Best Campgrounds near Sunol, CA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Sunol, California (181)

    1. Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District

    23 Reviews
    Livermore, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $15 - $200 / night

    "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."

    "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"

    2. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    29 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $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."

    3. Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

    10 Reviews
    Newark, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $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."

    4. Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Pleasanton, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (925) 426-3340

    "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."

    5. Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Diablo, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (925) 837-2525

    $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"

    6. Sunol

    3 Reviews
    Sunol, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    "I have never camped here but hiked many trails."

    7. French Camp Recreational Vehicle Park

    4 Reviews
    Manteca, CA
    13 miles
    +1 (209) 234-3030

    8. Coyote Hills Regional Park

    2 Reviews
    Newark, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $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."

    9. Garin Regional Park

    2 Reviews
    Union City, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $100 / night

    "Dogs are allowed they have picknic area's and a kite area.thete are several different entrances."

    10. Trailer Villa RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Redwood City, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 366-7880

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Sunol, CA

861 Reviews of 181 Sunol Campgrounds


  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 11, 2025

    Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

    Nice little campground

    Coe Ranch Campground is small, clean, and well run, with plenty of nearby toilets and garbage cans. Sites aren’t terribly private but not too close together either. Some reviewers complained there wasn’t a level site in the whole campground but Site 13 was perfectly level for our truck camper down at the bottom. Maybe research your options here and on CampsitePhotos.com beforehand to see if they fit your style of camping. (The more exposed sites and the two sites by the bathrooms wouldn’t work for me.) Views are excellent from the campground parking lot, as well as from some sites, although those sites have little privacy. It’s a twisty 13-mile drive up to the campground but worth the effort if you’re looking for a quiet getaway for the weekend. Coe SP has miles of beautiful trails, loads of wildlife, and hike-in campsites that make a stay worthwhile, even if you decide the campground isn’t for you.

  • James
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Mount Madonna County Park

    Very nice campground

    Nice area ,lots of trails into redwoods and cedar trees, campsites were very roomy and flatish. Water was available, bathroom was clean.Nice place to get away from the heat. MAKE SURE YOU LOCK UP YOUR VEHICLE, campground seems to attract people who like to rip off campers.Our car and or good friends car was  liberated, my phone,trailer monitor,small charging cables and a pair of small binoculars. Also removed was our extra luggage that had extra clothes and some souvenirs from our German trip. Needless to say the Rangers were simathetic, we weren't the first in this campground, there were previous thefts at different times.

    LOCK UP YOUR VEHICLES SIGNS ARE NOT PRESENT IN THE CAMPGROUND AREA.

  • Lance L.
    Nov. 5, 2025

    Marin RV Park

    If you're in a pinch...

    Not sure how to justify $100 a night even after a good Sam discount but if you're in a pinch...sure. It's very tight spacing, no privacy in between lots so be prepared and skilled if you have a bigger rig. My 34 foot trailer took some time to get in. They don't have traditional posts where you would expect the water to be so bring extra hose. We got flooded out as well...

  • C
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Cotillion Gardens RV Park

    In the trees

    Some spaces are tight to back into. Marginal cell coverage. Camp WiFi is acceptable. Need to use WiFi to supplement cell service.

  • B
    Oct. 24, 2025

    H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    Really cool place to camp out.

    DO NOT eat or make food. My partner and I tried eating and got surrounded by a whole bunch of raccoons 😂

    Honestly, it’s so cool that you’re able to stay overnight by the golden gate. It was peaceful at night.

  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Our Second visit here

    This was our second visit, and by chance the same campsite. Prior, I had to change the dates and was rewarded a$35 change fee. I did it online, so it wasn't like I put anyone to any tedious task. With that, not sure I will be back just on principle. So now, moving on to the review. The sites are well marked. They are a bit narrow, so much of the camp side you will have a close look at your neighbors utilities. When the park is full, it is close. Go on weekdays, not as busy and more room is likely. Bring your sewer hose extension. Most other sites had them from what I could see. My Starlink was heavily obstructed by trees so worked at 40% speed.

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    San Francisco RV Resort

    Close to City

    We stayed here as we had baseball game tickets in SF during our RV trip. Close to city and in a safe area. Liked sleeping to the sounds of crashing waves and was able to use full hookups.

    Bathrooms were pretty dirty - not as pictured. Although I liked that the showers locked. Rec area was very run down. Laundry has mobile payment and was clean and accessible.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    Pantoll

    Very nice small campground on Mt Tam. All sites are a small walk up on a hill kind of steep. Ranger station at parking lot that sells firewood. Water faucets, bathrooms. No showers. Bear lockers.

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Redwood Resort RV Park & Campground

    Friendly and quiet

    Was able to book the night before and get the last full hookup spot. The man who checked us in was super friendly and answered all of my partners questions and even helped us with some basic RV knowledge as we’re new.

    Redwoods are super pretty. Area outside of the RV park isn’t super walkable though. Bathrooms are fine for the price and very clean.

    Situated near the people who live in the park and they were super friendly and quiet.


Guide to Sunol

Camping near Sunol, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers rave about the local hikes, with one reviewer from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground saying, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking. Hiking through the forest felt like you were walking through a scene from Fern Gully."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Anthony Chabot Regional Park mentioned, "A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground. We were able to take a closeup look at them."
  • Beach Activities: If you head to New Brighton State Beach Campground, enjoy beachcombing, swimming, and sunbathing. One camper noted, "The location and calmness of this place is what makes it."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the stunning views. A reviewer at Mount Madonna County Park said, "What a gem of a campground! We’ll definitely come back!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are noted for their cleanliness. A visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground remarked, "Showers and toilets looked clean, showers are coin-operated, $0.50 for 2 min."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Francis Beach Campground are great for families. One camper shared, "Campsites are right by the beach. Wonderful trail along the beach line."

What you should know

  • Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during weekends. A camper at New Brighton State Beach Campground mentioned, "Despite the website showing every site booked, we drove in about 4 pm to a decent number of sites."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A visitor at Anthony Chabot Regional Park noted, "This year we had two new types of visitors to the site. A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground."
  • Weather Variability: The weather can change quickly, so pack accordingly. A camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground advised, "Keep in mind, not all campsites at Sammy P. are the same size."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Olema Campground said, "It's a great place for families. Showers are great. Includes a small shop for goodies."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "Great hiking trails, creeks, and fallen giant redwoods make for unlimited exploration."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at New Brighton State Beach Campground noted, "The beach path goes for miles in either direction so you can get some exercise off of the main roads."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Mount Madonna County Park said, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with nearby dump stations. A visitor at Anthony Chabot Regional Park mentioned, "The dump station was in good working order."
  • Stay Connected: Some campgrounds offer Wi-Fi. A reviewer at Skyline Wilderness Park noted, "They gave free wifi but it was not consistent."

Camping near Sunol, California, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

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.