The Sunol region of Alameda County supports a range of camping accommodations from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV parks and cabin options. Del Valle Campground, located within East Bay Regional Park District about 15 miles south of Livermore, provides tent camping, RV sites, and access to hiking trails and lake activities. Sunol Regional Wilderness offers tent camping with picnic tables and fire rings in a more natural setting. Several other options include Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park in nearby Pleasanton and Anthony Chabot Regional Park to the northwest, which accommodates both tent and RV camping.
Many regional campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months and weekends. The East Bay parks typically have standard amenities like drinking water, restrooms, and fire rings, though facilities vary by location. "I've been coming here since jr. high. Good hiking, exploring is fun, fishing too," notes one visitor about Sunol. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while winters bring cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall. Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during summer and fall months when wildfire danger increases.
Campers consistently highlight the hiking opportunities and natural features throughout the Sunol area. Little Yosemite, a scenic creek area within Sunol Regional Wilderness, receives particular mention for its rock formations and water features. One backpacker described camping on "a beautiful ridge" after hiking uphill from the Little Yosemite area. Del Valle Campground earns praise for its proximity to the lake, which offers swimming, paddling, and fishing opportunities. Reviews indicate some sites lack shade coverage, which can be challenging during hot summer months. Wildlife sightings, including deer and wild turkeys, are commonly reported at several campgrounds, enhancing the outdoor experience. Proximity to Bay Area cities makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations for locals seeking a nature escape without extensive travel.
$15 - $200 / night
"After time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality"
"Campsite amenities were great, easy access to water and bathrooms. Bathrooms were spotless the whole weekend, even though it was a holiday weekend and every site was booked."
$25 - $200 / night
"as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"
"Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty."
$45 - $65 / night
"What they do have are scores of hookup sites for $60 / night and three tent / drive-in no hookup water-only sites for $45 / night."
"Since it's a new campground, the trees are young and don't supply much shade, but since it's close to the SF Bay, the bay breeze helps."
"The Fairview RV Park is a great Bay Area location easy to find right off hwy 680, in the Alameda county fairgrounds. The staff are all pleasant to work with and the park and facilities are clean."
"If the Alameda Fairgrounds are having an event, you can't beat this location, it's on the property."
$30 / night
"This mountain has many of hiking trails for various levels of hikers."
"Live Oak is the closest to the entrance (and town), and features some cool rock formations to explore, but it's colder, has terrible cellular data service, and doesn't quite have the sunset / sunrise views"
"I have never camped here but hiked many trails."
$75 / night
"We walked through and enjoyed the nature areas so much. We continue to go back and spend time at Cayote Hills because it is so beautiful. We can't wait until thwe next time."
$100 / night
"Dogs are allowed they have picknic area's and a kite area.thete are several different entrances."
$33 / night
"This is a nice camping away from the car experience. It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites."
"Great walk-in campground so close to home in the South Bay Area (albeit walk is slightly uphill)."
"Clean, has some views from far border of the hills but the spots are tight and there is not much to do but hook-up."
"After-hours check-in was a breeze, as the checkin instructions were taped to the main door of the office at the park entrance."
ScoutWas once a dump of a campground. They are working on it as we speak. They have a site right in front of the boat launch that comes with dock access to fish! Most sites are water and electricity only.
TravelerVery secluded, a home away from home experience, as long as u have the main essentials, it's a very calm relaxing environment to be able to kick back and relax and enjoy! Mosquito's and the spiders are a bitch, but that's nothing we can control, part of life. The camp hosts is a very nice gentleman, keeps to himself and is not in ur business, but maintains and stands his grounds about park rules and guidelines but not overbearing! Over all very nice! Enjoyed my stay! Thank you
GuideWe showed up to the spot before sunset, but for a Tuesday night on a random week, we didn’t need to get there so early, the spots never fully filled up overnight. The view of the bay is beautiful, and access from the bridge makes this super easy when going north, but it never got quiet when we were there, and we woke up to loud voices near the car very early in the morning. The bathrooms were present but worse than a standard rest stop.
LegendWe’ve stayed here probably 5 times now when we visit our daughter in the peninsula. Great urban spot that has large sites, clean restrooms and showers and it is quiet. Often it is windy here but we are mainly using it as a sleeping spot. The laundry is convenient. We’ll be back. Note: you can’t make reservations within 48 hours of your stay but there are usually plenty of drive up spaces.
GuideSpent a weekend at Mt Madonna and really enjoyed it. Great spot if you're looking for a quick escape from the Bay Area with that classic California redwood experience.
Location & Safety: Conveniently located between San Jose and Monterey - easy access off Highway 152. Felt completely safe throughout the stay. Ranger was friendly and helpful during check-in.
Site Selection Tips: Pay attention to which loop you're in. Some sites are more isolated than others - the ones on the outside of the loops give you more privacy, while sites on the inside of loops are back-to-back, meaning you'll have neighbors directly behind you. I had a spot nestled among the redwoods which was perfect.
Amenities: Clean restrooms and showers available. Each site had a picnic table and fire ring.
Cell Service: Very limited AT&T service - text messages would come through occasionally but that's about it. I had to rely on satellite service for reliable communication. Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
Activities: Didn't get a chance to hike the trails but the park has plenty of them. Looked like great options for a morning hike if that's your thing.
Setup: Vehicle camped in my Jeep Wrangler - worked perfectly.
