowing that Sunrise is completely exposed, and the Bay is notoriously cold, windy, and foggy; you'll want to bring enough stakes to guy out your tent as there isn't any wind protection from trees or boulders," warns an Angel Island camper.
Water availability concerns: Water sources at some sites can be unreliable. "The water spigot at Sunrise was not working when we arrived, and this was not mentioned anywhere during the reservation process, or mentioned by the ranger when we checked in. They did have a large container of water for each campsite," reports a visitor to Angel Island who was surprised by the water situation.
Transportation logistics: Sunol and other regional wilderness areas require specific entry planning. "The hike is uphill.... it starts along a creek/river which is referred to as Little Yosemite. Fun creek area with lots of water/rock formations. Then climb and climb the hill," explains a backpacker describing the required effort to reach tent sites.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites for kids: Rob Hill Campground offers tent camping with amenities suitable for families. "It was quite the hidden gem set amidst a stunning cypress and eucalyptus grove. Looked like there was easily room for at least a dozen small tents at each of the sites and nice restrooms accessible via combination punch pad," observes a visitor who discovered this family-friendly option.
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Mountain sites experience dramatic day-to-night temperature changes. "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," shares a camper at Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo State Park.
Plan for wildlife encounters: Food storage is crucial when tent camping near San Lorenzo. "They have food lockers, not bear lockers, and ours was broken one time so have a solid backup plan, the raccoons are very intelligent and they come out at night so be prepared for that," warns a Mount Diablo camper who experienced wildlife issues firsthand.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near San Lorenzo have restrictions for larger vehicles. At Rob Hill Campground, visitors should note that "RV, pop-up and camper-truck camping is not allowed in the Presidio. No hook-ups available," according to official campground rules.
Parking considerations: Many tent campgrounds require walking gear in from parking areas. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness requires campers to "hike all your gear in from here, and it's about 150 yards, so not all that bad, but the pathway is a bit choppy in places, so you'll want to carry most of what you've got on your back."
Alternative accommodations nearby: For RVers seeking tent camping experiences, consider staying at RV parks and day-visiting tent camping areas. Coyote Hills Regional Park offers "good walking park for the locals" according to one visitor, making it suitable for day use while staying at nearby RV-friendly locations.
