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.
