Camping opportunities near Union City CA range from bayfront locations to hillside settings with varied terrain. The region experiences mild temperatures year-round, with summer highs averaging 75-85°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 45°F. Windy conditions affect many campgrounds along the bay shoreline, creating challenges for tent campers during evening hours.
What to do
**Birdwatching trails: Explore the trails near Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. "There are many many trails for hiking and biking, and wildlife is plentiful. Our RV is small and we used the showers and bathrooms quite a bit. They are cleaned daily and we're always in great shape," shares Michael D.
**Fishing access: Fish for bass, trout, and catfish at Anthony Chabot Regional Park lake. A camper notes, "The best part is the fishing at the nearby lake. Bass, Trout and Catfish primarily." The lake prohibits swimming but offers excellent shoreline fishing opportunities.
**Sunrise viewing: Plan early mornings at higher elevation campgrounds for spectacular views. "Sunrise views" are highlighted by Blake H. as one of the best features of camping in the area. Morning fog typically burns off by 9-10am, offering clearer visibility for photography and hiking.
What campers like
**Urban-adjacent camping: Many campers appreciate Del Valle Campground for its proximity to amenities. "This is nice little campground that is only about 15 minutes from downtown Livermore. It's a great escape from the craziness of the Bay Area without having to drive too far. The lack of cell reception really helps the feeling of being away from the city life," reports Uriel S.
**Clean facilities: Campsites throughout the region maintain their facilities regularly. At Dumbarton Quarry, "The bathrooms are modern and clean, if spartan. The showers are roomy with ok water pressure (for California) and warm water. The laundry is super convenient," according to Kim G.
**Wildlife encounters: Morning wildlife viewing is common at many campgrounds. One camper at Del Valle notes, "There was quite a bit of wildlife roaming through the park mainly in the early morning. I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground." Most wildlife remains non-threatening, though food storage precautions are necessary.
What you should know
**Wind conditions: Consistent winds affect bayshore camping areas. "Every time we have stayed here it has been windy," reports a reviewer at Dumbarton Quarry. Another camper at Mt. Diablo State Park warns, "No matter how hot it is you'll never be able to escape the howling winds at night. Good tent stakes and warm gear is a must."
**Site spacing variations: Campground layout and privacy varies significantly between parks. At Anthony Chabot, Ryan W. explains, "The sites are fairly close to each other, which matters because one of the other campers is right next to mine (46) and doesn't understand basic camp etiquettes like not using generators all night or letting their dog wonder through other sites."
**Road conditions: Access to higher elevation campgrounds requires careful driving. At Mt. Diablo, "The road in is fairly winding with a bit of a drop down the cliff. If you're heading in at dusk or dawn, go slow. You will see deer stepping through the road."
Tips for camping with families
**Playground access: Families appreciate Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park for its convenient location near attractions. While the campground itself is basic, one reviewer notes that "If you are visiting and want to go to San Francisco, I think this is one of the closest RV parks to the city."
**Lakeside activities: Children enjoy the swimming areas at Del Valle during summer months. A camper shares, "Del Valle is one of the most beautiful lakes in the east bay. The water is perfect temperature. Great hikes, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and beginner windsurfing."
**Trail difficulty: Consider trail grades when hiking with children. "The hills are pretty intense, but they're beautiful!" notes a reviewer about Del Valle, suggesting families choose appropriate routes based on children's hiking abilities. Most parks offer trail maps with difficulty ratings.
Tips from RVers
**Leveling requirements: Many sites require additional leveling. At Dumbarton Quarry, Kim G. advises, "Sites, though asphalt, require some leveling." Plan to bring leveling blocks even at developed campgrounds with paved sites.
**Gate restrictions: Check park gate hours when planning evening activities. At Mt. Diablo, Blake H. cautions, "They lock you in at sunset; if you want to leave you have to call the fire department to open the locked gate, it's not like a tiger-teeth exit but no entry kind of situation."
**RV site selection: Choose sites based on size and privacy needs at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground. "The better sites are #5-12 with #11 and #12 being the best," recommends one RVer regarding Anthony Chabot, while others suggest researching site maps before booking as size and level vary considerably throughout parks near Union City.
