Laura K.
Scout
ScoutCalifornia Delta's Snug Harbor
This campground needs a lot of work including docks, boat births and sites need pads and less weeds, stickers, burs.
Camping near Tracy, CA
137 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping near Tracy, California covers a mix of lakeside campgrounds and regional parks within driving distance of the city, ranging from developed RV and tent sites to cabin accommodations. Several campgrounds, including Del Valle Campground in Livermore and Caswell Memorial State Park in Ripon, provide developed sites for tent and RV camping, while some locations like Del Valle and Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area also offer cabin accommodations. The area features both state parks and East Bay Regional Park District properties, with most facilities positioned along reservoirs or within foothill terrain surrounding the Central Valley.
Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping, particularly during summer months when water-based recreation attracts visitors to Lake Camanche, New Hogan Lake, and Woodward Reservoir. Most developed campgrounds provide restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Water levels at reservoir campgrounds fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access and boat launching capabilities. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. "Sites that are right on the lake can end up being hundreds of feet from the lake if the water level is low. Early summer is the best time to go for high lake levels," notes one camper familiar with New Hogan Reservoir.
The camping near Tracy benefits from proximity to both natural areas and urban conveniences. Campgrounds like Del Valle provide an escape from city life while remaining accessible, with one visitor noting it's "a great escape from the craziness of the Bay Area without having to drive too far." Wildlife sightings, including deer and wild turkeys, are common at many campgrounds in the region. Several campgrounds feature hiking trails of varying difficulty, while water recreation dominates the summer experience. Proximity to Gold Rush towns in the Sierra foothills provides additional daytime activity options. Cell service is limited at many campgrounds, particularly those tucked into canyons or further from population centers, adding to the sense of disconnection despite being relatively close to urban areas.
Best Campgrounds near Tracy (137)
1. Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District
"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."
from $15 - $200 / night
Check Availability2. Caswell Memorial State Park Campground
"Near by river provides access to canoeing or kayaking. A few hiking trails plus a good size group campsite area. Online reservation available."
"Most of the sites are close to the entrance to the river. The day use are is well shaded and provides easy hicks. Will definately go again."
from $30 - $175 / night
Check Availability3. Thousand Trails Turtle Beach
"Stayed on large grass site next to the water. Very nice. Few amenities and staff was scarce but more than adequate. Lots of room to roam for people & pets."
"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."
4. Dos Reis County Park
"Not a lot to do in the surrounding area, no obvious hiking trails, for example, although some fishing seems to have been possible. A small loop of 20+ sites, all (it appeared) with full-hookups. "
"Trails to hike and bike"
from $30 - $40 / night
Check Availability5. Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
"There's a little bit of noise in the morning and afternoon because of the cars that avoid the highway and pass nearby. It's first come first served. Overall, it's a very safe and good place to camp"
6. Carnegie State Vehicle Recreation Area
"The day use and camping areas at this park are in a long row, next to the road that brings you through this valley. They are beautifully kept, very clean and functional."
"Great affordable spot close to Bay Area. I wouldn’t claim this campground to be the most serene area but it had showers, toilets, water, bbqs and fire pits with shaded cooking areas which was great."
from $10 / night
Check Availability7. Camptown Tracy CA
"The 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 ."
8. Riverpoint Landing Marina Resort
"Dog friendly with a nice park just outside of the resort. Shopping and restaurants nearby."
"This is a unique rv park right on the Stockton deep water channel where you can sit next to your rv and watch huge oceangoing ships come into port. We loved it."
from $69 - $89 / night
Check Availability9. French Camp RV Park and Golf Course
"Was passing thru from south California. Very clean. Staff was pleasant to work with at check in. Plenty of room to leave RV hooked up to truck."
10. French Camp Recreational Vehicle Park
Drive Time
- 24 min from Stockton, CA
- 32 min from Modesto, CA
- 53 min from San Jose, CA
- 1 hr 3 min from Vallejo, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Tracy, CA
116 Photos of 137 Tracy Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Thousand Trails Turtle Beach
Caswell Memorial State Park Campground
Castle Crags Campground — Castle Crags State ParkA
Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District
Sugar Barge RV Resort & Marina
Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park Campground
Delta Shores Resort and Marina
Joseph D. Grant County Park
Grant County Park
Brannan Island State Recreation Area
Willow Campground — Brannan Island State Recreation Area
Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
Recent Reviews near Tracy, CA
520 Reviews of 137 Tracy Campgrounds
- kkelly E.