Overall: Solid weekend getaway spot with beautiful redwoods. Pick your site based on how much privacy you want. Would definitely return.
ScoutThe location is close to the freeway and passes by for 7 years. Often it has a foul odor due to farmers, waste facility plants or Warehouses .
TravelerWe decided to come here for a last minute trip with our 25ft class C rv. The spots were nice and the hiking was beautiful. Cheap but comfortable and very convenient for a quick weekend away.
LegendBeautiful spot. Clean facilities and grounds. A bit of city noise but you are technically in the city.
TravelerDog park, nice showers, nice bathrooms, trails to walk your dog, nice people, quiet.
I loved it here.
If you have a thousand trails membership ($52/month) then you get to stay at this campsite for free (up to 14 days) worth it
Camping options near Sunol range from established campgrounds to backcountry sites at elevations between 200-2,300 feet. The region experiences summer temperatures regularly reaching 95-100°F during peak season, with nighttime temperatures cooling to the 50s even in summer months. Prevailing winds from the west can make campsites along ridgelines particularly gusty, requiring sturdy tent stakes and wind-resistant equipment.
Hiking trails from camp: Del Valle Campground offers multiple trail connections directly from campsites. "We've camped many times here. I hiked in and car camped. Fun to see the wildlife and nature all around. Can get hot during summer but close to the lake to swim and paddle board," notes Erica K. about Del Valle Campground.
Lake activities: Recreational options at Lake Del Valle include regulated boating with speed limits. "Great lake for paddling as the speed limit for boats is low. Good fishing too," reports Tom G. The lake offers swimming areas with lifeguard supervision during peak season, though camping visitor Rosina A. points out that "you have to drive to go swim and the campground isn't really walking distance to swimming."
Mountain biking: Terrain around Sunol provides challenging climbs with rewarding views. "Close to home! Love the hiking trails. Mountain biking for those who can climb," says Jamie H. about Del Valle. Trails vary in difficulty, with most riding routes requiring intermediate to advanced skills due to steep terrain.
Wildlife viewing: Anthony Chabot Regional Park offers frequent wildlife encounters near campsites. "We love Anthony Chabot! The eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.)," says Amanda P. Morning and evening hours provide the best viewing opportunities across the parks in this region.
Ridge camping views: Backpacking options in Ohlone/Sunol Wilderness provide panoramic vistas. One backpacker at Sunol Regional Wilderness shared: "I camped on a beautiful ridge. 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." These backpacking sites require permits and reservations.
Hot showers: Campground facilities at some parks include complimentary shower access. "The showers were great. Hot and FREE!" reports Ryan W. about Anthony Chabot Regional Park. Not all campgrounds in the area offer shower facilities, so check amenities before booking if this feature is important.
Site exposure: Many campsites in the region lack natural shade coverage. "Our campsite (#139) could have used some shade, but we had plenty of space and the views were awesome," notes Colleen S. about Del Valle Campground. Sites at Del Valle can reach temperatures 5-10 degrees hotter than surrounding areas due to sun exposure.
Water availability: Several camping areas have limited or unreliable water sources, particularly in backcountry locations. "The sites are primitive and the water source questionable and unreliable. I hiked in all the water I needed," advises a backpacker at Sunol Regional Wilderness. During summer months, water restrictions may affect availability at established campgrounds as well.
Permit requirements: Backcountry sites require advance planning. "A permit is required as well as a reserved camping spot. There are other sites beyond Hawk's Nest all along the ridge lines," explains a camper at Sunol. Permits for backcountry camping typically run $5-10 per night per person depending on location.
Park accessibility: Mount Diablo State Park offers family-friendly camping with educational opportunities. "The campgrounds on this mountain include picnic tables, grills, bathrooms, and amazing views of the Bay Area. The summit is just a short drive away from the campgrounds and has a visitor's center that has history of the mountain and the surrounding area," notes Haley C. The visitor center provides interpretive displays suitable for school-age children.
Wildlife education: Parks throughout the region provide opportunities for wildlife spotting with children. "Wildlife sightings, including deer and wild turkeys, are commonly reported at several campgrounds," with Anthony Chabot camper Ryan W. reporting, "Lots of birds and wildlife–beware says the sign...all the signs, but I mostly only saw turkeys and a few water birds."
Food storage: Secure food storage is essential with children. "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 a Mount Diablo camper. Most campgrounds provide food lockers, but campers report raccoons are particularly bold at some sites.
Level site selection: Dumbarton Quarry Campground offers newer RV facilities with varying site characteristics. "Sites, though asphalt, require some leveling," notes an RVer named Kim G. Most campgrounds in the area have at least some uneven sites, so bringing leveling blocks is recommended regardless of destination.
Easy access: Some campgrounds provide straightforward approaches for larger rigs. "The grounds are clean; parking pads are concrete and flat; and drive lanes AND parking spots are wide and spacious for maneuvering large RVs," reports Tony C. about Trailer Villa RV Park. Most established RV sites in the region can accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet, with select sites handling larger rigs.
Hookup options: Del Valle offers partial hookups but lacks sewer connections. "We camp with a 27' Travel Trailer and the campgrounds can accommodate it. There were no hookups where we camped for the travel trailer," reports Ed E. RVers requiring full hookups should check with individual parks, as availability varies significantly between locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Sunol, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sunol, CA is Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District with a 4.1-star rating from 23 reviews.
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