Best Campgrounds near San Ramon, CA

Camping options surrounding San Ramon, California include a mix of developed campgrounds, wilderness areas, and RV-accessible facilities within the East Bay region. Mount Diablo State Park, approximately 10 miles northeast of San Ramon, offers tent and RV camping at multiple elevations, with Live Oak and Juniper campgrounds providing established sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness directly borders San Ramon and features limited tent camping in a fenced area with basic amenities. For RV travelers, the Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park in Pleasanton provides full hookup sites within 7 miles of San Ramon.

Campgrounds in the East Bay experience significant temperature variations with hot, dry summers and cooler nights at higher elevations. "Make sure that you lock up all food at night as the wildlife is very present and will take advantage of left out food," advises one Mount Diablo camper. Wind conditions can be severe, particularly at Mount Diablo's higher elevation sites, where the notorious "Diablo Winds" may affect camping comfort and require secure staking of equipment. Reservation requirements vary by location, with most established campgrounds requiring advance booking, especially during summer and fall weekends. Water availability fluctuates seasonally, with some campgrounds shutting off water during drought conditions, requiring campers to bring their own supply for drinking and washing.

Many visitors highlight Mount Diablo's panoramic views as a primary draw for camping in the region. The mountain offers opportunities to observe sunrise and sunset vistas extending across the Bay Area to San Francisco on clear days. Las Trampas provides a more secluded experience with a small number of tent sites accessible by a short hike from the parking area. According to a visitor, "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." Wildlife sightings commonly include deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier, with better coverage reported at higher elevations on Mount Diablo.

Best Camping Sites Near San Ramon, California (163)

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Recent Reviews near San Ramon, CA

689 Reviews of 163 San Ramon Campgrounds


  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Lovely site, really close to San Francisco!

    On visiting San Francisco we were looking for a site that wasn’t a car park. This really met the mark! Beautiful place with great sites. Nice picnic tables & fire pits! Was very quiet

  • T
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Nice location and activities, but a bit cramped

    I just needed/wanted a short getaway without driving hours from home. Since I'm used to this place for mountain biking, I figured I'd try camping here for a couple nights. 

    I did a recon ride previously on my mountain bike, so knew which spots I'd prefer and booked site 35 for a Thursday and Friday night. 

    Arrived at about 5PM and found my spot. The ranger booth was closed, but I didn't feel the need to chat with them anyway. The place was largely unoccupied at this point. Maybe a dozen or so spots appeared taken. 

    The weather, though hot in the Bay Area at this point, was quite nice. The breeze and shade of the park made for a very comfortable setting. I believe it was 88 in Castro Valley, but felt about 78 at the campground. I don't have AC for the van, but didn't feel I needed any. 

    I got setup and then headed out for a short ride, followed by a warm shower, cold beer and dinner. It was quiet that evening and I slept well. 

    I worked through the morning Friday, though the Starlink suffered some interruptions due to the tree cover. Early afternoon more people started to show up, as I expected. I went for a long ride and when I returned the place was much more occupied and people were setting up tents, starting their bbq's, etc. Though a bit close to the neighbors, none of them were obnoxious. 

    My advice would be to know the spot you're selecting and know that in the summer months the grass isn't green :) 

    I'd score the individual aspects as follows (1-5):

    Bathrooms: 4

    Location: 5

    Activities: 5

    Privacy: 3

    Cleanliness: 4

  • A
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Uvas Canyon County Park

    A ton of wasps near 25

    Second time at the campground. Love this campground still but im pretty sure there is a wasp next near 25. We were here about 2 weeks ago at a different site and didnt have any wasp issues. It probably didnt help that it looked like previous people left trash and food on the floor. We will be coming back soon to a different site. Campground is gorgeous. Bathrooms are super clean.

  • g
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    Small and lovely

    Lovely site in redwoods. Sites are close, but have some privacy. Stream is accessible shallow. Beautiful trees.

  • James C.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Thousand Trails Turtle Beach

    Still a 4-star park worth the trip

    This may not be the park it once was, but it's still far better than most in the area. Showers and clubhouse activities are still limited, but the nearby delta offers its own attraction. Day use, tents, and every class of RV are easily accommodated. No shopping or supplies nearby, but anything you may want or need is within 5 miles. It is very relaxing and one of the first sites I try to book if I'm in the area. Hands down better than the county parks.

  • A
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Uvas Canyon County Park

    Uvas

    Super clean and maintained. Especially the bathrooms and showers. The sites are spaced out nicely and there is a water faucet and trash bins plus recycle every couple of sites. On the trails theres quite a bit of poison oak so keep dogs close. Not every site is able to car camp due to rocks blocking off the parking area but every campsite is pretty nice.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park

    Usable, but narrow

    Positiv: 50 $, full hooked, warm showers Negativ: Our slot 170 was very narrow, other spots had more space. You could not see that on the onlinemap. No bench or table belonged to the spot. My neighbour had a slide-out. There was only one meter to my van. I found two showers, the free one had a damaged, sliced curtain, so everybody could have seen my body while taking a shower. There was no separation and all my clothes on the bench got wet. The shower for handicapped persons didn't have any curtain at all.