TravelerUvas Pines RV Park
Nice big campsites, creek running but unsure if clean enough to go in. There’s a dog park with lights which is really awesome for our old dogs. There are definitely some long term campers here but it still has a nice feel. Only reason it’s not 5 star is we are close to the road so it’s loud.
T T.
GuideDumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Great safe place in sourh east bay
Great location with spaces in safe SE bay area location and reasonable prices New development small young trees limited natural shade
Kylee R.
RangerCaswell Memorial State Park Campground
Caswell Memorial State Park
Lots of sites with privacy! Bathrooms are clean and they have coin operated showers. Dumpsters and water in various spots. Right on the river, a small beach access. Saw some cats. Bear box, picnic table, and fire pit at each spot.
Tom T.ScoutDumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Open sky great starlink users.
Very quiet campground at night. See stars clearly. Use the fire pit after 730pm when the wind has calmed down.
KrystleScoutMineral Springs Trailhead
Overnight stays not allowed
I was woken up by law enforcement and asked to leave on my second night staying here. They will issue a citation (luckily they took mine away and gave me a warning) this needs to be removed as a dispersed site.
- TTwindaddyGuide
Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District
East Bay Parks - IYKYK
Like most/all east bay parks, this is well appointed for the masses. It’s also surrounded by rolling hills and close to suburbia. For many, these are positives. As an east bay resident they are for me as well. Del Valle is a bit more removed than many east bay parks. From my location in Fremont, it’s a one hour drive. A pleasant drive for the most part. I camp to get away for a bit and almost always to mountain bike. As such, I seek parks that have trails. Del Valle has a map of many trails. They also appear on many of the mapping services used by mountain bikers. Review those and digest them if this is also your intention - these are east bay parka style trails. In other words, mostly steep and loose fire roads, with many “social trails” sprinkled between. If you are compelled to stay legit/legal trails, bring an ebike. Now on to the camping. I picked a spot as far removed from any booked spot on the map. I triple checked this up until the day before I arrived. I want solitude! When I arrived Thursday afternoon, I was surprised to see the sites just 3 spaces away, on both sides, occupied. This is a fairly compact area. And while I’m sure they’re lovely folks, this isn’t what I expected on a Thursday. Saturday? Sure. Anyway… be aware that these reservation services aren’t completely reliable in that regard. The bathrooms and showers are amazing! Clean, smell good, cared for. Noteworthy is the hot showers in the camp grounds are free and your one push of the button provides water for two minutes I'd guess. Very nice! The space, 135 for me, is okay. A couple trees for shade, a nice table and fire pit. It’s now dark and the noise is minimal - mostly from the group campsite just down the hill. I’ll update this with more details in the coming days since it’s a 4 day visit.
Update 1: it’s my first morning here. Using starlink as there is no cell signal to be found. What I noticed last night was that this park is directly below the flight path to the local airports. Every couple minutes last night, a plane would fly overhead. According to flight aware, they’re at about 10,000 feet. If this will ruin your getaway, you’ve been warned.
Update 2: On Friday night, the majority of the spots were filled. Many large groups of people with varying degrees of consideration, but to their credit almost all (except the barking German Shepard) were quiet by 10PM. It was a bit more crowded come Saturday morning. Some friends came to visit for a mountain bike ride, and we set off at about noon. I had been complimentary of the facilities and bragged that I'd be taking a nice shower after our ride. Unfortunately, upon our return, there was no hot water and no lighting in the showers. And, sadly, someone decided to remove the tags and hangers from their TJ Maxx haul and leave them all over the floor of two of the showers.
Verdict: I'd only come back here in the springtime when it's likely to be green and have some water in the arroyo and only during the week. The density and composition of the people here was akin to being at Costco on a Saturday, and I only did that once.
- DDon E.Traveler
Sherman Island Regional Park
Sherman island is about the wind and the beach and the launch
This is a fun place for you and the fam either to camp or for the day.
The tide comes in and out here as it’s a low level island and the approach to access sometimes will be under water from the tide. It is just like that, not poorly maintained, just one short section that can get 6inches deep and is not an issue for anybody.
I stayed in a tent camper fold-out. I hugged the hedge next to a teardrop. Everyone was nice and it was a relaxing stay. Can launch boat/kayak or do all the wind surfing type sports they talk about.
Stuart K.
