Tent camping near Sunol offers multiple options within the East Bay Regional Park system and beyond. The area sits at the junction of three major ecological zones - oak woodland, chaparral, and riparian habitats - creating diverse camping environments. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, with cooler nights dropping to the 50s, making spring and fall preferred camping seasons for most visitors.
What to do
Ridgeline hiking: At Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, trails lead to spectacular Bay Area vistas. "If you hike up to the ridge, you'll find at many places it is steep and can be difficult hiking," notes one visitor who recommends applying "icy hot after your hike."
Wildlife spotting: Joseph D. Grant County Park becomes active with nocturnal creatures after dark. A camper reported, "Saw a lot of bunnies and a bobcat on the way out," making early morning and dusk prime times for wildlife observation.
Rock climbing: The sandstone formations at Castle Rock State Park Trail Campground attract climbers of various skill levels. "This is sweet hike in trail camp. We have used it for two purposes. First when were were climbing in Castle Rock State Park and this was our hub," explains one experienced visitor who made the campground their base for climbing adventures.
What campers like
Secluded backcountry experience: Morgan Territory Regional Preserve provides remote tent camping despite proximity to urban areas. One camper described it as feeling "very off grid. Camp experience was smooth and the sun was shining."
Free hot showers: Unlike many primitive campgrounds in the region, Joseph D. Grant County Park offers this unexpected amenity. A recent visitor appreciated that "bathrooms and showers were available" and mentioned the camp host was friendly.
Trail connectivity: Many campgrounds serve as connection points to extensive trail networks. At Castle Rock, one camper used it when "doing the Skyline to the Sea Trail and wanted a easy first day," noting it has "a shelter with tables in the event there is rain" and "scattered sites, some with tables."
What you should know
Gate closure times: Joseph D Grant County Park enforces strict entry/exit schedules. "Gate closes 8:15pm," reports one camper, limiting late arrivals or evening outings from camp.
Seasonal challenges: Summer heat impacts camping comfort at several locations. At Juniper Campground, a visitor warned it gets "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."
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds report active wildlife. One Juniper Campground visitor noted, "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."
Noise pollution: Some sites experience unexpected noise. At Las Trampas, "There is a nearby shooting range and you can hear the gunshots during the daylight hours," according to one camper's report.
Tips for camping with families
Choose car-accessible sites: Ben Ries Campground offers "drive-up access with ample room to park" and "space between campsites so you're not on top of each other," making it suitable for families with young children and lots of gear.
Consider site layout: When booking multiple sites, research their proximity. At Ben Ries, one family found "the map for the campground is deceiving as they looked close together and connected but they were separate. If I were to come back and want two large sites to connect, I would choose either 6 and 8 or 10 and 13."
Plan for wildlife education: Children often enjoy animal sightings from a safe distance. Campers frequently report seeing "deer, cattle, raccoons and many other four legged vermin running around" various campgrounds near Sunol.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most of the best tent camping near Sunol, California lacks full RV amenities. At Coyote Hills Regional Park, electric hookups are available but without corresponding water or sewer connections at individual sites.
Consider site dimensions: Many campgrounds have tight access roads and smaller parking areas. One RVer noted most sites are "not big-rig-friendly" and recommended calling ahead to confirm specific site dimensions before booking.
Alternative urban camping: Some RVers find nearby urban locations more accommodating for larger vehicles while using tent sites for day-use activities. "Good walking park for the locals. As for camping I wouldn't recommend unless you want a lot of foot and car traffic," advised one visitor to Coyote Hills.
