Best Tent Camping near San Ramon, CA
Tent campgrounds near San Ramon, California offer diverse terrain and proximity to scenic parks and preserves. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness provides primitive tent sites with a unique setup where campers hike their gear about 150 yards from the parking lot to a small camping area. Mount Diablo State Park's Juniper Campground is another option for tent campers seeking established sites with designated amenities. Morgan Territory Regional Preserve also features backcountry tent sites that provide a more secluded experience.
Most tent sites require reservations made well in advance, particularly for weekend stays. The region's tent campgrounds typically include basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire pits, though fire regulations vary seasonally. According to one visitor, Las Trampas has "5-6 stone picnic tables, a water fountain, only a single locker to place your food, and a double-mounted grill." Potable water is available at some sites like Juniper Campground, but limited at more primitive locations. Many tent campgrounds are enclosed with barbed wire fencing to keep wildlife out, especially in areas with active raccoon populations and grazing cattle.
The terrain at tent campsites varies from relatively flat clearings to more rugged surfaces. Juniper Campground offers spacious tent sites with nearby bathrooms and showers, making it suitable for tent campers seeking more developed facilities. In contrast, Morgan Territory provides a genuine backcountry feel that one camper described as "very off grid." Weather conditions significantly impact the tent camping experience, with summer temperatures at Mount Diablo potentially reaching over 100°F. Higher elevation sites offer cooler temperatures but may experience strong winds. Many tent sites serve as excellent basecamps for day hiking, with multiple trail systems accessible directly from camping areas. Wildlife sightings are common, including deer, raccoons, and coyotes at several of the tent-only areas.