LegendLas Trampas Regional Wilderness
Come for the Solitude & Stay for Those Ridgeline Views
Las Trampas is one of those wonderfully odd camping experiences that almost feels like you’ve discovered something you weren’t supposed to know about. Despite sitting on the doorstep of Danville and San Ramon, this 6,050-acre preserve quickly trades suburbia for steep ridges, oak woodland, grasslands and some terrific views across the East Bay. And camping here is decidedly primitive: the Corral Area is a single reservable group campsite for 17–50 people, rather than a conventional campground with individual sites. That means lots of privacy, lots of space and very little resembling a traditional developed campground.
While my earlier review goes into considerably more detail, I thought I’d revisit this campground with a quick topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS - along with a fresh batch of photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Remarkable feeling of seclusion considering you’re only minutes from the suburban East Bay, with Oakland lying just beyond; (2) Having essentially one primitive group camping area makes this feel more like your own private campground than a conventional campsite; (3) Picnic tables, BBQs, food-storage box and a drinking-water spigot provide just enough infrastructure without spoiling the primitive experience; (4) Direct access to a huge trail network with Rocky Ridge reaching 2,024 feet and panoramic views toward Mt. Diablo and the surrounding valleys; and (5) Abundant wildlife, seasonal wildflowers, grazing cattle and those beautiful rolling East Bay hills make the setting the real amenity here.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) This is group camping only, with a 17-person minimum, so it simply doesn’t work for a couple or small family looking for an ordinary campsite; (2) No hookups, showers or flush toilets - here, primitive means primitive; (3) Water at the campsite should be considered unreliable, so bring your own rather than betting the weekend on the spigot; and (4) Many of the best trails are steep, exposed and short on shade, which can make hot-weather hiking considerably more strenuous than the beautiful scenery initially suggests.
Insider’s Tip: Bring more water than you think you’ll need and make time for a ridge hike. Las Trampas is one of those places where climbing a few hundred feet completely changes your perspective especially when the suburban Bay Area seemingly disappears beneath you, which is precisely what makes camping here so unexpectedly special.
Happy Camping!
Guide to Tracy
Camping in the Tracy area features sites within the East Bay Regional Park District and state recreation areas, with elevations ranging from 30 to 3,000 feet across the foothills. The region's Mediterranean climate produces dry summers with daytime temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F from June through September. Winter camping offers milder conditions with occasional rain between November and March.
What to do
Hiking and trail running: Del Valle Campground trails provide varied terrain for hikers and runners. "Wonderful place to go hiking & trail running. The hills are pretty intense, but they're beautiful! The lake is also very picturesque," notes camper Emmy at Del Valle Campground.
Mountain biking: Trails near Tracy accommodate cyclists of different skill levels. "Love the hiking trails. Mountain biking for those who can climb," says Jamie H. about the trails at Del Valle Campground.
Floating and swimming: The slow-moving water at Caswell Memorial State Park creates ideal conditions for tubing. "The park has a creek that runs from the camp ground to the public beach down below. You can take your floating stuff up to the camp area and literally float down stream in 45 minutes or so," explains Julie P.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer prime wildlife watching opportunities. "I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground," reports Uriel S. about his stay at Del Valle. Many campgrounds report similar wildlife sightings at dawn and dusk.
What campers like
Disconnection without distance: Many campsites provide a sense of isolation while remaining close to urban areas. "The lack of cell reception really helps the feeling of being away from the city life. There was quite a bit of wildlife roaming through the park mainly in the early morning," explains Uriel S. at Del Valle Campground.
Clean facilities: Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area maintains well-kept amenities despite heavy use. "The staff was very nice and the place was clean and quiet. There are toilets and showers on the campground and it only cost 10$!" reports Nora M.
River access: Many campgrounds feature direct water access for fishing or lounging. "Good for camping on the delta with green grass and close to the boat spots," notes Nando about Turner Cut Resort.
Affordability: Several campgrounds offer lower rates compared to other Bay Area options. Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area charges just $10 per night, making it an economical choice for travelers passing through the region.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Heat dominates summer camping experiences near Tracy. "We went during the summer and it was very hot. The camp ground did not have much shade. We ended up taking a long hike around 4-5 pm when it started to cool food down," warns Sarah F. about her experience at Mount Diablo State Park.
Insect presence: Prepare for mosquitoes, especially at riverside campgrounds. "TONS of mosquitoes, be prepared! When we drove in midday, we were swarmed with mosquitos. Considering there's a river and lots of weeds/bushes/trees, this isn't surprising," cautions Sandra S. about Caswell Memorial State Park.