  • K
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District

    bathrooms very clean

    The sites in the campground are very close to each other, so there is not much privacy and space. The neighbors nearby were very noisy during the two days I was there, but the bathrooms and toilets are very clean.

  • Michael H.
    Jul. 17, 2025

    San Mateo Memorial Park

    A visually stunning place to visit.

    My wife and I have stayed at this campground three years in a row. It's a great place to use as a basecamp for exploring the myriad of hiking trails that exist in the redwoods and nearby coastal hikes. 

             The Pros

    • The staff does an excellent job at keeping the place spotless and cleaning  the bathrooms and showers. 
    • There is a camp store should you forget some essentials.  Even Wifi for the phone addicts at the main office.
    • Ample trash and recycling bins within easy walking distance.
    • The water out of the spigot is great fresh tasting drinking water.(Ive been to campgrounds where the water was not near as good as this place)
    • Most every campsite is going to be in deep shade during the day, which is nice in summertime. 
    • Coastal hiking trails are a few minutes drive from the campground, choosing your daily adventure of which trails to hike and beaches to visit is the best part of coming here.

               The Cons

    • I like camping miles away from people and not seeing or hearing them. It's just not possible in campgrounds. This campground can be tightly packed at times with a neighbors tent pitched just 20-30 feet away. 

    • It can get very noisy at times, caterwauling drunks, people scream talking late at night etc. Usually its dies down around 11pm. 

    Despite the noise and close proximity to other tents I still plan on coming to this campground in future years. The beauty and greenery, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails make this place and the surrounding area a real natural treasure.


Guide to San Ramon

Camping near San Ramon, CA, offers a great mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for a weekend getaway or an experienced camper seeking adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking," making it a perfect spot for both novice and experienced hikers.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for wildlife at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "We were harassed by cute little chipmunks and birds that didn’t seem too intimidated by humans."
  • Beach Activities: Spend a day at New Brighton State Beach Campground. One camper noted, "Great views and easy access to the beach," perfect for swimming or sunbathing.

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "It’s a lovely campsite with most sites being under tree canopies."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Mount Madonna County Park. One visitor remarked, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA is popular for families. A reviewer mentioned, "This place is busy and expensive but great for kids," highlighting the fun activities available for children.

What you should know

  • Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. One camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground said, "Always tough to get a reservation, but it never disappoints if you can get one."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. A visitor shared their experience with yellow jackets, saying, "We reported the experience to the attendant at the gate when leaving."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Big Basin Redwoods State Park, have poor cell reception. One camper noted, "There is also no cell coverage for any of the major providers."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like New Brighton State Beach Campground that offer activities for kids. A reviewer said, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm, and mining fun."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food or check out local markets. One camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground mentioned, "The staff is very helpful and there is great local food and market shops just down the road."
  • Check Amenities: Make sure to check the amenities available at your chosen campground. A visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground noted, "Showers and toilets looked clean, showers are coin-operated."

Tips from RVers

  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One reviewer said, "The pool was great during the oven-like temperatures."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at New Brighton State Beach Campground mentioned, "It was nice and quiet, mostly RVs or vanlifers."
  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have narrow roads that may be tricky for larger RVs. A visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground noted, "Not sure that this place would be good for giant rigs though."

Camping near San Ramon, CA, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping sites near San Ramon, CA?

Several excellent camping options exist near San Ramon. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness is a hidden gem just off of 680 via Bollinger Canyon Road, offering a small, secluded campground that requires advance booking. For panoramic East Bay views, Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground is ideal, though be prepared for windy roads shared with cyclists. Other nearby options include Anthony Chabot Regional Park (family-friendly with sites near restrooms and water), Morgan Territory Regional Preserve (offering drive-in and hike-in sites), and Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park for those needing RV hookups for a quick overnight stay.

Is there a campground at Camp Parks in San Ramon?

No, there is no public campground at Camp Parks in San Ramon. Camp Parks is a military facility (Parks Reserve Forces Training Area) that doesn't offer recreational camping to civilians. For RV camping near San Ramon, Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park is the closest option, located in neighboring Pleasanton and accessible via Gate 12. For tent camping within a short drive, Skyline Wilderness Park offers a separate tent section away from RVs, making it a good alternative despite being just outside downtown Napa.

Which is the most popular campground near San Ramon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Ramon, CA is Anthony Chabot Regional Park with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.