Driving conditions: Access roads to campgrounds may require careful driving. "If you are queasy about motion, plan on bringing a plastic bag to vomit in. There are no guard rails, so if your driver isn't paying attention off you go down the mountain," Mike C. warns about the road to Mount Diablo State Park.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others. "During the day there's a lot of cars driving by but the evenings are mostly quiet," reports Madeline N. about Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation planning: Schedule water activities strategically. "A 45 minute lazy river meanders through the park and lets out at the day use beach. Bring your bug spray and a good tube!" recommends Lisamarie S. about Caswell Memorial State Park.
Shade considerations: Reserve sites with natural shade when possible, especially in summer. "Our campsite (#139) could have used some shade, but we had plenty of space and the views were awesome," notes Colleen S. from her stay at Del Valle Campground.
Weekend programming: Some parks offer educational activities for children. "They do movies and nature demonstrations on the weekends for kids," shares Jason G. about Caswell Memorial State Park's family-friendly programming.
Site selection: Research specific site numbers before booking. "The sites in the teens have less overhead shade but more privacy than those of higher numbers. The sites closest to the driving road/entrance/overlook will have the potential to be downwind of the bathroom, unfortunately," advises Stephanie about Mount Diablo State Park's Juniper Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Verify utility connections before arrival. "This application says it's 50 amp with septic. No septic and only 30 amp service," warns Roxanna L. about her stay at Riverpoint Landing Marina Resort.
Site spacing: RV sites vary in size and privacy levels. "We camp with a 27' Travel Trailer and the campgrounds can accommodate it. There is also several tent campsites as well," explains Ed E. about Del Valle Campground's capacity to handle larger rigs.
Weekend crowds: Plan accordingly for busier periods. "It can get crowded over the weekends. Looks like they recently increased the price for campsites, which makes it easier to find/reserve a site," notes Gustav H. about weekend conditions at Del Valle Campground.
Unique waterfront experiences: Some RV sites offer special water views. "This is a unique RV park right on the Stockton deep water channel where you can sit next to your RV and watch huge oceangoing ships come into port," describes Ttowle about Riverpoint Landing Marina Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping locations near Tracy, CA?
Where are the best camping locations near Tracy, CA?
Tracy offers several excellent camping options within a reasonable drive. Acorn Campground on New Hogan Reservoir is perfect for families and offers spacious sites, many accommodating larger RVs, for approximately $20 per night (half price with Golden Age passes). For a more rustic experience, Caswell Memorial State Park Campground near Ripon provides a serene setting along the Stanislaus River. Other notable options include Woodward Reservoir near Oakdale with warm, shallow water ideal for swimming and water sports, and Anthony Chabot Regional Park, which offers a more wooded experience. Most campgrounds in the area are busiest during summer holidays, so booking well in advance is recommended, especially for peak season weekends.
Are there any campgrounds with bathroom facilities near Tracy?
Are there any campgrounds with bathroom facilities near Tracy?
Several campgrounds near Tracy offer quality bathroom facilities. Lake Camanche maintains clean bathrooms with hot water, though some campgrounds like South Shore don't have showers on-site (there are shower facilities at nearby Riverview within walking distance). Anthony Chabot Regional Park provides restrooms conveniently located near most campsites with water access points throughout the campground. Sanborn County Park also boasts nice bathroom facilities despite its walk-in camping style. For RV campers, Uvas Pines RV Park offers full hookups with well-maintained grounds and facilities. Most campgrounds in the area maintain their restrooms regularly, but cleanliness and availability of hot water can vary seasonally and with campground occupancy.
Can I find camping grounds with lake access near Tracy?
Can I find camping grounds with lake access near Tracy?
The Tracy area offers several excellent lake camping options. Woodward Reservoir just outside Oakdale provides shallow, warm water perfect for swimming and water sports with shoreline camping opportunities. Lake Camanche offers family-friendly camping with easy lake access, though water levels can vary significantly—sometimes right up to the campsites and other times requiring a half-mile walk. At New Hogan Reservoir, Acorn Campground provides multiple boat ramps and large sites ideal for lake enthusiasts. The California drought has affected water levels at many lakes, so checking current conditions before your trip is advisable. Dos Reis County Park near Lathrop also offers water access with boat-in and drive-in camping options. Most lake campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays.
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